U.S. patent application number 16/265975 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for swaddling device with adjustable wrap.
The applicant listed for this patent is SwaddleDesigns, LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Damir, Lynette Damir.
Application Number | 20190297954 16/265975 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68057436 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190297954 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Damir; Lynette ; et
al. |
October 3, 2019 |
SWADDLING DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE WRAP
Abstract
A swaddling device is described. The swaddling device includes a
sack configured to substantially enclose a baby. The sack includes
sleeves and an attached wrap configured to swaddle the baby. The
swaddling device at least partially restricts movement of the baby
and thereby suppresses the Moro Reflex, while also snugly
enveloping the torso of the baby and thereby providing constant
moderate pressure thereto. The wrap is sufficiently narrow so as
not to restrict movement of the baby's hips and knees, while also
providing access to the lower portion of the baby for diaper
changes. Some versions of the device include sleeves having at
their ends foldover mitten cuffs or other selectively openable
mechanism. The cuffs allow a caregiver to expose the hand or hands
of the baby so as to provide skin-to-skin contact. Alternatively,
the caregiver can close the cuffs if scratching is a concern.
Inventors: |
Damir; Lynette; (Seattle,
WA) ; Damir; Jeffrey; (Seattle, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SwaddleDesigns, LLC |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68057436 |
Appl. No.: |
16/265975 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15982911 |
May 17, 2018 |
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16265975 |
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62625864 |
Feb 2, 2018 |
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62507742 |
May 17, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20130101;
A41B 2300/322 20130101; A41B 2300/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41B 13/06 20060101
A41B013/06 |
Claims
1. A swaddling device, comprising: a sack that has a left side, a
right side, a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section,
wherein the sack is configured to substantially enclose a baby,
wherein the sack includes a neck opening; a first sleeve portion
coupled to the sack at a first side of the neck opening; a second
sleeve portion coupled to the sack at a second side of the neck
opening, wherein the second side is opposite the first side; and a
wrap that is operable to swaddle the arms and a portion of the
trunk of the baby, wherein the wrap extends along a first axis that
is perpendicular to a second axis that runs from the neck opening
to the bottom section of the sack, wherein the wrap has a length
measured along the first axis, wherein the length is greater than
the maximum circumference of the sack, wherein the wrap has a top
end and a bottom end, wherein the top end is below the neck
opening, wherein the bottom end is below the top end and above the
bottom section of the sack, and wherein the swaddling device at
least partially restricts movement of the baby and thereby
suppresses the Moro Reflex, while also snugly enveloping the torso
of the baby and thereby providing constant moderate pressure
thereto.
2. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the bottom section has
an average circumference that is greater than an average
circumference of the middle section, wherein the bottom section is
configured to provide room for the baby to flex and extend its hips
and knees and while moderately limiting the range of motion and
providing partial suppression of the Moro Reflex.
3. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the wrap has a maximum
width measured along the second axis and between the top end and
bottom end, wherein the maximum width is less than 13 inches.
4. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the
wrap is no more than 4 inches below the narrowest portion of the
middle section of the sack.
5. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the length of the wrap
is at least 1.5 times the maximum circumference of the top section
of the sack.
6. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the length of the wrap
is at least 2 times the maximum circumference of the top section of
the sack, and wherein the wrap does not include any fasteners to
secure the wrap.
7. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the wrap includes at
least one hook and loop fastener that is configured to secure the
wrap.
8. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the wrap includes a
panel of fabric that is attached to a rear fabric panel of the
sack, and wherein the wrap is attached to a front fabric panel of
the sack.
9. The swaddling device of claim 8, wherein the bottom edge of wrap
is stitched to the front panel of the sack in at least two
locations.
10. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
sleeve portions extend upwards in a Y-shaped configuration with the
distal ends above the shoulder line of the swaddling device,
wherein the first and second sleeve portions are configured to
restrict movement of the arms of the baby.
11. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and
the second sleeve portion have a distal end that is selectively
openable by a caregiver, such that when the distal end is in an
open position, a hand of the baby is exposed, and when the distal
end is in a closed position, the hand of the baby is enclosed
within the sleeve portion.
12. The swaddling device of claim 11, wherein each of the first and
the second sleeve portion includes a foldover mitten cuff that is
selectively openable by the caregiver, wherein the cuff is opened
by turning material of the sleeve portion back on itself to allow
access to the interior of the sleeve portion.
13. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the middle section has
an average circumference that is 5-10% less than the circumference
of the baby's stomach and provides moderate constant pressure on
baby's stomach, wherein the bottom section has an average
circumference that is 50% greater than the circumference of the
middle section.
14. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the wrap is operable
to swaddle the baby while one or both arms of the baby are outside
of the wrap, and wherein, when both arms of the baby are outside of
the wrap, the top section of the sack partially suppresses arm
movements related to the Moro Reflex that further allows sufficient
range of motion for baby to use his or her arms when prone to lift
his or her torso and reposition his or her head.
15. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
sleeve portions extend upwards in a Y-shaped configuration with the
distal ends above the shoulder line of the swaddling device, and
wherein the sleeve portions each have a sleeve length shorter than
a standard long sleeve to allow baby to easily access and place his
or her hands in mouth when the mitten cuffs are open.
16. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the sack includes a
two-way zipper or snaps which provide ingress for the baby into the
sack and egress for the baby out of the sack, wherein the zipper or
snaps run from the neck opening downward through the middle section
of the sack and to the bottom section of the sack, and wherein the
zipper or snaps are operable to access a diaper worn by the baby
even when the baby is enclosed in the wrap.
17. The swaddling device of claim 1, wherein the sleeve portions
allow sufficient room for baby's arms and hands to be contained in
the sleeve portion thereby allowing baby to sleep in multiple
natural positions including hands on chest, hands in-line with
shoulders with elbow by side of body arms reaching above shoulders
in touchdown position, and where in the sleeves allow for limited
movement and provide partial suppression of arm movements related
to the Moro Reflex.
18. A swaddling device, comprising: a sack that includes a neck
opening and that is configured to substantially enclose a baby; a
first sleeve portion coupled to the sack at a first side of the
neck opening; a second sleeve portion coupled to the sack at a
second side of the neck opening, wherein the second side is
opposite the first side; and a wrap that is operable to swaddle the
arms and a portion of the torso of the baby, wherein the wrap has a
length that is greater than the maximum circumference of the sack,
wherein the wrap has a bottom edge that is positioned above the
hips of the baby, wherein the swaddling device at least partially
restricts movement of the baby and thereby suppresses the Moro
Reflex, while also snugly enveloping the stomach of the baby and
thereby providing constant moderate pressure thereto.
19. The swaddling device of claim 18, wherein the sack includes a
front and rear panel, and wherein the wrap is attached to the front
panel by stiches at two separate locations.
20. The swaddling device of claim 18, wherein each of the first and
the second sleeve portion have a distal end that is selectively
openable by a caregiver, such that when the distal end is in an
open position, a hand of the baby is exposed, and when the distal
end is in a closed position, the hand of the baby is enclosed
within the sleeve portion.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/625,864, entitled "SWADDLING
DEVICE HAVING ADJUSTABLE WINGS," filed on Feb. 2, 2018; this
application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/982,911, entitled "SWADDLING DEVICE," filed
on May 17, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/507,742, entitled "SWADDLING
DEVICE," filed on May 17, 2017, the entire contents of each
above-referenced application is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a swaddling device for
infants.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Typical prior art swaddling devices do not allow a baby to
have skin-to-skin access to his or her hands. An example prior
swaddling pod design that prevents baby from accessing his or her
hands is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,607,364. This prior swaddling
pod design, which prevents access to baby's hands to suck and
self-soothe, is not in baby's best interest, because it is very
important for baby to have access to its hands.
[0004] Another example prior swaddling pod design is described in
U.S. Pat. No. 9,179,711. The described design is a sleeping sack
that allows baby to suck on its hands through the fabric of the
sack, but without direct skin-to-skin access. This prior swaddling
pod design, which requires baby to suck through the fabric, is not
ideal or in baby's best interest, because skin-to-skin contact is
more natural. In addition, if baby is sucking on fabric then baby
will be ingesting residual detergent or fabric softeners on the
fabric after washing and drying the garment.
[0005] Another prior swaddling device design is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,246,392. The described design restrains the baby's arms
with a large and wide wrap feature, typically including a
hook-and-loop fastener. The width of the wrap in this design,
extending below the waist, makes it difficult for the baby to flex
and/or extend its hips and knees. If used improperly or pulled
overly tight by parent, this design impairs mobility which
increases risk of hip dysplasia. In addition, since the wrap
extends significantly below the baby's waist, it is not possible to
change a diaper without removing the wrap.
[0006] Furthermore, prior art designs do not include integrated
sleeves in combination with a wrap or mechanism to restrain baby's
arms. In addition, many babies prefer to sleep with one or both of
their arms above their head and unrestrained, and prior art designs
do not provide any functionality to suppress or partially suppress
the Moro reflex when the arm out of the wrap. Thus, typical prior
art designs fail to address this need by providing an option for
the baby to sleep with one or more arms in sleeves and outside of
the wrap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B are line drawings showing front and rear
views of a swaddling device according to a first embodiment, where
its cuffs are in an open position.
[0008] FIGS. 2A and 2B are line drawings showing front and rear
views of the swaddling device according to the first embodiment,
where its cuffs are in a closed position.
[0009] FIGS. 3A and 3B are line drawings showing front and rear
views of a swaddling device according to a second embodiment, where
its cuffs are in an open position.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a line drawing showing a front view of a swaddling
device according to a third embodiment, which does not have
foldover mitten cuffs.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a line drawing showing a baby in an example
embodiment of the swaddling device.
[0012] FIGS. 6A-6C are images showing views of an example
embodiment of the swaddling device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Embodiments described herein provide a swaddling device,
sometimes referred to as a Swaddle Sack with Adjustable Wrap
("SSAW"). The SSAW is an innovative swaddle pod, wearable blanket,
sleeping sack for a baby. The SSAW includes an attached adjustable
wrap that is operable to swaddle the baby. Some embodiments of the
SSAW also include uniquely modified and shaped sleeves with
foldover mitten cuffs to allow the baby to have full access to
hands to self-soothe, and the design supports multiple natural arm
position options for baby.
[0014] The SSAW innovative design provides a number of benefits of
safety and ease of use for the caregiver. The SSAW provides several
different options for its use. In a first configuration, the baby
can be swaddled with both arms on its chest or on baby's center
line, either with hands down or up, close to the face. Having the
hands near its face allows the baby to self-soothe as described
further below. In a second configuration, the baby can be swaddled
with one arm outside the wrap. Wrapping the baby in this manner
provides the swaddling benefit with partial suppression of the Moro
reflex for the arm outside of the wrap accomplished by the sleeve
and cuff design. In the third configuration, the baby can be
swaddled with both arms outside the wrap. Wrapping the baby in this
manner provides the swaddling benefit of pressure on the torso of
the baby and with partial suppression of the Moro reflex for the
arms outside the wrap accomplished by the sleeve and cuff design,
while also providing a safety benefit, by giving the baby increased
mobility in case the baby rolls over on its stomach.
[0015] The SSAW includes a swaddling wrap with hook-and-loop
fasteners to allow the caregiver to easily swaddle baby's arms
close to baby's body. For many newborn babies from 0 to 3 months,
research has shown that allowing baby to self-soothe by allowing
access to his or her hands when arms are snugly swaddled can reduce
awakenings caused by the Moro reflex. For some newborn babies,
access to his or her hands may lead to baby scratching his or her
face which causes distress for parents and baby, and for babies
with a propensity to scratch, the parent will have the option close
the foldover cuff to prevent scratching and allow baby to suck on
hands through the cotton fabric.
[0016] The SSAW wrap is relatively narrow compared to prior art
swaddles, which typically extend below the baby's hips or even
knees. The narrow wrap of the SSAW provides a number of benefits.
The narrow wrap provides room for baby's hips and knees in the up
and out position (flexed and abducted) and provide range of motion
for baby's legs as recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia
Institute. In addition, the narrow wrap allows access for diaper
changing without the need to remove the wrap.
[0017] Some embodiments of the SSAW include foldover mitten cuffs,
an important innovation that allows the caregiver two options for
providing baby access to his or her hands. In a first option, the
SSAW allows the baby to have skin-to-skin (hand to mouth, hand to
hand, hand to face) access to his or her hands via the foldover
mitten cuffs in the open position. In a second option, the SSAW
allows the hand opening to be closed via the foldover mitten cuff
should the caregiver choose to do so, and baby can still bring
hands to face for self-comfort.
[0018] The SSAW foldover mitten cuff feature is innovative and
important because other available swaddling pod designs do not
allow baby to have skin-to-skin access to his or her hands. As
discussed above, prior art swaddling pods do not allow for
skin-to-skin contact with baby's hands. In contrast, in the open
cuff position, the SSAW provides ample opportunity for baby to
access and experience skin-to-skin contact with his or her
hands.
[0019] This SSAW design is innovative and allows for supporting
baby in a natural position with access to hands. It is very
important for baby to be able to self-soothe and suck on his or her
hands to communicate to caregiver that baby is hungry and ready to
feed. Sucking vigorously on hands is a sign of hunger and the first
baby cue. Crying is a late sign of hunger. Infant researchers and
infant specialists believe the first communication between baby and
caregiver is important, so the caregiver can respond appropriately
and feed baby on this cue. This early act of cue met by feeding
establishes trust, the foundation of healthy relationships.
Lactation specialists believe this baby cue is important for
breastfeeding mothers to help establish breastfeeding, milk let
down and supply, and baby led feeding routines. Sucking on hands
also helps the maturation of the infant's gastrointestinal tract,
maturation of hand control, and also provides comfort to the baby.
Sucking is the most organizing behavior to the baby, and helps with
sleep/wake control. Additionally, babies have many nerve endings on
their hands and around their mouth by which they learn, comfort,
and communicate.
[0020] Prior swaddling pod designs allowed baby to suck on hands by
sucking through the fabric, but baby care and lactation experts
agree that it is important for baby to have direct skin-to-skin
access to hands without a layer of fabric. In addition, given the
risk that detergent and chemicals may be in the fabric after
washing, it is safer and preferred for the baby to not suck on the
fabric, which will minimize exposure and risk related to detergent
and chemicals in the fabric.
[0021] The SSAW is designed to support baby with swaddle-like
support to suppress the Moro Reflex and allow baby to sleep on his
or her back in a natural supported position with multiple arm
position options and enjoy the benefits of swaddling which include
baby sleeps longer with fewer awakenings due to the Moro or startle
reflex. The design is optimized for baby's lower-region,
mid-region, and upper-region as described below.
[0022] In the lower-region (hips and legs), the SSAW is not tight
around hips and legs, and allows hips and knees to flex, and
provides ample room to move its legs. In the mid-region (torso),
the Swaddle Sack with Adjustable Wings is relatively snug to
provide support around the mid-section, and tummy, which helps baby
to feel secure.
[0023] In the upper-region (chest, arms and hands), the SSAW is
snug, but not overly tight, restrains movements related to the Moro
Reflex with the attached wrap. The SSAW with uniquely shaped
sleeves allows for multiple arm positions combined with multiple
configurations for the foldover cuffs (when they are present in a
particular embodiment), including: (1) both arms flexed and placed
at mid-line with both hands uncovered by the open foldover cuffs
and available to baby for skin-to-skin sucking for baby cues and to
self-soothe; (2) both arms flexed and placed at mid-line with one
hand covered by the foldover cuff and one hand uncovered and
available to baby for skin-to-skin sucking for baby cues and to
self-soothe; (3) both arms flexed and placed at midline with both
hands covered, but within reach of mouth for self-soothing; (4) one
arm extended above shoulder with hand covered or uncovered and one
arm at midline with hand covered or uncovered; (5) both arms
extended over shoulders with hands covered or uncovered.
[0024] In some embodiments, important benefits flow from the
combination of the herein-described foldover cuffs, sleeve design,
and narrow wrap. In particular, when the cuffs are closed, the baby
cannot easily use its hands to get under the bottom edge of the
wrap and pull the wrap up to its neck and face region, which can
lead to unsafe conditions. Thus, the cuff and sleeve design work in
conjunction with the narrow wrap to yield safety benefits and
benefits including improved access for diaper changes and increased
mobility of the hips and knees.
[0025] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B are line drawings showing various
views and configurations of a swaddling device 100 according to a
first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the swaddling device 100
includes a sack portion 101 having a neck opening 102, a first
sleeve 104a, a second sleeve 104b, a wrap 110, and a 2-way zipper
108 to allow ingress and egress for a baby. In other embodiments,
snaps or other fasteners may be used instead of the zipper 108.
[0026] The wrap 110 is configured to securely swaddle the baby. The
wrap 110 is typically at least as long as the maximum circumference
of the sack portion of the device 110. The wrap 110 includes a
first loop fastener portion 112, two hook fastener portions 114,
and a second loop fastener portion 116 on the rear of the wrap
(visible in FIG. 1B). The two hook fasteners 114 can be removably
attached either to the first loop fastener portion 112 prior to
laundry or to the second loop fastener portion 116 when the baby is
swaddled in the wrap 110. As can be seen in the rear view (FIG. 1B)
of device 100, the wrap 110 is formed from a panel of fabric with
the attached loop fastener portion 116. In this example, the
portion 116 is substantially rectangular with rounded corners. In
other embodiments, additional or different shaped portions may be
employed, such as ovals, circles, or the like.
[0027] As noted, the wrap 110 is uniquely dimensioned to provide
specific benefits to the baby and caregiver. As shown in the rear
view of FIG. 1B, the wrap 110 extends along a first axis 120 that
is perpendicular to a second axis 122 that runs from the neck
opening to the bottom of the sack. The length of the wrap is
measured along the first axis 120, and is longer than the
circumference of the sack portion of the device. In some
embodiments, the wrap is at least 1.5 times the circumference of
the sack, so that there is sufficient fabric to secure the baby and
attach the hook and loop fasteners.
[0028] As discussed above, the wrap 110 is relatively narrow
compared to prior art designs. In addition, the wrap is relatively
"short" in that it does not extend far below the mid-section of the
device 100. In some embodiments, the wrap 110 does not extend
beyond the top of the baby's hips. As seen in FIG. 2A, the wrap 110
has a bottom edge 130 that is a maximum distance below the
narrowest portion of the sack, as measured between reference lines
134 and 132. In addition, as seen in FIG. 2B, the wrap 110 has a
top edge 140 that is below the neck opening as shown with respect
to reference line 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the top edge
140 is about an inch below the neck opening. In different
embodiments, the wrap has a maximum width (measured between the top
edge 140 and bottom edge 130) that is of one of: 10, 11, 12, and 13
inches.
[0029] Some embodiments employ a unique combination of fasteners to
attach the wrap 110 to the sack portion of the device 100. As seen
in the front view of FIG. 2A, the wrap 110 is attached to a front
panel of the sack via two attachments 138a and 138b. The
attachments 138 include multiple stitches to reinforce a connection
between the wrap 110 and the front panel of the device 100. In this
embodiment, the attachments 138 are placed about 1 inch from the
side seams (not visible) which join the front and rear panels of
the sack. The attachments 138 function to stop the baby from
pulling up on the wrap 110 and possibly maneuvering the wrap up to
its neck and face region, thereby reducing the risk of impairing
access to fresh air and reducing risk of suffocation. Research has
shown that impairing access to fresh air will lead to rebreathing
and increases risk of SIDS. Additional attachments may be used. For
example, in the rear view of FIG. 2B, the wrap 110 is attached to
the rear panel of the sack via a center stitch line 152 and
attachments 150a-c.
[0030] Some embodiments of the device 100 include foldover mitten
cuffs. As seen in FIG. 1A, each sleeve 104 includes a corresponding
foldover mitten cuff 106 ("foldover cuff" or "cuff"). Each foldover
cuff 106 is selectively openable by a caregiver. FIGS. 1A and 1B
respectively show front and rear views of the device 100, with the
cuffs 106 in the open position. In this position, the cuff 106
allows baby, when the arms are not swaddled by the wrap 110, to
extend a hand through the sleeve opening, thereby allowing baby to
give baby cues and self-soothe by sucking on his or her
hand(s).
[0031] Each cuff 106 is dimensioned so that when it is in the
closed position, it is extremely difficult if not impossible for
the baby to open the cuff 106. As shown in FIG. 1A, each cuff 106
has a length that can be measured along a longitudinal axis of the
corresponding sleeve. The cuff length is sufficiently long such
that, when the cuff is closed, it forms a deep "pocket" that cannot
easily be reversed by force applied to the end of the cuff by
extension of the baby's hand/arm. The deep pocket further prevents
the baby from wriggling its hand through the layers of material in
the closed cuff 106. In some embodiments, each cuff 106 has a
length of at least 2.5 and preferably 2.75 inches.
[0032] The sleeves of the device 100 are also dimensioned to keep
the baby's hands closer to the baby's head and body. As can be seen
in FIG. 1A, the length of each sleeve, measured from the shoulder
of the device 100 to the end of the sleeve 104, is relatively short
in comparison to the arm length of a typical baby. In some
embodiments, the sleeves are between 3.0 and 4.0 inches in length.
The short sleeve length (along with other features discussed
herein) allows the device 100 to provide partial suppression of the
Moro reflex when baby's arm or arms are outside of the wrap. The
sleeves provide some constraint for the baby's arms, but not as
much as would be provided by a swaddling blanket or a swaddling
device which serves to lock down the baby's arms.
[0033] The sleeves extend upwards in a Y-shaped configuration with
the distal ends above the shoulder line of the swaddling device
100. As noted above, the shorter than standard sleeves with mitten
cuffs closed and provide resistance to prevent full extension. The
sleeve shape is contoured to follow the arm position of a baby
sleeping in a natural position with hands above its head. The
sleeves each allow sufficient room for baby's arms and hands to be
contained in the sleeve portion, thereby allowing baby to sleep in
multiple natural positions including hands on chest, hands in-line
with the shoulders with elbows by side of body, arms reaching above
shoulders in the touchdown position. The sleeves allow for limited
movement, and provide partial suppression of arm movements related
to the Moro Reflex.
[0034] FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show front and rear views of
the device 100, with the cuffs 106 in the closed position. When the
cuff 106 is in the closed position, it contains baby's hands in the
sack to prevent the baby from extending his or her hands out of the
sack for caregivers who are concerned with facial scratching. Note
that in this and other embodiments, the foldover cuffs may be
configured so that they are in the closed position when folded from
front to back (as shown) or so that they are in the closed position
when they are folded from back to front.
[0035] The swaddling device 100 is designed to support baby with
swaddle-like support to suppress the Moro Reflex and allow baby to
sleep on his or her back in a natural supported position with
multiple arm position options, and enjoy the benefits of swaddling
which include baby sleeps longer with fewer awakenings due to the
Moro or startle reflex.
[0036] The swaddling device 100 includes three distinct sections or
regions, each of which is optimized to provide one or more
important functions or supports for the baby. In the bottom section
(hips and legs), the device 100 is not tight around hips and legs,
and allows hips and knees to flex, and provides ample room to move
legs. In the middle section (torso), the device 100 is relatively
snug to provide support around the mid-section, and tummy, which
helps baby to feel secure. In the top section (chest, arms and
hands), the device 100 is snug, but not overly tight, partially
suppressing movements related to the Moro Reflex and allows for
multiple arm position options for baby to sleep in a natural and
comfortable position. Arm position options include: arms flexed and
hands placed at mid-line inside the sack; arms-up and hands in-line
with shoulders and inside the sack; arms-up and hands above the
shoulders inside the sack; or arms-up and hands outside the sack
and available to baby for skin-to-skin sucking for baby cues and to
self-soothe.
[0037] FIGS. 3A and 3B show front and rear views of a second
embodiment of a swaddling device 200 according to a second
embodiment. The device 200 differs from the device 100 of the first
embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) in that the wrap 110 of device 200 is
longer and does not include any fasteners. Note that the wrap 110
shown here also includes fasteners to the front side of the device
100, to inhibit upward motion of the wrap 110.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a
swaddling device 300. The device 300 differs from the device 100 of
the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2) in that the device 300 does
not include foldover mitten cuffs. While three embodiments have
been shown and described above, the various features may be
combined differently in other embodiments. For example, another
embodiment may include a long wrap with fasteners and without
foldover cuffs.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a line drawing showing a baby 502 within a
swaddling device 500 according to an example embodiment. Note that
the baby's left hand is exposed, while its right hand is securely
contained by the wrap within the openable sleeve.
[0040] FIG. 5 also illustrates the relative dimensions of the top,
middle, and bottom sections with respect to the size of the baby's
body. In the top section, the sleeves and chest of the device 600
(not shown under the wrap) are relatively tight, so as to reduce
and suppress upper body movements associated with the Moro Reflex.
In the middle section, the device 600 is relatively snug about the
baby's stomach region. The snugness in this region helps baby feel
secure. In the bottom section, the device 600 is sufficiently
spacious so as to allow baby's hips and knees to flex, while
reducing and partially suppressing lower body movements associated
with the Moro Reflex.
[0041] The top, middle, and bottom sections of the swaddling device
are dimensioned to sizes that have been determined by the inventors
to provide the advantages described above, including suppression of
the Moro Reflex, hip health, and the like. In some embodiments, the
middle section of the swaddling device has a circumference in the
range 13-17 inches, where the circumference varies depending on
whether the device is constructed for a preemie, newborn, or older
baby size. The circumference of the middle section is designed to
be 5-10% less than the circumference of the baby's stomach. The
smaller circumference, coupled with the use of stretchy fabric
construction, provides moderate constant pressure on the stomach of
the baby.
[0042] In contrast to the dimensions of the middle section, the
maximum circumference of the bulb-shaped bottom section may be in
the range 21-26 inches. In relative terms, the maximum
circumference of the bottom section is at least 40% larger than the
average circumference of the middle section. In typical
embodiments, the maximum circumference of the bottom section is
about 50% larger than the average circumference of the middle
section. In some embodiments, the middle section is substantially
cylindrical in shape, in that its circumference does not vary by
more than 10% throughout. In other embodiments, as seen for example
in FIG. 1A, the middle section has a narrower waist than its top
and bottom ends.
[0043] FIGS. 6A-6C are images showing multiple views of an example
swaddling device 600. FIG. 6A shows the device 600 without baby.
The device 600 has foldover cuffs in the open position. FIG. 6B
shows the device 600 with a baby swaddled by the wrap. Note that
the baby's right hand is exposed via the open foldover cuff. FIG.
6C shows the device with a baby swaddled by the wrap, but with both
arms and hands enclosed by the wrap. FIG. 6C illustrates the access
provided by the narrow wrap configuration, which allows a caregiver
to access the diaper and legs of the baby without removing the
wrap.
[0044] Embodiments shown and described herein may be manufactured
largely from a front and rear fabric panel, sewn together along the
respective perimeters of the panels. The fabric panels are made
from a soft and stretchy cotton or substantially cotton-based
fabric. In some cases, the fabric may include a synthetic elastic
fiber, such as elastane. Various blends of cotton, synthetic,
semi-synthetic, and/or elastic fiber may be employed.
[0045] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, as noted above, many changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the scope of the invention is not limited by the above
disclosure.
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