GB2528702A

GB2528702A - Comforting baby support

Info

Publication number: GB2528702A
Application number: GB1413412.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kerry Nevins
Original assignee: KERRIKIDS Ltd
Current assignee: KERRIKIDS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-07-29
Filing date: 2014-07-29
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2034-07-29
Also published as: GB2528702B; GB201413412D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a comforting baby support apparatus 200 which allows for safe positioning of the baby in a face down or prone resting position. The support apparatus comprises an elongate body for supporting a baby's torso, arms, head and legs, the body having a top portion 202 and a bottom portion 203 and a harness 208 to securely hold the baby in position on said top portion; wherein the top portion comprises a convex head-rest section 202a, a convex torso-rest section 202b and a convex leg-rest section 202c, and wherein the top portion is arch shaped. The bottom portion is adapted both to fit into a baby seat, rocker or bouncer (10, figure 5) and to be placed on a flat surface. The harness may be T-shaped or may comprise one or more shoulder straps. Additional straps 206, 207 may be provided for securing the support apparatus to the baby seat. The support apparatus may also be provided with detachable means for generating vibrations and/or sound.

Description

COMFORTING BABY SUPPORT

The present invention relates to a comforting baby support. More particularly, the present invention relates to a comforting baby support for use with a standard baby bouncer seat or baby rocker to convert said baby bouncer seat or rocker into a bouncer on which the baby lies on its stomach.

By "standard baby bouncer seat" or baby rocker" is meant a device made for use as a portable bed for newborn infants and older babies to lie on their backs to sleep or rest. For example, the ChiccoTM Mia Rocker, the ChiccolM I Feel Bouncer, the Mamas & PapaslM Ripple Bouncer, the Red KiteTM Baby Rocco rocker, the ConcordTM Rio Rocker, the NunaTM Leaf Curv and the like. Such bouncer seats and rockers are generally inclined with the head section higher than the feet section. For conciseness the term "baby seat" is used herein to refer to any of a baby bouncer seat, baby rocker and the like.

As well as being suitable for use with a baby seat, the comforting baby support can also be used with any travel cot. It can also be placed on a substantially flat surface such as a playpen, table, rug or play mat on the floor. In order to achieve a preferred angle for the baby when the support is on a substantially flat surface it can be raised at the head end by placing a folded blanked or towel underneath the top end of the support.

Some babies spend a lot of time sitting in baby seats. In this seated position the baby is often slumped over which can cause closing of the airways and lead to respiratory problems.

Additionally, "flat head syndrome" or "moulding" can result if babies sit in car seats or rockers or lie on their backs in cots for too much of their early life. Delays in cognitive development have been linked to flat head syndrome. The two types of flat head syndrome in babies are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. Plagiocephaly is more common and occurs when the baby's head is flattened on one side, causing it to look asymmetrical and distorted. For example, the ears may be misaligned and when seen from above the head looks like a parallelogram.

Brachycephaly occurs when the back of the head becomes flattened, causing the head to widen. To compensate, the front of the baby's skull sometimes bulges out. Flat-head syndrome has become a growing concern since the back to back campaign' which encourages parents to always lie babies on their backs. Health professionals now recommend that babies have as much tummy time, i.e. time lying on their stomachs, as possible to prevent flat-head syndrome from occurring.

The present invention aims to provide a conforting baby support which prevents the occurrence of flat head syndrome and closing of the airways in babies and which is suitable for use with a baby seat.

Accordingly, from one aspect, the present invention provides a comforting baby support comprising: an elongate body for supporting a baby's torso, arms, head and legs, the body having atop portion and a bottom portion; and a harness to securely hold the baby in position on said top portion; wherein the top portion comprises a convex head-rest section, a convex torso-rest section and a convex leg-rest section and wherein the top portion is shaped so that when a baby is placed on its stomach on the top portion, the baby's back is curved with its head tucked in, legs bent, elbows bent and its hands near its mouth with its head and feet lower than its stomach but its head higher than its feet; and wherein the bottom portion is adapted both to fit into a baby seat and to be placed on a flat surface.

The elongate body is curvilinear. The top portion of the elongate curvilinear body is shaped so that when a baby lies on the comforting baby support, the baby is in a position substantially similar to when in the womb. That is, the baby's back is curved with its head tucked in, legs bent, elbows bent and its hands near its mouth. This position feels very secure for newborns and they can also easily find a finger, thumb or fist to suck which provides even more comfort and can extend time between feeds which is especially useful for babies who comfort feed'.

The top portion substantially emulates the shape of a mother's chest. However, the comforting baby support is more comfortable for a baby to lie on than lying against a mother's chest as the baby's entire body is supported. The area on the female body between the breast and the shoulder can be bony and rather hard against a baby's face. Also, when lying on a mother's chest, the baby's head can lie or flop at an awkward anglo. Those disadvantages do not occur when the baby is lying on the comforting baby support according to the invention.

The edges of the top portion curve towards the bottom portion. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing but also, if a baby lying on the support vomits, the vomit flows away from the baby's face.

The transverse profile of the top portion is substantially arch-shaped. That is, the top portion is highest along the longitudinal midline and slopes down from this towards the left and right.

This aids in placing the baby in a comfortable, non-damaging position.

In one embodiment, the bottom portion is adapted to conform to the profile of a baby seat. In this embodiment, the bottom portion of the comforting baby support preferably comprises deformable material such as memory foam.

In an alternative embodiment, the bottom portion has a profile substantially corresponding to that of the sitting or laying area of a baby seat. For example, the bottom portion is shaped like a hump.

The harness is preferably integral with the comforting baby support. Alternatively, the harness is detachable from the comforting baby support. In use, the harness encircles a baby's torso, extending from under the baby's armpits to its crotch and provides the baby with the sensation of being held, thus comforting the baby and making it feel safe.

The comforting baby support allows for safe positioning of a baby on its stomach and is ideal for use as a sleeping aid for newborn babies in their first few months. It places the baby on its front to mimic the contact a parent or carer has when holding a baby to comfort it.

Once the baby is over approximately 4 to 5 months old, the comforting baby support can be removed from the baby seat or travel cot so that the baby seat or travel cot can then be used in the normal way.

The comforting baby support, either alone or in combination with a baby seat or travel cot, places a baby into a resting position so that the baby lies substantially horizontally on its stomach with its head higher than its feet but lower that its stomach whilst allowing the baby to be easily transported while in the support. In this position there is no excess pressure on the baby's crotch area or logs. The comforting baby support either alone or in combination with a baby seat or travel cot has the added advantage of addressing the problem of needing to constantly comfort very young babies, especially those suffering with colic and/or reflux.

Infant colic (also known as baby colic and three month colic) is a condition in which an otherwise healthy baby cries or screams frequently and for extended periods, without any discernible reason. The condition typically appears within the first two weeks of life and almost invariably disappears, often very suddenly, before the baby is three to four months old. The condition is harmless, though it can be very distressing for parents or carers. The cause is not known.

Placing the baby on the comforting baby support according to the invention soothes babies suffering from infant colic.

The comforting baby support is preferably firm enough to prevent a baby's face from sinking into the body of the support and soft enough to provide optimum comfort to the baby. Due to the shape and composition of the comforting baby support, when a baby lies on the comforting baby support, the baby's head will always rest in the correct position, meaning the neck is well supported and the airways are open.

Preferably, the body of the comforting baby support comprises breathable, firm, spongy material such as structural foam other elastomeric material, e.g. foam polyurethane material or urethane foam. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the comforting baby support comprises combustion modified high resilience (CMHR) 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) polyurethane.

In a most preferred embodiment, the comforting baby support has a head-rest section at one end, a leg-rest section at the other end and a torso-rest section in between the head-and leg-rest sections, wherein the comforting baby support is curved such that the head-rest section and the leg-rest section are each lower than the torso-rest section and wherein the leg-rest section is lower than the head-rest section. The top surface of the head-rest section curves towards the bottom portion of the elongate body, i.e. away from the baby's head, to allow any vomit to flow away from the baby's face.

The comforting baby support is preferably covered with a soft, baby-safe material such as cotton or fleece. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the comforting baby support has a Polar fleece (polyester fibre) outer cover and a mattress protector comprising a polyester or cotton face, a polyester centre and a polypropylene and/or polyurethane backing.

Particularly preferably, the cover is removable to enable it to be cleaned. Preferably, the cover is lined with a water resistant material to avoid any urine or other liquid engaging with the body of the support.

The comforting baby support preferably comprises a pocket at one end of the bottom portion for sliding over a baby seat to prevent the comforting baby support from moving downward on the seat. Preferably, the pocket is at the top end, e.g. head-rest section, of the comforting baby support and in use is slid over the upper section of a baby seat. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the comforting baby support is covered with a soft, baby-safe material such as cotton or fleece and the pocket is part of the cover.

The comforting baby support preferably comprises one or more adjustable straps to firmly secure the comforting baby support to a baby seat. Preferably, at least one adjustable strap is attached to one side of the comforting baby support such that it can be fed underneath a baby seat and attached to an opposing side of the comforting baby support to firmly secure the comforting baby support to the baby seat.

Particularly preferably, a plurality of adjustable straps are attached to the comforting baby support for attachment of the support to a baby seat or travel cot. In a preferred embodiment, two straps are attached to the comforting baby support, one at each end of the support.

Preferably, a plurality of adjustable straps are attached to the comforting baby support at one or more of the head-rest section, leg-rest section and sides of the comforting baby support. In a preferred embodiment, one or more, preferably two, adjustable straps are attached to the comforting baby support, one between the head-rest section and the torso-rest section and one between the torso-rest section and the leg-rest section.

The straps and/or pocket firmly and safely secure the comforting baby support to any baby seat.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the comforting baby support is covered with a soft, baby-safe material such as cotton or fleece and the straps are attached to the cover.

Preferably, the comforting baby support is covered with a soft, baby-safe material such as cotton or fleece and the harness is made of the same material as the cover. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the harness comprises VelcroTM receptive material. In this embodiment, VelcroTM strips on the harness can attach to any other part of the harness.

The harness may be integral with the cover or detachable therefrom.

The harness is preferably substantially T-shaped and comprises two horizontal side flaps and a third vertical flap, the vertical flap preferably having a smaller diameter portion. In use, the baby is laid onto the substantially T-shaped harness and the vertical flap is positioned between the baby's legs and placed onto the baby's back. The side flaps are then folded around the baby's body over the vertical flap and secured by fastening means. Any fastening means may be used such as adhesive areas, poppers, buttons, ties, buckles etc. Preferably, the fastening means comprise hook and pile material such as VelcroTM. The flaps are preferably adjustable to support a baby at different sizes and weights, e.g. between newborn and approximately 5 months old, preferably between newborn and 4 months old. The flaps are to be tightly fastened to provide the baby with the feeling of being held.

In a preferred embodiment, the harness further comprises one or more, preferably two, straps extending from the top of the vertical flap. In use, these one or more straps are placed over the baby's shoulders and fastened, e.g. with VelcroTM, to the part of the harness covering the baby's back.

In use, a baby will lie with its head to one side and the harness holds the baby securely on the top portion of the comforting baby support.

In a preferred embodiment, the comforting baby support comprises a detachable, controllable vibrating mechanism. Alternatively, or additionally, the comforting baby support comprises controls for preferred sounds such as womb or ocean music or white noise. These options are preferably operated by a remote control with the required sound and/or vibration speed being chosen by pressing the appropriate button.

Preferably, the comforting baby support is provided with a cover wherein the part of the cover covering the bottom of the support comprises a pocket into which the mechanism is inserted such that the mechanism vibrates from below the support. The mechanism can be solely vibrating or sound producing or it can provide both functions.

Ideally, the present invention is not to be used without supervision by a parent or carer and is not intended to take the place of a cot or carrycot that a baby will sleep in for a long period of time without supervision. However, in a preferred embodiment, the surface of the comforting baby support, or at least the head rest section, is made of a material that the baby could breathe through, such as mesh or net.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of a preferred embodiment of a comforting baby support according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the comforting baby support shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the comforting baby support shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows the comforting baby support shown in Figure 1 used with a baby seat; Figure 5 shows a baby lying on the comforting baby support and baby seat combination shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a perspective view from above of an alternative embodiment of a comforting baby support according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a side view of the comforting baby support shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective end view of the comforting baby support shown in Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a perspective view from below of the comforting baby support shown in Figure 6; Figure 10 shows another perspective view of the comforting baby support shown in Figure 6 with the harness closed; Figure 11 shows a baby lying on the comforting baby support shown in Figure 6; and Figure 12 shows a vertical cross section of the top portion of the curvilinear body of the comforting baby support shown in Figure 6.

In the Figures, like reference numerals indicate like features.

Referring to Figures ito 3, a preferred comforting baby support is shown, indicated generally by reference numeral 100, and comprising a top portion 102 and bottom portion 103 and covered by cover 104, wherein the top portion 102 is shaped as herein described to substantially emulate a mother's chest so that when a baby is placed on its stomach on top portion 102, the baby's back is curved with its head tucked in, legs bent, elbows bent and its hands near its mouth with its head and feet lower than its stomach but its head higher than its feet.

In Figure 4, comforting baby support 100 is attached to baby seat 10. The bottom portion 103 of the comforting baby support 100 has a profile which substantially corresponds to that of the sitting area of baby seat 10.

Cover 104 comprises a pocket (not shown) at the top end of bottom portion 102 for sliding over the upper section 1 Oa of baby seat 10 to prevent the comforting baby support 100 from moving downward on the seat 10. The pocket extends from the head end of the comforting baby support 100 to a location between one third and one half the length of the comforting baby support 100 and transversely across the length of the comforting baby support 100, with the opening of the pocket being located at the location between one third and one half the length of the support.

Cover 104 also comprises adjustable straps (not shown) to firmly secure comforting baby support 100 to baby seat 10. The adjustable straps are attached to the side of cover 104 such that the straps can be fed underneath baby seat 10 and attached to the other side of the cover to firmly secure comforting baby support 100 to baby seat 10.

Comforting baby support 100 further comprises harness 108 integral with cover 104 to hold the baby B in position securely as shown in Figure 5. Harness 108 is substantially T-shaped and comprises two horizontal side flaps 1 08a and 1 08b and a third vertical flap 1 08c. Vertical flap 108c has a smaller diameter portion 108c'. In use, a baby B is laid onto harness 108 and vertical flap 1 USc is positioned between the baby's legs and placed onto the baby's back. Side flaps 1 08a and 1 08b are then folded around the baby's body over vertical flap 1 08c and secured by fastening means such as VelcroTM strips (not shown.

Referring to Figures 6 to 10, a preferred comforting baby support is shown, indicated generally by reference numeral 200, and comprising a top portion 202, bottom portion 203 and covered by cover 204. wherein the top portion 202 has a convex head-rest section 202a, a convex torso-rest section 202b and a convex leg-rest section 202c, wherein the comforting baby support 200 is curved such that the head rest section 202a and the leg rest section 202c are each lower than the torso-rest section 202b and wherein the leg rest section 202c is lower than the head rest section 202a.

The edges of top portion 202 curve towards bottom portion 203. The transverse profile of top portion 202 is substantially arch-shaped. That is, the top portion is highest along the longitudinal midline M (shown as a dashed line in Figure 8) and slopes down from this midline M towards the left and right.

With reference especially to Figure 7, the bottom portion 203 of the comforting baby support has a profile which is substantially flat.

Comforting baby support 200 further comprises harness 208 integral with cover 204 to hold the baby securely in position on comforting baby support 200. Harness 208 is made of VelcoTM receptive fabric. Harness 208 is substantially T-shaped and comprises two horizontal side flaps 208a and 208b, a third vertical flap 208c and shoulder straps 208d, 208e extending from the top of the harness 208. Vertical flap 208c has a smaller diameter portion 208c'. Horizontal side flaps 208a and 208b and shoulder straps 208d, 208e are each provided with VelcroTM strips (not shown). In use, a baby B is laid onto harness 208 and vertical flap 208c is positioned between the baby's legs and placed onto the baby's back. Side flaps 208a and 208b are then folded around the baby's body over vertical flap 208c and secured with the VelcroTM strips.

Shoulder straps 208d, 208e are then placed over the baby's shoulders and fastened with the VelcroTM strips to the part of that harness covering the baby's back as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

Cover 204 comprises adjustable straps 206, 207 to firmly secure comforting baby support 200 to a baby seat. Adjustable straps 206, 207 are attached to the side of cover 204 such that the straps can be fed underneath a baby seat and attached to the other side of the cover to firmly secure comforting baby support 200 to the baby seat. The part of cover 204 covering the bottom of comforting baby support 200 is further provided with a pocket 209 into which a detachable, controllable vibrating or sound-producing mechanism may be inserted. This is shown in Figure 9.

As shown in Figure 11, the shape of comforting baby support 200 has the result that when a baby B is placed on its stomach on top portion 202, the baby's back is curved with its head tucked in, legs bent, elbows bent and its hands near its mouth with its head and feet lower than its stomach but its head higher than its foot. This curved profile of top section 202 is also clearly shown in Figure 12.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details as herein described, which are given by way of example only, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A comforting baby support comprising: an elongate body for supporting a baby's torso, arms, head and legs, the body having a top portion and a bottom portion; and a harness to securely hold the baby in position on said top portion; wherein the top portion comprises a convex head-rest section, a convex torso-rest section and a convex leg-rest section and wherein the top portion is arch shaped so that when a baby is placed on its stomach on the top portion, the baby's back is curved with its head tucked in, legs bent, elbows bent and its hands near its mouth with its head and feet lower than its stomach but its head higher than its feet; and wherein the bottom portion is adapted both to fit into a baby seat and to be placed on a flat surface.
2. The comforting baby support as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head-rest section is at one end of the top portion of the elongate body, the leg-rest section at the other end and the torso-rest section in between the head-and leg-rest sections, wherein the head rest section and the leg rest section are each lower than the torso-rest section and wherein the leg-rest section is lower than the head-rest section.
3. The comforting baby support as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the harness is detachable from the comforting baby support.
4. The comforting baby support as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the harness is substantially T-shaped and comprises two horizontal side flaps and a third vertical flap.
5. The comforting baby support as claimed in claim 4, wherein the harness further comprises one or more shoulder straps extending from the top of the vertical flap.
6. The comforting baby support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comforting baby support further comprises a detachable, controllable vibrating and/or sound producing mechanism.
7. The comforting baby support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more straps, preferably two straps, for attaching the comforting baby support to a baby seat.
8. The comforting baby support as claimed in claim 7, wherein two or more adjustable straps are attached to the comforting baby support, wherein at least one strap is located between the head-rest section and the torso-rest section and at least one strap is located between the torso-rest section and the leg-rest section.
9. The comforting baby support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover, preferably a removable cover.
10. A comforting baby support substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.