Baby sleeping cushion and method of use thereof

Abstract

A baby sleeping cushion and method of use thereof, wherein the cushion is wedge-shaped and comprises two principal layers, a top layer and a bottom layer. The bottom high-density foam provides a firm backing or support and the selected elevation from head end to foot end. The viscoelastic or visio memory foam top layer molds to the body form of a baby, retarding lateral movement of the baby, and preventing the baby from rolling from side-to-side. In addition to the two-layer wedge-shaped cushion, a separate cushioning device, generally hemispherical in shape, is removably secured to the wedge-shaped cushion, and supports the baby's legs and buttocks; thereby preventing movement of the baby in response to the inclined slope of the wedge-shaped cushion. An additional embodiment provides a support pillow to restrain the baby's head from movement removably-secured to the wedge-shaped cushion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to bedding, and more specifically to a baby sleeping cushion and method of use thereof, wherein the sleeping cushion provides a wedge-shaped support for a baby, and further provides leg support portion to prevent slipping of the baby from the cushion. The wedge shaped support and leg support portion are formed from a resilient foam material so as to comfortably contour to the baby's body form. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Sleeping babies are often subject to potentially hazardous conditions, such as rolling over and suffocating, dying for unexplained reasons (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or ‘SIDS’), and / or fluids draining into the baby's head thereby causing reflux or congestion therein. [0003] SIDS describes the sudden death of an infant usually during sleep. Although, there is no explanation for SIDS-related death, it has been found that babies who sleep on their stomachs are more likely to die of SIDS than those...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to elevate a resting or sleeping baby's head at a selected angle so as to prevent and / or reduce the occurrence of congestion, SIDS, reflux, and / or other fatal or hazardous health conditions.

[0016] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to conform to any infant's body.

[0017] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be easily cleaned.

[0018] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to prevent an infant from rolling out of its sleeping position.

[0019] Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is that its component parts can be separated for cleaning, transport and / or storage.

[0020] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to restrain movement of a baby's head and body, thereby preventing suffocation otherwise resulting from the baby turning over and facing into its mattress while sleeping.

Problems solved by technology

Sleeping babies are often subject to potentially hazardous conditions, such as rolling over and suffocating, dying for unexplained reasons (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or ‘SIDS’), and / or fluids draining into the baby's head thereby causing reflux or congestion therein.

That is, it has been suggested that a possible cause of SIDS is excessive carbon dioxide intake caused by congestion and / or by re-breathing carbon dioxide laden air trapped in the bedding into which the baby is facing when lying on its stomach.

If the baby's nervous system does not detect the high level of carbon dioxide, and thus, fail to timely awaken the baby, the baby may succumb to the excess carbon dioxide and die.

Although infant sleeping apparatuses are available, such apparatuses typically do not provide adequate elevation of the baby's head and feet, do not provide for the comfort of the baby, do not prevent the baby from rolling onto its stomach, and / or do not prevent the baby from slipping off of the apparatus.

However, the device of Weber '351 does not provide a suitable surface for a sleeping baby to be restrained from slipping down or rolling to the sides thereof, nor does it provide independent support for the baby's legs, buttocks, and head.

However, the device of Weber '098 does not include a means for independently supporting the legs and buttocks of the baby, or a support for a baby's head, and is designed for use in the presence of a caregiver or nursing mother.

However, the device of Lowe '151 does not provide a means for preventing slippage of the baby toward the bars of the crib, or between them, and does not provide independent support for the baby's legs, buttocks, and head.

'881 only supports a portion of the baby and also lacks a means for independent support of the baby's legs, buttocks, and head.

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