The basic component of the KMC is the kangaroo position that has been specifically described in the scientific literature. In the Manual published by the WHO in 2003 it is described as strict upright with legs and arms outstretched and head in lateral position in the mother’s breast, to allow maximum exposure of body surface area between the baby and the mother or whoever that holds him/her. The Kangaroo Zak allows this exact position safely and comfortably for both mom and baby.
It is described that this kangaroo position (or skin to skin contact) should begin as soon as possible and must be continuous and ongoing, but to achieve this, it has been created the need the Kangaroo Zak to contain the baby (that holds him/her without compression and keeps him/her attached to the mother’s skin to regulate the baby’s temperature, with the additional benefits for the baby of being permanently stimulated for the heartbeat, breath, voice and scent of the mother. Being in the parent's chest, enjoying all these stimuli, makes the baby sleep deeply and invest the calories to grow and not too get warm or cry for protection.
The mother, feeling as an important part of the care of her baby, feels a reduction of the anxiety of being a mother of a fragile child, and this in turn, has been demonstrated, has a direct effect on the breast milk production.
Once the mothers are adapted to the situation of having their babies in skin to skin contact using the Kangaroo Zak, they become partners of the health personnel and they will show more aptitudes for the later care of their babies because they know them very closely since the early stages.
Healthy babies are kangarooed from the first hour of life and until the baby shows signs of being too hot while in Kangaroo. Several hours a day of kangaroo for this time will be very beneficial. The Kangaroo Zak allows the parent to be mobile and do light chores while holding the baby.
