Baby support wrap

Abstract

A baby support system directed to providing improved support for a baby, particularly for its head and back, while being held and carried. The baby support system includes two support structures. The first support structure is adjacent to the second support structure which is made of a flexible, resilient, material which at least partially conforms to the baby's body, providing support for the baby. The second support structure is positioned on the first support structure such that when the first support structure is wrapped about the baby it maintains the second support structure in a desired position with respect to the baby, thereby providing the desired support for the baby.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to child care products, and more particularly, a system for providing support for a baby while it is being held or carried.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Babies and particularly infants, can be difficult to support while being held and carried. In particular, due to the fragile nature of babies, there is concern on the part of the person holding the baby as to whether proper support for the babies head and back is being provided. Inadequate support can lead to discomfort for the baby. Also if the baby is jostled while being held, the lack of support can result in injury to the baby. Because of these concerns, a person who is not used to holding a baby may be apprehensive and uncomfortable while doing so, and will likely not enjoy the experience.

[0003] People attempt to provide support for babies they are holding by positioning the baby in their arms so that the baby's back is supported by the person's forearm, and the baby's head is cradled between the person's forearm and biceps. While this does provide some support it is not optimal since a person's arm does not conform to the baby's body. In this circumstance, if the baby moves or the person changes arm position, the location and quality of support also change. Furthermore, there is no such support provided while the baby is handed from one person to another. Observation of parents, particularly new parents, reveals the concern and apprehension they have when transferring a young infant to each other or to someone else. Moreover, the person receiving the baby may not be accustomed to holding young children and is often uncomfortable in doing so since they are not sure if they are providing adequate support. While support for a baby may be provided in a baby seat, these devices are not always useful for carrying the baby. Also, although baby carriers may provide support for a baby, they do not allow for the close intimate contact that holding a baby in your arms provides.

[0004] Furthermore, if a parent is carrying a baby and has to momentarily sit the baby down for some reason, this may be disconcerting for the parent and uncomfortable for the baby. Typically a baby may be placed for a brief period on a flat surface. When the baby is laid on a flat surface, there is no support provided under portions of the babies head or back, which can lead to discomfort for the baby. This discomfort is troubling to the parent. Moreover, placing the baby on a flat, hard, surface exposes the baby to bumps and bruises when being laid down, or when wiggling about without significant padding between the baby and the surface.

[0005] Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all healthy infants be placed for sleep on their backs in order to reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome, (See Pediatrics, Vol. 89, No. 6, 1120, June 1992; See also Pediatrics, Vol. 93, No. 5, 820, May 1994.).

[0006] Therefore a baby support system is needed which will provide adequate support to protect the baby and make it comfortable while it is being held and carried by a person. The support should also allow intimate contact between the baby and the person holding it. Furthermore, such a support system should provide support and comfort for a baby while it is resting or being laid upon a hard surface, or maintaining a supine position while sleeping.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention is directed to providing improved support for a baby, and particularly the baby's head and back, while it is being held and carried. The invention also provides support if the baby must be momentarily laid down on a hard surface. Additionally, promotion of supine positions during sleep is provided. The baby support system includes two support structures for supporting a baby. The first support structure wraps about the baby and thereby secures the baby adjacent to a second support structure. The second support structure provides additional support for the baby's head and back by conforming to portions of the baby's body. The first support structure, after being wrapped around the baby, may be secured in place if desired.

[0008] The baby support system may also be adapted for babies of various sizes. This allows the support system to be used continuously as the baby grows. The support system is adapted for use with babies of different sizes by changing the size of the second support structure, which is positioned adjacent to the baby.

[0009] The baby support system also provides that the second support structure may be secured to the first support structure by various methods such as inserting the second support structure in a pouch in the first support structure. Additionally the second support structure may be inserted into a separate cover which is attached to the first support structure using Velcro strips, snaps, or other means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the baby support system.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the baby support system with a baby positioned thereon.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a baby laying on a support pad used in one embodiment of the baby support system of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a baby secured in one embodiment of the baby support system of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the baby support system.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the baby support system.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the baby support system, illustrating components thereof in their disassembled state.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a cover for the support pad.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the baby support system, illustrating components thereof in their disassembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to accompanying Figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain, specific embodiments of the invention.

[0020] It will be appreciated that a baby support system which incorporates the spirit of the invention may embody many alternative configurations, and may include many optional components including components currently used in other applications. A specific example of one embodiment of the invention is described in conjunction with FIG. 1.

[0021] A baby support system, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a piece of fabric 100, and a support pad 102. In one embodiment, the support pad 102 is removably positioned adjacent to the piece of fabric in a manner such that the pad 102 will maintain the desired position on the fabric. In another embodiment the support pad 102 need not be removable. During use, the support pad 102 will be positioned under the baby in such a way as to support the baby's head and back. While the piece of fabric 100 in this embodiment is rectangular, other shapes can be used such as, for example, triangular, circular, oval, or an irregular shape. Although the term fabric is used, the invention contemplates any type of material which can provide for securing the support pad 102 adjacent to a baby. Additionally, the fabric may be made of waterproof or water resistant material. Furthermore, although the support pad 102 is illustrated as defining a generally oval shape, other shapes can be used such as, for example, rectangular, circular, or an irregular shape. Moreover, it is contemplated that the support pad may be fabricated from many different materials, composed of multiple types of materials, or be in multiple pieces and still remain within the spirit of the present invention. Additionally, although this embodiment shows the support pad 102 on the side of the fabric 100 which comes into contact with the baby, it will be appreciated that the support pad 102 can also be positioned on the opposite side of the fabric.

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a baby 104 positioned in a desired location on the baby support system. This illustration shows that the baby 104 is positioned on top of the support pad 102. The portion of the support pad 102 located near the babies shoulders is wider than the width of the babies shoulders as indicated by &agr;. Additionally the support pad 102 is longer than the babies head and trunk as indicated by &mgr;. When the baby 104 is laid on the support pad 102 the babies weight causes the support pad 102 to conform to the adjacent contour of the baby's body, thereby providing support for those adjacent portions of the baby 104. In particular, the support pad 102 provides support under the baby's head and back. To keep the baby 104 on the support pad 102 the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby 104. In this embodiment the support pad 102 is sized in relation to the baby 104 so that the support pad 102, being wider than the width of the baby, will extend upwardly along the sides of the baby 104 when the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby 104. With the support pad 102 extending along the sides of the baby 104, the baby is more easily retained in its relative position with respect to the support pad 102.

[0023] Also shown in FIG. 2 is a first attachment member 103, which may be used for positively maintaining the fabric 100 in its wrapped position. The first attachment member 103 can be located, in one embodiment, on the edge of the fabric 100. The first attachment member 103 may engage with a second attachment member, not shown, which is located on the opposite side of the fabric so as to removably attach different portions of the fabric 100 and thus hold the fabric in a desired configuration. For example, when the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby 104 the first attachment member 103 may engage the second attachment member, not shown, securing the fabric 100 in a wrapped position. Since the support pad 102 extends upwardly along the sides of the baby 104, if the fabric 100 is secured around the baby 104 then the baby 104 will remain in approximately the same relative position in the support system while being held, carried, transferred between two people, or laid on a surface.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a baby 104 on the support pad 102 of the baby support system. When the baby 104 is laid on the support pad 102, the support pad 102 at least partially conforms to the contour of the baby's body due to the weight of the baby 104. In particular the support pad 102 provides support under the babies head 105, and the baby's back 106. This supporting function alleviates the concern of the person holding the baby 104 as to whether they are providing adequate support for the baby 104. The baby 104 can be held or carried with the support system providing adequate support at all times and the person holding the baby 104 can feel more confident and relaxed about whether they are holding the baby 104 correctly.

[0025] Furthermore if the support pad 102 is made from a resilient, memory-foam material, such as Tempur-Pedic foam, manufactured by Tempur-Pedic Inc., it will return to its original shape when the baby 104 is removed. This resilient feature of the support pad will allow the pad to conform to the contour of the baby's body each time the baby 104 is placed on the support pad 102. Thus the support system will be able to provide support even though the baby 104 is placed on the support pad 102 in a slightly different location. Additionally, a resilient pad allows its continued use as the baby 104 grows larger, until the pad is no longer sufficient in size and can be replaced with another larger pad.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates the baby support system as it appears when wrapped about the baby 104. When the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby 104, it applies force to the support pad 102 which causes the support pad 102 to wrap around at least a portion of the sides of the baby's body and head. As the support pad 102 wraps around the sides of the body of the baby 104, the pad provides support to keep the baby 104 on the pad. Therefore, as the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby 104 the support pad 102 remains in proximity to the body of the baby 104. The support pad 102 may be made of a resilient, memory-foam, material so that it will recover its original form when the support system is unwrapped and the baby 104 is removed.

[0027] In one embodiment the fabric is wrapped about a baby with no securing means. In another embodiment, while the fabric 100 is wrapped around a baby the first attachment member, 103 in FIG. 2, may be used for securing the fabric 100 in place by mating with a second attachment member, not shown, located on the opposite side of the fabric. The first attachment member 103 and the second attachment member, when mated, maintain the fabric 100 in a desired position about the baby 104. With the fabric 100 wrapped about the baby 104 and maintained in a desired position, the support pad 102 extends at least partially up the sides of the baby 104 providing support to the baby 104 both when the baby 104 is being held and when the baby 104 is placed on a surface. Additionally, securing the baby in the support system ensures that the baby maintains a supine position during sleep. This is advantageous, given the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics “that healthy infants, when being put down for sleep, be positioned on their side or back. (See, Positioning and SIDS, in PEDIATRICS, Vol. 89, No. 6, 1120, June 1992. The Academy has subsequently reaffirmed its recommendation stating “[W]e strongly endorse the practice of placing healthy infants on their sides or backs when putting them down to sleep.” (See, Infant Sleep Position and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the United States: Joint Commentary from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Selected Agencies of the Federal Government, PEDIATRICS, Vol. 93, No. 5, 820, May 1994).

[0028] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment a pouch 120 is formed by securing a selected piece of material 122, about its periphery to the fabric 100. In one embodiment the selected material 122 is connected to the fabric 100 to form the pouch 120 by sewing the periphery of the selected piece of material 122 to the fabric 100. It is anticipated that in other embodiments the selected piece of material 122 may be connected to the fabric 100 by other methods such as, for example, Velcro strips, snaps or zippers. The pouch 120 defines an open space or pocket between the selected piece of material 122 and the adjacent face of the fabric 100, within the periphery of the selected piece of material 122. The support pad 102 is placed within the pocket in the pouch 120 and is thus maintained in position on the fabric 100.

[0029] In the embodiment of FIG. 5 the surface of the pouch 120 protrudes from the front side of fabric 100 which comes into contact with the baby. With the pouch 120 formed on this side of the fabric 100, as the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby the fabric 100 provides a force against the support pad 102, causing the support pad 102 to wrap around at least a portion of the sides of the baby and to be maintained in proximity thereto.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the baby support system of FIG. 5. As was noted above, the pocket of the pouch formed between the selected piece of material 122 and the fabric 100 receives the support pad 102 and maintains it in a desirable position on the fabric 100. An opening 130, such as a slit formed in the fabric 100 adjacent the selected piece of material 122 provides access to the pocket of the pouch 120. This opening 130 is configured to allow the support pad 102 to pass there through and thus to be inserted and removed from the pocket of the pouch 120.

[0031] In one embodiment a flap of fabric 134 is provided to cover the opening 130. The flap 134 is comprised of a first edge 135, and a second edge 136. The flap 134 is connected to the fabric 100 along the first edge 135 by conventional means such as stitching. In other embodiments the flap 134 may be connected to the fabric 100 by other means such as, for example, Velcro strips, snaps or zippers. The second edge 136 of the flap 134 extends over the opening 130 in the fabric. The flap 134 may optionally be secured in position over the opening 130 by use of a Velcro strip, not shown, located on the side of the flap 134 facing the fabric 100 and mating with a Velcro strip 137 on the fabric 100. Other methods of securing the flap 134 over the opening 130 may be used such as, for example, snaps and zippers.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the support pad 102 can be easily removed from the pouch, not shown, through the opening 130 in the fabric 100. Removal of the support pad 102 from the fabric 100 allows each to be cleaned independently in a manner appropriate for each. Also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 is an attachment member 138 which may be used to secure the fabric 100 when the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby. The attachment member 138 engages with a first attachment member 103 located on the opposite side of the fabric 100, as was discussed in reference to FIG. 2. As the fabric 100 is wrapped about the baby the two attachment members 103 and 138 are aligned with each other and are mated. It is contemplated that the attachment members may comprise various types of attaching devices such as, for example, Velcro strips, snaps and zippers.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the support pad 102 is secured within a separate cover 140. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the cover 140, which comprises a first piece of fabric 300 and a second piece of fabric 302. The first piece of fabric 300 is secured to the second piece of fabric 302 joining them about their periphery 304. In one embodiment the first piece of fabric 300 and the second piece of fabric 302 may be made of a waterproof or water resistant material. The two pieces of fabric are joined so as to make a receptacle which receives the support pad 102. In this embodiment, the two pieces of fabric which make up the cover 140 are joined by sewing. However it is contemplated that other means for joining can be used such as, for example, Velcro strips, zippers, a combination of stitching and zippers a combination of stitching and Velcro strips or a combination of Velcro and zippers. It is contemplated that the cover may be formed using a single piece of fabric which is folded and then secured about the periphery. In one embodiment the support pad 102 may be permanently fixed inside the cover 140. In other embodiments, the support pad may be removably inserted into the cover 140 through an opening 306 in the cover 140. The opening 306 may be closed by a cover securing member 308. It is contemplated that the cover opening 306 may be secured through various securing members 308 such as, for example a zipper or Velcro strips.

[0034] Located on one side of the cover 140 are attachment members 445. The attachment members 445 are used to secure the cover to the piece of fabric 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the attachment members 445 located on the cover 140 engage mating attachment members 446 located on the fabric 100. The attachment members maintain the cover 140 in a desired position in relation to the fabric 100. An advantageous feature of this embodiment is that it allows the cover 140 containing the support pad 102 to be easily removed from the fabric 100. Removal of the cover 140 from the fabric 100, and the support pad 102 from the cover 140 allows each to be cleaned independently in a manner appropriate for each. Additionally, the attachment members 445 allow use of different size support pads 102 and covers 140 on the same fabric 100. This allows the size of the support pad 102 and cover 140 to change, allowing for changes in size as the baby grows, or for use with babies of various sizes. To allow different size support pads 102 to be attached to the fabric 100, the cover attachment members 445 on the different sized covers engage the attachment members 446 on the fabric 100. One skilled in the art would appreciate that there are many available methods and devices that can be used for attachment of the cover 140 to the fabric 100 such as, for example, Velcro strips, or snaps, that would be within the spirit of the described invention.

[0035] In another embodiment the support pad 102 and cover 140 are not attached to the fabric 100, but rather placed on the fabric 100 with no attachment means. In this embodiment the texture of the surface of the support pad cover 140 adjacent to the fabric 100 is configured to minimize sliding of the support pad 102 on the fabric 100 surface. Accordingly, the interaction between the surface of the support pad cover 140 and the fabric 100 is such that the support pad 102 maintains a desired position on the fabric 100. In another embodiment the support pad 102 without a cover may be placed on the fabric 100 with no attachment means. In this embodiment the texture of the surface of the support pad 102 adjacent to the fabric 100 is configured to minimize sliding of the support pad 102 on the fabric 100 surface. The interaction between the surface of the support pad 102 and the fabric 100 is such that the support pad 102 maintains a desired position on the fabric 100.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates still another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the support pad 102 is secured within in a separate cover 140. This embodiment includes a cover attachment member comprising a zipper 447 located on the periphery of the cover 140. The zipper 447 engages a mating zipper 448 located on the fabric 100. The zipper 447 allows attachment or removal of the cover 140 from the fabric 100. As described in relation to FIG. 8, the support pad 102 may be removable from the cover 140. Separating the baby support system into its various components allows each to be cleaned independently in a manner appropriate for each.

[0037] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears, the invention can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the present invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the present invention should, therefore, be construed in accordance with the Claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A baby support comprising:

a piece of fabric; and

a support pad positioned adjacent to the fabric, wherein the support pad provides support for a baby's head and back when the fabric is wrapped about the baby.

2. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising a piece of material secured to the fabric about the periphery of the piece of material so as to form a pouch, said pouch configured to receive the support pad therein so as to maintain the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric.

3. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising a cover for receiving the support pad.

4. The baby support of claim 3, wherein the cover has an opening allowing the support pad to be inserted and removed from the cover.

5. The baby support of claim 3, additionally comprising:

at least one snap connected to the cover; and

at least one receiving snap connected to the fabric which engages the at least one snap on the cover, so as to attach the cover to the fabric.

6. The baby support of claim 3, additionally comprising:

at least one strip of Velcro connected to the cover; and

at least one receiving strip of Velcro connected to the fabric which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the cover so as to attach the cover to the fabric.

7. The baby support of claim 3, additionally comprising:

a zipper connected to the cover; and

a receiving zipper connected to the fabric which engages the zipper on the cover so as to attach the cover to the fabric.

8. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one snap located on a first side of the fabric; and

at least one receiving snap located on a second side of the fabric in a configuration such that when the fabric is wrapped about the baby the at least one snap engages the at least one receiving snap, securing the fabric in position.

9. The baby support of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one strip of Velcro located on a first side of the fabric;

at least one receiving strip of Velcro located on a second side of the fabric in a configuration such that when the fabric is wrapped about the baby the at least one strip of Velcro engages the at least one receiving strip of Velcro, securing the fabric in position.

10. The baby support of claim 1, wherein the support pad is wider across a portion positioned under the baby's shoulder area and narrower across a portion positioned under the baby's foot area.

11. The baby support of claim 1, wherein the support pad is substantially the same length as the baby's head and trunk along a portion positioned under the baby.

12. A baby support comprising:

a piece of fabric;

a support pad;

means for maintaining the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric such that when the fabric is wrapped about a baby the support pad provides support for a baby's head and back.

13. The baby support of claim 12, wherein the means for maintaining the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric further comprises a cover configured to receive the support pad such that the support pad is inserted into the cover, and the cover attaches to the fabric in a desired position.

14. The baby support of claim 13, wherein the cover has an opening allowing the support pad to be inserted and removed.

15. The baby support of claim 13, additionally comprising:

at least one snap connected to the cover; and

at least one receiving snap connected to the fabric which engages the at least one snap on the cover, so as to attach the support pad to the fabric.

16. The baby support of claim 13, additionally comprising:

at least one strip of Velcro connected to the cover; and

at least one receiving strip of Velcro connected to the fabric which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the cover, so as to attach the support pad to the fabric.

17. The baby support of claim 13, additionally comprising:

a zipper connected to the cover; and

a receiving zipper connected to the fabric which engages the zipper on the cover, so as to attach the support pad to the fabric.

18. The baby support of claim 12, wherein the means for maintaining the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric further comprises a piece of material secured about its periphery to the piece of fabric forming a pouch for receiving the support pad, wherein the pouch has an opening for inserting and removing the support pad.

19. The baby support of claim 12, further comprising means for securing the fabric about the baby.

20. The baby support of claim 19, wherein the means for securing the fabric about the baby comprises at least one snap located on a first side of the fabric, and at least one receiving snap located on a second side of the fabric which engages the snap on the first side of the fabric so as to secure the fabric about the baby.

21. The baby support of claim 19, wherein the means for securing the fabric about the baby comprises at least one piece of Velcro located on a first side of the fabric, and at least one receiving strip of Velcro located on a second side of the fabric which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the first side of the fabric so as to secure the fabric about the baby.

22. A baby support comprising:

a blanket; and

a resilient support pad positioned adjacent to the blanket wherein the support pad provides support for a baby's head and back when the blanket is wrapped about the baby and wherein the profile of the resilient support pad is broader than the baby and substantially the same length as the baby.

23. The baby support of claim 22, wherein the resilient support pad comprises Tempur-Pedic foam.

24. The baby support of claim 22, additionally comprising a piece of material secured to the blanket about the periphery of the piece of material so as to form a pouch, said pouch configured to receive the support pad therein so as to position the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric.

25. The baby support of claim 22, further comprising:

a support pad cover configured to receive the support pad such that the support pad is inserted into the cover, and maintaining the cover in a desired position on the blanket.

26. The baby support of claim 25 further comprising means for maintaining the cover in a desired position on the blanket.

27. The baby support of claim 26, wherein the means for maintaining the cover in a desired position on the blanket comprises:

at least one snap connected to the cover; and

at least one receiving snap connected to the blanket which engages the at least one snap on the cover so as to attach the cover to the blanket.

28. The baby support of claim 26, wherein the means for maintaining the cover in a desired position on the blanket comprises:

at least one strip of Velcro connected to the cover; and

at least one receiving strip of Velcro connected to the blanket which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the cover so as to attach the cover to the blanket.

29. The baby support of claim 26, wherein the means for maintaining the cover in a desired position on the blanket comprises:

at least one zipper connected to the cover; and

at least one receiving zipper connected to the blanket which engages the zipper on the cover so as to attach the cover to the blanket.

30. The baby support of claim 22, further comprising:

at least one snap located on a first side of the blanket; and

at least one receiving snap located on a second side of the blanket which engages the snap on the first side of the blanket so as to secure the blanket about the baby.

31. The baby support of claim 22, further comprising:

at least one strip of Velcro located on a first side of the blanket; and

at least one receiving strip of Velcro located on a second side of the blanket which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the first side of the blanket so as to secure the blanket about the baby.

32. A method of manufacturing a baby support, comprising:

configuring a support pad into a desired shape; and

positioning the support pad adjacent to a piece of fabric.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising configuring the support pad to be of a size such that when a baby is laid upon the support pad, the support pad is broader under the baby's shoulder area and narrower under the baby's foot area and approximately the same length as the baby;

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

securing a first piece of material to the fabric about the periphery of the first piece of material so as to form a pouch; and

inserting the support pad into the pouch so as to maintain the support pad in a desired position with respect to the fabric.

35. The method of claim 32, further comprising securing at least one piece of fabric about the periphery so as to form a cover for receiving the support pad, said cover having an opening for inserting and removing the support pad

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

attaching at least one snap on the cover; and

attaching at least one receiving snap on the fabric which engages the at least one snap on the cover so as to secure the cover in a desired position with respect to the fabric.

37. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

attaching at least one strip of Velcro on the cover; and

attaching at least one receiving strip of Velcro on the fabric which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the cover so as to secure the cover in a desired position with respect to the fabric.

38. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

attaching a zipper on the cover; and

attaching a receiving zipper on the fabric which engages the zipper on the cover so as to secure the cover in a desired position with respect to the fabric.

39. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

attaching at least one snap on a first side of the fabric; and

attaching at least one receiving snap on a second side of the fabric which engages the snap on the first side of the fabric so as to secure the fabric about the baby.

40. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

attaching at least one strip of Velcro on a first side of the fabric; and

attaching at least one receiving strip of Velcro on a second side of the fabric which engages the at least one strip of Velcro on the first side of the fabric so as to secure the fabric about the baby.

41. A baby support system comprising:

a first support structure configured to be wrapped about a baby; and

a second support structure positioned with respect to the first support structure in a configuration such that when the first support structure is wrapped about the baby, the second support structure is located in proximity to at least the head and back of a baby so as to provide support to the head and back when the baby is being carried or held or laying.

42. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the first support structure comprises a piece of fabric.

43. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the first support structure comprises a blanket.

44. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the second support structure comprises a resilient pad that at least partially conforms to the baby's body.

45. The baby support system of claim 41, wherein the second support structure comprises Tempur-Pedic foam.