Promoting bonding and secure attachment in the NICU to improve parent-infant mental health: recommendations for clinical practice.

The American Academy of Pediatrics Trainees and Early Career Neonatologist's National (AAP TECAN) advocacy campaign, Carousel Care, addresses the need for standard of care to support NICU family mental health. The campaign series includes a mental health review, special NICU population considerations, continued mental health support after discharge and the burden of chronic disease. Here, we examine the physical and emotional barriers to bonding when infants are admitted to the NICU, and impacts on the child's mental health and development, parental mental health, and the developing attachment between parent and child. We recommend comprehensive strategies for the provider, institution, and national practices to minimize the impact of separation, maximize bonding and secure attachment while in the NICU to improve mental health for parents and infants.