Parents: FAQs

What is Kangaroo Crew?
Kangaroo Crew is a specialized transport service that efficiently and safely brings critically ill babies and children who need specialty pediatric care to Texas Children's Hospital.

How can I arrange for my newborn baby to be transported to Texas Children's by Kangaroo Crew?
Ask your physician if your child is a candidate for transfer to Texas Children's on Kangaroo Crew.

To request transport of a newborn to Texas Children's Hospital, your doctor should call:

• 832-824-5550 in Houston
• 877-770-5550 (toll-free) outside Houston area

Can a parent or family member ride with my newborn baby to Texas Children's Hospital?
Yes. A parent or family member can ride with the baby.

Will my insurance pay for Kangaroo Crew transport to Texas Children's Hospital?
Please check with your health care coverage provider. Most policies do cover transfer.

Who will be in the ambulance with my newborn baby? What will they be doing?
The staff of each Kangaroo Crew trip includes a specially trained neonatal/pediatric transport nurse and a specially trained neonatal/pediatric transport respiratory therapist. If needed, a neonatal nurse practitioner, a neonatalogist or a pediatric critical care physician will accompany the team.

Each Kangaroo Crew ambulance has special equipment that makes it just like a neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit in a hospital. Your baby or child's care begins in the ambulance, as the highly skilled professionals begin treatment the moment the team picks up the patient.

Is the trip to Texas Children's safe?
The air and ground ambulances of Kangaroo Crew receive regular maintenance and adhere to federal safety standards. They are licensed and certified under the strictest guidelines.

What if I want to breastfeed my baby?
Texas Children's is proud to offer excellent breast feeding and lactation services for hospitalized babies through the Mother's Own Milk Bank. In many cases, mothers can pump breast milk and feed it to their babies in the Newborn Center or store it for later use by the baby.

What if I am unable to go to Texas Children's with my baby?
Physicians and nurses at Texas Children's Hospital follow up regularly with the health care staff at your hospital. If you are unable to come to Texas Children's with your baby, we will be happy to update you frequently on the telephone.

Select referring hospitals are equipped with Family Vision, which allows real-time video observation of your child and interaction with his or her health care team at Texas Children's.