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Kangaroo mother care (KMC) reduces neonatal mortality, neonatal sepsis and improves growth outcome in preterm infants. In this study, we compared the efficacy of "baby care in kangaroo ward (KWC)" with "baby care in intermediate intensive care (IIC)" in stable preterm infants (birth weight1100 g) for improving the growth velocity till term corrected age. One hundred and forty-one infants were randomized to KWC (n = 71) or IIC (n = 70) once the infant reached a weight of 1150 g. Infants in the KWC group were shifted to the KWC immediately after randomization and those in the IIC group were given care in the IIC till they attained a weight of 1250 g and then shifted to the KWC. The average weight gains as well as weight, length, and head circumference at term corrected age were comparable in both the groups. There was significant reduction in IIC stay post randomization and increase in weight gain before discharge in the KWC group. There was a significant increase in incidence of apnea in the IIC group.Early KWC is equally efficacious as IIC in improving the growth outcomes of stable preterm (birth weight1100 g) infants at term gestational age.Clinical trial registry of India CTRI/2014/05/004625 WHAT IS KNOWN: • Kangaroo mother care (KMC) reduces neonatal mortality, neonatal sepsis and improves growth outcome in VLBW infants. What is new: • Baby care by mother can be given safely in kangaroo ward from a weight of 1150 g in stable preterm infants without any adverse effects.