The Zaky

Y.S.P. Health Resources

A product that will replace swaddling and change the health of
premature babies in the NICU and around the world.

Yessica Garcia, NICU RN

Philippa Machalicek, NICU RN
Shiann Ashbrook, NICU RN

23 November 2015

Table of Contents
List of Illustrations

ii

Abstract

iii

Introduction

The Zaky

Benefits of the Zaky

The Features of the Zaky

Benefits to the parents

Cost of the Zaky

Negative effects of swaddling

Conclusion

Glossary

Works Cited

Appendix

List of Illustrations
Figure

Page

1. Single pair of Zakys in purple1

2. Premature baby with green and white Zaky2
3. Multi-color Zakys..3
4. Infant with DDH.....5
5. Premature baby with purple Zakys6

ii

Abstract
The issue we are currently experiencing in Y.S.P. Health Resources is that we are
using the outdated method of swaddling to provide comfort and support to newborn
babies. Swaddling is a problem because it can be done improperly and can cause injuries
like Developmental Dislocation (Dysplasia) of the Hips. Swaddling is also difficult to
accomplish with the number of machines the babies are hooked up to. The solution to
swaddling would be to replace this method with the use of the Zaky. The Zaky would
help with the overall health and development of the babies as well providing comfort to
the parents.

iii

Introduction
The reason for this proposal is to push the replacement of the traditional method
of swaddling with the Zaky. We want to replace swaddling with the Zaky because it is a
much more effective, safe way of providing comfort and support to the babies. The issue
we are currently having is that swaddling is causing injuries like DDH and it has been a
long time complication to properly swaddle the babies with the number of machines they
may be hooked up to. When the babies are too tightly wrapped it can cause discomfort as
well as displacement in one or both of the babies hips which causes long term
complications.

Figure 1. Single pair of purple Zakys.

CMS, Zendrop. Zaky Hand Lilac . 2014. 23 November 2015.

The Zaky
The Zaky is a soft but heavy pillow that imitates the look, feel, weight, scent,
and warmth of the parents hand and forearm. It assures proper positioning, helps with
pain management and sleep, provides a sense of protection, and assists with the physical
and psychological development of the child (Johnson, Zaky). This is important because
premature babies need a lot of extra support and help to remain in one position so that
they do not accidentally pull an IV or an oxygen tube off of themselves. The Zaky is now
being used in some Australian hospitals including the Royal North Shore Hospital, the
Royal Hobart Hospital, the Mercy Hospital for women, the Mater Mothers Hospital, and
1

the Central Coast Local Health Hospital (Johnson, Zaky information).). In our own
experience we have seen the Zaky being used once in the Waco Health Harris Hospital
NICU. The nurses were using the Zaky to comfort and position a premature baby because
it was unable to be held and comforted by its mother. This is when we decided that it
would beneficial for Y.S.P.s NICU to use the Zaky.

Figure 2. Premature baby with green and white Zaky.

Design, Nurtered by. The Zaky. 2001-2015. 11 November 2015.

Benefits of the Zaky

The Zaky promotes the overall health and wellbeing of premature babies by
lowering stress and anxiety levels. Dr. Fernando Moya said, The way to diminish the
stress, the anxiety, and the restlessness of babies is preferably by positioning them so that
they are comfortable and feel secure. Babies seem to enjoy very much the fact that we are
providing boundaries for them, they are able to keep an adequate position, and the Zaky
is a very soft touch (Johnson, Health Care). The Zaky has many other beneficial aspects
like simulating the size and weight of a parents hand and touch, giving reassurance to the
babies and the parents when the parents have to leave their baby, as well as helping the
babies transition into different environments. It can also be heated providing warmth in
and out of the hospitals (Johnson, Benefits). The Zaky is also a dual purpose device that
has been used in multiple other places such as nursing homes and child care centers to
provide a sense of a loved ones being near as well as providing a sense of comfort to the
children and adults (Johnson, Older Children).
2

Features of the Zaky

The Zaky has many features making it versatile and efficient. It is personalized to
fit each babys needs. Depending on the weight and condition of the baby the amount of
filling can be determined to adequately comfort the and protect the baby (Johnson,
Benefits). The Zaky also provides warmth and comfort to the premature babies. It is able
to be heated in a warmer or dryer and is made of a microfleece that is very soft and
breathable (Johnson, Benefits). Another reason the Zaky is a good investment is because
it is reusable. You are able to hand or machine wash the Zaky without disassembling it,
and its durable material makes it last long after the baby has left the NICU (Johnson,
Benefits). The Zaky is also fashionable coming in many different colors as seen in figure
3. You can get a Zaky in pink, blue, green, white, purple, or tan.

Figure 3. Multi-color Zakys.

Design, Nurtered by. The Zaky. 2001-2015. 11 November 2015.

Parents and the Zaky

The Zaky is just as beneficial to the parents in the NICU as it is to the babies. It
keeps the parents from having to try to swaddle a baby that is connected to multiple
machines and helps reduce their feelings of helplessness by allowing them to wrap their
baby with the arms of the Zaky. Parent Shambry Emerok said, My son is a preemie, and
has had a Zaky from the very beginning. Next to mommy, it has been his best friend. If
he ever gets upset, the nurses just cuddle him with the Zaky and he calms right down. It
also makes me feel so much better when I have to leave him because I know that he can
3

still feel safe and comforted. I absolutely love the Zaky! (Design, Testimonials). The
Zaky will help reduce the lack of maternal feeling, irritability, hostility, aggressive
impulses, rejection of their child, and thoughts of harming or even killing their baby (N,
Smith). All of these symptoms can be caused by postpartum depression and the lack of
connectivity between a mother and her baby. The Zaky gives the parents of premature
babies the feeling of being able to help and comfort their baby even when they cant do
much reducing the possibility of depression.

Cost of the Zaky

The Zaky can be purchased in singles, as pairs, or in bulk. A single Zaky can be
purchased for $120.00, a pair can be purchased for $180.00, and bulk pricing is
discounted depending on the quantity ordered. There is also a donation program in
Australia where an individual can buy a Zaky for $59.95 and that Zaky will be donated to
a hospital so the patients will not have to pay for them (Johnson, Hospital donation). YSP
could also participate in a donation program similar to the one in Australia. The Zaky can
virtually replace all developmentally supportive devices (Johnson, What are the Zakys).
This was proven when the Zaky was put to test against multiple other devices, which is
shown on the Differences between the Zakys and other Devices chart located in the
Appendix on pages 8 through 19. In the survey about the Zaky that we passed out to
random people, we found that most people liked the idea of using the Zaky in and out of
the hospital, but it was too expensive. These surveys are located on pages 20 through 26
of the Appendix. While $180.00 for a pair of Zanys may seem like a lot, it is actually
cheaper than what you would be paying for are of the individual therapeutic positioning
devises used in the NICU or at home. At minimum you would be spending approximately
$185.00 on your baby and at max you would be spending $300.00. This is a total savings
ranging from $5.00 to $115.00. These results are shown in the Appendix page 8, where it
shows how the Zaky saves money by replacing various products.

Swaddling
At YSP Health Resources we are currently using the
method of swaddling to provide comfort and security to
the babies. This is also the most common method used
by parents outside of the hospital. Although swaddling is
a traditional method that has been used for centuries, it
puts your baby at risk for DDH or Developmental
Dysplasia of the hip (Post). Pediatric Orthopedic
Surgeon Nicholas Clarke said, Swaddling should not be employed in my view as there is
no health benefit but a risk for adverse consequences of the growing and often immature
hips (Post). Although, if done correctly, swaddling can provide comfort and support to a
baby, the Zaky is still more beneficial. It has many more

Figure 4. Infant with DDH.

features than an ordinary blanket and has a much smaller

Institute, International Hip Dysplasia.

Kalynne's Story. 2012. 23
November 2015.

risk or causing harm to a child while being used. It is

easier for the parents and nurses to be able to correctly

position the baby with the Zaky and it provides much more support. Parents who do
decide to swaddle their babies need to be sure it is done correctly. The baby needs to be
able to fully stretch out its legs and the wrap should be tight at the top and loose at the
bottom. Tight swaddling around the hips can lead to delayed walking and hip
abnormalities (Post).

Conclusion
After completing our research, we have concluded that the Zaky is the best
product to use here at Y.S.P. Health Resources. The Zaky has been proven to increase the
health and development of premature babies. It also helps the parents through this very
difficult time. By adopting the Zaky we will prevent injuries to the premature babies,
while providing comfort, security, and care. The number one goal at Y.S.P. Health
Resources is to guarantee the comfort and well-being of all our patients and their
families, and the Zaky will help us further accomplish this goal.

Figure 5. Premature baby with purple Zakys.

ABC Inc., KGO-TV San Francisco. OPRAH AWARDS $25K
GRANT TO MOTHER WHO

INVENTED 'ZAKY'.

2015. 23 November 2015.

Glossary
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH): Where the hip is dislocated in the first few
months of life
NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Swaddling: A method of wrapping a child with cloth or a blanket
Zaky: hand and arm shaped pillow

Works Cited
Design, Nurtered by. Testimonials by Families. 2001-2015. 11 November 2015.
Design, Nurtered by. What are the Zakys, Use, NICU Process Standard, Comparison. 2001-2015.
11 November 2015.
Johnson, Chez. Benefits and Features. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Johnson, Chez. Hospital Information. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Johnson, Chez. Health Care Professionals. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Johnson, Chez. International Sales. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Johnson, Chez. Older Children and Adults. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Johnson, Chez. What Experts Say in America. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Johnson, Chez. Zaky Information. 2007-2015. <http://www.thezaky.net.au/>.
Markel, Mike. Technical Communications. Boston, New york: Bedford/St. Martins, 2015.
N, Smith. Parent-Newborn Bonding: Evaluating and Encouraging. 30 January 2015. 11 November
2015.
Post, The Bangkok. The Pros and Cons of Swaddling Your Child. 29 October 2013. 28 October
2015.
Post, The Bangkok.Parents who Swaddle Their Baby Should Ensure Their Hips. 29 October 2013.
28 October 2015.

Appendix

The Zaky saves you money by replacing many other products:

Why buy one product for each purpose if the Zaky covers them all?
Here is what you could buy if you have a product for each purpose:
-

positioning or nesting ($20 - $75)

bonding aid ($15 - $25)
therapeutic hold ($35 - $65)
a safety positioning product for the car seat, stroller, etc ($25-$50)
a other transitional item that, in cases, are unsafe for the baby (i.e, beany
babies(R) and other stuffed animals are for children 3 years or more ($10-$50)
- a products that can be warmed for comfort (i.e, colic babies, etc.) ($20)
- a pillow for positioning the baby while breast-feeding laying down ($35)
- a positioning aid for infant massage ($25)
And the Zaky is an extension of you - you are involved with your baby even when someone
else is caring for him/her.

Difference Between the Zakys and Other

Devices
The Zakys virtually replace all developmentally supportive devices.
All these devices (*) are made to provide support when the baby is on the

bed/incubator. For support when the baby is out of the bed in Kangaroo Care, visit the
Kangaroo Zak
Manufactur
er (*)

Nurture
d by

Children's Medical Ventures -

Product

The

Name (*)

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Positioner
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Name:
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Support
Positioner
For Prone
Positioner
For Supine

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Positioner
For
Sidelying
Positioner
For Nesting

Positioner
For Under

The Baby
Positioner
For Over

The Baby

10

Positioner
For Side of

The Baby
Positioner
For Away
from The
Baby (i.e.,
Help

Holding
Equipment,
etc)

Evidence-Based Device for Developmental Care

Product
Name:
Any Clinical
Evidence?

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Clinical
Evidence
That
Suggests
Significant
Decrease

(view)

Of Apnea /
Bradycardia
(24-38
Weekers)
Clinical
Evidence
That
Suggests
Significant
Increase Of
Self-

(view)

Regulation
In NICU
(24-38
Weekers)

Ergonomic Design
Product
Name:
Designed
by a PhD in

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Ergonomics
Engineering
3+ Years
Of
Ergonomics
Engineering
Research
And

Developme
nt Before
Introducing
to Market
Provides
Constant
Level Of

Care
Same
Universal
Size
Provides
Individualiz
ed Care
From Birth
To 12
Months and

beyond
(no need
S/M/L/XL
or
Light/Medi
um/Heavy,
etc.)
One
Universal
Weight That
Can Be
Adjusted
Depending

Of The Size
Or
Condition
Of The
Baby
May Be
Used With
Other

Developme

12

ntal Care
Devices
Continuity
and
Constant
Level of
Care: Same
and Only
Device
Needed To
Support
Every
Developme

ntal Stage
and Medical
Condition,
Eliminating
Margin of
Error Due
to Product
Selection/A
vailability
Containme
nt Without
Restraining

Movement
Containme
nt Without
Excessive
Baby

Manipulatio
n
Instant
View Of
The Baby's
Entire Body

(From Head
To Toes)
Immediate
Access To
The Baby
With

Minimal
Disruption
Converts
To A
Pediatric

Bolster

13

(Firm Yet
Flexible
Roll for
Back
Support)
Familiar
Shape and
Design For

The Parents
Extra Pair
Of Hands
for Parents

and Staff
No Metal
Rods,
Straps or
Wings That

May Create
Pressure
Points
Adjust The
Firmness Of
The Device
To Provide

Extra
Support
Made To Be
Warmed In
Dryer Or

Towel
Warmer
Quiet
Handling
(No Velcro

Or Noisy)
Support
and
Containme
nt Without

Restraining
Movement
Designed
To Work

Standalone
Effective
Quality
Control for

Positioning

14

Constant Level Of Care - Individualized Developmental Care

Product
Name:

The
Zakys

Bendy
Bump
er

Pron
Frederick T.

Frog

Plus

Snug
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Up

Dandl Dandl Dand

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Dandle PAL

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Everyday
Use
Regardless
Of The

Caregiver in
Shift
Same
Device to
Support
Individualiz
ed and
Comprehen
sive
Developme
ntal Care

Regardless
Of Baby's
Size,
Medical
Condition,
and
Developme
ntal Stage
NIDCAP
friendly
(Recommen
ded by
Internation
al NIDCAP

Trainers to
Provide
Individualiz
ed Care)

Family-Centered Care
Product
Name:

The
Zakys

Bendy
Bump
er

Pron
Frederick T.

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Plus

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Up

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Parental
Involvemen
t - Made

For Parents
To Easily

15

Learn How
To Use
Made To
Encourage
Parental
Learning

and
Interventio
n
Made To
Simulate
Parental

Interventio
n
Made To
Help Calm
The Baby
And Mother
During

Transport
And
Admission
Helps
Reduce
Parents'
Separation

Anxiety and
Stress
Made to
Keep the
Scent Of
Both
Parents
Bonding
Aid
Made To Be
An
Extension
Of The

Parent That
Stays With
The Baby
Attachment
Aid

Provides
Neck
Support For

The Parent

16

during
Kangaroo
Care (While
Scenting
Them)
Designed
To Comfort
Parents
During
Baby's End-

Of-Life /
Palliative
Care
Made So
Parents
Continue
Effective
Developme

ntal Care
After
Hospital
Discharge

Multi-Functional, Multi-Purpose
Product
Name:
Transitional
Item

The
Zakys

Bendy
Bump
er

Pron
Frederick T.

Frog

Plus

Snug
gle
Up

Dandl Dandl Dand

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Dandle PAL

Z flo

Effective
with
Narcotic-

Dependent
Infants
Assists
Baby's
Upright
Position in
Car Seats,

Bouncy
Seats,
Strollers,
Etc.
Comforting
and NonPharmacolo

gical Pain

17

Manageme
nt Device
Made For
Home And
Hospital
Use
Soothing/T
herapeutic

Item

Effective Staff and Parent Training

Product
Name:

The
Zakys

Bendy
Bump
er

Pron
Frederick T.

Frog

Plus

Snug
gle
Up

Dandl Dandl Dand

Snoe

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Lite

Dandle PAL

Z flo

Intuitive Very Short

Learning
Curve By

Professiona
ls
Intuitive Very Easy
for
Professiona
ls to Teach
Parents
How To Use
Parents
Continue
Developme
ntal Care
With The
Same

Product At
Home After
Proper
Training
Training
Concentrat
ed On
Developme
ntal Stage
Of The

Baby Not
On How To
Use What
Combinatio
n Of Tools

18

Infection Control
Product
Name:
Washable
Full or Parts

The
Zakys

Bendy
Bump
er

Pron
Frederick T.

Frog

Plus

Snug
gle
Up

Dandl Dandl Dand

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Dandle PAL

Z flo

Dandle PAL

Z flo

Includes
Washing

Bag
No
Disassembl

y Required

Management and Supply Chain

Product
Name:

The
Zakys

Bendy
Bump
er

Pron
Frederick T.

Frog

Plus

Snug
gle
Up

Dandl Dandl Dand

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Lite

Reduced
and
Minimized
Inventory

and Storage
Space
Needed
Always the
right size
device is

available
Simplified
Ordering
Manageme

nt, Supply
Chain
Simplified
Training
and Quality

Control
More
Accurate
Forecasting
, Planning,

Procuremen
t and
Logistics
Multifunctio
nal,

19

Multipurpo
se Device
Used By
Every
Patient in
the NICU
To Provide
Comprehen
sive,
EvidenceBased
FamilyCentered
Developme
ntal Care.
(*)=Company and product names are Registered Marks of each individual company. Nurtured by Design
is independent from any other company listed in this comparison. This comparison is for information
only.

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