US20160286981A1

US20160286981A1 - Feeding and support pillow

Info

Publication number: US20160286981A1
Application number: US15/082,010
Authority: US
Inventors: Michelle Barsosky; Jason Barsosky
Original assignee: Twin Z Company Inc
Current assignee: Twin Z Company Inc
Priority date: 2015-04-06
Filing date: 2016-03-28
Publication date: 2016-10-06

Abstract

A feeding and support pillow for babies includes a pillow cover containing filling material. The pillow generally defines a frame around a central open region, where the frame has first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal members. The distal end of the fourth longitudinal member is discontinuous with the proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member. The fourth longitudinal member can be converted between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the fourth longitudinal member is generally coplanar with the first, second, and third longitudinal members. In the second position, the fourth longitudinal member is pivoted to extend transversely to the first, second, and third longitudinal members. In the second position, the pillow is constructed to extend around the user's waist with the fourth longitudinal member extending up the user's back.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to pillows and more specifically to a feeding and support pillow for babies.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For centuries, traditional pillows have been used to provide comfort and support to users while sleeping or relaxing. Traditional pillows include a fabric liner filled with a cushioning material such as, for example, goose down, feathers, foam, polyester fill, etc. Traditional pillows are often configured to be rectangular or circular in shape. These traditional basic shapes may be used for a wide variety of applications. Certain traditional pillows, however, have alternative shapes that are customized for more specific applications. For example, curved neck pillows provide support for airline travelers and lumbar support pillows reduce back pain for vehicle drivers.
One embodiment of a neck-support pillow is designed for use during flights or while riding in cars. The neck pillow has a horseshoe shape with first and second arms extending transversely from a neck portion. The neck pillow defines an opening sized for a person's neck. In use, the neck portion of the pillow is positioned along the back of the user's neck where it generally abuts and provides support to the occipital region of the head. The first and second arms extend around the lateral portions of the user's neck between the user's ears and shoulders. The first and second arms extend forward over the user's collarbone region.
One pillow designed specifically for use with infants is an infant feeding and support pillow such as the Boppy® pillow produced by Boppy International. The Boppy® infant feeding and support pillow has a C-shape. In one use, an infant may be placed in an open central region defined by the C while being partially surrounded by cushioning. As used in this way, the pillow acts as a partial barrier that gently restrains the infant from crawling away into unsafe areas. In another use, the Boppy® pillow may be placed around the waist of a mother with the curve of the C shape extending along the mother's belly and sides. In this use, the C-shaped feeding pillow provides a cushioned surface on the mother's lap to support the baby while breastfeeding or bottle feeding the infant. The pillow elevates the infant relative to the height the infant would have had when positioned on the mother's lap. This elevated position supports the infant at a comfortable height for breastfeeding without the need for additional support by the mother's arms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Unfortunately, deficiencies exist with the above-described pillows. Neck support pillows define an opening sized to extend around one's neck and are incapable of being positioned around one's waist. Neck pillows could not be used to provide back support or feed an infant because the general size of the pillow, the length of the arms, and the diameter of the opening are not sized to do so.
Nursing a baby can put a lot of strain on a mother's arms and back. No nursing pillow currently available provides integrated back support. C-shaped infant feeding and support pillows do not provide back support to the user because the arms of the C shape do not extend around the body to the user's back. When the user sits on an open floor or with the user's back against a wall, the C-shape of prior art feeding pillows does not extend sufficiently to provide back support to the user. Therefore the user would need to use a second pillow to provide back support in a sitting position, particularly when the user is seated on the floor.
Also, the C-shape of prior art pillows provides only limited protection to a baby. One side of the pillow is open, therefore leaving an open route to escape the protection of the pillow.
In contrast to pillows of the prior art, the present invention provides an improved infant feeding and support pillow with arms that extend to meet each other and define a central open area encircled by portions of the pillow. Accordingly, the pillow provides a well for the baby that is completely or nearly enclosed on all sides by the pillow. The well is also sized to extend around an adult user's waist with an end of one arm extending upward along the user's back. The pillow of the present invention supports the baby during feeding, but also provides back support to the user and a place for the user to comfortably rest her arms.
A feeding and support pillow has a pillow cover containing filling material where the pillow generally defines a rectangular frame around a central open region sized to receive a user's waist. A first longitudinal member has a first proximal end portion and extending to a first distal end portion. A second longitudinal member has a second proximal end portion joined to the first distal end portion at a first corner region and extends to a second distal end portion. A third longitudinal member has a third proximal end portion joined to the second distal end portion at a second corner region and extending to a third distal end portion. A fourth longitudinal member has a fourth proximal end portion joined to the third distal end portion at a third corner region and extending to a fourth distal end. The fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion and the first longitudinal member, the first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal members define the frame. The pillow is convertible between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the fourth longitudinal member is substantially coplanar with the other three members of the rectangular frame. In the second position, the fourth longitudinal member extends transverse to a plane defined by the first, second, and third longitudinal members.
For example, in the second position, the fourth longitudinal member extends upward substantially perpendicular to the first, second, and third longitudinal members. When the fourth longitudinal member is in the second (transverse) position and the proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member is pivoted towards the third corner region to substantially define a triangle with the first, second, and third longitudinal members, the resulting central open region enclosed by the first, second, and third longitudinal members has a circumference sufficient to encircle the waist of an adult user.
In another embodiment, the pillow includes a releasable connecting strap having a first strap end connected to the first proximal end portion and a second strap end connected to the third corner region. In some embodiments, the strap has a releasable fastening device between the first strap end and the second strap end.
In some embodiments, the central open region has an ellipsoidal shape when the pillow is in the first position. For example, the central open region is oval and has a major axis extending between the second corner region and the first proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member.
In some embodiments, the frame is a rectangular frame.
In one embodiment, the distal end portion of the fourth longitudinal member overlaps the proximal end portion of the first longitudinal member when the fourth longitudinal member is in the first (coplanar) position.
In some embodiments, the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, and the third longitudinal member substantially define a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface.
In some embodiments, an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is square or rectangular. In other embodiments, an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is arcuate. For example, in one embodiment, each of the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, and the third longitudinal member are arcuate. In another embodiment, the first corner region and the second corner region are rounded.
In another embodiment, the central open region has an ellipsoidal shape when the pillow is in the first position. In some embodiments, the central open region defines a D shape when the pillow is in the second position.
Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method of supporting an infant. The method includes providing a pillow cover containing filling material where the pillow has four longitudinal members defining a rectangular frame around a central open region and where the fourth longitudinal member is discontinuous with the first longitudinal member. For example, a first longitudinal member has a first proximal end portion and extends along a first axis to a first distal end portion; a second longitudinal member has a second proximal end portion joined to the first distal end portion at a first corner region and extends to a second distal end portion along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis; a third longitudinal member has a third proximal end portion joined to the second distal end portion at a second corner region and extends to a third distal end portion along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis; and a fourth longitudinal member has a fourth proximal end portion joined to the third distal end portion at a third corner region and extends to a fourth distal end portion along a fourth axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion.
The method also includes positioning the pillow around an user in a seated position with a waist of the user occupying the central open region and the first corner region on a lap of the user; pivoting the fourth longitudinal member to extend upward along the user's back; moving the first proximal end portion towards the third corner region, thereby constricting the central open region around the user's waist; and positioning a baby on the first corner region in front of the user.
In another embodiment, the method includes connecting a strap between the first proximal end portion and the third corner region.
In some embodiments, the seated position is on an open floor. In other embodiments, the seated position is on a floor adjacent a wall, where the step of pivoting the fourth longitudinal member includes positioning the fourth longitudinal member between a back of the user and the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustration of one embodiment of a feeding and support pillow of the present invention in a first position.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view showing the pillow of FIG. 1 in a second position where the fourth longitudinal member is in a second position extending transversely to the remaining portions of the pillow.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of a feeding and support pillow of the present invention showing first, second, and third members having an arcuate shape.

FIG. 4 is a perspective of the feeding and support pillow of FIG. 3 showing the pillow in a second position with the fourth member extending transversely relative to the remaining portions of the pillow.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective illustration showing the pillow of FIG. 1 in use by a user sitting on an open floor with the fourth longitudinal member extending upward along the user's back and remaining members of the pillow substantially encircling the user's waist.

FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration showing the pillow of FIG. 1 in use by a user sitting on a floor with the user's back against a wall, where the fourth longitudinal member is between the user's back and the wall back to provide support and comfort.

FIG. 7 is another perspective illustration of the pillow in use as in FIG. 4 as viewed looking at the user's left side.

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustration showing the pillow of FIG. 1 with a baby positioned face-up in the central open region.

FIG. 9 is front perspective illustration of the pillow of FIG. 1 shown with a baby occupying the central open region and resting on the second longitudinal member in a face-forward position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the photos of FIGS. 1-9. FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of a pillow 100 that includes a pillow cover 102 containing filling material 104 (not visible). In one embodiment, pillow 100 includes longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140 arranged in a frame around a well or central open region 150, where the frame is discontinuous at one corner between two adjacent members. As shown in FIG. 1, pillow is discontinuous between a distal end portion 140 b of fourth longitudinal member and proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110.
In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140 are arranged generally in a rectangular or square frame around central open region 150. In other embodiments, pillow 100 defines a circle or D-shape as observed in plan view. Accordingly, any of first, second, third longitudinal members may be straight, arcuate or have a combination of straight and arcuate sections. Fourth longitudinal member 140 is typically straight since it is constructed to extend along the user's back 12 (shown in FIG. 3.)
Pillow 100 has a first longitudinal member 110 extending along a first axis 112 between a proximal end portion 110 a and a distal end portion 110 b. Proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 terminates at proximal end 116.
A second longitudinal member 120 extends along a second axis 122 substantially perpendicular to first axis 112 and has a proximal end portion 120 a and a distal end portion 120 b. Second longitudinal member 120 is continuous with and connects to first longitudinal member 110 at a first corner region 124 where distal end portion 110 b of first longitudinal member 110 meets proximal end portion 120 a of second longitudinal member 120.
A third longitudinal member 130 extends along a third axis 132 that is substantially perpendicular to second axis 122 and/or substantially parallel to first axis 112. Third longitudinal member 130 has a proximal end portion 130 a and a distal end portion 130 b. Third longitudinal member 130 is continuous with and connects to second longitudinal member 120 at a second corner region 134 where distal end portion 120 b of second longitudinal member meets proximal end portion 130 a of third longitudinal member.
A fourth longitudinal member 140 extends substantially along a fourth axis 142 that is approximately parallel to second axis 122 and approximately perpendicular to one or both of first axis 112 and third axis 132. Fourth longitudinal member has a proximal end portion 140 a and a distal end portion 140 b. Fourth longitudinal member is continuous with and connects to third longitudinal member 130 at a third corner region 144 where distal end portion 130 b of third longitudinal member 130 meets proximal end portion 140 a of fourth longitudinal member 140. Second end portion 140 b of fourth longitudinal member 140 extends towards proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 and terminates at distal end 148. In one embodiment, distal end 148 of fourth longitudinal member 140 is closely adjacent, abuts, or overlaps, proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 when pillow 100 is positioned with all of longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140 substantially in one plane (i.e., coplanar) as shown in the plan view of FIG. 1. Distal end 148 of fourth longitudinal member 140 is discontinuous with proximal end portion 112 of first longitudinal member.
Pillow 100 has an outside perimeter 160 as viewed in the plan view of FIG. 1. In some embodiments, outside perimeter 160 is substantially a rectangular path as in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, outside perimeter 160 is substantially a rectangular path with rounded corners along any or all of first corner region 124, second corner region 134, and third corner region 144. Outside perimeter 160 may comprise a combination or curves and lines as desired for aesthetic or structural reasons. For example, outside perimeter 160 generally follows a rectangular path with a sinusoidal path along each longitudinal member to give a ruffled appearance.
First longitudinal member 110, second longitudinal member 120, third longitudinal member 130, and fourth longitudinal member 140 generally define a rectangular frame around a central open region or well 150 with a circular or elliptical shape. In one embodiment, well 150 has an elliptical shape with a major axis 152 and a minor axis 154, where major axis 152 is generally oriented to extend through second corner region 134 and proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110. Minor axis is oriented to extend through first corner region 124 and third corner region 144. As such, well 150 is optimally shaped to encircle the user's waist when first corner region 124 is positioned in front of the user's body and perhaps supported on the user's lap. In other embodiments, well 150 has a rectangular, diamond, hexagonal, ellipsoid, or other geometric shape. In some embodiments, well 150 has a shape with a major dimension (e.g., diameter, side, etc.) that is oriented at about 45° to first axis 112 and to second axis 122.
When all of longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140 substantially in one plane, well 150 is completely or nearly enclosed along its well perimeter 150 a by longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140. “Completely enclosed” means distal end portion 140 b of fourth longitudinal member 140 abuts or overlaps proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110. Stated differently, well 150 shown in plan view of pillow 100 (e.g., as viewed in FIG. 1) lacks an open path to outside perimeter 160 through an opening 156 between second end 148 and first end portion 114. In embodiments where well 150 is not completely enclosed, well 150 may have opening 156 to exit well 150 between distal end 148 of fourth longitudinal member 140 and proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a photo shows a perspective view of pillow 100 with first longitudinal member 110 in the foreground. First axis 112, second axis 122, and third axis 132 define a plane 101 where a top pillow surface 100 a and a bottom pillow surface 100 b are parallel to plane 101.
Fourth longitudinal member 140 is convertible between a first position (shown in FIG. 1) and a second position (shown in FIG. 2). In the first position, fourth longitudinal member 140 is substantially coplanar with the other three members 110, 120, 130 of the rectangular frame. That is, fourth axis 142 is substantially coplanar with the first axis 112, the second axis 122, and the third axis 132. In the second position as shown in FIG. 2 fourth longitudinal member 140 is bent to extend upward from the other three members 110, 120, 130 of the rectangular frame. That is, fourth axis 142 is transverse to a plane 110 defined by the first axis 112, second axis 122, and third axis 132. For example, in the second position, fourth axis 142 extends upward substantially perpendicular to plane 110. When fourth longitudinal member 140 is in the second (transverse) position and the proximal end portion 110 a of the first longitudinal member 110 is pivoted towards the third corner region 144 to substantially define a triangle with the first, second, and third longitudinal members 110, 12, 130, the resulting central open region 150 enclosed by the first, second, and third longitudinal members has a circumference sufficient to encircle the waist of an adult user.
During use, fourth longitudinal member 140 is maintained in the second position and proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 may be drawn towards third corner region 144 to reduce the size of central open region 150 to tighten pillow 100 around the user's waist. Optionally, proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 is releasably fastened to third corner region 144, such as along bottom surface 100 b or outside perimeter 160.
FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of another embodiment of pillow 100 where outside perimeter 160 and well perimeter 150 a define a curve along these members. The arcuate shape of pillow 100 may be achieved by rounding first corner region 124 and second corner region 134 and/or by forming each of first, second, and third longitudinal members 110, 120, 130 with an arcuate shape. In the embodiment, of FIG. 3, fourth longitudinal member 140 extends generally in a linear or straight path.
FIG. 4 illustrates a front and left-side perspective view of pillow 100 of FIG. 3, where fourth longitudinal member 140 is converted to the second position to extend transversely (upward) relative to first, second, and third longitudinal members 110, 120, 130. In the second position, first, second, and third longitudinal members 110, 120, 130 tend to occupy an arcuate shape that defines a semi-circle. In plan view with pillow 100 in the second position, first, second, and third longitudinal members 110, 120, 130 substantially defines a C shape and pillow 100 substantially defines a D shape. Similarly, central open region also defines a D shape when pillow 100 is in the second position.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a top and rear perspective illustration shows pillow 100 in use by a user 10 sitting on the floor 24 with fourth longitudinal member 140 extending up along the user's back 12. The user's waist 14 occupies well 150 (not visible). First longitudinal member 110 and second longitudinal member 120 extend laterally along the user's waist 14 with first corner portion 124 (not visible) in front of the user 10. Third longitudinal member 130 extends from the user's left side 16 towards the user's back 12. Fourth longitudinal member 140 is pivoted to the second position and extends upward along the user's back 12 with third corner region 144 adjacent the user's lower back. Proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 is drawn towards third corner region 144 and connected with optional adjustable strap 166. In some embodiments, adjustable strap 166 includes a releasable fastening device 168, such as a clip, buckle, button, snap, hook-and-loop fastener, or other releasable fastener.
When first end portion 114 is drawn into contact with or to be closely adjacent to third corner region 144, well 150 has well perimeter 150 a (shown in FIG. 1) sufficient to substantially encircle the waist 14 of an adult user 12. Oriented in a diamond about user 12 as shown in FIG. 5 where first corner portion 124 (shown in FIG. 1) is in front of the user 12, second corner region 134 is comfortably positioned adjacent the user's left arm 18 and proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 is comfortably positioned adjacent the users right arm 20.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a front and side perspective illustration shows user 10 using pillow 100 in a sitting position on floor 24 with her back 12 adjacent a wall 30. As in FIG. 5, fourth longitudinal member 140 is pivoted to the second position and extends upward along the user's back 12 with third corner region 144 adjacent the user's lower back. Fourth longitudinal member 140 is between the user 10 and wall 30, providing support and cushion to the user 12 in a sitting position with back 12 against wall 30. A baby 15 is supported on pillow 100 for breastfeeding, sleeping, or other activity with the user, where first longitudinal member 110, second longitudinal member 120, and first corner region 142 provide a convenient surface to support baby 15.
Referring now to FIG. 7, another side and front perspective illustration shows pillow 100 during use as viewed looking at the left side of the user 10. As in FIG. 6, fourth longitudinal member 140 is pivoted to the second position and extends upward along the user's back 12 with third corner region 144 adjacent the user's lower back. First longitudinal member 110 extends at an angle of about 45° along the user's front and right side 17 to first corner region 124. Similarly, second longitudinal member 120 extends at an angle of about 45° along the user's front and left side 16 between first corner region 124 and second corner region 134. First longitudinal member 110 provides support to the user's right arm 20; second longitudinal member 120 provides support to the user's left arm 18. As shown in use, pillow 100 has a substantially triangular shape defined by first longitudinal member 110, second longitudinal member 120, and third longitudinal member 130, where user 10 occupies central open region 150 (shown in FIG. 1.) Optionally, any or all of first corner region 124, second corner region 134, or third corner region 144 may be rounded for a more compact shape.
In contrast to prior art designs, support provided to user's arms 18, 20 by pillow 100 is greatly enhanced. Also, first corner region 124 provides a larger area for feeding older infants and toddlers. Since some children breastfeed well into the toddler years, pillow 100 has an increased area on first corner region 124 for these children. Additionally, pillow 100 wrapping around the user 10 from the back allows pillow 100 to be used with older babies 15 with the user 10 in a sitting position.
Referring now to FIG. 8, top plan illustrations shows pillow 100 in use on open floor 24 with fourth longitudinal member 140 in the first position. Baby 15 occupies well 150 in a face-up position and is supported by portions of first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal members 110, 120, 130, 140. As noted above, proximal end portion 110 a of first longitudinal member 110 may be attached to distal end portion 140 b of fourth longitudinal member 140 with adjustable strap 166 (not visible; shown in FIG. 5) so that pillow 100 maintains its shape and baby 15 does not fall below pillow 100.
In FIG. 9, a perspective illustration shows pillow 100 with baby 15 occupying central open region 150 in a face-forward position and partially resting on second longitudinal member 120. Baby 15 is surrounded by the soft surfaces of pillow 100 where he/she can play and see activity going on around him/her.
Examples of filling material include open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, natural latex rubber foam, memory foam, polyester fiberfill (e.g., micro denier fiber fill), cotton, beads (e.g., polystyrene beads), beans, cotton, wool, feathers, and the like. In one embodiment, pillow filling material is removable from pillow cover 102 for ease of washing pillow cover 102. In another embodiment, pillow cover 102 is reversible. Optionally, a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener strip, or other closure device is sewn along outside perimeter 160 and may be used to open and close the unsewn portion in the pillow cover 102. Optionally, to provide a pillow with increased thickness, a strip of fabric may be sewn between top and bottom fabric pieces, where the strip of fabric forms the sidewall of pillow cover 102 along the outside perimeter 160 of the pillow as viewed in plan view.
In use, pillow 100 allows a baby 15 to be placed in a variety of comfortable positions in a safe manner for tummy time, play, or resting, such as shown in FIGS. 8-9. For breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or sleeping, pillow 100 provides integrated back support to the user as well as improved support for the user's arms, such as shown in FIGS. 5-7.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A feeding and support pillow comprising:

a pillow cover containing filling material and comprising:

a first longitudinal member having a first proximal end portion and extending to a first distal end portion;

a second longitudinal member having a second proximal end portion joined to the first distal end portion at a first corner region and extending to a second distal end portion;

a third longitudinal member having a third proximal end portion joined to the second distal end portion at a second corner region and extending to a third distal end portion; and

a fourth longitudinal member having a fourth proximal end portion joined to the third distal end portion at a third corner region and extending to a fourth distal end portion;

wherein the fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion and the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member, and the fourth longitudinal member generally define a frame around a central open region sized to accept an user's waist; and

wherein when the pillow is convertible between a first position in which the fourth longitudinal member extends towards the first proximal end portion, and a second position in which the fourth longitudinal member extends transverse to first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member.

2. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, further comprising an connecting strap having a first strap end connected to the first proximal end portion and a second strap end connected to the third corner region.

3. The feeding and support pillow of claim 2 further comprising a releasable fastening device between the first strap end and the second strap end.

4. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is rectangular.

5. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein an outside perimeter of the pillow cover is arcuate.

6. The feeding and support pillow of claim 5, wherein each of the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, and the third longitudinal member are arcuate.

7. The feeding and support pillow of claim 5, wherein the first corner region and the second corner region are rounded.

8. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein the central open region has an ellipsoidal shape when the pillow is in the first position.

9. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, wherein the central open region defines a D shape when the pillow is in the second position.

10. The feeding and support pillow of claim 1, where the frame generally has a rectangular shape.

11. A method of supporting a baby comprising:

providing a pillow cover containing filling material and comprising:

a first longitudinal member extending from a first proximal end portion to a first distal end portion;

wherein the fourth distal end portion is discontinuous with the first proximal end portion and the first longitudinal member, the second longitudinal member, the third longitudinal member, and the fourth longitudinal member generally define a frame around a central open region sized to accept an user's waist;

positioning the pillow around an user in a seated position with a waist of the user occupying the central open region and the first corner region on a lap of the user;

pivoting the fourth longitudinal member to extend upward along the user's back;

moving the first proximal end portion towards the third corner region, thereby constricting the central open region around the user's waist; and

positioning a baby on the first corner region in front of the user.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising connecting a strap between the first proximal end portion and the third corner region.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the seated position is on an open floor.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the seated position is on a floor adjacent a wall and wherein the step of pivoting the fourth longitudinal member includes positioning the fourth longitudinal member between a back of the user and the wall.