How to use the Kangaroo Zak

Kangaroo Zak - Instructions on how to prepare and how to use it

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.
Make sure you visit our FAQ and learn the benefits of the Kangaroo Zak and the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Method for preemies, healthy newborns, and parents.

Before you begin Kangaroo Mother Care (skin-to-skin contact):

Rule of thumb: preemies are “Kangarooed” up to their due date and full-term babies from birth and for the first couple of weeks of life (until the baby shows discomfort while 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 of the baby
• Some basic readings of the monitors of the Unit (if applicable)

Lactation:

Mothers may breastfeed the baby while using the Kangaroo Zak with instruction of 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.

Length Of Time To Hold:

Plan to kangaroo as long as you can, and for no less than one hour at a time.  Prepare by going to the restroom; bring water, a snack, and a light blanket if the room is cold.
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.
In hospitals, minor procedures may be performed while holding skin-to-skin (feeding, blood transfusions, assess temperature, start IV’s or draw labs, etc) depending on the condition of the baby, the personal preferences of the nurse and the parents, and the policies of the NICU.
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 might even be able to walk and do light chores, so plan accordingly.

KANGAROO ZAK’S --- INSTRUCTIONS OF USE
Warning: Only use the Kangaroo Zak with the instruction of a professional that is familiar with Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)

 Wear the Kangaroo Zak™ before moving the baby:

The adult must wear the Kangaroo Zak with the zippers closed 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, 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, if necessary.
It is recommended that the zipper be closed on the top 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

1. The nurse/doula will help until you learn the procedure perfectly and/or until you are authorized to do it alone.
2. Start by sitting/reclined until you feel comfortable and/or are authorized to do it standing.
3. Lower the Kangaroo Zak before placing the baby, leaving the edge easily accessible for lifting (or open the zipper)
4. 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.  Check the policies of the hospital to see if and when parents can do this procedure alone.
5. Place the baby on the adult’s chest, between both breasts with legs and arms outstretched and the head in lateral position (frog position)
6. 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
7. Also make sure that it is not too tight as to compromise the baby’s breathing or too loose as to not provide support.
8. Enjoy the unique bonding experience and intimate moment with 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.