BABY SOOTHING ENHANCING SYSTEM

Abstract

A convertible soothing system is provided and includes a garment to be worn by both a caregiver and a plush figure, which garment is configured to absorb a scent of the caregiver, when worn by the caregiver, and transmit the scent of the caregiver to a baby when the garment is worm by the plush.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a garment, and more particularly to a convertible soothing system including a garment to be worn by both a caregiver and a plush figure, which garment is configured to absorb a scent of the caregiver, when worn by the caregiver, and transmit the scent of the caregiver to a baby when the garment is worn by the plush figure.

BACKGROUND

Science supports the use of a scent, odor, and/or pheromones of a caregiver to soothe a baby. The soothing effect has been shown to reduce fear, decrease anxiety, and enhance feeding by increasing mouthing motions when the baby is separated from the caregiver. Garments and/or plush items for scent absorption have been used to provide this soothing effect to babies for many years. Such garments are typically characterized as “swaddle blankets,” which are held by the caregiver for scent absorption and later given to the baby during the caregiver's absence to provide the soothing effect.

A need exists for systems and devices which are more attractive to the baby and thus improve the ability of the baby to be soothed.

SUMMARY

The Soothie Sleeve™ (Trademark owned by Mini Ducklings, Inc., Glenview, IL), of the present disclosure, is an improved, convertible soothing system designed to absorb a scent of a caregiver and further be worn by a plush figure to enhance a soothing effect for a baby. The convertible soothing system contains a scent-absorbing garment to maximize enhancement of the soothing effect in the caregiver's absence. The unique design of the convertible soothing system offers multiple, versatile use modes with varying garment types in comparison to traditional swaddle blankets. The use modes of the convertible soothing system include interchangeable sleeves, which are discreet and may be hidden under the caregiver's sleeves or suit during a period of scent absorption. Therefore, the Soothie Sleeve™ provides an easy, comfortable option for the caregiver, which may be worn at any time of day in any setting.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a convertible soothing system for soothing a baby is described. The convertible soothing system includes a plush figure and a garment. The garment is configured for use with the plush figure and for wearing by the caregiver. The garment includes a body portion having a substantially tubular configuration and a plurality of openings thereof. The plurality of openings are configured to receive the plush figure or an appendage of the caregiver. The plurality of openings include a neck opening, a bottom opening, and arm openings. The neck opening is formed in the body portion at a first end thereof and configured to receive a head of the plush figure or the appendage of the caregiver. The bottom opening is formed in the body portion at second end thereof and configured to receive the appendage of the caregiver. The arm openings are formed in the body portion at locations proximate the neck opening and configured to receive arms of the plush figure.

The garment contains a fabric capable of absorbing a scent of the caregiver and further includes a first use mode and a second use mode. In the first use mode, the garment is worn by the caregiver, such that the appendage of the caregiver extends through the neck opening of the garment and the bottom opening of the garment, and such that the garment absorbs the scent of the caregiver. In the second use mode, the garment is worn by the plush figure, such that a head of the plush figure extends through the neck opening of the garment and arms of the plush figure extend through the arm openings of the garment, such that the baby receives a soothing effect.

The convertible soothing system may further an attachment mechanism configured to secure the garment to the plush figure.

The attachment mechanism may be buttons, snaps, hook and loop pile fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, clasps, toggles, or ties.

The fabric of the garment may be cotton, wool, linen, chiffon, crepe, denim, lace, leather, satin, silk, velvet, or synthetic fabrics.

The garment may include a sensory patch configured to enhance a soothing effect for the baby.

The sensory patch may include an enhanced scent-absorbing fabric configured to absorb the scent of the caregiver.

The garment may be a shirt, sweater, polo shirt, vest, dress, jacket, or coat.

The openings of the garment may include an additional opening formed in the body portion at a location proximate the bottom opening.

The additional opening may be a tail opening configured to receive a tail of the plush figure during the second use mode.

The additional opening may be leg openings configured to receive legs of the plush figure during the second use mode.

The garment may further be a swimsuit, bodysuit, onesie, skirt, skort, pants, trousers, jeans, or leggings.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, a method for using a convertible soothing system is disclosed. The method may include a first use mode and a second use mode. The first use mode may include converting a garment into a sleeve shape; inserting an appendage of a caregiver through a neck opening and a bottom opening of the sleeve-shaped garment; the caregiver wearing the sleeve-shaped garment on the appendage, causing the sleeve-shaped garment to absorb a scent of the caregiver; removing the sleeve-shaped garment after a period of time. The second use mode may include converting the garment into a plush-wearing shape; inserting the plush figure into the plush-wearing shaped garment, such that a head of the plush figure is received in the neck opening of the plush-wearing shaped garment and arms of the plush figure are received in arm openings of the plush-wearing shape garment; and providing the plush figure to a baby, causing the baby to receive a soothing effect.

The garment may include an attachment mechanism, and the method may include coupling elements of the attachment mechanism to convert the garment to the first use mode or the second use mode.

The attachment mechanism may be configured to be adjustable, and the method may include, when converting the garment, further securing portions of the garment to an appendage of the caregiver or the plush figure.

The garment may include an outer surface, an inner surface, and a sensory patch to enhance the soothing effect for the baby. The method may include, in the first use mode, locating the sensory patch on the inner surface of the sleeve-shaped garment, such that the sensory patch is located adjacent to a skin of the caregiver, on an interior of the sleeve-shaped garment. The method may further include, in the second use mode, locating the sensory patch on the outer surface of the plush-wearing shape garment, such that the sensory patch is located adjacent to the baby, on an exterior of the plush-wearing shape garment, to enable enhancing of the soothing effect.

The method may include, in the first use mode, the caregiver wearing the garment and the sensory patch for a variable period of time to increase or decrease a quantity of the scent of the caregiver that is absorbed.

The sensory patch may include a material different than the material of the garment. The method may include, in the second use mode, placing the sensory patch adjacent to the skin of the baby to further enhance the soothing effect.

The garment may include a tail opening, and the method may include, in the second use mode, inserting the plush figure into the plush-wearing shape garment, such that tail of the plush figure is received in the tail opening of the garment.

The garment may include leg openings and the method may include, in the second use mode, inserting the plush figure into the plush-wearing shape garment, such that legs of the plush figure are received in the leg openings of the garment.

In accordance with yet another aspect of this disclosure, convertible soothing system for soothing a baby is disclosed. The convertible soothing system includes a plush figure and a garment. The garment is configured for use with the plush figure and for wearing by a caregiver. The garment includes a body portion having a substantially tubular configuration. The garment further contains a fabric capable of absorbing a scent of the caregiver and includes a first use mode and a second use mode. In the first use mode, the garment is worn by the caregiver, such that the garment absorbs the scent of the caregiver. In the second use mode, the garment is worn by the plush figure, such that the baby receives the scent of the caregiver and a soothing effect.

The garment may be a scarf, shawl, poncho, cape, tie, belt, hat, cap, glove, mitten, or shoe.

The garment may include openings formed in the body portion thereof configured to receive the plush figure or an appendage of the caregiver. The openings may include a neck opening, a bottom opening, and arm openings. The neck openings may be formed in the body portion at a first end thereof, configured to receive a head of the plush figure or the appendage of the caregiver. The bottom opening may be formed in the body portion at a second end thereof, configured to receive the appendage of the caregiver. The arm openings may be formed in the body portion at a location proximate the neck opening, configured to receive arms of the plush figure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front view of the convertible soothing system shown in one use mode, in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the convertible soothing system shown in an alternative use mode, in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a garment of the convertible soothing system of FIGS. 1A-1B, in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the garment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the garment of FIGS. 2-3;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the garment of FIGS. 2-4;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an alternate garment of a convertible garment soothing system, shown in one use mode, in accordance with the disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the garment of the convertible garment soothing system shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure are described in detail below concerning the drawings, in which reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views.

As used herein, the term “about” means that the numerical value is approximate and small variations would not significantly affect the practice of the disclosed embodiments. Where a numerical limitation is used, unless indicated otherwise by the context, “about” means the numerical value can vary by ±20% and remain within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Further, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects and features detailed herein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects and features detailed herein.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, a convertible soothing system of the disclosure is shown generally as 10. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the convertible soothing system 10 includes a garment 100 having a body portion 110. The garment 100 is designed to receive an appendage “A” of a caregiver “C” or an appendage of a plush FIG. 200. The garment 100 includes a first use mode (FIG. 1B) and a second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7).

Body portion 110 is shown as having a tubular configuration (FIGS. 1A-5), however, other configurations are contemplated and within the scope of the disclosure. The body portion 110 generally includes a first end 110a, a second end 110b, a front side 120a, a back side 120b, an inner surface 122a, an outer surface 122b, and a plurality of openings including a neck opening 130, a bottom opening 140, arm openings 150a, 150b, leg openings 160a, 160b, and/or a tail opening 190 (FIGS. 6-7).

The garment 100 is constructed of fabric that is capable of absorbing a scent of the caregiver “C”. In aspects, the garment 100 may be derived from natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, or a combination thereof. For example, the garment 100 may contain natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, linen, chiffon, crepe, denim, lace, leather, satin, silk, velvet, and/or synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, spandex, olefin, neoprene, microfiber, and acetate.

The garment 100 is sized to accommodate both the appendage “A” of the caregiver “C” and the plush FIG. 200. The size of the garment 100 may vary based on dimensions of the caregiver “C” and the plush FIG. 200. For example, the garment 100 may be about 5″ to 7″ in length, and about 3″ to 6″ in width. In aspects, the garment 100 may contain a neck opening 130 formed in the first end 110a of the body portion 110 and a bottom opening 140 formed in the second end 110b of the body portion 110. The neck opening 130 and the bottom opening 140 are configured to receive the appendage “A” of the caregiver “C”, such that the garment 100 is worn by the caregiver “C” during the first use mode (FIG. 1B). The neck opening 130 is further configured to receive a head 220 of the plush FIG. 200, such that the garment 100 is worn by the plush FIG. 200 during the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7). The neck opening 130 and the bottom opening 140 may have different sizes or may be about equal in diameter, based on dimensions of the plush FIG. 200 and/or the intended caregiver. For example, the neck opening 130 may be about 2.5″ to 3.5″ in diameter, while the bottom opening 140 may be about 3″ to 3.5″ in diameter.

In aspects, the garment 100 may contain arm openings 150a, 150b formed in the body portion 110 at a location proximate the neck opening 130. The arm openings 150a, 150b are configured to receive arms 220a, 220b of the plush FIG. 200 during the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7). The arm openings 150a, 150b are generally equal in diameter and their size may vary based on dimensions of the plush FIG. 200. For example, the arm openings 150a, 150b may be about 2″ to 2.5″ in diameter. While FIGS. 2-5 show the arm openings 150a, 150b as a pair of openings, it is contemplated that the arm openings 150a, 150b may include a plurality of openings, which may accommodate additional appendages of the plush FIG. 200 or the caregiver “C.” In aspects, the arm openings 150a, 150b may be formed in sleeves (not shown) such that the arms 220a, 220b of the plush FIG. 200 are fully or partially covered. For example, the sleeves may be short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, or long sleeves. In aspects, the garment 100 may be a shirt, sweater, turtleneck, polo shirt, vest, dress, jacket, or coat.

In aspects, the garment 100 may contain the leg openings 160a, 160b formed in the body portion 110 at a location proximate the bottom opening 140. The leg openings 160a, 160b are configured to receive legs of the plush FIG. 200 during the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7). The leg openings 160a, 160b are generally equal in diameter and their size may vary based on dimensions of the plush figure. For example, the leg openings 160a, 160b may be about 1.5″ to 2.5″ in diameter. While FIGS. 2-5 show the leg openings 160a, 160b as a pair of openings, it is contemplated that the leg openings 160a, 160b may include a plurality of openings, which may accommodate additional appendages of the plush FIG. 200 or the caregiver “C.” The leg openings 160a, 160b may be formed in pants, such that the legs of the plush figure are fully or partially covered. For example, the pants may be shorts, capris, or long pants. In aspects, the garment 100 may be a swimsuit, bodysuit, onesie, skirt, skort, pants, trousers, jeans, or leggings.

With reference to FIGS. 6-7, the garment 100 may include, in place of or in addition to leg openings 160a, 160b, a tail opening 190 formed in the body portion 110. The tail opening 190 may be at a location towards the center of the body portion 100 and proximate the bottom opening 140. The tail opening 190 is configured to receive a tail 240 of the plush FIG. 200 during the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7). The size of the tail opening 190 may vary based on the dimensions of the plush FIG. 200. For example, the tail opening 190 may be about 0.5″ to 1.5″ in diameter. While FIG. 7 shows the tail opening 190 as one opening, it is contemplated that the tail opening 190 may include a plurality openings, which may accommodate additional appendages of the plush FIG. 200 or the caregiver “C.”

In aspects, the garment 100 may contain only the body portion 110 with only a top/neck opening and a bottom opening, such that the garment 100 is a solid, tubular shape. In aspects, the garment may be a scarf, shawl, poncho, cape, tie, belt, hat, cap, glove, mitten, hair wrap, headband, sock or shoe.

In aspects, the garment 100 may include an attachment mechanism 180 (see FIG. 3) configured to secure the garment 100 to the plush FIG. 200. The attachment mechanism 180 is configured to be adjustable, such that portions of the garment 100 are wearable by the caregiver “C” in the first use mode (FIG. 1B) or by the plush FIG. 200 in the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7). The attachment mechanism 180 may be located on the inner surface 122a of the back side 120b of the garment 100 for discrete placement and minimal contact with the baby, but may be located on any end, surface, and/or side of the garment 100. In aspects, the attachment mechanism 180 may include buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, clasps, toggles, and/or ties.

In aspects, the garment 100 may contain a sensory patch 170 for further enhancing the soothing effect. The sensory patch 170 may be affixed to the inner surface 122a in the first use mode (FIG. 1B) or the outer surface 122b in the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7). The sensory patch 170 may include a scent-absorbing fabric different than the material or fabric of the garment 100. The scent-absorbing material may be derived from natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, or a combination thereof. For example, the material may contain natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, linen, chiffon, crepe, denim, lace, leather, satin, silk, velvet, and/or synthetic fabrics such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, spandex, olefin, neoprene, microfiber, and acetate. The sensory patch 170 may be permanently or temporarily attached to the garment 100. In aspects, the sensory patch 170 is in the form of a pocket or placed within a pocket formed/provided on the garment 100.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the disclosure also relates to a method for using the garment 100 and the convertible soothing system 10. The method includes a first use mode (FIG. 1B), including converting the garment 100 into a sleeve shape, inserting the appendage “A” of the caregiver “C” through the neck opening 130 and the bottom opening 160 of the garment 100. In the first use mode, the caregiver “C” wears the garment 100, for a period of time, such that a scent of the caregiver “C” is absorbed into the garment 100. Thereafter, in the first use mode, the garment 100 may be removed, after a period of time. The method also includes a second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7), including, after the garment 100 is removed from the caregiver “C”, converting the garment 100 into a plush-wearing shape. Once the garment 100 is in the plush-wearing shape, the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7) includes inserting the plush FIG. 200 into the garment 100 such that the head 210 of the plush FIG. 200 is received in the neck opening 130 of the garment 100 and the arms 220a, 220b of the plush FIG. 200 are received in the arm openings 150a, 150b of the garment 100. Thereafter, in the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7), the plush FIG. 200 is provided to the baby to receive the soothing effect from the garment 100.

In aspects disclosed above, the garment 100 may include the leg openings 160a, 160b. In aspects, the method further includes, in the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7), inserting the plush FIG. 200 into the garment 100 such that the legs 230a, 230b of the plush FIG. 200 are received in the leg openings 160a, 160b of the garment 100.

In aspects disclosed above, the garment 100 may include the attachment mechanism 180. The method may then further include coupling elements of the attachment mechanism 180 so as to convert the garment 100 to either the first use mode (FIG. 1B) or the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7). In aspects, coupling the elements of the attachment mechanism 180 may include closing a zipper, inserting a button, joining a pair of clasps, or connecting a pair of hook and eye fasteners.

In aspects disclosed above, the garment 100 may include the sensory patch 170. The method may further include, in the first use mode (FIG. 1B), the caregiver “C” wearing the garment 100 and the sensory patch 170 for a variable period of time to increase or decrease the quantity of the scent of the caregiver “C” that is absorbed. The method may further include, in the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7), placing the sensory patch 170 adjacent to the skin of the baby to further enhance the soothing effect. In aspects, the first use mode may include removing the sensory patch from within a pocket as to place the sensory patch adjacent to the skin of a caregiver “C”. In further aspects, the second use mode (FIG. 1A, FIGS. 6-7) may include inserting the sensory patch into the pocket so as to place it adjacent to the surface of the plush FIG. 200 and the baby.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the aspects described by this disclosure. Therefore, the description, disclosures, and figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as non-limiting exemplifications of various aspects. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will envision other modifications and combinations of the elements and features to be within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A convertible soothing system for soothing a baby, the convertible soothing system comprising: a plush figure; anda garment for use with the plush figure and for wearing by a caregiver, the garment having a body portion having a substantially tubular configuration and a plurality of openings formed in the body portion thereof, the plurality of openings configured to receive the plush figure or an appendage of the caregiver, the plurality of openings including: a neck opening formed in the body portion at a first end thereof, wherein the neck opening of the garment is configured to receive a head of the plush figure or the appendage of the caregiver;a bottom opening formed in the body portion at a second end thereof, wherein the bottom opening of the garment is configured to receive the appendage of the caregiver; anda plurality of arm openings formed in the body portion at a location proximate the neck opening, wherein the plurality of arm openings of the garment are configured to receive arms of the plush figure;wherein the garment is comprised of a fabric capable of absorbing a scent of the caregiver, andwherein the garment includes: a first use mode, wherein the garment is worn by the caregiver, such that the appendage of the caregiver extends through the neck opening of the garment and the bottom opening of the garment, and such that the garment absorbs the scent of the caregiver; anda second use mode, wherein the garment is worn by the plush figure, such that a head of the plush figure extends through the neck opening of the garment and arms of the plush figure extend through the plurality of arm openings of the garment, and such that the baby receives the soothing effect.

2. The convertible soothing system of claim 1, further comprising an attachment mechanism configured to secure the garment to the plush figure.

3. The convertible soothing system of claim 2, wherein the attachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of buttons, snaps, hook and loop pile fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, zippers, clasps, toggles, and ties.

4. The convertible soothing system of claim 1, wherein the fabric of the garment is selected from the group consisting of cotton, wool, linen, chiffon, crepe, denim, lace, leather, satin, silk, velvet, or synthetic fabrics.

5. The convertible soothing system of claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises a sensory patch configured to enhance a soothing effect for a baby.

6. The convertible soothing system of claim 5, wherein the sensory patch is comprised of an enhanced scent-absorbing fabric configured to absorb the scent of the caregiver.

7. The convertible soothing system of claim 1, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of a shirt, sweater, polo shirt, vest, dress, skirt, jacket, and coat.

8. The convertible soothing system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings of the garment includes an additional opening formed in the body portion at a location proximate the bottom opening.

9. The convertible soothing system of claim 8, wherein the additional opening is a tail opening configured to receive a tail of the plush figure during the second use mode.

10. A method for using a convertible soothing system including a plush figure and a garment including a neck opening, a bottom opening, and a plurality of arm openings, wherein the garment is configured to provide a soothing effect for a baby, the method comprising: a first use mode, including: converting the garment into a sleeve shape;inserting an appendage of a caregiver through the neck opening and the bottom opening of the sleeve-shaped garment;wearing, by the caregiver, the sleeve-shaped garment on the appendage, wherein the sleeve-shaped garment absorbs a scent of the caregiver; andremoving the sleeve-shaped garment after a period of time;a second use mode, including: converting the garment into a plush-wearing shape;inserting the plush figure into the plush-wearing shaped garment, such that a head of the plush figure is received in the neck opening of the plush-wearing shaped garment and arms of the plush figure are received in the plurality of arm openings of the plush-wearing shape garment; andproviding the plush figure to the baby, wherein the baby receives the soothing effect.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the garment includes an attachment mechanism, and the method further comprises: coupling elements of the attachment mechanism so as to convert the garment to either the first use mode or the second use mode.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to be adjustable, such that in a coupled state, portions of the garment are wearable by either the caregiver or the plush figure.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the garment includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a sensory patch to enhance the soothing effect for the baby, and wherein the method further comprises: in the first use mode: locating the sensory patch on the inner surface of the sleeve-shaped garment, such that the sensory patch is located adjacent to a skin of the caregiver, on an interior of the sleeve-shaped garment; andin the second use mode: locating the sensory patch on the outer surface of the plush-wearing shape garment, such that the sensory patch is located adjacent to the baby, on an exterior of the plush-wearing shape garment, to enable enhancing of the soothing effect.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: in the first use mode, wearing the garment and the sensory patch, by the caregiver, for a variable period of time to increase or decrease a quantity of the scent of the caregiver that is absorbed.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the sensory patch includes a material different than the material of the garment, and the method further comprises: in the second use mode, placing the sensory patch adjacent to the skin of the baby to further enhance the soothing effect.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the garment includes a tail opening, and the method further comprises: in the second use mode, inserting the plush figure into the plush-wearing shape garment such that tail of the plush figure is received in the tail opening of the garment.

17. A convertible soothing system for soothing a baby, the convertible soothing system comprising: a plush figure; anda garment for use with the plush figure and for wearing by a caregiver, the garment having a body portion having a substantially tubular configuration, wherein the garment is comprised of a fabric capable of absorbing a scent of the caregiver, and wherein the garment includes: a first use mode, wherein the garment is worn by the caregiver, such that the garment absorbs the scent of the caregiver; anda second use mode, where the garment is worn by the plush figure, such that the baby receives the scent of the caregiver and a soothing effect.

18. The convertible soothing system of claim 17, wherein the garment is selected from the group consisting of a scarf, shawl, poncho, cape, tie, belt, hat, cap, glove, mitten, sock, and shoe.

19. The convertible soothing system of claim 18, wherein the garment further comprises: a plurality of openings formed in a body portion thereof, the plurality of openings configured to receive the plush figure or an appendage of the caregiver, the plurality of openings including: a neck opening formed in the body portion at a first end thereof, wherein the neck opening of the garment is configured to receive a head of the plush figure or the appendage of the caregiver;a bottom opening formed in the body portion at a second end thereof, wherein the bottom opening of the garment is configured to receive the appendage of the caregiver; anda plurality of arm openings formed in the body portion at a location proximate the neck opening, wherein the plurality of arm openings of the garment are configured to receive arms of the plush figure.