Research & Impact
The scientific basis of Kangaroo Mother Care
At Gangarru, our approach is firmly rooted in scientific research that demonstrates the transformative impact of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). As highlighted in our clinical studies and white papers, KMC is not merely an alternative care method but a proven, life-saving intervention with remarkable health, developmental, and economic benefits.
WHO Recommendation
The World Health Organization strongly recommends Kangaroo Mother Care for all newborns with a birth weight of 2000g or less, and states that KMC:
- Should be initiated as soon as newborns are clinically stable
- Should be provided 8–24 hours per day whenever possible
- Should be continued until babies have achieved sufficient weight gain and development
This guideline applies to all preterm and low birth weight babies, including those who are clinically unstable unless they are severely ill. The WHO recognizes KMC as “the most feasible and preferred intervention for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality.”“
Gangarru Carrier
Designed for every carrying style
The Gangarru baby carrier adapts effortlessly to your needs. With minimal adjustments, it offers the possibility to carry:
• at the front
• on the hip
• at the back
Perfect for every situation and every stage of your child’s development.
Always within reach, always safe
Gangarru keeps your baby high enough to pass the “Visible & Kissable” safety test — even newborns. This way, you always have your little one in sight and can easily give them a kiss.
The stability of a wrap in a buckle closure
Unlike many other carriers, the main support line in Gangarru is positioned high — just like in a wrap carrier.
“Gangarru is a buckle carrier that feels like a wrap.” – VDC consultant
This top-side support ensures optimal weight distribution, better posture, and is even suitable for use in NICU environments.
Supports from neck to tailbone
Gangarru supports your child’s spine along its full length, from newborn to toddler. It promotes healthy development of the natural curve of the back — from a C-shape to an S-shape.
Fits almost everyone
The Gangarru baby carrier is designed to fit most parents as well as babies of different ages and sizes — from birth through the toddler years.
Ergonomic for little hips
Thanks to the hammock design, the child’s natural M-position is optimally supported — an expert-recommended position for healthy hip development.
The specially designed shoulder straps combined with carefully selected materials make Gangarru one of the most compact and comfortable carriers on the market. No shoulder pressure, just perfect weight distribution.
Our research initiatives
Clinical study: Evaluation of the acceptance of buckle fabric carriers (Tanzania, 2021–2024)
Our research team, led by Dr. Deborah Maufi, conducted a three-month study at the Temeke Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania to evaluate the acceptance of our innovative buckle fabric carriers for Kangaroo Care. The study revealed significant benefits compared to traditional carriers:
- Faster weight gain: Babies using Gangarru/Babymoon carriers gained an average of 254.7g over two weeks, compared to the standard 150g with traditional carriers
- Increased comfort: 80% of mothers reported reduced fatigue, allowing for longer skin-to-skin contact periods
- Improved safety: All participants noted improved safety features that prevent the baby from slipping
- Ease of use: 90% of mothers found our carriers easier to use than traditional methods
- Temperature regulation: Better thermal regulation reduced the need for additional coverings
- Sustainability: The durability of our carriers makes them cost-effective long-term solutions
White Paper: The Crucial Role of Kangaroo Care in the First 1000 Days (April 2025)
Our comprehensive white paper explores the substantial evidence supporting Kangaroo Care during the critical first 1000 days of life — from conception to a child’s second birthday.
Key findings include:
- Reduced mortality: KC reduces mortality by 40–50% in infants weighing less than 2000g
- Physiological benefits: Improved thermoregulation, stable vital signs, enhanced neurological development, and strengthened immunity
- Long-term effect: Support for cognitive development, emotional bonding, and family cohesion
- Humanitarian settings: KC serves as a critical intervention in crisis situations and has proven effective in resource-limited settings
Global impact
The impact of Kangaroo Care extends far beyond immediate survival benefits:
- Healthcare systems: Reduced reliance on incubators, shorter hospital stays, and decreased staffing needs translate into significant cost savings
- Economic empowerment: Our carriers empower mothers to combine optimal care with socio-economic activities
- Community resilience: Locally produced by women from low-income communities, our carriers drive economic empowerment
- Family cohesion: Enhanced bonding between parents and infants, with evidence showing that secure early parent-child relationships correlate with better health outcomes into adulthood
Premature births worldwide
Faster weight gain
Shorter hospital stay
Ongoing commitment to research
Gangarru continues to invest in research to advance Kangaroo Care practices worldwide. Our current research initiatives focus on:
- Expansion of implementation in humanitarian contexts
- Measuring long-term developmental outcomes
- Evaluation of community-based KC programs
- Development of innovative carrier technologies to enhance comfort and ease of use
Through rigorous research and thoughtful innovation, we are working to ensure that every baby, no matter where they are born, receives the life-saving benefits of Kangaroo Care.
For more information about our research or to collaborate on upcoming studies, please contact our research team at info@gangarru.com.