Infant simulation system for pregnancy deterrence and child care training

Abstract

An infant care simulation system for use in teaching individuals the realities, responsibilities and constraints inherent in caring for young babies. The system also demonstrates the special problems of drug-dependent babies. Basically the system includes a doll having the shape and weight of a young baby and accessories of the sort used with such a baby. The doll and accessories are assigned to an individual for an extended period such as several days. A sound system and electronic circuitry are included within the doll to generate sounds simulating a baby crying at selected intervals for selected time periods. A spring loaded key or other manual switch is provided so that the individual can turn off the crying sound by holding the key in an off position. Preferably the key is secured to the assigned individual in a way preventing it being given to another person. Indicators showing rough handling, improper positioning of the doll, periods before a response is made to a crying signal, etc. are provided. Mechanisms demonstrating the characteristics of a drug-dependent baby are included. The overall system also includes accessories, such as car seats, strollers and diaper bags that are to be taken everywhere with the doll.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates in general to devices and methods for teaching early parenthood responsibilities and, in particular, to an infant simulator system useful in programs for teaching teen age persons the realities and rigors of early parenthood.Teen age pregnancy and single parent infant rearing are increasing problems. Teen age parents surveyed give such reasons for becoming pregnant as "babies are so cute", "I wanted attention", "I needed someone to love and love me back". Romantic feelings toward having a baby of one's own almost never include an understanding of the burdens of caring for a baby, the loss of sleep, loss of freedom, etc. Attempts in school parenting and life experience classes are rarely successful in convincing students that baby care is a full time, very restricting, occupation.Some schools have attempted to demonstrate the care needs of a baby by having students carry a sack of flour, an egg or a plant wherever they go. While somew...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

An individual is assigned the doll for a selected period, e.g., 2-4 days. The person will take the doll and certain accessories wherever he or she goes and will keep the doll near his or her bed at night. Preferably, where a key is used, the key is secured to a bracelet around the assigned individual's wrist which can only be removed by destroying the bracelet, so that the assigned individual cannot have someone else operate the key. Thus, the crying sound may begin at any time, at night, in a classroom, at the mall, etc. The individual will have to stop other activities (and wake up, if at night) and attend to the doll for the crying period of time. This, plus a requirement that a stroller, car seat, diaper bag, etc. be taken along with the doll wherever the individual goes will show the individual at least some of the responsibility and inconvenience of caring for an actual baby. This should cause the person to think over the responsibilities and serious impact on their lifestyle inherent in having a baby.

Gentle handling includes protecting the doll from loud noises such as loud music and shouting. A sound sensitive switch may be used which will momentarily activate when the doll is exposed to a loud noise. As with rough handling, this switch will initiate crying, which can be stopped by "comforting" or feeding the doll.

Problems solved by technology

Preferably, where a key is used, the key is secured to a bracelet around the assigned individual's wrist which can only be removed by destroying the bracelet, so that the assigned individual cannot have someone else operate the key.