GB2532121A

GB2532121A - Infant sleep bag, apparatus and swaddle

Info

Publication number: GB2532121A
Application number: GB1515974.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mercy Debbie
Original assignee: Gro Group International Ltd
Current assignee: Gro Group International Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-09
Filing date: 2015-09-09
Publication date: 2016-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-09
Also published as: GB2532121B; WO2016038101A1; ES2808129T3; EP3190931A1; AU2015314257B2; GB201515974D0; AU2015314257A1; EP3190931B1

Abstract

An infant sleep garment 100 comprises a main body 101 to receive the torso and legs of an infant, and having arm hole openings 103, 105 which are arranged on either side of the main body 101. Arm hole closure mechanisms 102, 104 allow the arm hole openings 103, 105 to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through (figure 3), or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the sleep bag (figure 4). Openings (figure 2, 219, 221) may be provided in the front and back panels to enable a harness or strap to be passed through the entirety of the bag whilst the infant is secured in a seat or other device.

Description

INFANT SLFFP BAG, APPARATUS AND SWADDLE

TECHNICAL HELD

The present invention relates, in general, to an infant sleep apparatus, and more particularly, although not exclusively to infant sleep bags and swaddles.

BACKGROUND

Baby sleep or sleeping bags, and more generally infant and child sleeping bags, are a convenient and safe alternative to traditional blankets, and are typically recognised as safer alternatives compared to more traditional bedding as they prevent an infant's head from getting covered by bedding. In addition, they prevent the infant from kicking off bedding and waking up because they are cold for example.

Swaddling can be used to wrap an infant for warmth and security, and can prevent an infant baby from being disturbed by their own startle reflex. However, if an infant is swaddled too tightly there is a risk of overheating and/or a risk of hip dysplasia for example.

SUMMARY

According to an example, there is provided an infant sleep bag, comprising a main body to receive the torso and legs of an infant, the main body including arm hole openings arranged on either side of the main body and including respective arm closure mechanisms to allow the arm hole openings to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through the arm hole openings, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the sleep bag. An upper region of the main body can be composed of a material with a relatively higher thermal rating than the material of a lower region of the bag and/or is composed of multiple layers of material. Each layer can be composed of the same material or wherein at least one of the multiple layers is composed of a different material to the other layers. The main body can include a portion with an air-permeable covering material. The main body can be narrower at a neck end than the opposite end whereby, in use, to allow freedom of leg movement. The main body can include front and back portions to define an interior region for accommodating the infant. The front portion can include a closure mechanism extending from a neck opening of the main bag to a lower region of the front portion.

The closure mechanism can include one of a zip and/or poppers. The closure mechanism can extend over the front of an upper region of the main body, across the restrictive/swaddling zone defined by the upper region, and extend around the side of the main body/side seam of a lower region. The closure mechanism can follow a curved, sinuous or straight route over the front of an upper region of the main body. The closure mechanism can be a two-way zip. The arm closure mechanisms can include one of a zip or poppers or other suitable closure to enable the arm openings to be opened and closed as desired. The back portion can include one or more openings to receive, in use, a harness or strap, whereby to enable an infant to be secured whilst in situ in the sleep bag to a seat or other device upon which the harness or strap is mounted. At least one of the front and back portions of the bag can be composed of multiple sections. Respective ones of the sections can be so profiled as to define a cavity within the lower region of the bag forming the interior region whereby to enable free movement of the legs of an infant in multiple directions. The multiple sections can be joined together using seams. Respective arm hole openings can include closure mechanisms provided on flaps or wings that are integral with the main body of the bag or otherwise attached thereto. The flaps or wings can be folded over from back to front and vice versa. The flaps or wings can be attached or integral with the rear of the bag and can be folded over to engage with the front, whereby to enable the arm hole openings to be closed whilst also ensuring that, whilst the openings are open, the closure mechanism does not come into contact with an infant or their arms. The closure mechanisms can be provided on the flaps or wings and suitable corresponding closure means are provided on the front of the bag to engage with the closure mechanisms. The closure mechanisms can be male or female popper portions and the closure means can be corresponding female or male popper portions.

According to an example, there is provided apparatus for swaddling an infant, comprising a main body to receive the torso and legs of an infant, the main body including arm hole openings arranged on either side of the main body and including respective arm closure mechanisms to allow the arm hole openings to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through the arm hole opening, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the apparatus whereby to swaddle the infant. An upper region of the main body can be composed of a material with a relatively higher thermal rating than the material of a lower region of the apparatus and/or is composed of multiple layers of material. Each layer can be composed of the same material or wherein at least one of the multiple layers is composed of a different material to the other layers. The main body can include a portion with an air-permeable covering material. The main body can be narrower at a neck end than the opposite end whereby, in use, to allow freedom of leg movement. The main body can include front and back portions to define an interior region for accommodating the infant. The front portion can include a closure mechanism extending from a neck opening of the main bag to a lower region of the front portion. The closure mechanism can include one of a zip or poppers. The closure mechanism can extend over the front of an upper region of the main body, across the restrictive/swaddling zone defined by the upper region, and extend around the side of the main body/side seam of a lower region. The closure mechanism can follow a curved, sinuous or straight route over the front of an upper region of the main body. The closure mechanism can be a two-way zip. The arras closure mechanisms can include one of a zip or poppers or other suitable closure to enable the arm openings to be opened and closed as desired. The back portion can include one or more openings to receive, in use, a harness or strap, whereby to enable an infant to be secured whilst in situ in the apparatus to a seat or other device upon which the harness or strap is mounted. At least one of the front and back portions of the bag can be composed of multiple sections. Respective ones of the sections can be so profiled as to define a cavity within the lower region of the bag forming the interior region whereby to enable free movement of the legs of an infant in multiple directions. The multiple sections can be joined together using seams.

Respective arm hole openings can include closure mechanisms provided on flaps or wings that are integral with the main body of the bag or otherwise attached thereto. The flaps or wings can be folded over from back to front and vice versa. The flaps or wings can be attached or integral with the rear of the bag and can be folded over to engage with the front, whereby to enable the arm hole openings to be closed whilst also ensuring that, whilst the openings are open, the closure mechanism does not come into contact with an infant or their arms. The closure mechanisms can be provided on the flaps or wings and suitable corresponding closure means are provided on the front of the bag to engage with the closure mechanisms. The closure mechanisms can be male or female popper portions and the closure means can be corresponding female or male popper portions.

According to an example, there is provided a swaddle, comprising a main body to receive the torso and legs of an infant, the main body including arm hole openings arranged on 35 either side of the main body and including respective arm closure mechanisms to allow the arm hole openings to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through the arm hole openings, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the sleep bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an infant sleep bag according to an example; Figure 2a is a schematic representation of the front of an infant sleep bag according to an example; Figure 2b is a schematic representation of the back of an infant sleep bag according to

an example;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an infant in an infant sleep bag in an open configuration according to an example; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an infant in an infant sleep bag in a closed configuration according to an example; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an arm hole opening according to an example; 25 and Figure 6 is a side view of a bag according to an example.

DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope.

The articles -a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising,' "includes,-and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an infant sleep bag according to an example.

An infant sleep bag 100, swaddle or apparatus for swaddling an infant, comprises a main body 101 to receive the torso and legs of an infant. The main body 101 includes arm hole openings 103, 105 arranged on either side of the main body 101. The openings 103, 105 include respective arm closure mechanisms 102, 104 to allow each arm hole opening 103, 105 to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through the arm hole openings, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the sleep bag 100. Each arm hole opening can be independently open or closed and can also be in a partially open configuration in which the opening is not fully open, whereby to enable warm air to be vented from the arm hole opening or openings for example. In this configuration, the partial opening may be configured to be too small to enable an infant to pass their arm through. As such a hybrid swaddle/sleep bag is provided that offers infants, such as newborn babies for example, the benefits of swaddling but without the risks of wrapping too tightly. For example, the risk of hip dysplasia is reduced/minimised, as is the risk associated with over heating for example.

An upper region 107 of the main body 101 can be composed of a material with a relatively higher thermal rating than the material of a lower region 109 of the bag. The material used for the upper region of the main body can be the same material that is used for the lower region 109 of the main body of the bag, or may be a different material or fabric. In an example, a multiple (e.g. double) layer of material can be provided in region 107, with a single layer (or fewer layers) of the same or a different material or fabric used for region 109. In an example, an upper region 107 may be composed of multiple layers of fabrics, which may be the same fabric or which may be respective different types of fabric. For example, an inner layer may use a brushed cotton type fabric, or similar, an outer layer may be formed from cotton, whilst one or more intermediate layers between the inner and outer layers may use cotton, brushed cotton, bamboo and so on. The different layers can be so selected to provide the desired thermal and/or cocooning/swaddling and/or protective characteristics. For example, an outer layer can use a fabric that is hard wearing or that has an elastic property, whereby to increase a swaddling effect. An inner fabric can use a soft and warm fabric such as brushed cotton for example, which may also be elastic or have elastic or stretch characteristics. Intermediate layers, if present, can use materials or fabrics which impart a desired thermal and/or elastic characteristic for the bag, such as brushed cotton, bamboo fabric and so on.

Alternatively, different types or thicknesses of the same material may be used. The boundary between region 107 and 109 can be situated at any desired location. For example, region 107 may comprise substantially the top half of the bag 100, with the lower region 109 comprising substantially the bottom half of the bag 100. Other altematives are possible. For example, the top region 107 may comprise substantially the top one quarter or third of the bag 100 with the bottom region 109 comprising the remainder, and so on. The choice of material and location of the regions can be selected in dependence on the climate in which the bag 100 is to be used. For example, in colder climes a higher thermal rating of material can be used for either or both regions compared to a material selected for a relatively warmer clime and/or a portion of the bag with a higher thermal rating can define a larger proportion of the bag and so on. In an example, the bag 100 can be made from one material with no deviation in the thermal rating or material used. That is, there can be one region in an example.

In an example, an upper region 107 of the bag can be lined and/or fabricated from a material that is different to the rest of the bag. For example, the upper region can be lined and/or fabricated from a material to provide extra stability and/or result in a more restrictive environment for an infant in the bag. This can have a cocooning effect, akin to swaddling, that is known to settle and comfort infants. A lining can be used to reduce the internal space of the bag at the upper region. Alternatively, or in addition to a lining, a material such as an elasticated or 'stretchy' material can be used. Accordingly, the upper region 107 can provide a tighter fit for an infant compared to the rest of the bag.

The upper region 107 can be 'bagged out', that is, where all edges are enclosed. A flap 127 can be provided to house a zip pull so as to prevent injury or discomfort, and a closed end single slider zip can be used as will be described in more detail below.

The lower region 109 of the bag can be flared, such as depicted. This effectively provides a pouch at the lower region which enables freedom of movement for an infant in this region. Particularly, the lower region can enable freedom of movement of an infant's legs, which can reduce the occurrence of problems such as hip dysplasia for example. Seams 115, 117 can be provided to provide more room in the lower region 109. A travel opening 221 can be provided as will be explained in more detail below.

In an example, the main body 101 can include a portion with an air-permeable covering material, whereby to enable venting of warm air for example. The main body 101 can be narrower at a neck end 111 than the opposite end 113 whereby, in use, to allow freedom of leg movement of an infant within the bag. Alternatively, the main body 101 can be more restrictive width-wise along its length.

In the example of figure 1, the arm hole openings 103, 105 can be closed using poppers (such as Nickel free poppers for example). which are placed in a side seam on respective ones of the openings. The arm hole openings are 'bagged out' into the shoulder and side seams of the bag whereby to form wings that can be folded over back to front and vice-versa depending on the configuration of the opening as is described in more detail below with reference to figure 5. In an example, the closing mechanism for the arm hold openings, such as poppers, are arranged on the bag and on a wing so that, when not in use, they can therefore be folded back out of the way of the arm hole opening so as not to cause injury or discomfort. That is, when folded back, the two halves of respective ones of the poppers (for example) will project outwardly and away from the bag. The same considerations apply to other forms of closure, such as a zip or hook and loop fastening for example.

Referring to figures 2a and 2b, which are schematic representations of the front and back of an infant sleep bag according to an example, the main body 101 includes front 201 and back 203 portions which join together to define an interior region for accommodating an infant. The front portion 201 can include a closure mechanism 205 extending from a neck opening 207 of the main bag to a lower region 209 of the front portion 201. The closure mechanism 205 can include one of a zip, as mentioned above, or poppers for example, or a combination of the two.

The closure mechanism 205 can extend around the bag 100. For example, with reference to figure 2a, a closure 205, such as a zip for example can extend from the neck opening of the bag and around the side of the bag, such as a to a point A, or thereabouts (that is, the exact location of the point of termination is not intended to be limited to that depicted -rather, the location is indicative of the position for a suitable end point of a closure mechanism, such as a zip). In an example, the closure extends over the front of the upper region from the neck area to the intersection between the upper and lower regions (for example point B in figure 2a). Accordingly, the closure extends over the front of the bag across the restrictive/swaddling zone defined by the upper region and extends around the side of the bag/side seam (B to A for example) of the lower, voluminous, region of the bag.

The path taken by closure 205 from the neck region to reach the edge of the bag (B) as shown in figure 2a may be straight or curved. For example, as the closure 205 traverses the top region of the bag towards the side seam, it can follow a curved path which may be quite pronounced (such as depicted by dotted line 230). In this way, when the closure 205 is open the front portion of the bag can effectively be folded over to expose an infant, which can be useful for the purposes of changing nappies/clothing and so on. The position of the closure 205 means it does not interfere with the arm hole openings.

In an example, the closure 205 can be a two-way zip which enables access from the top and/or bottom. Accordingly, and with reference to figure 2a for example, the zip can be opened from point A around to the opposite side of the bag, such as up to point B for example, thereby enabling the lower region of the bag to be opened without interfering with the top region (swaddling zone). Thus an infant may remain swaddled for example, whilst the bottom region is opened to allow for changing and so on.

A suitable fabric chin/face guard 218 may be provided to protect an infant from a zip of other closure mechanism when part of such a mechanism is in a position in which it could contact the infant.

As depicted in figure 2a, a closure mechanism 205 can enable the front portion of the bag to be opened relative to the back to enable infant changing. For example, to change an infant's nappy or clothing, the closure mechanism 205 can be opened so that the front portion of the bag can be moved to enable easy access to the infant without having to completely remove the bag. That is, the front part can be opened and 'flapped over' to enable easy access to an infant within the bag.

As shown in the figures, such as figure 1 for example, seams 115, 117 can be provided on a lower portion 109 of the bag. The seams can be arranged to extend substantially vertically from the bottom of the lower region 109 of the bag to the intersection 119 25 between the upper 107 and lower 109 regions of the bag.

In an example, seams 115, 117 are shaped/curved. That is, the seams are profiled so as to create more volume in the lower region 109 of the bag. This allows the infant's legs to be in the natural position which is with the hips bent up like they were when baby was born, with room for the legs to move freely. The seams allow for space for the legs-not just allowing width, but also height for the knees.

In an example, a lower portion 109 of a bag can be composed of different sections 121, 123, 125 that are joined using the seams 115, 117. Accordingly, the sections can be so 35 profiled as to enable the lower portion 109 to form a voluminous cavity within which the legs of an infant can freely move. Such movement can be width ways as well as in height (such as in and out of the page with reference to figure 1 for example). In this connection, figure 6 is a side view of a bag according to an example. As can be seen, the lower region 109 of the bag defines a cavity that has a relatively larger volume than the upper region 107 of the bag. The rear of the lower region of the bag may be provided with similar seams/sections as shown with respect to the front of the lower region 109, or may be a single section, or two sections joined together along the centre of the back of the bag and so on. As such, sections 123, 125 as depicted in figure 1 may form part of the back of the lower region of the bag. That is, these sections may extend around the back of the bag, and be joined in the centre region of the rear of the bag, or joined to any one or more intermediate rear sections (similarly to the way in which the sections are joined at the front by way of the intermediate section 121).

In an example, arm closure mechanisms 211, 213 can be provided on flaps 212, 214 that are integral with the main body of the bag or otherwise attached thereto, for example by being sewed to arm openings. The closure mechanisms 211, 213 can include one of a zip or poppers or other suitable closure to enable the arm openings to be opened and closed as desired. In example, the closure mechanisms 211, 213 enable the arm openings to be temporarily provided in an open or closed configuration. That is, closure mechanisms 211, 213 enable the arm opening to be opened or closed as desired, and are suitably robust to prevent accidental opening or closing by an infant or by rubbing of the closure mechanisms 211, 213 against other items such as a bed or cot for example.

In an example, the flaps or wings 212, 214 can fold over from back to front and vice versa. That is, the flaps can be attached or integral with the rear 203 of the bag and can fold over to engage with the front 201 whereby to enable the arm openings to be closed whilst also ensuring that, whilst the opening are open, the closure (e.g. poppers) do not come into contact with the infant or their arms. That is, when in an open configuration, the flaps or wings, when folded, are so arranged as to maintain the poppers folded behind the bag. In this connection, the portions 250, 251 as depicted in figures 2a, 2b can be connected (e.g. sewn) to the rear 203 of the bag to form a 'pocket' or pouch that is biased or configured to stay in the position in which it has been folded (i.e. open or closed) similarly to, for example, the internal flap portion on a pillow case or a hood on a coat. That is, because the wings or flaps are connected at points 250 and 251 they will stay folded back in an open configuration and folded frontways when in a closed configuration.

In an example, closure mechanisms 211, 213 can be situated on the flaps 212, 214 and suitable corresponding closure means can be provided on the front of the bag to engage with the closure mechanisms 211, 213. For example, in the case of poppers, male or female popper portions can be provided on flaps 212, 214, with corresponding female or male portions, as appropriate, being provided on the front portion 201 whereby to enable the portions to engage when a closed configuration of the bag is desired. In an example, the flaps 212, 214, or similar, can be provided on the front portion 201 instead as will be appreciated. It will also be appreciated that closure mechanisms 211, 213 can be provided directly on the arm openings 215, 217 and that flaps 212, 214 and the like need not be used if so desired.

The back portion 203 can include one or more openings 219 to receive, in use, a harness or strap, whereby to enable an infant to be secured whilst in situ in the sleep bag to a seat or other device upon which the harness or strap is mounted. A similar opening 221 can be provided on the front portion 201 to enable part of a harness or strap to be passed through the entirety of the bag. A chin guard 218 can be provided to shield the infant's chin from a zip or similar 205. In an example, the bag may be devoid of openings 219, 221.

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an infant in an infant sleep bag in an open configuration according to an example. Arms 301, 303 of the infant can be seen to pass through the arm openings 305, 307. Closure mechanisms 309, 311 are provided.

These engage with corresponding closure mechanisms on flaps 313, 315, which are not visible as they are obscured by the flaps or wings 313, 315, which are folded back in the open configuration of figure 3. In the example of figure 3 poppers are used, although it will be appreciated that any other suitable means may be used such as zips for example. Any number of poppers may be used as desired.

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an infant in an infant sleep bag in a closed configuration according to an example. Arms of the infant are maintained within the main body 401 of the bag 400. The infant can therefore be swaddled. Flaps 403, 405 are shown in a closed configuration, and male/female parts of the poppers are brought together and fastened so as to close the openings.

In the example of figure 4, the arm hole openings of the bag are in a closed configuration in which fasteners, such as the poppers and so on described above are used to close (substantially, partially or completely) the arm hole openings of the bag.

Accordingly, an infant in the bag can have their arms confined within an upper region of the bag 400. This can have the effect of swaddling an infant, such their arms are confined in an upper region, which, as described above can be lined and/or fabricated from a material to provide extra stability and/or result in a more restrictive environment for an infant in the bag, with the legs (broadly speaking the lower half) of the infant being free to move within the bounds of the lower region of the bag, which is flared and/or more spacious than the upper region. A bag as depicted in figure 4 can therefore function as a hybrid swaddle/sleep bag, in which the top of the infant is swaddled, or confined, or partially restricted from moving, and in which the lower part of the infant, such as the at least the infant's legs can move more freely.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a portion of an arm hole opening of an infant sleep bag according to an example. Figure 5 shows one arm hole opening, but of course it will be appreciated that two such openings with corresponding features as described with reference to figure 5 are provided for an infant sleep bag according to an example.

An opening 605 through which an infant's arm can pass is depicted. A front part 601 and rear part 603 of the opening 605 are depicted. The front and rear parts can be flaps or wings of material that can be folded together to close the opening using closures 601a-c and 603a-c. In the example of figure 6, the closures are poppers, and with the opening 605 in an open configuration as shown, closures 601a-c are arranged on top of part 601 and are thus visible in the example shown, and closures 603a-c are undemeath the part 603 and are thus hidden from view (and are thus depicted in broken line).

To close the opening 605 the parts 601 and 603 are brought together such that the closures 601a-c and 603a-c can engage and be fastened together. For example, part 603 can be folded over on itself so that closures 603a-c are visible and part 601 can then be placed over the top of part 603 so that the corresponding closures of part 601 engage with the closures of part 603. With the opening 605 in an open configuration, having closures 603a-c arranged in the manner depicted means that the closures will not come into contact with an infant's arm and will not therefore cause discomfort or injury.

A closure mechanism for the opening 605 can be a zip or hook and loop fastenings for example, and the use of poppers as depicted with reference to figure 5 is not intended to be limiting.

The words infant and child are used interchangeably herein, and the use of one over the other is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, the use of sleep or sleeping bag is also used interchangeably, and again the use of one term over the other is not intended to be limiting.

As used herein, the term tog relates to a unit of measurement of the warmth or thermal resistance of a fabric or material in question. Typically, the higher the tog rating, the warmer (more thermally insulating) the material or fabric.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An infant sleep bag, comprising: a main body to receive the torso and legs of an infant, the main body including arm hole openings arranged on either side of the main body and including respective arm closure mechanisms to allow the arm hole openings to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through the arm hole openings, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the sleep bag.
2. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper region of the main body is composed of a material with a relatively higher thermal rating than the material of a lower region of the bag and/or is composed of multiple layers of material.
3. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 2, wherein each layer is composed of the same material or wherein at least one of the multiple layers is composed of a different material to the other layers.
4. An infant sleep bag as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main body includes a portion with an air-permeable covering material.
5. An infant sleep bag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main body is narrower at a neck end than the opposite end whereby, in use, to allow freedom of leg movement.
6. An infant sleep bag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main body includes front and back portions to define an interior region for accommodating the infant.
7. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 6, wherein the front portion includes a 30 closure mechanism extending from a neck opening of the main bag to a lower region of the front portion.
8. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 7, wherein the closure mechanism includes one of a zip and/or poppers.
9. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the closure mechanism extends over the front of an upper region of the main body, across the restrictive/swaddling zone defined by the upper region, and extends around the side of the main body/side seam of a lower region.
10. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 9, wherein the closure mechanism follows a curved, sinuous or straight route over the front of an upper region of the main body.
11. An infant sleep bag as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the closure 10 mechanism is a two-way zip.
12. An infant sleep bag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arm closure mechanisms include one of a zip or poppers or other suitable closure to enable the arm openings to be opened and closed as desired.
13. An infant sleep bag as claimed claim 6, wherein the back portion includes one or more openings to receive, in use, a harness or strap, whereby to enable an infant to be secured whilst in situ in the sleep bag to a seat or other device upon which the harness or strap is mounted.
14. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of the front and back portions of the bag is composed of multiple sections.
15. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 14, wherein respective ones of the sections are so profiled as to define a cavity within the lower region of the bag forming the interior region whereby to enable free movement of the legs of an infant in multiple directions.
16. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the multiple sections are joined together using seams.
17. An infant sleep bag as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein respective arm hole openings include closure mechanisms provided on flaps or wings that are integral with the main body of the bag or otherwise attached thereto.
18. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 17, wherein the flaps or wings can be folded over from back to front and vice versa.
19. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the flaps or wings are attached or integral with the rear of the bag and can be folded over to engage with the front, whereby to enable the arm hole openings to be closed whilst also ensuring that, whilst the openings are open, the closure mechanism does not come into contact with an infant or their arms.
20. An infant sleep bag as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the closure mechanisms are provided on the flaps or wings and suitable corresponding closure means are provided on the front of the bag to engage with the closure mechanisms.
21. An infant sleep bag as claimed in claim 20, wherein the closure mechanisms are 15 male or female popper portions and the closure means are female or male popper portions.
22. An infant sleep bag substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. 20
23. Apparatus for swaddling an infant, comprising a main body to receive the torso and legs of an infant, the main body including arm hole openings arranged on either side of the main body and including respective arm closure mechanisms to allow the arm hole openings to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through the arm hole opening, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the apparatus whereby to swaddle the infant.
24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein an upper region of the main body is composed of a material with a relatively higher thermal rating than the material of a lower region of the apparatus and/or is composed of multiple layers of material.
25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein each layer is composed of the same material or wherein at least one of the multiple layers is composed of a different material to the other layers.
26. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the main body includes a portion with an air-permeable covering material.
27. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 23 to 26, wherein the main body is 5 narrower at a neck end than the opposite end whereby, in use, to allow freedom of leg movement.
28. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 23 to 27, wherein the main body includes front and back portions to define an interior region for accommodating the infant.
29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the front portion includes a closure mechanism extending from a neck opening of the main bag to a lower region of the front portion.
30. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29, wherein the closure mechanism includes one of a zip or poppers.
31. Apparatus as claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein the closure mechanism extends over the front of an upper region of the main body, across the restrictive/swaddling zone 20 defined by the upper region, and extends around the side of the main body/side seam of a lower region.
32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the closure mechanism follows a curved, sinuous or straight route over the front of an upper region of the main body.
33. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 29 to 32, wherein the closure mechanism is a two-way zip.
34. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 23 to 33, wherein the arm closure mechanisms include one of a zip or poppers or other suitable closure to enable the arm openings to be opened and closed as desired.
35. Apparatus as claimed claim 28, wherein the back portion includes one or more openings to receive, in use, a harness or strap, whereby to enable an infant to be secured whilst in situ in the apparatus to a seat or other device upon which the harness or strap is mounted.
36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein at least one of the front and back portions of the bag is composed of multiple sections.
37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein respective ones of the sections are so profiled as to define a cavity within the lower region of the bag forming the interior region whereby to enable free movement of the legs of an infant in multiple directions.
38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein the multiple sections are joined together using seams.
39. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 23 to 38, wherein respective arm hole openings include closure mechanisms provided on flaps or wings that are integral with the main body of the bag or otherwise attached thereto.
40. Apparatus as claimed in claim 39, wherein the flaps or wings can be folded over from back to front and vice versa. 20
41. Apparatus as claimed in claim 39 or 40, wherein the flaps or wings are attached or integral with the rear of the bag and can be folded over to engage with the front, whereby to enable the arm hole openings to be closed whilst also ensuring that, whilst the openings are open, the closure mechanism does not come into contact with an infant or their arms.
42. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 39 to 41, wherein the closure mechanisms are provided on the flaps or wings and suitable corresponding closure means are provided on the front of the bag to engage with the closure mechanisms.
43. Apparatus as claimed in claim 42, wherein the closure mechanisms are male or female popper portions and the closure means are female or male popper portions.
44. Apparatus substantially as here nbefore described with reference to and as shown 35 in the accompanying drawings.
45. A swaddle, comprising: a main body to receive the torso and legs of an infant, the main body including arm hole openings arranged on either side of the main body and including respective arm closure mechanisms to allow the arm hole openings to be in an open configuration in which the arms of an infant can pass through the arm hole openings, or a closed configuration in which the arms of an infant are maintained within the sleep bag.