The Zaky ZAK Description and Instructions

The Zaky ZAK Description and Instructions

 Purpose of The Zaky ZAK®

  • Systematic Implementation: Designed for safe, simple, and sustainable use of Skin-to-Skin Contact/Kangaroo Care in all hospital units and transition to the home.
  • Risk Reduction: Engineered to minimize risks and errors, such as sliding or falling, when the zipper is fully closed and covering the baby up to the earlobes.
  • Versatile Use: Can be used immediately from birth (vaginal or C-section) in any hospital unit and at home.
  • Consistent Comfort and Safety: Provides comfort, safety, and proper support for both the adult and baby. Suitable for unisex use, whether for skin-to-skin contact or over clothing.
  • Full Access: Allows quiet, immediate, and full access to the baby for breastfeeding, pumping, interventions, or transfers with minimal disruption. Works in all hospital units and at home, and can hold 1-3 babies weighing 1-14 lbs.

Package Includes

  • One The Zaky ZAK® and card with instructions. Wash bag, blanket, and mirror sold separately.

Care Instructions

  • Washing: Wash in a wash bag every 3-4 uses or when soiled. Use up to 60°C (warm water recommended for longer durability).
  • Usage: For single-patient use or wash and reassign after proper cleaning. Recommended to take home for continued safe skin-to-skin contact until the baby weighs about 15 lbs.

Available Sizes

  • 4 Sizes: Each with 3 zippers spaced 2 inches apart for a perfect fit.
    • Size 0: (28", 30", 32") - Teal
    • Size 1: (34", 36", 38") - Gray
    • Size 2: (40", 42", 44") - Blue
    • Size 3: (46", 48", 50") - Olive
  • Fit: Adjust the size for a comfortable fit for the adult. The Zaky ZAK® stretches to fit the baby. Be cautious: too tight may affect breathing, too loose may cause sliding.

Fabric Colors

  • Color-Coded: Each size has a specific color for easy identification. Light colors help monitor the baby’s posture and detect any blood or leaks. The fabric is thick, soft, and modest, with no visible nipples. Wear alone if hot, or with a sweater/gown that opens in the front if cold.

Materials

  • Natural Fabric: Made from anti-allergenic, breathable, washable cotton with elastane and zippers. No tags, chemicals, Velcro, or snaps.

Research and Studies

  • Evidence-Based: Visit "The Science Behind The Zaky" for published studies on NICU, Congenital Heart Conditions, and Well Baby. Includes Quality Improvement Projects to prevent unplanned extubations during kangaroo care.

Intended Users

  • Who Can Use It:  Anyone holding a baby that weighs from 1 to 15 lbs, whether skin to skin or clothed.  Suitable from birth in all hospital units, at home, and everywhere where skin-to-skin can be practiced. Unisex, for both skin-to-skin and clothed use, by parents, family members, volunteers, or staff.

Before Birth 

 

While pregnant: Wear The Zaky ZAK® to support the belly as it grows.
  • Antepartum at birthing place: Use instead of or underneath a hospital gown for privacy.  This also warms the fabric for the baby. Keep the zipper closed in front for easy access. Ensure monitors are in place.
  • Laboring: Keep The Zaky ZAK® during laboring

C-Section Use

  • From OR Table to Transport: Fold up for for epidural and pre-op interventions. After birth, place the baby on the mother's chest, cover with The Zaky ZAK®, and close the zipper. For transport, cover up to the neck, close the zipper, and move the mother and baby together.

Delivery - 2 Hours of Skin-to-Skin Contact

  • After Birth: Partially open the zipper, place the baby on the mother’s chest, and cover loosely to allow the baby to move and find the breast. Secure the baby and close the zipper for rest.

Postpartum and Home Use

  • Breastfeeding and Resting: Partially open the zipper to let the baby move or breastfeed. Use while sitting or reclining, never horizontally. Fully close the zipper when hands-free. Always support the baby when sitting, standing, or walking. Use The Zaky ZAK® to support a rolled towel over the C-section incision.

NICU/PICU and Other Hospital Units

  • Safe Transfers: Wear on bare skin, close the zippers before moving the baby. Lower or partially open the zipper, place the baby in proper posture, and secure by covering up to the neck. This minimizes transfer times, breast exposure, and cold exposure.

Access to Baby

  • Easy Access: Partially open the zipper for interventions, pumping, breastfeeding, or to let the baby move. Fold up or down for access as needed.

Warmth, Containment, and Positioning

  • Comfort and Safety: The soft cotton keeps the baby warm and dry. The zipper is quiet, strong, and consistent, ensuring easy access and proper containment from head to toe.

Parent Sleeping

  • Safety First: Always follow the hospital protocols for parent sleep during kangaroo care.
The Zaky ZAK®, when following all these five steps, will allow to not rely on the hands of the parent to keep the baby safe.
        1. Wear The Zaky ZAK® in the correct size as specified by Nurtured by Design
        2. Baby is in the proper kangaroo care position (vertically on the center of the parent's chest, the top of the head by the parent's clavicle, head to one side, hands to the side by the mouth level, legs flexed with the toes to the outside (like a frog), and mid-aligned.
        3. The zipper is working and fully closed
        4. The parent is reclined.
        5. Another adult is monitoring the session. 

Transfers and Quick Release

  • Use The Zaky ZAK for standing and sitting transfers.
  • For a quiet and immediate release, lower The Zaky ZAK® to uncover the baby or fully open the zipper.
  • In case of a power outage, any adult can use The Zaky ZAK® to keep babies warm.