GB2486237A

GB2486237A - Infant sleep sling with seat

Info

Publication number: GB2486237A
Application number: GB1020778.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vincent Reid
Original assignee: DEVELOPMENTAL SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: DEVELOPMENTAL SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2010-12-08
Filing date: 2010-12-08
Publication date: 2012-06-13
Also published as: WO2012076889A1; GB201020778D0

Abstract

A sling for supporting an infant in a lying position that encourages sleep comprises an infant support element 2 attachable to a harness [as per prior art shown in Fig. 2], which in use is worn by a carrier, and wherein the support element 2 receives and supports the infant such that the longitudinal axes of the infant and the carrier are substantially aligned and the infant lies at an angle above the horizontal in a range which allows the infant and carrier to engage eve contact, and wherein the support element includes a seat 3 and wherein the seat 3 provides a first surface 3a adapted to support an infant against slipping and a second surface 3c adapted to engage with the carrier, e.g. a person, and wherein the second surface 3c is so configured that when engaged with the carrier the support element is necessarily positioned in the said range. The support element may include an infant harness 6 and may have a pair of sidewalls and a top which fold about hinges 4a,5a.

Description

Infant Sleep Sling with Seat

Field of the Invention

The present application relates to a sling for supporting an infant, and in particular to a sling which is adapted to support an infant in a position which is conducive to induce sleep in the infant.

Background of the Invention

Many infants experience a condition known as "colic". The condition is not well understood and is used to describe stomach and intestinal pain with no other obvious cause. Colic affects infants most between 6 and 12 weeks of age. It is reported that over ?O% of infants between these ages experience substantial colic pain. In addition to experiencing pain, an infant suffering from colic will find it difficult to sleep. The period between 6 and 12 weeks of age coincides with the period when a child's sleep patterns are formed. Colic pain often disrupts sleep patterns. Such disruption in the 6 to 12 week old range can result in disrupted sleep patterns throughout infancy and the preschool years.

In addition to colic preventing infants from sleeping, in the period between 6 to 12 weeks of age, infants are increasingly awake during the day, which can lead to them becoming over tired in the evening, when the parent wants the infant to sleep. This over tiredness can prevent the infant from being able to get to sleep, which is manifested by the infant crying excessively, and needing to be held. It is reported that 42% of parents with a child in the age range of 6 to 12 weeks need to hold their child for over one hour in order to induce sleep. This can give rise to back pain, fatigue and stress in the parent.

Research also shows that infants suffering from colic are more likely to be abused or not weli cared for, owing to parental depression resulting from lack of sleep of the parents.

The problems outlined above are widely acknowledged and hence many solutions have already been proposed.

It is also known that young infants exhibit a characteristic known as "sticky attention". For example, if an infant is in a room with a light and is being rocked, and if the light catches the infant's gaze it will follow the light with its eyes as it is rocked. This phenomenon is explained by the immaturity of the frontal cortex of the brain prior to around four months of age and means that the infant cannot disengage from stimuli, such as a bright light in a dark room by moving its gaze away from the stimuli.

The infant's mechanism for disengaging is to close its eyes and go to sleep.

In addition to exhibiting "sticky attention" infants may also be over-stimulated if they receive too much information, such as llght or sound. The infant's may also be over-stimulated if they receive too much information, such as light or sound. The infant's immature brain cannot process all the information being received. Its mechanism for disengaging from the source of over-stimulation is to close its eyes and go to sleep. Over stimulation and sticky attention are inter-related phenomena.

A sllng for supporting an infant in a position such that sleep is induced in the infant is described in the inventors international patent appllcation published under number W02009/090427. The sleep sllng described supports the infant in a particular position, which assists in inducing sleep. The infant is positioned such that the infant's bottom rests on the abdomen of the carrying person and the infant's legs rest to the sides of the carrier's abdomen.

The sleep sling is effective in supporting an infant in a position which assists in inducing sleep.

However, it has been found that the infant may slide down the support, becoming hunched in its upper body. Also, some users have not been confident to hold the infant safely when releasing the sllng from the harness when putting the infant to bed.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved sleep sllng which supports the infant in a particular position, which assists in inducing sleep, yet which is more convenient to use and which prevents the infant from sliding down the sling. To induce sleep, the distance between the eyes of the infant and the eyes of the carrier needs to be in the range of 30 to 40cm. The infant needs to be supported at an angle of inclination not below a first angle above the horizontal and above a second angle above the horizontal, for example the infant may be supported so that it lies indllned between 45 and 65 degrees from the vertical. These angles and the exact distance will in fact change depending on the size of the infant and the size and shape of the carrier.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a sling for supporting an infant, the sling comprising an infant snpport element attachable to a harness, which in use is worn by a carrier, and wherein the snpport element receives and snpports the infant snch that the longitudinal axes of the infant and the carrier are snbstantialiy aligned and the infant lies at an angle above the horizontal in a range wbich allows the infant and carrier to engage eye contact, and wherein the support element includes a seat and wherein the seat provides a first surface adapted to support an infant and a second surface adapted to engage with the carrier and wherein the second surface is so configured that when engaged with the carrier the support element is necessarily positioned in the said range.

Preferably, the first surface of the seat lies perpendicular or downward from perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support element. The first surface of the seat may lie at an angle in the range of zero to forty five degrees downward from said perpendicular. Preferably, the first surface of the seat lies at an angle in the range of zero to ten degrees downward from said perpendicular.

The seat may include third surfaces to either side of the seat.

The support element preferably includes a base, which may be semi-rigid.

The support element may include fasteners attachable to a harness, and the fasteners may be so positioned on the support element that when the harness is worn by a carrier and the support element attached thereto, the second surface of the seat lies substantialiy flat against the stomach of the carrier with the support element positioned in the said range.

Advantageously, the support element includes a base and sides extending upwardly therefrom.

Preferably, the sides are arranged to pivot with respect to the base. The support element may include fastening means configured to fasten the sides in a selected position. The sides may each include an end portion arranged to pivot with respect to the plane of the side. A part of the fastening means is mounted on the end portion of the side.

The base may include an end portion arranged to pivot with respect to the plane of the base.

Part of the fastening means may be mounted on the end portion of the base.

Preferably, the support element includes a harness adapted to secure an infant thereto.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, wbich illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and are by way of

example:

Figure I is an illustration of an infant being supported in a position which alleviates colic and induces sleep: Figure 2 is an illustration of a sling of the prior art in wbich an infant is supported; Figure 3 is a plan view of a sleep sling according to the present invention in a first configuration; Figure 4 is a plan view of the sleep sling iliustrated in Figure 3 in a second configuration; Figure 5 is a side view of the sleep sling illustrated in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6a is a schematic representation of an upper part of the sleep sling illustrated in Figures 3 to 5; Figure 6b is a schematic representation of a lower part of the sleep sling illustrated in Figures 3 to 6a; and Figure 7 is a side view of the sleep sling illustrated in Figures 3 to 6b.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates an infant being supported by an adult carrier such that the infant's bottom rests on the abdomen of the carrier and the infant's legs rest to the sides of the carrier's abdomen. Tbis is the position wbich has been found to both alleviate colic and induce sleep in over tired infants. However, holding an infant in the position shown in this Fignre, even a 6 week old infant, wonld resnlt in tiredness in the adult after a relatively short time. Further, the carrier may begin to experience back pain and cannot utilise his or her hands in any other way than holding the infant.

Figure 2 (fig 7 in prior art) illustrates a sleep sling of the prior art.

Referring now to Figure 3, the sleep sling I of the invention comprises a base 2 at the foot of wbich there is situated a seat 3 wbich is attached to the base 2. The seat 3 may be an integral part of the base 2, or otherwise attached to the base 2. Side walis 4 extend from the base 2 and are hinged 4a with respect thereto. A top wall 5 extends from the upper edge of base 2 and is hinged 5a with respect thereto.

By providing binges 4a between the base 2 and the side walls 4, the side walls 4 may be moved between raised and lowered configurations as illustrated respectively in Figures 3 and 4. Securing means to secure the side walls in the raised configuration may be provided, as is described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 6a and 6b. Securing means may also be provided to secure the side walls in an intermediate configuration where the side walls 4 are partially raised with respect to the base 2.

In the lowered position, the walls may lie in substantially the same plane as the plane of the base I. This allows the infant to lie flat on its back with its arms and legs out to the sides unconstrained by the sling. When the infant is being carried in the sling by the carrier in a position as shown in Figure 2, the side walls 4 may be raised up so as to enclose the infant. Whilst this is not strictiy necessary for the safety of the infant, it does prevent the infant catching a limb on an object that it brushes past for instance.

As can be seen from Figure 4, the sling I includes a harness 6, which allows the infant to be secured to the sling 1. When the infant is supported in the sleep sling I and the sling is attached to the harness worn by a carrier, it is important that the infant is secured in the sling 1 by harness 6. However, when the infant has fallen asleep and the sling I placed on a substantially flat surface, if it is safe to do so, the harness 6 may be released to allow the infant more freedom of movement.

Referring now to Figure 5, the sling 1 is illustrated with sides 4 raised. The sides 4 include an opening 7, and are provided with attachment elements 8a, 8b for attachment of the sling I to a harness worn by a carrier. The provision of openings 7 allows the carrier to touch the infant in the sling I. Figure 5 also illustrates the shape of seat 3. The surface 3a upon which the infant's bottom rests is configured such that it lies at an angle B to the reference line y-y, which with the sleep sling lying horizontal is oriented substantially vertically. The angle 8 is smali, approximately 5 degrees. The purpose of setting the seat surface 3a at such an angle is to prevent the infant lifting itself off the seat 3. When an infant is secured in the sling by harness 6, with the seat surface 3a so angled it is difficult for the infant to lift itself off the seat 3. Hence, the infant is prevented from wriggling down the sling I and is supported in a particular position which assists in inducing sleep. Also, because the infant is prevented from becoming hunched by the combination of the seat 3 and the harness 6, the infant's airways are kept more open and the infant is less prone to colic pain.

Referring now to Figures 6a and 6b, these drawings illustrate in greater detail the upper and lower parts of the sling 1. The upper part provides means to support the side walls 4 in a number of different orientations. The side walls 4 are shown lying in their natural position of repose, which may be coplanar with the base 2. However, fasteners 7a, 7b and 7c provide for the side walls 4 to be supported in different orientations. When the fastener 7a of side wall 4 is attached to fastener 7c of top wall 5, the side walls 4 lie at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the base 2. When the fastener 7a of the side wall 4 is attached to the fastener 7b of the top wall 5, the side walls 4 lie at an angle of approximately 60 degrees to the base 2. The specific angles are not essential to the invention. Where moveable side walls 4 are provided it is desirable that a position be provided where the side walls lie substantially upright with respect to the base. It may also be desirable that a position be provided where the side walls 4 are secured in a splayed position with respect to the base, at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees to the base 2. In such a configuration the infant has more room to move its arms and legs, yet is nevertheless still offered some protection by the side walls 4. In the illustrated example, the fasteners 7a, 7b, 7c are press studs.

However, other fasteners may be used. For example, the fasteners 7a, 7b and 7c may be elements of co operating hook and claw material, other stud type fasteners, or buckle type fasteners.

Also evident from Figure 6a is that the end portions of side wails 4 are formed into tabs 4c, hinged relative to side wails 4 at binges 4b. It should be noted that binges 4a and 4b may be formed in a multitude of different ways, depending to a great extent on the material from which the base 2, side walls 4 and end wail 5 are fabricated. In the present example, the base 2, side walls 4 and end wall 5 are fabricated from a laminated plastics material, and the hinges 4a, 4b are formed of the laminated plastics material. The hinges may be stamped into the material, and/or portions of the material along the hinge lines 4a, 4b may be removed.

Figure 6b illustrates the seat 3, which comprises a surface 3a, which supports the infant's bottom as described above, side walls 3b and a base 3c. The base lies at an angle of about 45 degrees to the plane of the base 2, and includes a lower edge 3c' and an upper edge 3c", which intersects with the surface 3a.

As can be seen from Figure 6b, the base 3c is wider at its lower edge 3c' than at its upper edge 3c". The surface 3a has sides which are substantially parailel. The angle of incilnation of the surface 3c to the base 2 provides a reference for the carrier to ald in positioning the carrier correctiy so that the infant is supported in the correct orientation with respect to the carrier to assist in inducing sleep. The surface 3c lies at an angle of approximately 40 degrees to the plane of the base 2. When the silng I is attached to a harness worn by a carrier, the surface 3c lies agalnst the stomach of the carrier. The orientation of the sling in an in use position can be adjusted so that the infant iles at an angle of 45 to 60 degrees to the vertical axis of the carrier.

Also evident from Figure 6b is the shape of the lower edge of the base 2, which includes parts 2a extending upward from the back of the seat surface 3a. The angle of inclination of the parts 2a is selected to lie substantiaily perpendicular to an infant's leg that is splayed outward due to the interaction between the infant and carrier, so that infant's leg may bend comfortably at the knee.

Figure 7 iilustrates the sling 1 in an upright orientation. From this Figure, the angles of the base 3c of seat 3 with respect to the base 2 of the sling 1, and the seat surface 3a with respect to the plane of the base 2 may be appreciated.

The sleep sling of the present invention supports the infant therein such that it is prevented from slipping down the sling. Further, the configuration of the seat ensures that the sling is comfortable for the carrier when the infant is positioned so as to induce sleep, i.e. with the infant lying at an angle of between 45 and 60 degrees with respect to the carrier, which positions the infant so that its eyes are substantially aligned with the eyes of the carrier and that the distance between the eyes of the infant and the eyes of the carrier is in the range of 30 and 40 cm.

Claims

Claims I. A sling for supporting an infant, the sling comprising an infant support element attachable to a harness, which in use is worn by a carrier, and wherein the support element receives and supports the infant such that the longitudinal axes of the infant and the carrier are substantialiy aligned and the infant lies at an angle above the horizontal in a range wbich aliows the infant and carrier to engage eye contact, and wherein the support element includes a seat and wherein the seat provides a first surface adapted to support an infant and a second surface adapted to engage with the carrier and wherein the second surface is so configured that when engaged with the carrier the support element is necessarily positioned in the said range.
2. A sling according to Claim I, wherein the first surface of the seat lies perpendicular or downward from perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support element.
3. A sling according to Claim 2, wherein the first surface of the seat lies at an angle in the range of zero to forty five degtees downward from said perpendicular.
4. A sling according to Claim 3, wherein the first surface of the seat lies at an angle in the range of zero to ten degrees downward from said perpendicular.
5. A sling according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat includes third surfaces to either side of the seat.
6. A sling according to any preceding claim, the support element including a base, and wherein the base is semi-rigid.
7. A sling according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element includes fasteners attachable to a harness, and wherein the fasteners are so positioned on the support element that when the harness is worn by a carrier and the support element attached thereto, the second surface of the seat lies substantially flat against the stomach of the carrier with the support element positioned in the said range.
8. A sling according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element includes a base and sides extending upwardly therefrom.
9. A sling according to Claim 8, wherein the sides are arranged to pivot with respect to the base.
10. A sling according to Claim 8 or 9, whcrein the support element includes fastening means configured to fasten the sides in a selected position.
11. A sling according to any of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the sides each include an end portion arranged to pivot with respect to the plane of the side.
12. A sling according to Claim ii when dependent on Claim 10, wherein a part of the fastening means is mounted on the end portion of the side.
13. A sling according to any of Claims 8 to 12, wherein the base includes an end portion arranged to pivot with respect to the plane of the base.
14. A sling according to Claim 13, wherein a part of the fastening means is mounted on the end portion of the base.
15. A sling according to any preceding claim, wherein the support element includes a harness adapted to secure an infant thereto.
16. A sling substantialiy as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.