Portable infant bed

Abstract

A portable bed for a newborn infant made up of a rectangular flat support surface which holds a firm infant mattress pad, the surface having a rigid headboard perpendicularly attached at one end, and rigid perpendicular partial side walls attached to both the support surface and to the headboard. A hinge is provided about midway along the longitudinal length of the support surface allowing the unit to be closed against itself to facilitate easy transport. A soft fabric cover is provided to cover the surface, headboard and side walls. A firm waterproof mattress pad having the same dimensions as the support surface is also provided. A pair of handles may also be provided at either end of the support surface for carrying the unit when folded together.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to sleeping structures for human infants, and more specifically to a new portable infant bed having an integral headboard and partial sidewalls that may be placed on any flat surface, particularly on an adult bed next to the parent(s) of the infant.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]It is well known that newborn human infants require a great deal of sleep. The most common sleeping place for newborns and small infants during the first few months of life is in a bassinet. Then, as the infant grows, it eventually becomes too large for the bassinet and is typically moved to a crib.[0005]Most newborn infants are unable to raise their heads for a number of days or weeks after birth, and most are unable to roll themselves over for several weeks or months. Because of the limited mobility of most newborns, the bassinet where they sleep is typically provided with a firm and flat mattress pad ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention makes it possible to allow an infant to sleep in the same bed as the parent by providing a rectangular flat support surface for holding a firm infant mattress pad, the surface having a rigid headboard perpendicularly attached at one end thereof and rigid perpendicular partial side walls attached to both the support surface and to the headboard. A manufactured or fabric hinge is provided midway down the longitudinal length of the support surface allowing said surface to be closed against itself to facilitate easy transport. The support surface, headboard and side walls may all be integrated into a single unit. Alternatively, the headboard and side walls may be removably attached to the support surface so that the unit takes up less space during storage or transport. A soft fabric cover is provided to cover the surface, headboard and side walls. A firm waterproof mattress pad having the same dimensions as the support surface is also provided. An envelope sheet for the mattress may be provided which completely encloses the mattress like a pillow sham. A pair of handles may also be provided at either end of the support surface for carrying the unit when folded together. The fabric cover may be quilted and flame retardant.

[0009]The rigid headboard and side walls prevent the infant from exiting the bed, prevent the adults from rolling over onto the infant while they are sleeping, and protect the infant from the suffocation dangers posed by adult pillows. The placement of the unit also lifts the infant above the level of the adult bodies and potentially hazardous sheets, blankets and bedding. The partial side walls allow the adults to reach into the bed from the foot region allowing access to the infant without going over the walls. The envelope sheet for the mattress helps prevent suffocation.

[0010]The present invention allows an infant to sleep with the adults in the adult bed. It also provides a place for the infant to nap on an adult bed during the day. In day use situations, the unit may be placed between pillows on the adult bed, with the open end of the unit placed against the headboard of the adult bed to arrest backward movement of the infant. The present invention is portable, and is especially useful while traveling (in hotels, airports, while visiting friends or relatives, day care, at the park, etc.) to provide a familiar place for the infant to sleep. The unit can be moved from room to room so that the parents can keep the baby near them in the house during the day.

Problems solved by technology

The placement of the unit also lifts the infant above the level of the adult bodies and potentially hazardous sheets, blankets and bedding.

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