Infant sleep pod

Abstract

An infant sleep pod for maintaining an infant's orientation relative to a sleeping surface includes a pouch portion for receiving an infant having a front and a back and left and right sides, and sleeves or arm holes on said left and right sides; a pair of connection points on the pouch portion on said left and right sides, each at a location cephalic to, i.e. above, an armpit location defined by the sleeves or arm holes; and a retaining section including a strap and being detachably connected to said connection points wherein, in use, when the strap is miming along a left / right direction and the retaining section is secured with respect to the sleeping surface by passing around or encircling the sleeping surface, the orientation of the pouch portion is substantially fixed relative to the sleeping surface, such that the front of the pouch portion may not face the sleeping surface, whereby the sleeves or arm holes retain an infant in the pouch portion such that the infant is inhibited from turning within the pouch portion such that the infant faces the back of the pouch portion.

Description

[0001]This invention relates to a sleep pod for an infant, a strap for use with the sleep pod and a kit including the sleep pod and strap. More particularly, the invention relates to a sleep pod, strap and kit for reducing the risk of cot death.BACKGROUND[0002]Cot death, also known as sudden infant death syndrome, describes the sudden and unexplained death of an infant. The risk of cot death is greatest during the first six months after birth, but is present for up to two years and occasionally after this. No single cause of cot death has been identified, but experts recommend a number of measures to reduce the risk of cot death occurring. These measures include placing the infant on their back to sleep and keeping the baby's head uncovered during sleep. According to AIMS (Association for Improvements in Maternity Services) journal (2003) there was a 40% reduction in cot death in the Netherlands following the introduction of the ‘back to sleep’ campaign to encourage placing babies s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent aims to prevent pressure or tension from being applied to an infant in a pouch when using a retaining section. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for the infant during use of the retaining section.

Problems solved by technology

At around 5-6 months it is common for babies to be able to roll on their fronts at night, increasing the risk of cot death, even when the baby has initially been placed on their back.

As babies become more mobile they may place their arms and legs in the spaces between the cot bars, which can lead to injury.

This can lead to strain on the back of the person moving the baby, leading to possible back pain or damage to the back.

Furthermore, cots can take up a large amount of space and are a semi-permanent installation.

Cots are not generally portable, and even travel cots can be cumbersome.

Moreover, cots are relatively expensive.

A transitional period from cot to bed as an infant grows may cause distress in the infant due to the unfamiliar change in surroundings.

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