Fig. 1

eKMC trial schedule of enrolment, interventions and assessments [16] 1. The start of study procedures (Time 0) is defined as when the pulse oximeter is attached for baseline continuous cardio-respiratory assessment, immediately prior to the intervention/control procedures commencing. 2. Participants are reviewed daily until KMC unit admission, after which they are reviewed on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of age whilst inpatients and on day 28 as outpatients. Daily reviews are re-started if the baby is transferred back to the neonatal unit. 3. Stability definitions used during eligibility screening and routine assessments are detailed in Fig. 2. 4. Weight at 5 days of age is taken on calibrated digital scales and then is taken daily until either discharge or KMC unit admission, after which it is obtained on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 whilst an in-patient and at the day 28 follow-up if discharged. 5. Skin swab samples are taken from the first person to provide skin-to-skin contact and the mother (if different) as soon as possible and prior to any skin-to-skin contact. The relationship of the KMC provider to the participant is documented and correlated with swabs using unique, anonymised identification codes. 6. Outcomes such as feeding method and duration of stay are recorded at the time of discharge, including for participants hospitalised for > 28 days