Kangaroo Zak for Healthy Babies -
Instructions on how to prepare and how to use it
(the information in this website is not to be considered as medical advice - please consult with your healthcare professional for your individual case)
The Kangaroo Zak™ provides the safest, easiest, and most efficient and effective way to bond and provide protection and neurological, sensory, and developmental stimulation for your baby.
Before you begin Kangaroo Mother Care (skin-to-skin contact):
Rule of thumb: full-term babies are best kangarooed from the first hour after birth (after the baby is assessed and cleaned) and for the first couple of weeks of life. The baby will shows discomfort while being held skin-to-skin when s/he is ready to stop being held skin-to-skin.
Any trained adult may kangaroo a baby. Traditionally is mostly done by the mother, hence the term Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).
A doula, nurse, lactation consultant, or any medical professional that knows KMC may provide training. Once the medical professional considers the baby is stable and may begin to enjoy the skin-to-skin contact, the adult must learn some new concepts:
- Description of the Kangaroo Position and its benefits
- Placing the baby on Kangaroo Position with the Kangaroo Zak
- Distinguish warning signs of instability and discomfort of the baby
Lactation:
The Kangaroo Zak is ideal for breastfeeding the baby as it provides support and keeps him/her close to the breast while still receiving the heat from the mother's body. Ask instructions from the nurse, doula or lactation consultant.
The Kangaroo Zak holds nursing pads in place, if necessary.
To pump while holding, use scissors to make a small incision on the Kangaroo Zak to place the breast cup or shield and pump while holding your baby. If you are not pumping, then place the zipper on the other side so the holes are on the back.
Length Of Time To Hold:
Mothers that just gave birth are extremely tired but they can't wait to meet and hold their babies. With the Kangaroo Zak, mothers can hold on skin-to-skin and sleep at the same time (or read and even spend time with the older siblings of the baby).
Plan to kangaroo as long as you can, and for no less than one hour at a time. One hour is equivalent to one sleep cycle for the baby. Try to let the baby sleep for at least one cycle.
There is no maximum time to hold the baby as long as the baby is stable and does not show any signs of discomfort, moreover, it is recommended to hold as long as possible.
You will have your hands free to read a book to your baby, read a magazine, use your computer, text, or watch a movie, listen to music, relax, and you will be able to walk and do light chores, so plan accordingly.
The Kangaroo Zak has no straps so that the parents are always vigilent and do not forget that they are holding the baby.
KANGAROO ZAK’S --- INSTRUCTIONS OF USE
WARNINGS:
Only use the Kangaroo Zak with the instruction of a professional that is familiar with Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC).
NEVER LAY DOWN HORIZONTALLY OR ON YOUR SIDE OR BELLY WHILE THE BABY IS IN KANGAROO POSITION - BE RECLINED OR SITTING, OR WITH BIG PILLOWS ON YOUR BACK.
The Kangaroo Zak is NOT a sling and should not be used as one. Babies or parents should not wear any clothes between them, just the Kangaroo Zak to wrap them around.
Wear the Kangaroo Zak™ before moving the baby:
The adult must wear the Kangaroo Zak with no clothes underneath. The baby may wear diapers and otherwise be naked or in clothes that allow a greater exposure skin to skin. Never forget the baby’s hat.
To wear the Kangaroo Zak:
At the baby's birth or with moms that can't sit up: Slide the Kangaroo Zak under the mother, then place the baby and close the zippers making sure that the zippers are in one side.
For mothers that can sit up or stand: Open the zipper, wrap it around your trunk and close the zipper in the front, or simply put it on from the top with the zipper closed.
The size may be adjusted at any time, always taking care that the baby does not fall.
It is recommended that the zipper opens on the top side for better access (if necessary) while holding
Before placing the baby, move the zipper to one side so that it does not touch the delicate skin of the baby.
Placing The Baby On Kangaroo Position With The Kangaroo Zak
- The nurse/doula will help until you learn the procedure perfectly and/or until you are authorized to do it alone.
- Otherwise, start by sitting/reclined until you feel comfortable and/or are authorized to do it standing.
- Lower the Kangaroo Zak before placing the baby, leaving the edge easily accessible for lifting (or open the zipper)
- Hold the baby with both hands placing one on the baby’s buttocks and the other around the neck in the back and with the fingers on his/her mandible.
- Place the baby on the adult’s chest, between both breasts with legs and arms outstretched and the head in lateral position (frog position)
- Lift the top edge (or close the zipper) of the Kangaroo Zak and cover the baby’s cheeks. Make sure that the zipper does not touch the baby
- Also make sure that it is not too tight as to compromise the baby’s breathing or too loose as to not provide support.
- Enjoy the unique bonding experience and the intimate "welcome" to your baby.
In case of twins, if they are considered stable you may kangaroo both babies simultaneously using the Kangaroo Zak. Repeat the procedure with both babies one after the other, ensuring their heads are upright and that the Kangaroo Zak is not too tight as to compromise the breathing of the babies. Always do this procedure with assistance.
