Second Skin Swaddle

Abstract

.The Second Skin Swaddle is made of a soft, breathable, stretchable material of strong stretch and spring back tension. It consists of two sections. The sections can be used separately, such as, one section for sitting or lying in bed with infant. When first section is combined with the other section it will securely hold infant for Skin-to-Skin contact and/or just carrying infant over outer clothing. Three sections can be used to hold twins.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to . . . and, more particularly, to . . .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Research has shown many benefits of Skin-to-Skin contact for the newborn infant and mother. These findings have led to Joint Commissions' mandate for changes in newborn care immediately after birth and in postpartum. Birthing Centers are now faced with many challenges as they seek to increase time in Skin-to-Skin contact, increase breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, decrease falls and Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (SUPC)) incidents.

Risk factors of Mother Infant Dyad:

Maternal risk factors: “fatigue, sedation, primiparous, distraction, on narcotic meds, history of smoking, obese/pendulous breasts.” i.e.1

Infant risk factors: falls, exposure when infant is passed around the room by guests and incorrect positioning, “Position of the infant is a key factor in minimizing risk of Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse. Sudden Unexpected Postnatal Collapse is an emerging complication of Skin-to-Skin contact and breastfeeding the first hours and days post birth. ” i.e.2

Environmental risk factors: “Breastfeeding, intermittent observation, unsafe and/or prone positioning, failure to model and reinforce safe sleep practice” i.e.3

To help meet these challenges, we are exploring the use of the Second Skin Swaddle, designed for the mother to safely hold and position her infant in Skin-to-Skin contact, while providing the mother comfort and discretion.

The Second Skin Swaddle is designed to safely hold infant in Skin-to-Skin contact in Labor Delivery and Postpartum

In Labor Delivery, the Second Skin Swaddle is designed to hold the newborn in Skin-to-Skin contact immediately after birth until the completion of the first breastfeeding. The flexibility of the Second Skin Swaddle secures the torso of the newborn while allowing him to safely do the “Breast Crawl”. The complete enclosure of the infant with his mother helps to regulate the infants' temperature and blood sugar.

In Postpartum, the Second Skin Swaddle supports the infant in the upright position between the breasts and allows the newborn to easily move to the breastfeeding position for optimum Latch and Baby Led Breastfeeding. Nurses have reported that the mother went from stressed to relaxed when she wore the Second Skin Swaddle.

One Piece baby carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,727 B1

Adult Infant Bonding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,725

Baby Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,498

Vest for a nursing mother—U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,611

Medical Wrap for Neonatal Kangaroo Care—Pub. No.: US 2014/0283277

Sling Type Infant Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,362 B1

Garments and Methods for Carrying a baby to provide Skin-to-Skin Contact—Pub. No.: US 2013/0291279 A1

Infant Holding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,047 B

Infant Carrier—Pub. No.: US 2012/0234877 A1

Carrier for Baby—Pat. No. DES. 306,655

One Piece baby carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,727 B1

Not designed for skin to skin contact

Not designed to support a baby in the upright position, which is the recommended position for all babies.

Does not support breastfeeding

Garment has armholes, which can be constricting.

Garment has inflexible ties, which could be constricting and uncomfortable for the mother.

The fleece mentioned would not be breathable.

Adult Infant Bonding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 5,946,725

No neck support

Pouch confines baby to only one position

Pouch restricts the size and movement of baby

Baby is to be slid down into the garment

The pouch is negative because there is fabric between mother and baby, prohibiting heat transfer.

Baby Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,498

The babies faces are not visible

Baby's legs should not be put threw any openings nor spread

Vest for a nursing mother—U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,611

Not designed for Skin to Skin contact

Not a breathable material

Uses a lot of buttons which are not stable

Medical Wrap for Neonatal Kangaroo Care—Pub. No.: US 2014/0283277

Claims of Skin to Skin but inconclusive results

Sling Type Infant Carrier—U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,362 B1

Baby not supported

Does not support breastfeeding

Babies breathing could be obstructed

Garments and Methods for Carrying a baby to provide Skin-to-Skin Contact—Pub. No.: US 2013/0291279 A1

No neck support

Pouch confines baby to only one position

Pouch restricts the size and movement of baby

Baby is to be slid down into the garment

The pouch is negative because there is fabric between mother and baby, prohibiting heat transfer.

Infant Holding Garment—U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,047 B1

No Skin to Skin contact

No back or neck support for the mother

No neck support for the baby

No breastfeeding options

Infant Carrier—Pub. No.: US 2012/0234877 A1

Claims of Skin to Skin but inconclusive results

Carrier for Baby—Pat. No. DES. 306,655

Does not support the infant at all, except to carry some of the baby's weight

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided . . . Second Skin Swaddle Summary

This baby carrier for Skin-to-Skin contact is made of a soft, breathable, stretchable material of strong stretch and spring back tension. It consists of two sections. The sections can be used separately, such as, one section for sitting or lying in bed with infant. When first section is combined with the other section it will securely hold infant for Skin-to-Skin contact and/or just carrying infant over outer clothing. Three sections can be used to hold twins.

The shape of sections and fabric content give the security and flexibility for baby to be securely held and flexibility for baby to easily move to breast to feed. The length of the front allows baby to extend his body and lay in a lateral position on top side of breast, with head in a sniffing position. This position has been proven by research to be the safest and most beneficial for baby. The stretch of the fabric allows baby complete freedom to move.

With curved edges in center front, a side of each section is pulled to the shoulder forming a double pouch to hold baby. The twisting of the shoulder material tightens front neck edges and forms a cap sleeve.

The fabric can be water friendly providing the flexibility for bathing or going in the pool with baby. The shape and flexibility allows complete coverage of baby for sun protection and\or breastfeeding.

Shoulder twist is released to separate the two front sections to pump hands free while holding baby. A third section is added for use with twins. Each baby is placed in a section. The third section is placed over the first two sections to secure.

It would be advantageous to provide a . . .

Benefits for Labor and Delivery

Allows discretion for Labor and Delivery

The complete enclosure of the infant after birth mimics the womb.

Complete enclosure helps to regulate temperature and blood sugar

Flexibility of the Swaddle allows the infant to do the breast crawl.

Keeps the torso of the infant secure to prevent falls.

It would also be advantageous to provide a . . .

Benefits for Post Partum

Prevents falls

Secures the correct position of infant.

Allows discretion while holding Skin to Skin and/or Breastfeeding

Prevents infant from being taken from Mom and passed around the room

Allows infant to be held in a safe position while being breastfed—(Laid Back position for Mom and infant on top of the breast)

Allows infant to easily move from the upright position between the breasts to the breastfeeding position

Stretch of Swaddle allows the infant to move if breathing becomes restricted.

Swaddle fabric is breathable

It would further be advantageous to provide a . . .

The Multiple Uses of the Swaddle allows Mom to easily continues Skin to Skin at Home.

“One Section of the Swaddle,” can be used for Mom to hold her infant while remaining

in bed.

Using both Sections of the Swaddle allows Mom to safely move about with her infant.

For additional support, Mom can pull the top of the first section up over one shoulder.

The Second Section covers the baby and Mom's Torso.

When the top of each section is pulled over shoulder, the bottom of the section forms

a pouch to secure the infant. This enables Mom to be hands free when the infant is in

upright and breastfeeding positions allowing Mom to safely move about.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front detailed shape of garment view of a shows the shape of one of two sections of the tube shaped garment;

FIG. 2 is a dimensions of one sections of garment view of a shows the dimensions of one of the two sections of the garment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of mom in reclining position holding baby view of a shows new mom in a reclining position, with one section of garment holding the baby;

FIG. 4 is a front view of mom holding baby and breastfeeding view of a shows mom breastfeeding baby while baby is being held in one section of the garment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of where to position arm to form cap sleeve view of a shows baby in one section of the garment and where to position your arm to form cap sleeve;

FIG. 6 is a front view of hand position to make cap sleeve view of a showing hand positioning of where to grab the garment to make a cap sleeve;

FIG. 7 is a front view of hand position view of a shows how to twist the garment to make cap sleeve;

FIG. 8 is a front view of baby in garment view of a shows after making the cap sleeve, adjusting the garment on the back of the babys neck;

FIG. 9 is a front view of baby in garment view of a shows the baby in the “double hammock hold” after making the cap sleeves;

FIG. 10 is a side view of baby in double hammock hold view of a shows baby in double hammock hold with neck supported and capped sleeves;

FIG. 11 is a front view of releasing babys feet view of a shows releasing babys feet to shift baby to breastfeeding position;

FIG. 12 is a front view of securing babys feet view of a showing after shifting baby to breastfeeding position, pulling the second section out over the babys feet;

FIG. 13 is a front view of undoing the cap sleeves view of a showing undoing the cap sleeves to release tension for breastfeeding;

FIG. 14 is a front view of mom in water with baby in garment view of a showing mom with baby in garment in the pool;

FIG. 15 is a front view of mom breastfeeding view of a showing mom hands free with cap sleeve untwisted;

FIG. 16 is a side view of older infant in garment view of a showing an older infant in sitting position in garment;

FIG. 17 is a front view of undoing cap sleeves view of a showing releasing cap sleeves to pump hands free while holding baby;

FIG. 18 is a front view of inserting flanges of breast pump view of a shows inserting the flanges of the breast pump between the layers of the garments;

FIG. 19 is a front view of pumping and holding a baby in swaddle view of a shows mom pumping hands free with flanges of pump being secured by the tube edges of the garment while holding a baby; and

FIG. 20 is a front view of mom holding twins view of a shows mom holding twins with three sections of garment.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1—This upper body baby carrier developed for skin to skin contact is made of a soft breathable stretchable material of strong stretch and spring back tension. This view shows the shape of one of the 4 sections, cut to make a tube shaped garment consisting of two sections. The sections can be used separately, such as, using only one section or can be combined with one other section to securely hold infant in Skin-to-Skin contact. 3 sections can be used to support twins.

FIG. 2 Shows the average dimensions of opposing sides of one section. Body 10 consists of a Straight Seam 14, and a Curved Seam 1212.

Curved Seam 1212 is 2 times the length of Straight Seam 14. The sides run from corner to corner in a bell shape. The curved side becomes a pouch and the straight side (FIG. 2—view 2) shows the average dimensions of Body 10 opposing sides of one section. Side distance from opposing sides change for size range. Curved Seam 1212 is approximately 2 times the length of Straight Seam 14. The sides of Body 10 run from corner to corner in a bell shape. When tube shaped garment is used, the curved side becomes a pouch. To secure baby, Straight Seam 14 decreases in length to give freedom of movement to move toward back side. The strength and stretch of the fabric is a critical element. The strength and stretch of Seams 12 and 14 are critical elements that form on of the sections of Body 10.

FIG. 3 Shows new mom in a reclining position with baby secured in one section of tube shaped garment curved. Seam 12 centers in front. The shape of tube and fabric content give the security and flexibility for baby to be securely held and flexibility for baby to easily move to breast to feed.

FIG. 4 The length of the front at Seam 12, allows baby to extend his body and lay in a lateral position on the top side of breast with head in a sniffing position. This position has been proven by research to be the safest and most beneficial for baby. The stretch of the fabric allows complete freedom to move, if for any reason, breathing becomes restricted. The composition of the fabric allows it to be breathable

FIG. 5 Shows arm extended through side front. When arm is raised, the side front slides to the shoulder creating a pouch in front.

FIG. 6 Shows the hand from current side, slides under shoulder edge of fabric to catch the underside of the neck edge of garment.

FIG. 7 The inner neck edge is then pulled out toward shoulder to form a twist and mini cap sleeve.

FIG. 8 This twist tightens the front neck edge of one side of tube shaped garment.

FIG. 9 Shows the twist on both shoulders tightening the front neck edges of both sections. This creates what is called the “Double Hammock Hold”.

FIG. 10 Shows the “Double Hammock Hold” of neck edge.

FIG. 11 Shows first step of releasing pouch for baby to shift to lateral breastfeeding position. Release baby's feet by pulling up both sections of swaddle and positioning them under the baby's bottom.

FIG. 12 Baby is then shifted to breastfeeding position. First section of tube shaped garment secures baby's bottom. The second section is then pulled out over baby's feet.

FIG. 13 Shows The twist in FIG. 7 is undone to release tension of the front for the flexibility needed to breastfeed.

FIG. 14 The fabric can be water friendly providing the flexibility for bathing in house or pool with baby. The fabric can have a sun protection of 50 SPF. The shape and flexibility allows complete coverage of baby for sun protection and\or breastfeeding.

FIG. 15 shows baby shifted to side to breastfeed hands free with shoulder untwisted.

FIG. 16 Shows older infant in sitting position.

FIG. 17 shows shoulder twist is released to separate the two front sections to pump hands free while holding baby. Expressing milk or pumping can be done without baby.

FIG. 18 Shows inserting the flanges of the pump between two layers of the tube shaped garment.

FIG. 19 Shows mom pumping hands free with flanges of pump being secured by edges of tube shaped garment.

FIG. 20 Shows mom holding twins. A third section is added for use with twins. Each baby is in a section. The third section is placed over first two sections to secure.

Breastfeeding is easily accomplished by shifting babies to side for what is called “the football hold” to allow both babies to feed at the same time.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A second skin swaddle for to hold infant safely, in skin-to-skin in labor and delivery, post-patum and thereafter, comprising: means for to safely hold an infant in skin-to-skin contact with multiple options of use;means for to hold the front sections together, securely connected to said means for to safely hold an infant in skin-to-skin contact with multiple options of use;means for to hold the front and back together, securely connected to said means for to safely hold an infant in skin-to-skin contact with multiple options of use; andmeans for <purpose>.

2. The second skin swaddle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for to safely hold an infant in skin-to-skin contact with multiple options of use comprises a breathable, flexible, stretch with exceptional springback retention, can be waterproof, strong, high-quality fabric garment body.

3. The second skin swaddle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for to hold the front sections together comprises a stretchable, strong thread, strong seam curved seam.

4. The second skin swaddle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for to hold the front and back together comprises a strong thread, flexible, flat seam straight back seam.

5. The second skin swaddle in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for <purpose> comprises a new element.

6. A second skin swaddle for to hold infant safely, in skin-to-skin in labor and delivery, post-patum and thereafter, comprising: a breathable, flexible, stretch with exceptional springback retention, can be waterproof, strong, high-quality fabric garment body, for to safely hold an infant in skin-to-skin contact with multiple options of use;a stretchable, strong thread, strong seam curved seam, for to hold the front sections together, securely connected to said Garment Body;a strong thread, flexible, flat seam straight back seam, for to hold the front and back together, securely connected to said Garment Body; anda new element, for <purpose>.

7. A second skin swaddle for to hold infant safely, in skin-to-skin in labor and delivery, post-patum and thereafter, comprising: a breathable, flexible, stretch with exceptional springback retention, can be waterproof, strong, high-quality fabric garment body, for to safely hold an infant in skin-to-skin contact with multiple options of use;a stretchable, strong thread, strong seam curved seam, for to hold the front sections together, securely connected to said Garment Body;a strong thread, flexible, flat seam straight back seam, for to hold the front and back together, securely connected to said Garment Body; anda new element, for <purpose>.