Infant sleep positioner

Abstract

A sleep positioner comprises a body region having a top surface forming loop fasteners and first and second support cushions each having a flat bottom surface having at least one hook fastener. The support cushions are removably positionable on the top surface of the body region to form a space therebetween to receive and maintain an infant in a supine position. A support pillow extends from at least a portion of the body region and includes a cushion member having a support region, to support at least a portion of the head of the infant, at least partially surrounding a pressure relief region. The pressure relief region is configured to receive at least a portion of the back side of the head such that pressure applied to the back side of the head is reduced when lying in the supine position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Medical advice now suggests that infants should be placed on their backs or side when sleeping in order to reduce the number of incidents of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or “crib death” as it is commonly known. Even though parents place their babies on their backs, active babies can sometimes roll themselves over onto their stomachs. As this can increase the risk of SIDS, parents can experience a great deal of anxiety when finding their infants lying on their stomachs. [0002] A variety of sleep positioners have been developed to help maintain infants in the supine position. However, using these sleep positioners can sometimes lead to a situation where the back of the baby's head becomes flattened. Although probably not a medical condition, “flat head” syndrome may cause concern to some parents. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Infant sleep positioners and methods for maintaining an infant in a supine position are disclosed. In one embodiment,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The support cushions are removably positionable on the top surface of the body region to form a space therebetween to receive and maintain the infant in the supine position. The support pillow extends from at least a portion of the body region and supports the head of the infant when in the supine position. The support pillow includes a cushion member having a support region, configured to support at least a portion of the head of the infant, at least partially surrounding a pressure relief region. The pressure relief region is configured to receive at least a portion of the back side of the head such that pressure applied to the back side of the head is reduced when lying in the supine position.

[0009] The body region may have an outer periphery having a rectangular geometry. It may comprise a quilted material. The material may have properties to enhance the infant's comfort. By way of example, the material may be scented. As a second example, the material may be a temperature regulating material. Additionally, a bottom surface of the body region may be a waterproof material, such as vinyl.

Problems solved by technology

As this can increase the risk of SIDS, parents can experience a great deal of anxiety when finding their infants lying on their stomachs.

However, using these sleep positioners can sometimes lead to a situation where the back of the baby's head becomes flattened.

Although probably not a medical condition, “flat head” syndrome may cause concern to some parents.

Images