This invention provides an aid to pediatric physicians and caregivers to lay an infant in incline position for use in treating various physical conditions or diseases, including gastroesophagic reflux ("GER"). The device allows for positional treatment of infants without the need for a special wedged shaped pillow or mattress. The invention allows for fast and easy access to the infant in case of urgency, but still avoids the possibility of the infant releasing himself. The device can be removed for washing or replacement of a new device, depending upon the size of the infant. The device allows the infant to be laid prone, supine, or laterally.
A pillow for an infant includes a pillow body and a support member. The pillow body includes a medial portion and a pair of arms extending therefrom. Each of the arms includes a first end and a second end. The medial portion is formed integrally with, and extends generally laterally between, the arm first ends. The pair of arms are spaced apart in a mirrored relationship such that a well region is defined therebetween. The support member includes a body portion and a head portion extending from the body portion. The body portion extends across the well region and is between the pair of arms. The head portion is coupled to, and extends from, each of the arm second ends.
For use on a bed mattress, a baby protector having a mounting sub-assembly and a baby holding sub-assembly. The mounting sub-assembly has a central portion adapted to overlie the mattress, and adjustable length straps extending from the central portion on opposite sides down to fasteners (preferably snap hooks) for attachment to the bed rail. The baby holding sub-assembly has a short fabric strap affixed at one end to the central portion of the mounting sub-assembly, a snap hook on the free end of this strap, and a self-contained fastener (preferably a safety pin) on this snap hook for attachment to the baby's diaper.
A bedding article includes a bottom panel and a top panel for receiving a baby. A plurality of fasteners secure the top and bottom panels and define a openings for receiving the lower torso and legs of the baby. A plurality of fasteners are spaced about the periphery of the bottom panel to releasably secure the bottom panel in a fixed position on a sleeping surface. In another aspect, the bedding article includes additional leg openings to allow selective placement of the child in a prone, supine, or side position. In further aspects, a pouch for receiving a portion of the baby and a garment worn by the baby for attachment to the bottom panel are provided. The bedding articles herein are advantageously used in conjunction with a mattress which is inclined to prevent the subject from sliding down the incline under the influence of gravity.
An inclined sleeper assembly for an infant to reduce the risk of gastric and breathing complications during nursing and sleep. The assembly provides a non-slip surface whose angle of inclination can be varied from horizontal up to 30.degree. or more. A rigid platform is pivotally attached to a base frame and may move from a position generally parallel with the base frame to a position of maximum inclination or any intermediate position. Supporting the inclined platform are a pair of slide rods pivotally connected to the base frame at one end and slidingly engaging two releasable clamps on an opposite end. The releasable clamp structure comprises a spring preferenced plate between the sliding clamp enclosures surrounding each of the two slide rods. This permits the user to adjust the inclination of the sleep surface with little disturbance to the infant.
A harness for positioning and securing an infant to a reflux wedge. The harness includes a crotch support having a front flap and a rear flap connected to each other by a transverse section. Two straps extend upward from the rear flap. An infant is placed in the harness and secured to the reflux wedge. The infant's position (up or down) on the surface of the reflux wedge is fully adjustable. The straps are affixed to a horizontal slit found in the main body of the reflux wedge by hook and pile material. The straps are attached to each other by a material section. The harness prevents the infant from slipping down the slope of the wedge. The unique design of the wedge and harness allows for either prone or supine positioning of the infant. Infant shoulder protraction is facilitated in either the prone or supine position when the infant rests within the harness attached to the wedge.