Penguin™ FAQs
What is the Penguin™ Nutritional Warmer?
The Penguin™ is an easy to use device to gently warm breast milk or formula to “mom’s temperature” in the Neutral Thermal Zone for optimal enzyme and protein function. The Penguin can also gently thaw frozen milk to a cool liquid state. Its gentle vibration mixes milk and milk fat to consistent, even temperature with no hot or cold spots. Disposable Therma-Liners, one for each well, reduce the risk of cross-contamination and infection.
Why is it called the Penguin?
Have you watched the movies March of the Penguins or Happy Feet? If you haven’t, we would highly recommend them! Once you watch, you will understand why it’s called the Penguin. The female penguin lays a single egg. The male penguin actually incubates the egg on top of his feet, covered by feathers, until it hatches. The group of male Penguins that withstand the harsh Antarctic winter is called a creche…
Why is it needed?
Nutritional warming is very important for premature or compromised babies. Our data collection shows that the majority of feedings are given below the Neutral Thermal Zone, significantly lower than if the baby was breast feeding. The 20°-30° difference in temperature may not affect a term baby, but premature and sick babies don’t have the extra calories or energy to waste warming fluids. Even worse are feedings hotter than 104° F. These not only raise concerns over harming the baby, but also cause the denaturing of enzymes and proteins in the feeding. The Penguin ensures that babies are fed at a consistent temperature, regardless of the caregiver or the method used for warming. If breast feeding is the gold standard, then body temperature should also be the goal.
How does it work?
Simple and easy. The bottle or syringe is placed inside the inner compartment of the disposable Therma-Liner in order to keep the milk container from coming into contact with any potentially contaminated water. The outer bag of the Therma-Liner is filled with tap water and secured with the adhesive closures. The Therma-Liner is then placed into a warming well and the user can select the warm/refrigerated/or thaw setting. When the milk reaches the proper temperature, a visual and soft audible indicator will alert the user that the milk has reached the proper temperature.
Is the Penguin only for use in the NICU?
In addition to the NICU, the Penguin™ can be used to prepare feedings on pediatric floors, nurseries, or anywhere that babies are being fed.
What is the recommend number of Penguin warmers to support my nursery?
The ideal implementation would be a Penguin single well warmer for each baby’s bedside. This is the easiest for staff and also minimizes the risk of patient mix-up. The Penguin four well warmer is best used in a pod setting or a milk preparation area where multiple nurses may need access to warming at the same time. There is a large designated area at the top of each Therma-Liner for a barcode label or the patient’s name.
How long does it take to warm refrigerated and frozen milk?
The actual warming time will vary with the volume of milk being warmed. The average feeding will be warm in ten to twelve minutes for refrigerated milk and fifteen to twenty minutes for frozen milk.
How long does it take to thaw frozen milk?
The Penguin thaw feature promotes the milk to a cool liquid state to support divisioning and portioning – an important step to help prevent unnecessary wasting of mom’s precious milk. The thaw feature in the Nutritional Warmer performs a gradual thaw under low, controlled temperatures in approximately 30-35 minutes. Thawing takes longer than warming because it is important to keep the temperature as cool as possible in order to be able to refrigerate it and then use it over a 24 hour period.
Is the device UL certified?
The Penguin Nutritional Warmer meets the following safety and regulatory certifications which are equivalent to UL:
- CAN/CSA‐C22.2 No. 61010‐1‐04
Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use, Part 1 - General Requirements
UL Std. No. 61010‐1 (2nd Edition) Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use ‐ Part 1
Are the Therma-Liners sterile? How do they minimize the risk of infection?
The Therma-Liners are packaged food grade sterile. They minimize the risk of infection by keeping the feeding separated from the water. Water quality is often a risk in the hospital setting and it is best practice to avoid any possible cross-contamination or germs.
Are the Therma-Liners DEHP and latex-free?
Yes, the Therma-Liners have been tested to meet current FDA Regulations and the EU Directive 2005/84/EC.
Are the Therma-Liners recyclable?
Yes, the Therma-Liners are 100% recyclable; meaning the NICU is taking another important step toward an environmentally friendly function; especially in light of current practices at many NICU’s where Styrofoam cups are the standard method of warming.
What are the product specifications and dimensions of the Nutritional Warmer?
- Penguin 1.0 Single Well Nutritional Warmer
Power Rating – 120V AC (Standard Electrical Outlet)
Size – 8.8″ H X 8″ W X 10″ D
Weight – 9 lbs. - Penguin 4.0 Four Well Nutritional Warmer
Power Rating – 120V AC (Standard Electrical Outlet)
Size – 8.8″ H X 21″ W X 10″ D
Weight – 20 lbs.
How do I have my other questions answered?
Please Email us at info@crecheinnovations.com or Call us at 913-948-6290 and we will respond promptly.