SWADDLING GARMENT FOR AN INFANT

Abstract

A swaddling apparatus for an infant includes an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant. A blanket is attached to the infant garment. The blanket is configured to wrap around the infant.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to a garment and, more particularly, to a swaddling garment for an infant.

BACKGROUND

Generally, infants are swaddled in blankets while sleeping. Swaddling secures the infant to aid in a more productive and lengthened sleep cycle while lessening their moro and startle reflexes. There are many products configured to swaddle infants; however, most of these products are complicated, too bulky and require parents to pick up and move an infant several times to secure the swaddle. For example, some of these products require the blanket to be wrapped around the infant several times. If the infant requires a diaper change, the infant is often moved into various positions to remove the swaddling blanket. Such movement can cause the infant to wake up and/or not fall back asleep.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a swaddling apparatus for an infant includes an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant. A blanket is attached to the infant garment. The blanket is configured to wrap around the infant. A coupling mechanism is positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the blanket can be sewn to the infant garment. The blanket can be coupled to the infant garment using at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps. The coupling mechanism can include a zipper. The coupling mechanism can extend from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket. The coupling mechanism can be opened at both the head end of the blanket and the foot end of the blanket.

Optionally, in the first aspect, the infant garment can include a body section and a pair of arm sections extending from the body section. An opening can be provided at a foot end of the body section. The opening can be configured to be moved between an opened position and a closed positioned. Each of the pair of arm sections can be attached to the blanket. Each of the pair of arm sections can be sewn to the blanket. Each of the pair of arm sections can be rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms in a respective arm section. Each of the pair of arm sections can be attached to the blanket with a zipper.

According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a swaddling apparatus for an infant includes an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant and including a pair of arm sections. A blanket is coupled to the infant garment. The blanket is configured to wrap around the infant. Each arm section includes a coupling mechanism that couples the respective arm section to the blanket. A two-way zipper is positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, each arm section can include a coupling mechanism that releasably couples the respective arm section to the blanket. Each arm section can include a coupling mechanism that can include a zipper. Each of the pair of arm sections can be sewn to the blanket. Each of the pair of arm sections can be rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms in a respective arm section.

According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a swaddling apparatus for an infant includes an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant and including a body section and a pair of arm sections. A blanket is coupled to the infant garment. The blanket is configured to wrap around the infant. Each arm section includes a coupling mechanism that couples the respective arm section to the blanket. A zipper is positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment. The zipper extends from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket. The zipper can be opened from at least one of the head end of the blanket or the foot end of the blanket.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a swaddling apparatus for an infant includes a blanket configured to wrap around an infant. An infant garment includes at least one sleeve coupled to the blanket and configured to receive an arm of the infant while a body of the infant is positioned outside of the infant garment. A coupling mechanism is positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while only the arm of the infant is positioned in the infant garment.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the at least one sleeve may be sewn to the blanket. The at least one sleeve may include a pair of sleeves coupled to the blanket. Each sleeve of the pair of sleeves may be configured to receive a different arm of the infant. The at least one sleeve may be coupled to an interior side of the blanket so that the at least one sleeve is enclosed in the blanket when the blanket is sealed around the infant. The at least one sleeve may be removably coupled to the blanket. The at least one sleeve may be removably coupled to the blanket using at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps. The coupling mechanism may include a zipper. The coupling mechanism may extend from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket. The coupling mechanism may be opened at both the head end of the blanket and the foot end of the blanket. The at least one sleeve may include an open end and a closed end.

According to a fifth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a swaddling apparatus for an infant includes a blanket configured to wrap around an infant. An infant garment including at least one channel is coupled to the blanket and configured to receive a limb of the infant while a body of the infant is positioned outside of the infant garment. A coupling mechanism is positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while only the limb of the infant is positioned in the infant garment.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the at least one channel may be sewn to the blanket. The at least one channel may include a pair of channels coupled to the blanket. Each channel of the pair of channels may be configured to receive a different limb of the infant. The at least one channel may be coupled to an interior side of the blanket so that the at least one channel is enclosed in the blanket when the blanket is sealed around the infant. The at least one channel may be removably coupled to the blanket. The at least one channel may be removably coupled to the blanket using at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps. The coupling mechanism may include a zipper. The coupling mechanism may extend from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket. The coupling mechanism may be opened at both the head end of the blanket and the foot end of the blanket. The at least one channel may include an open end and a closed end.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and/or those listed in the claims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a swaddling apparatus formed in accordance with an embodiment and having an infant garment coupled to a blanket, wherein the blanket is shown in an opened configuration and the infant garment is shown in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the swaddling apparatus, wherein the blanket is shown in the opened configuration and the infant garment is shown in an opened position;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the swaddling apparatus, wherein the blanket is shown in a closed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the swaddling apparatus, wherein an infant is positioned in the infant garment with the infant garment in the closed position and the blanket is in the opened configuration;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the swaddling apparatus, wherein an infant is positioned in the infant garment and the blanket is in the closed configuration;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative swaddling apparatus, wherein the blanket is shown in an opened configuration and the infant garment is shown in a closed position;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another alternative swaddling apparatus, wherein the blanket is shown in an opened configuration; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of the swaddling apparatus shown in FIG. 7, wherein the blanket is shown in a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a machine-washable swaddling apparatus 10 includes a blanket 12 and an infant garment 14. The blanket 12 is attached to the inner infant garment 14. The blanket 12 is configured to wrap around an infant to form a snug cocoon wrap. The entire apparatus 10 is easily coupled/combined while a parent is holding the infant, without moving the infant to another area to wrap. The blanket 12 is generally circular. In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 takes any suitable shape. The blanket 12 is sized to secure a cocoon around the infant to swaddle and prevent or lessen reflexes. The blanket 12 includes a head end 16 that positions adjacent a head of the infant and a foot end 18 that positions adjacent the feet of the infant. A pair of sides 20 extend between the head end 16 and the foot end 18. The sides 20 are configured to be pulled together to close the blanket 12 and swaddle the infant. A coupling mechanism 22 extends along each side 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism 22 is a zipper; however, in other embodiments, the coupling mechanism 22 takes the form of any suitable coupling mechanism, for example, hook and loop fasteners, button, snaps, or the like.

The infant garment 14 includes a body section 30 having a top 32 and a bottom 34. A closing mechanism 28 is configured to close the body section 30 around the infant. The closing mechanism 28 is a zipper, in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the closing mechanism 28 is at least one of hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or the like. A pair of sides 36 extend between the top 32 and the bottom 34. The top 32 includes an opening 38. A head of the infant is configured to extend through the opening 38 when the infant wears the infant garment 14. The bottom 34 includes an opening 40. The opening 40 allows access to the infant to enable changing a diaper of the infant. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom 34 includes a closing mechanism 52 at the opening 40, for example, a drawstring to cinch the fabric around the opening 40. In other embodiments, the closing mechanism 52 is a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or the like. FIG. 1 illustrates the opening 40 is a closed position that is useable when the infant is swaddled or sleeping. FIG. 2 illustrates the opening 40 in an open position that enables access to the infant from the bottom 34 of the body section 30. For example, the opening 40 is moved to the open position to change the infant's diaper, in one embodiment.

A pair of arm sections 50 extends from the body section 30. Each of the pair of arm sections 50 extends from one of the sides 36 of the body section 30. Each of the pair of arm sections 50 is configured to receive an arm of the infant when the infant wears the infant garment 14. In some embodiments, each of the pair of arm sections 50 is rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms in the respective arm section 50. Each of the pair of arm sections 50 is rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms to make burping and swaddling easy and comfortable, in some embodiments. Accordingly, each of the pair of arm sections 50 is cinchable upward to allow access to the infant's arms which makes dressing easier and allows the baby to easily bend their arms when in an upright burping position. In some embodiments, the arm sections 50 are secured to the blanket 12 with a zipper. In such embodiments, the zippers securing the arm sections 50 open and close to easily dress the baby. The zippers then zip to close the arm sections 50 into a down position to prevent the baby from waking while reflexes occur. With the arm sections 50 secured to the blanket 12, the blanket 12 is closed around the infant.

The infant garment 14 is coupled to the blanket 12. At least a portion of each side 36 of the body section 30 of the infant garment 14 is coupled to the blanket 12. Additionally, at least a portion of each of the pair of arm sections 50 is coupled to the blanket 12. In some embodiments, the infant garment 14 is sewn to the blanket 12. In other embodiments, the infant garment 14 is coupled to the blanket 12 using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, in some embodiments, the infant garment 14 is coupled to the blanket 12 using zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or the like.

The blanket 12 is configured to be moved between an opened configuration, shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, and a closed configuration, shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. In the opened configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 4 the infant is positioned in the infant garment 14 with the head of the infant extending through the opening 38 at the top 32 of the body section 30. The opening 40 in the bottom 34 of the body section 30 can be left in the open position or closed position. In the opened configuration, the infant can move freely in the infant garment 14.

In the closed configuration, the blanket 12 wraps around the infant and is sealed to swaddle the infant into a secure cocoon wrap by closing the coupling mechanism 22. When the coupling mechanism 22 is closed to secure the blanket 12 around the infant, the attachment between the blanket 12 and the pair of arm sections 50 pulls each of the pair of arm sections 50 downward toward the sides of the infant. In the closed configuration, the blanket secures snug around the infant to swaddle the infant into the cocoon wrap.

To change the infant's diaper while in the closed configuration, the coupling mechanism 22 can be opened from the foot end 18 of the blanket 12 while keeping the head end 16 of the blanket 12 closed. The opening 40 in the bottom 34 of the body section 30 can then be accessed and moved to the open position to change the diaper.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a machine-washable swaddling apparatus 100 includes a blanket 112 and an infant garment 114. The blanket 112 is attached to the inner infant garment 114. The blanket 112 includes a head end 116 that positions adjacent a head of the infant and a foot end 118 that positions adjacent the feet of the infant. A pair of sides 120 extend between the head end 116 and the foot end 118. The sides 120 are configured to be pulled together to close the blanket 112 and swaddle the infant. A coupling mechanism 122 extends along each side 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism 122 is a two-way zipper that is opened and closed from either the head end 116 or the foot end 118.

The infant garment 114 includes a body section 130 having a top 132 and a bottom 134. A pair of sides 136 extend between the top 132 and the bottom 134. A closing mechanism 128 is configured to close the sides 136 of the body section 130 around the infant. The closing mechanism 128 is a two-way zipper that is opened and closed from either the top 132 or the bottom 134. The top 132 includes an opening 138. A head of the infant is configured to extend through the opening 138 when the infant wears the infant garment 114.

A pair of arm sections 150 extends from the body section 130. Each of the pair of arm sections 150 extends from one of the sides 136 of the body section 130. Each of the pair of arm sections 150 is configured to receive an arm of the infant when the infant wears the infant garment 114. Each arm section 150 includes a coupling mechanism 152 that releasably couples the respective arm section 150 to the blanket 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism 152 is a zipper. The infant garment 114 holds the baby and the coupling mechanisms 152 under the arm sections 150 open and close to easily dress the baby. The coupling mechanisms 152 then zip to close the arm sections 150 into a down position to prevent the baby from waking while reflexes occur. The closing mechanism 128 enables the baby to be easily inserted into the infant garment 114 and further enables the baby's diaper to be changed without removing the baby's arms from the respective arm sections 150.

The infant garment 114 is coupled to the blanket 112. At least a portion of each side 136 of the body section 130 of the infant garment 114 is coupled to the blanket 112. In some embodiments, the infant garment 114 is sewn to the blanket 112. In other embodiments, the infant garment 114 is coupled to the blanket 112 using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, the infant garment 114 is coupled to the blanket 112 using zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or the like, in some embodiments.

During use, the closing mechanism 128 is opened to insert the baby into the infant garment 114 with each of the baby's arms in a respective arm section 150. With the baby in the infant garment 114, the arm sections 150 are zipped down with the respective coupling mechanisms 152 and the closing mechanism 128 is closed to contain the baby. The blanket 112 is closed around the baby with the coupling mechanism 122 to hold the baby snuggly in the swaddled position. The two way zipper of the coupling mechanism 122 enables easy diaper changes without unswaddling the entire baby by unzipping the coupling mechanism 122 at the foot end 118 of the blanket 112. Then the two way zipper of the closing mechanism 128 can be opened from the bottom 134 of the infant garment 114 to change the baby's diaper without unswaddling the entire baby. The compression of the fabric allows the baby to move within the apparatus 100, but the baby will have limited arm movement. This will prevent the moro and startle reflexes from occurring, allowing the baby to sleep longer and more comfortably without waking itself.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a machine-washable swaddling apparatus 200 includes a blanket 202 and an infant garment 204. The blanket 202 includes an interior side 210 and an opposite exterior side 212. The blanket 202 is configured to wrap around an infant to form a snug cocoon wrap. The entire apparatus 200 is easily coupled/combined while a parent is holding the infant, without moving the infant to another area to wrap. The blanket 202 is generally circular. In other embodiments, the apparatus 200 takes any suitable shape. The blanket 202 is sized to secure a cocoon around the infant to swaddle and prevent or lessen reflexes. The blanket 202 includes a head end 206 that positions adjacent a head of the infant and a foot end 208 that positions adjacent the feet of the infant. A pair of sides 220 extend between the head end 206 and the foot end 208. The sides 220 are configured to be pulled together to close the blanket 202 and swaddle the infant. A coupling mechanism 222 extends along each side 220. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling mechanism 222 is a zipper; however, in other embodiments, the coupling mechanism 222 takes the form of any suitable coupling mechanism, for example, hook and loop fasteners, button, snaps, or the like. The coupling mechanism 222 extends from the head end 206 of the blanket 202 to the foot end 208 of the blanket 202. The coupling mechanism 222 can be opened at both the head end 206 of the blanket 202 and the foot end 208 of the blanket 202.

The infant garment 204 includes at least one channel 230 configured to receive a limb of the infant. In an exemplary embodiment, the channel 230 includes a sleeve 232 configured to receive an arm of the infant. In some embodiments, the channel 230 is configured to receive a leg of the infant. In other embodiments, the infant garment 204 includes multiple channels 230 configured to receive both the arms and legs of the infant. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one channel 230 includes a pair of sleeves 232, wherein each sleeve 232 receives a different arm of the infant. The channel 230 includes an upper end 234 positioned near the head end 206 of the blanket 202 and a lower end 236 positioned closer to the foot end 208 of the blanket 202 than the upper end 234. The upper end 234 is an open end configured to receive the limb of the infant. The lower end 236 is also open in some embodiments. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the limb of the infant can extend through the lower end 236. In other embodiments, the lower end 236 is a closed end so that the limb of the infant is contained within the channel 230.

Each of the channels 230 is coupled to the interior side 210 of the blanket 202. In one embodiment, each channel 230 is sewn to the blanket 202. In some embodiments, the channels 230 are removably coupled to the blanket 202. For example, in some embodiments, the channels 230 are secured to the blanket 12 using fastener, such as at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps. In such embodiments, the fasteners securing the channels 230 open and close to easily dress the infant. The fasteners then close the channels 230 into a down position to prevent the infant from waking while reflexes occur. The channels 230 are enclosed in the blanket 202 when the blanket is sealed around the infant.

The blanket 202 is configured to be moved between an opened configuration, shown in FIG. 7, and a closed configuration, shown in FIG. 8. In the opened configuration, the infant's limbs are positioned in the channels 230 while a body of the infant is positioned outside of the infant garment 204. In the closed configuration, the blanket 202 wraps around the infant and is sealed by closing the coupling mechanism 222 to swaddle the infant into a secure cocoon wrap while only the arm of the infant is positioned in the infant garment 204.

The following clauses enumerated consecutively from 1 through 40 provide for various aspects of the present invention. In one embodiment, in a first paragraph (1), the present invention provides: a swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising:

• • an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant,
  • a blanket coupled to the infant garment, wherein the blanket is configured to wrap around the infant, and
  • a coupling mechanism positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment.

2. The swaddling apparatus of clause 1, wherein the blanket is sewn to the infant garment.

3. The swaddling apparatus of clause 1, wherein the blanket is coupled to the infant garment using at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps.

4. The swaddling apparatus of clause 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a zipper.

5. The swaddling apparatus of clause 1, wherein the coupling mechanism extends from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket.

6. The swaddling apparatus of clause 5, wherein the coupling mechanism can be opened at both the head end of the blanket and the foot end of the blanket.

7. The swaddling apparatus of clause 1, wherein the infant garment includes a body section and a pair of arm sections extending from the body section.

8. The swaddling apparatus of clause 7, further comprising an opening at a foot end of the body section.

9. The swaddling apparatus of clause 8, wherein the opening is configured to be moved between an opened position and a closed positioned.

10. The swaddling apparatus of clause 7, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is attached to the blanket.

11. The swaddling apparatus of clause 10, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is sewn to the blanket.

12. The swaddling apparatus of clause 7, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms in a respective arm section.

13. The swaddling apparatus of clause 7, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is attached to the blanket with a zipper.

14. A swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising:

• • an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant and including a pair of arm sections,
  • a blanket coupled to the infant garment, wherein the blanket is configured to wrap around the infant, wherein each arm section includes a coupling mechanism that couples the respective arm section to the blanket, and
  • a two-way zipper positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment.

15. The swaddling apparatus of clause 14, wherein the coupling mechanism of each arm section releasably couples the respective arm section to the blanket.

16. The swaddling apparatus of clause 15, wherein the coupling mechanism of each arm section includes a zipper.

17. The swaddling apparatus of clause 14, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is sewn to the blanket.

18. The swaddling apparatus of clause 14, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms in a respective arm section.

19. A swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising:

• • an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant and including a body section and a pair of arm sections,
  • a blanket coupled to the infant garment, wherein the blanket is configured to wrap around the infant, wherein each arm section includes a coupling mechanism that couples the respective arm section to the blanket, and
  • a zipper positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment, wherein the zipper extends from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket.

20. The swaddling apparatus of clause 19, wherein the zipper can be opened from at least one of the head end of the blanket or the foot end of the blanket.

In another embodiment, in a twenty first clause (21), the present invention provides: a swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising:

• • a blanket configured to wrap around an infant,
  • an infant garment including at least one sleeve coupled to the blanket and configured to receive an arm of the infant while a body of the infant is positioned outside of the infant garment, and
  • a coupling mechanism positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while only the arm of the infant is positioned in the infant garment.

22. The swaddling apparatus of clause 21, wherein the at least one sleeve is sewn to the blanket.

23. The swaddling apparatus of clause 21, wherein the at least one sleeve includes a pair of sleeves coupled to the blanket, wherein each sleeve of the pair of sleeves is configured to receive a different arm of the infant.

24. The swaddling apparatus of clause 21, wherein the at least one sleeve is coupled to an interior side of the blanket so that the at least one sleeve is enclosed in the blanket when the blanket is sealed around the infant.

25. The swaddling apparatus of clause 21, wherein the at least one sleeve is removably coupled to the blanket.

26. The swaddling apparatus of clause 25, wherein the at least one sleeve is removably coupled to the blanket using at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps.

27. The swaddling apparatus of clause 21, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a zipper.

28. The swaddling apparatus of clause 21, wherein the coupling mechanism extends from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket.

29. The swaddling apparatus of clause 28, wherein the coupling mechanism can be opened at both the head end of the blanket and the foot end of the blanket.

30. The swaddling apparatus of clause 21, wherein the at least one sleeve includes an open end and a closed end.

31. A swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising:

• • a blanket configured to wrap around an infant,
  • an infant garment including at least one channel coupled to the blanket and configured to receive a limb of the infant while a body of the infant is positioned outside of the infant garment, and
  • a coupling mechanism positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while only the limb of the infant is positioned in the infant garment.

32. The swaddling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the at least one channel is sewn to the blanket.

33. The swaddling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the at least one channel includes a pair of channels coupled to the blanket, wherein each channel of the pair of channels is configured to receive a different limb of the infant.

34. The swaddling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the at least one channel is coupled to an interior side of the blanket so that the at least one channel is enclosed in the blanket when the blanket is sealed around the infant.

35. The swaddling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the at least one channel is removably coupled to the blanket.

36. The swaddling apparatus of clause 35, wherein the at least one channel is removably coupled to the blanket using at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps.

37. The swaddling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a zipper.

38. The swaddling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the coupling mechanism extends from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket.

39. The swaddling apparatus of clause 38, wherein the coupling mechanism can be opened at both the head end of the blanket and the foot end of the blanket.

40. The swaddling apparatus of clause 31, wherein the at least one channel includes an open end and a closed end.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless cannot be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles can have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and many combinations of aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.

Claims

1. A swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising: an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant,a blanket coupled to the infant garment, wherein the blanket is configured to wrap around the infant, anda coupling mechanism positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment.

2. The swaddling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blanket is sewn to the infant garment.

3. The swaddling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the blanket is coupled to the infant garment using at least one of zippers, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, and snaps.

4. The swaddling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism includes a zipper.

5. The swaddling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism extends from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket.

6. The swaddling apparatus of claim 5, wherein the coupling mechanism can be opened at both the head end of the blanket and the foot end of the blanket.

7. The swaddling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the infant garment includes a body section and a pair of arm sections extending from the body section.

8. The swaddling apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an opening at a foot end of the body section.

9. The swaddling apparatus of claim 8, wherein the opening is configured to be moved between an opened position and a closed positioned.

10. The swaddling apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is attached to the blanket.

11. The swaddling apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is sewn to the blanket.

12. The swaddling apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms in a respective arm section.

13. The swaddling apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is attached to the blanket with a zipper.

14. A swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising: an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant and including a pair of arm sections,a blanket coupled to the infant garment, wherein the blanket is configured to wrap around the infant, wherein each arm section includes a coupling mechanism that couples the respective arm section to the blanket, anda two-way zipper positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment.

15. The swaddling apparatus of claim 14, wherein the coupling mechanism of each arm section releasably couples the respective arm section to the blanket.

16. The swaddling apparatus of claim 15, wherein the coupling mechanism of each arm section includes a zipper.

17. The swaddling apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is sewn to the blanket.

18. The swaddling apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of the pair of arm sections is rouched to facilitate positioning the infant's arms in a respective arm section.

19. A swaddling apparatus for an infant, the swaddling apparatus comprising: an infant garment configured to be worn by an infant and including a body section and a pair of arm sections,a blanket coupled to the infant garment, wherein the blanket is configured to wrap around the infant, wherein each arm section includes a coupling mechanism that couples the respective arm section to the blanket, anda zipper positioned on the blanket and configured to seal the blanket around the infant so that the infant is swaddled in the blanket while wearing the infant garment, wherein the zipper extends from a head end of the blanket to a foot end of the blanket.

20. The swaddling apparatus of claim 19, wherein the zipper can be opened from at least one of the head end of the blanket or the foot end of the blanket.