EASY WRAP CARRIER WITH LUMBAR SUPPORT

Abstract

Provided is an infant wrap carrying device having a lumbar support belt that is secured to the caregiver around the waist and lumber region of the caregiver. A primary wrap is joined to the lumbar support belt and includes a first strap and a second strap. The first and second straps define fixed end portions coupled to the lumber belt, wherein the first and second straps extend from the lumber belt and terminate in respective free end portions. A secondary wrap is also joined to the lumbar support belt to substantially overlap the primary wrap adjacent the lumbar support belt. The secondary wrap includes a main panel and a pair of opposed tie portions which are configured to wrapped and tied around the caregiver.

Description

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wrap-type infant carriers adapted to be worn by an adult to support and carry an infant or other young child. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an infant wrap with improved features that allow the wrap to more easily connect the wrap to the caregiver and the infant, and to more effectively distribute the load to mitigate muscle fatigue and strain to the caregiver.

2. Description of the Related Art

Infant wraps are well known by parents and other persons involved in child care as being suitable carriers for the transport of children. Indeed, various different types of infant warps are currently available from manufacturers of infant products. Infant wraps offer many advantages over other types of child carriers such as typically holding the infant in a nestled position near the body of the adult wearer, which is often comforting to the child and allows easy monitoring and observation of the infant on the part of the adult wearer. Infant wraps also typically allow for easy interaction between the adult wearing the wrap and the infant being carried therein, such as for example to feed, soothe or entertain the infant. However, though currently known and available infant wraps achieve their primary objective of carrying an infant, they nonetheless posses certain deficiencies that detract from their overall utility.

One of the deficiencies of prior art infant wraps is that they tend to cause injury to the caregiver or wearer by transferring the load to the wearer in a manner which accelerates muscle fatigue, which may lead to muscle strain, or more serious injury. Muscle fatigue and strain is particularly common in the lower back or lumbar region of the caregiver.

Furthermore, many infant wraps are complicated in their design and/or operation, making usage of the wrap difficult to learn and perform, especially upon initial usage thereof. Many conventional infant wraps simply include a single piece of fabric, which provides little, if any inherent guidance as to how the wrap should be donned on the caregiver to secure the infant. Moreover, even for those experienced users, the complicated design makes donning of the wrap very arduous, particularly when a significant amount of attention and effort is simultaneously required to support the infant.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an infant wrap that is easy to use and is configured to more effectively distribute the load to the caregiver to mitigate muscle strain or fatigue.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-identified deficiencies in the art. In this regard, the present invention is directed to an infant wrap carrying device having a lumbar support belt that is secured to the caregiver around the waist and lumber region of the caregiver. A primary wrap is joined to the lumbar support belt and includes a first strap and a second strap. The first and second straps define fixed end portions coupled to the lumber belt. The first and second straps extend from the lumber belt and terminate in respective free end portions. The first and second straps are configured to crisscross over the front side of the caregiver and the back side of the caregiver, and tie to each other to secure the primary wrap to the caregiver. A secondary wrap is also joined to the lumbar support belt to substantially overlap the primary wrap adjacent the lumbar support belt. The secondary wrap includes a main panel and a pair of opposed tie portions which are configured to wrapped and tied around the caregiver.

The infant wrap carrying device is configured to be wrapped around the caregiver and the infant to secure the infant to the caregiver. The may be wrapped around the caregiver and infant in several different positions, including configurations which allow the infant to be supported adjacent the front of the caregiver, the back of the caregiver, and at the side of the caregiver.

The infant carrying device is further configured to facilitate usage thereof. In particular, it is likely that caregiver's will readily understand that the lumber belt is intended to be fastened around the caregiver's midsection. Once the lumber belt is fastened to the caregiver, the overlapping configuration of the primary wrap and secondary wrap convey to the caregiver that the primary wrap must first be wrapped around the caregiver, and then the secondary wrap is wrapped around the caregiver.

The first and second straps are crisscrossed across the caregiver's front side and back side and then tied to each other, with the infant being secured between the primary wrap and the caregiver. Once the primary wrap is fastened to the user, the secondary wrap is secured to the caregiver, either to provide support to additional support to the infant, or to provide support to the caregiver.

The configuration of the infant carrying device may more efficiently distribute the load applied to the caregiver to mitigate muscle fatigue, muscle strain, or other injury. In particular, the lumbar support belt provides support to the lower back region of the caregiver to mitigate such ailments.

The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an infant carrying device including a primary wrap, a secondary wrap and a lumbar belt;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the infant carrying device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the infant carrying device, with the primary wrap being shown in a partially wrapped configuration and the secondary wrap being shown in an unwrapped configuration;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the infant carrying device, with the primary and secondary wraps both shown in their respective wrapped configurations;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the infant carrying device with the primary and secondary wraps being extended in their respective unwrapped configurations, with the secondary wrap in an infant support position;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the infant carrying device shown in FIG. 5, with the secondary wrap being folded in a parent support position

FIG. 7 is a partial side view showing the infant carrying device wrapped around an infant and a wearer, wherein the primary wrap is shown in the wrapped configuration and the secondary wrap is shown in the unwrapped configuration;

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the primary wrap and secondary wrap in their respective wrapped configurations;

FIG. 9 is a front view showing the primary wrap and the secondary wrap in their respective wrapped configurations, with a portion of the primary wrap extending over the infant's head;

FIG. 10 is a partial rear view showing the primary wrap and secondary wrap in their respective wrapped configurations; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are rear and front views, respectively, showing a child secured within the infant carrying device in a back carry position.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the structure of various embodiments of the invention, as well as functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown an infant wrap carrying device 10 which may be wrapped around an adult caregiver and an infant to secure the infant to the caregiver/wearer. The infant wrap carrying device 10 includes a primary wrap 12 comprised of a first strap 14 and a second strap 16, and a secondary wrap 18. The primary wrap 12 and secondary wrap 18 are both secured to a lumbar support belt 20 which may be wrapped around the caregiver to more efficiently transfer the weight of the infant to the caregiver to mitigate muscle strain and fatigue and to reduce the likelihood of injury to the caregiver.

As will be described in more detail below, the infant wrap carrying device 10 is easy to use and may be wrapped in several different configurations to position the infant in a number of different positions relative to the caregiver. Furthermore, the primary wrap 12 and secondary wrap 18 may be wrapped around the caregiver to specifically adapt the infant carrying device 10 to the specific size of the caregiver.

The first strap 14 defines a fixed end portion 22 (see FIG. 3) and an opposing free end portion 24. The fixed end portion 22 is joined to the lumber belt 20, preferably by sewing, although other joining means known by those skilled in the art may also be used. The first strap 14 may be tapered along the length thereof such that the width of the strap 14 is wider adjacent the fixed end portion 22 and narrower adjacent the free end portion 24. Along these lines, the first strap 14 may define a lateral edge 26 (see FIG. 5) that is substantially straight, and a medial edge 28 (see FIG. 5) that is angled relative to the lateral edge 26 to define the tapered configuration. This feature is best depicted in FIG. 5, wherein the first strap 14 is extended in an unwrapped configuration along a planar surface. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the lateral and medial edges 26, 28 are substantially straight or linear in the embodiments shown in the Figures, non-linear edges may also be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The second strap 16 is similar to the first strap 14 in that it defines a fixed end portion 30 (see FIG. 3) and an opposing free end portion 32. The fixed end portion 30 is joined to the lumbar belt 20. The second strap 16 may be tapered along the length thereof, similar to the first strap 14, to define a wider section adjacent the first end portion 26 and a narrower section adjacent the free end portion 28. The second strap 16 may include a lateral edge 34 (see FIG. 5) and a medial edge 36 (see FIG. 5) that is angled relative to the lateral edge 34 to define the tapered configuration.

The second strap 16 and first strap 14 are configured such that a portion of the first and second straps 14, 16 overlap adjacent the lumbar belt 20. The wider portions of the first and second wraps 14, 16 may be configured to provide support to the infant wrapped within the infant wrap carrying device 10, while the narrower portions may be configured to facilitate wrapping and tying of the infant carrying device 10 around the caregiver and the infant.

The first and second straps 14, 16 may be formed from a comfortable, durable fabric material, such as woven cotton, or other such materials known by those skilled in the art. The fabric is preferably machine washable to facilitate regular cleaning of the infant wrap carrying device 10. The fabric may define various colors and patterns to suit the particular tastes and preferences of the caregiver.

The secondary wrap 18 is also coupled to the lumbar belt 20 and defines a main panel 38 having a fixed end portion 40 adjacent the lumbar belt 20 and a free end portion 42 opposite the lumbar belt 20. The secondary wrap 18 further includes a first tie portion 44 extending from one side of the main panel 38 and a second tie portion 46 extending from an opposing side of the main panel 38. The tie portions 44, 46 are configured to be wrapped around the caregiver and secured to each other to provide additional support to the infant and the caregiver.

The lumbar belt 20 includes a padded main body 48 which is connected to the primary wrap 12 and the secondary wrap 18. The main body 48 includes a middle portion and a pair of opposed end portions 50. A first connector 52 is attached to one end portion 50 and a second connector 54 is attached to the other end portion 50, with the first and second connectors 52, 54 being detachably engageable with each other to selectively secure the lumbar belt 20 to the caregiver. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first connector 52 is adjustable and includes a strap and a buckle slidable along the strap. The buckle slides along the strap to adjust the size of the lumbar belt 20 to conform to the size of the caregiver. Along these lines, the lumbar belt 20 is configured to be positionable adjacent the wearer's stomach on the front of the user and the lumbar region on the rear of the user. When the buckle is properly positioned along the strap, it may be engaged with a complimentary buckle connector, i.e., the second connector 54, to secure the belt 20 to the wearer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although male and female type buckles are used to define the first and second connectors 52, 54, other mechanical fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, etc. may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

With the basic structural features of the infant wrap carrying device 10 being described above, the use of the device 10 will now be described. The device 10 is adaptable to be worn in several different configurations, including but not limited to a cradling position, a tummy-to-tummy position, and a back carry position. Each of the foregoing positions is described in more detail below and is shown in the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the particular configurations shown in the drawings and described herein are exemplary in nature only and that the infant wrap carrying device 10 may be disposed in other configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the following discussion describes a step-by-step approach for disposing the infant carrying device 10 in each configuration; however, it is understood that the particular sequences described herein are not the only sequences for wrapping the device 10 in the respective configurations. In other words, the steps described herein may be performed in a different order, or other additional steps may be performed within each described and illustrated sequence without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and FIG. 9, there is shown a step-by-step sequence for placing the infant wrap carrying device 10 on a wearer in a cradling configuration. When the device 10 is wrapped and tied on the caregiver in the cradling configuration, the infant is secured against the caregiver's stomach/chest in a cradled position, i.e., with the infant's head and body being supported collectively by the caregiver and the infant carrying device 10.

Initially, the lumbar belt 20 is connected to the caregiver's midsection, with the middle portion of the lumbar belt 20 being disposed over the caregiver's waist/stomach, and the end portions 50 being disposed over the caregiver's back. The lumbar belt 20 is secured to the caregiver such that the primary wrap 12 and the secondary wrap 18 are wrappable over the caregiver's upper body.

With the lumber belt 20 secured to the caregiver, the infant is held against the caregiver' s chest while the primary wrap 12 is wrapped around the caregiver. Before being manipulated by the caregiver, the first strap 14 is disposed adjacent a first side of the caregiver and the second strap 16 is disposed adjacent a second side of the caregiver. The first strap 14 is lifted by the caregiver with one hand, while the remaining hand secures the infant against the caregiver's front side. The first strap 14 is lifted over the infant and over the caregiver's first side shoulder and is draped over the caregiver's back. The user then lifts the second strap 16 over the infant and over the caregiver's second side shoulder and is draped over the caregiver's back. During this time, the caregiver securely maintains the infant against the caregiver's chest with the caregiver's other hand, i.e., the caregiver may wrap the first and second straps 14, 16 over the caregiver's first and second shoulders using the right hand, while the caregiver's left hand secures the infant, or vise versa.

The user then uses his free hand to reach behind the caregiver's back and grab the strap opposite the caregiver's hand. In other words, if the user reaches with his left hand, the user will pass his hand behind his left side and across his back to reach the strap 14, 16 extending down along the caregiver's right side, or vise versa. When the user grabs that strap 14, 16, the user pulls it around the caregiver's back to the opposite side of the user (i.e., to the side opposite the shoulder which the strap 14, 16 extends to cross the strap 14, 16 over the caregiver's back). The user then secures that strap 14, 16 between the free arm of the user and the caregiver's torso. The previously free arm is then used to support the infant so the user can reach for the remaining strap 14, 16 with the caregiver's other hand. More specifically, the other hand reaches behind the user to grab the remaining one of the straps 14, 16 to pull the remaining strap 14, 16 across the caregiver's back to the opposite side of the user, which results in the first and second strap 14, 16 forming a crisscross pattern across the caregiver's back. The remaining strap 14, 16 is then pulled tight by the user, which results in both the first and second straps 14, 16 both being disposed in tension to as to secure the infant against the caregiver's chest.

With the infant being secured by the tension in the first and second straps 14, 16, the user no longer is required to directly support the infant by hand, so long as the tension is maintained in the first and second straps 14, 16. Along these lines, the user may grab each strap 14, 16 with a different hand to maintain the tension therein while completing the wrapping of the device 10. Each strap 14, 16 is wrapped across the front of the wearer, preferably below the infant, adjacent the caregiver's stomach, to crisscross over the front of the user. The straps 14, 16 are then passed to the user's back side and tied together over the caregiver's back (see FIGS. 4 and 10). When the straps 14, 16 are finally tied, the infant may be adjusted or slightly moved within the carrying device 10 to a position that is comfortable for both the caregiver and the infant.

With the primary wrap 12 secured to the caregiver, the secondary wrap 18 may be manipulated into one of at least two configurations, namely an upward infant support position or a downward parent support position. The upward infant support position is shown in FIG. 2, wherein the secondary wrap 18 is secured with the main panel 38 disposed in an overlapping position relative to the first ends 22, 30 of the first and second straps 14, 16. In particular, secondary wrap 18 is folded relative to the support belt 20 to dispose the main panel 38 in the overlapping configuration. The first and second tie portions 44, 46 are wrapped and tied around the caregiver's back. When the secondary wrap 18 is folded and tied in the upward infant support configuration, additional support is provided to the infant, and the load of the infant is more efficiently distributed by the device 10 to the caregiver so as to mitigate muscle strain and pain to reduce the likelihood of injury to the caregiver.

In the downward parent support position, the secondary wrap 18 is folded downwardly relative to the support belt 20 (see FIG. 6) to provide additional support to the stomach/waist area of the caregiver. This can be particularly desirable for mothers shortly after child-birth, as they may desire such additional support. When the secondary wrap 18 is folded downwardly, the first and second tie portions 44, 46 are wrapped and tied around the caregiver' s back.

The above-described cradle configuration may be desirable for small infants, as it generally provides the most support for the infant, and cradles or embraces the infant close to the caregiver.

Another configuration which the device 10 may be disposed in is the tummy-to-tummy configuration, which is best depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. The tummy-to-tummy configuration is very similar to the cradling configuration discussed above, with the primary distinction being that before the primary wrap 12 is secured to the caregiver, the infant is held against the caregiver with the infant facing the caregiver, i.e., the infant's front side facing the caregiver's front side. With the infant so positioned, the first and second straps 14, 16 are crisscrossed over the caregiver's front side, and then the caregiver's back side. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a portion of the infant's arms and legs may extend beyond the primary wrap 12; however, the infant remains secured by the primary wrap 12 extending across the back side of the infant.

When the first and second straps 14, 16 are wrapped from the caregiver's back side to the caregiver's front side, each strap 14, 16 may pass over one leg and under the other leg. In this regard, each leg of the infant will be bound on the top and the bottom by the first and second straps 14, 16. The straps 14, 16 are then wrapped and tied behind the caregiver; however, it is contemplated that the straps 14, 16 may be tied on the caregiver's front side without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

After the primary wrap 12 is secured to the caregiver, the secondary wrap 18 may be secured in the same manner described above in relation to the cradling configuration, i.e., the secondary wrap 18 may be deployed in the upward support position or the downward support position.

Another configuration that the infant wrap carrying device 10 may be used is a back-carry configuration, as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. In the back carry configuration, the lumbar support belt 20 is secured to the caregiver such that the primary and secondary wraps 12, 18 are disposed at the caregiver's back side before they are secured to the caregiver in their wrapped configuration. That is to say that the lumbar support belt 20 is rotated 180° relative to its position in the cradling configuration or the tummy-to-tummy configuration discussed above.

With the lumbar support belt 20 secured to the caregiver, the infant/child is then held on the caregiver's back, with the child straddling the caregiver's back. The first strap 14 is then wrapped across the caregiver's back side to the opposite shoulder, and then the second strap 16 is wrapped across the caregiver' s back side to define a crisscrossed configuration with the first strap 14, with the infant being secured between the primary wrap 12 and the caregiver. The straps 14, 16 are then passed to the caregiver's front side where they are again crisscrossed. The straps 14, 16 are subsequently passed back to the caregiver's back side underneath the infant's legs. The straps 14, 16 may be tied at the caregiver's back side, or wrapped back to the caregiver' s front side where they are tied.

Once the primary wrap 12 is secured to the caregiver, the secondary wrap 18 may be secured thereto. In this regard, the secondary wrap 18 is pulled over the infant such that the main panel 38 provides additional support to the infant. The first and second tie portions 44, 46 are then wrapped to the front side of the caregiver where they are tied to each other.

Each of the foregoing configurations may be used by caregivers to position the infant/child in the preferred position for the caregiver and the infant. The particular configuration of the infant carrying device 10 is believed to make usage of the device 10 easy to understand. In particular, it is likely that caregivers will easily understand that the lumbar belt 20 is wrapped around the midsection of the caregiver.

Furthermore, once the lumbar belt 20 is secured to the caregiver, it becomes clear that the first and second straps 14, 16 need to be secured prior to the secondary wrap 18 because the primary wrap 12 is disposed between the secondary wrap 18 and the caregiver.

An optional feature which may further simplify usage of the device 10 is a strap guide 58. The strap guide 58 may be used to join the first and second straps 14, 16 to facilitate disposing the first and second straps 14, 16 in crisscrossed configuration across the caregiver. For example, if the user were deploying the device 10 in the cradling configuration, the strap guide 58 may secure the first and second wraps 14, 16 such that all that is required of the caregiver is to lift the joined first and second wraps 14, 16 over the caregiver's head to dispose the strap guide adjacent the caregiver's back (see FIG. 3). In this regard, the first and second wraps 14, 16 may be simultaneously crisscrossed over the caregiver's front side.

Additional modifications and improvements of the present invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An infant carrier for use by a wearer for supporting an infant, the infant carrier comprising: a support belt configured to be disposable about the wearer's midsection;a primary wrap having a fixed end portion and a free end portion, the fixed end portion being coupled to the support belt and the free end portion being configured to be wrapped around the wearer, the primary wrap being configured to assume a deployed position when the free end portion is wrapped around the wearer to support an infant; anda secondary wrap including a support panel coupled to the support belt and a secondary connecting portion configured to be wrapped around the wearer, the secondary wrap being selectively transitional between an infant support position, wherein the support panel substantially overlaps a portion of the primary wrap to provide support to the infant supported by the primary wrap, and a wearer support position, wherein the support panel is positioned over the wearer to provide support to the wearer.

2. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary wrap includes a first strap and a second strap.

3. The infant carrier as recited in claim 2, wherein the first strap and the second strap define respective fixed end portions and respective free end portions, the fixed end portions being coupled to the support belt and the free end portions being wrappable around the wearer.

4. The infant carrier as recited in claim 3, wherein the first strap and the second strap are tapered in a direction extending from the respective fixed end portion toward the respective free end portion.

5. The infant carrier as recited in claim 2, wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to be wrappable about the wearer and tieable to each other to wrap the free end portion around the wearer.

6. The infant carrier as recited in claim 5, further comprising a connector loop defining an opening, the first strap and second strap being advancable through the opening to couple the first strap to the second strap.

7. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary wrap is adjustable to conform to the size of the wearer and the infant.

8. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the infant carrier is configured to be transitional between a front carry position wherein the infant is supported over the wearer's chest and a back carry position wherein the infant is supported over the wearer's back.

9. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the primary wrap and secondary wrap collectively define leg supports to support the infant adjacent the infant's legs.

10. The infant carrier as recited in claim 1, wherein the secondary connecting portion includes a first tie portion and a second tie portion connectable to each other to secure the secondary wrap to the wearer.

11. An infant carrier for use by a wearer for supporting an infant, the infant carrier comprising: a support belt configured to be disposable about the wearer's midsection;a first strap having a first fixed end portion and a first free end portion, the first fixed end portion being coupled to the support belt;a second strap having a second fixed end portion and a second free end portion, the second fixed end portion being coupled to the support belt, the first free end portion and second free end portions being configured to be wrapped around the wearer to collectively assume a support configuration to support an infant; anda support wrap including a support panel coupled to the support belt and a secondary connecting portion configured to be wrapped around the wearer, the secondary wrap being selectively transitional between an infant support position, wherein the support panel overlaps a portion of the first strap and the second strap to provide support to the infant supported by the first strap and the second strap, and a wearer support position, wherein the support panel is positioned over the wearer to provide support to the wearer.

12. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first strap and the second strap are tapered in a direction extending from the respective fixed end portion toward the respective free end portion.

13. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to be wrappable about the wearer and tieable to each other to wrap the free end portion around the wearer.

14. The infant carrier as recited in claim 13, further comprising a connector loop defining an opening, the first strap and second strap being advancable through the opening to couple the first strap to the second strap.

15. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first strap and the second strap are configured to conform to the size of the wearer and the infant.

16. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the infant carrier is configured to be transitional between a front carry position wherein the infant is supported over the wearer's chest and a back carry position wherein the infant is supported over the wearer's back.

17. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the first strap, second strap, and support wrap collectively define leg supports to support the infant adjacent the infant's legs.

18. The infant carrier as recited in claim 11, wherein the secondary connecting portion includes a first tie portion and a second tie portion connectable to each other to secure the secondary wrap to the wearer.

19. An infant carrier for use by a wearer for supporting an infant, the infant carrier comprising: a support belt configured to be disposable about the wearer's midsection;a primary support panel coupled to the support belt, the primary support panel being configured to be connected to the wearer to assume a support configuration for supporting the infant; anda secondary support panel coupled to the support belt, the secondary support panel being selectively transitional between an infant support position, wherein the secondary support panel overlaps a portion of the primary support panel to provide support to the infant supported by the primary support panel, and a wearer support position, wherein the secondary support panel is positioned over the wearer to provide support to the wearer.

20. The infant carrier as recited in claim 19, wherein the primary support panel and the secondary support panel collectively define leg supports to support the infant adjacent the infant's legs.