Abstract
Objective: To characterize newborns in a Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (kaNICU) of a reference hospital in maternal and child health in the state of Tocantins. Method: Documentary, descriptive research with a quantitative approach. Data collection carried out in records of newborns from a kaNICU from April 2011 to August 2015, based on the inclusion criteria and after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: In relation to the type of delivery, surgery prevailed 65.9% (310). Birth weight ranged from 700 grams to less than 2 kg. Prematurity 91.5% (430), other health problems were identified at birth. In addition, weight gain was observed at each stage, making it possible to state that the method is effective in relation to the baby weight gain, stating its benefits. Conclusion: Prematurity was the main diagnosis among newborns. Thus, the importance of a quality prenatal care is emphasized, which makes it possible to assess and intervene early in the possible health problems of the mother and the newborn. And, it also helped to exalt the importance of the Kangaroo Method and the need to implant more units in Brazilian maternity hospitals.