Infant head positioning device

Abstract

An infant head positioning device that provides back head support in order to prevent skull deformities, such as positional plagiocephaly, and provides support to the infant's head in other activities where back head support is needed. Generally, the infant head positioning device comprises: (1) a hat member made of soft, flexible, adjustable materials; and (2) one or more cushioning made of soft, pressure relieving materials placed in various positions in the back and sides of the hat member to redistribute and alleviate the pressure on the back of the infant's head. The cushioning pads can be placed either in the inside or outside of the hat member. In a preferred embodiment of the infant head positioning device, the top of the hat member has an open, aerated grid design that allows excess heat to dissipate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to infant head and neck positioning. Specifically, the invention is related to a device to position the infant's head and neck in such a manner so as to encourage the infant to lie in a supine position to reduce risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) while at the same time provide gentle support to the back of the infant's head to minimize risks of skull deformities, such as positional plagiocephaly (or commonly known as the “flat head” syndrome) and torticollis. The invention also may be used in other applications and/or activities where the back of the infant's head requires support. Further, the invention serves as a tool for breastfeeding mothers by facilitating optimal mouth to nipple alignment for proper latching.

2. Background of the Invention

According to medical studies conducted between 1981 and 1991, there is a strong correlation between infants sleeping in a prone position (i.e., on their stomachs) and death from sudden infant death syndrome (“SIDS”) or crib death. Infants generally are most vulnerable to risks of SIDS between the age of 2 and 4 months. Infants who died from SIDS were generally found suffocated—i.e., dead from on their stomach with their faces, noses, and mouths covered by soft bedding, such as pillows, quilts, comforters and sheepskins.

In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatricians (“AAP”) issued a number of recommendations as part of a campaign to reduce the risk of SIDS. The AAP policy recommendations, which are commonly known as the AAP “Back to Sleep” Campaign, are as follows: (1) infants should sleep on their backs to reduce the risks of SIDS; (2) infants should sleep on a firm, tight-fitting mattress, and never on a waterbed, soft mattress, pillow or other soft surface; (3) measures should be taken to prevent the infant from overheating while sleeping (i.e., the infants should not be overdressed in excessive clothings); and (4) pillows, quilts, comforters, pillow-like stuffed toys, and other soft products should be removed from the crib in order to eliminate the risk that the infant's face and mouth accidentally might be covered by these items while the infant is asleep.

The AAP “Back to Sleep” campaign has substantially reduced SIDs deaths (by as much as 40 percent according to some studies). However, it also has resulted in certain unintended consequences. Specifically, there has been a dramatic increase (by as much as 500 percent) in the number of babies with “positional” skull deformities, such as positional plagiocephaly or commonly referred to as flat heads. For instance, in 1974, positional plagiocephaly occurred once in every 300 live births among prone-sleeping infants. Following the “Back to Sleep” program, the frequency of positional phagiocephaly increased to 1 in 60. Infant skull deformities generally become severe during the first few weeks of life, as the infant tends to hold his or her head in a fixed position. Further, incidents of torticollis or twisted neck, a condition where the infant has a tendency to keep his or her head tilted to one side only, also increased significantly. The increases in positional phagiocephaly and torticollis are attributable to the infants sleeping on a firm surface coupled with the fact that all soft bedding materials are removed from the crib, as recommended by AAP. The consequence is that the infant's head rests on a firm surface, and the weight of the baby's head pressing down against this firm surface results in pressure being applied to the back area of the baby's head, thereby causing that area of the infant's head to flatten, and the opposite side to appear more pointed. Indeed, the AAP itself has recognized that the increasing incidence of skull deformity, such as the flat head syndrome, is likely attributable to the Back to Sleep campaign.

In view of the fact that that infants sleeping on their backs have increased risks of positional plagiocephaly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an infant head positioning device that can be safely worn on the baby's head that provides back head support to prevent positional phagiocephaly.

It is a further object of the present invention to create an infant head positioning device that is elegant in its design and construction, yet stylish and aesthetically pleasing and comfortable so that it can be worn on a daily basis and for an extended period of time while the baby is lying down.

It is a further object of the present invention to create an infant head positioning device that could be worn for an extended period of time and allows proper airflow and breatheability to prevent overheating.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an infant head positioning device that can be used in various applications and activities where the infant's head needs to be supported, such as breastfeeding or diaper changing on hard surfaces such as public restroom changing tables, strollers, and car seats.

PRIOR ARTS

There are three basic types of treatments for positional plagiocephaly. First, the infant could be repositioned during sleep so as to alternate the sleeping positions. Second, “skull-molding” devices could be used to reshape the infant's skull. Third, in rare instances when the deformities are severe, surgery could be used as the last resort option.

In the prior art, there are devices to treat skull deformities. However, these devices tend to fall into the category of “skull-molding” therapy. The present invention is fully distinguishable from these prior art devices in several key respects. First, the prior art devices are designed to treat skull deformities after the conditions have occurred. In contrast, the present invention is designed to prevent such conditions from arising in the first place. Second, helmet molding therapy is an option for infants between 6 and 18 months of age; infants under 6 months are usually not suitable for helmet therapy. The present invention is intended to be used by newborn infants from birth to 6 months of age to prevent the onset of positional phagiocephaly from arising in the first instance. After six months, the risks of positional plagiocephaly are reduced significantly given that the infant's head is more developed. Third, the prior art devices are generally of a medical nature, and are made of hard, rigid materials such as plaster mold. They are heavy in weight, which makes it uncomfortable for infants to wear for even a short period of time. In contrast, the present device is a soft, light-weight, attractive, and comfortable device that can be worn for an extended period of time while the infant is lying down.

The following prior art may be of interest:

	U.S. Pat. No.	Patentee(s)	Issue Date
	6,423,019 B1	Papay et al.	Jul. 23, 2002
	6,428,494 B1	Schwenn et al.	Aug. 6, 2002
	6,939,316 B 2	Skalar et al.	Sep. 6, 2005
	7,153,284	Argenta	Dec. 26, 2006

Papay et al. discloses a headpiece made of rigid, non-deformable materials and having an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being shaped to receive the skull and having at least one recess formed to provide a volume into which the skull may be remodeled or growth directed. It further comprises a first expandable bladder located on the interior wall of the headpiece whereby when the helmet placed on the skull and the bladder is expanded, the recess and the expanded bladder cooperate to cause cranial remodeling. Constructing the headpiece of the device involves creating a plaster mold of the infant's head.

Schwenn et al. discloses a helmet member for mounting on the patient's head, the helmet member has a split opening to permit expansion for mounting and contraction for securing to the patient's head, an interior surface of the helmet is configured to provide the desired shape for the patient's head by confining certain areas while permitting growth in other areas; and a stop unit positioned in the split opening on the helmet member to provide a safety limit for the contraction adjustment against the patient's head.

Sklar et al. discloses a molded plastic appliance in the form a shell, headband or helmet made of a unitary plastic molding or shell. The interior comprises two or more layers of soft, flexible material in overlapping nested relation and lining the conformed interior surface of the appliance. The device prevents positional plagiocephaly by redirecting the head weight forces over the smooth interior surface of the protective shell.

Argenta discloses a cranial passive remodeling orthosis that includes a rounded, external protrusion, made of “substantially rigid” material. This protrusion serves to force the infant to turn his head away from the depressed portion of the skull.

The prior art also includes devices or apparatuses to prevent positional plagiocephaly in infants. U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,849, issued to Dixon et al., is an apparatus in which the infant's head is placed such that the head is supported on a flexible porous support material. The apparatus is a frame and a flexible porous material (such as a net with an open weave) that is fitted over the frame to provide head support. This invention is distinguishable from the present invention. First, it serves as a pillow-in that the infant's head rests in the frame of this apparatus. In contrast, the present invention contains a hat member that is directly worn on the infant's head. Second, the Dixon apparatus provides support to the infant's head through the use of porous materials, such as a net with an open weave. In contrast, the present invention provides back head support through the use of cushioning pads made of pressure-relieving materials, such as memory foam.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The infant head positioning device comprises a hat member made of soft, flexible, adjustable materials with positioning pads that are placed in various positions in the back and sides of the hat member to redistribute the compressive forces imposed by the weight of the infant's head on the sleeping surface, such as a firm mattress. The positioning pads can be arranged in such a manner so as to reduce the ability of the baby to roll over on his/her stomach, by keeping the head straight, thereby promoting the infant to sleep on his back. Further, the positioning pads can be placed inside or outside of the hat member. The positioning pads reduce the pressure to the back of the baby's head, thereby reducing risks of flat heads, which is caused by continued pressure and weight of the baby's head.

The positioning pads may be made of various types of pressure relieving material, such as memory foam or other soft materials with varying degree of density and softness; the positioning pads may be various shapes and sizes (such as oval, circular, rectangular, or square and various thickness). The positioning inserts may include tabs at the ends and/or sides for ease of adjustment or removal of the inserts. The positioning inserts may have removal covers to protect the core foam materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the top view of the infant head positioning device with the cushioning pads located within the hat member.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative variation of the infant position device with the cushioning pads located outside of the hat member.

FIG. 3 illustrates a device being worn by an infant lying down on a firm surface and demonstrates the back head support to the infant from the device.

FIG. 4 illustrates the infant wearing the head positioning device while resting in the crib.

FIG. 5 illustrates the infant wearing the head positioning device while breast feeding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The infant head positioning device comprises a hat/cap member made of soft, flexible, adjustable materials with positioning pads that are placed in various positions in the back and sides of the cap member to redistribute the compressive forces imposed by the sleep surface on the back of the infant's head.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the invention. The hat member has an open, aerated grid-like design that allows excess heat to dissipate, thereby preventing the infant from overheating. The two cushioning pads are inserted in a pocket located in the hat member.

FIG. 2 shows another variation of the intention. The two cushioning pads are located on the outside of the hat member. The two positioning pads can be arranged in such a manner so as to reduce the ability of the baby to roll over on his/her stomach, by keeping the head straight, thereby promoting the infant to sleep on his back. The positioning pads reduce the pressure to the back of the baby's head, thereby reducing risks of flat heads, which is caused by continued pressure and weight of the baby's head. The positioning pads may be 0.5 inch to 3 inches in thickness and 2 inches to 16 inches in length. Further, the positioning pads could be made of various types of pressure relieving material, such as memory foam or other soft materials with varying degree of density and softness; the positioning pads may be various shapes (such as oval, circular, cylindrical, spherical, rectangular, or square). The positioning inserts may include tabs at the ends and/or sides for ease of adjustment or removal of the inserts. The positioning inserts may have removal covers to protect the core foam materials. The device also has a dual securing system combining hook and loop Velcro with an outer band, or hook and loop Velcro in combination with other outer attachments.

FIG. 3 is a “see-through” view of the invention and shows the supporting function of the cushioning pads. As is demonstrated in FIG. 3, the back of the infant's head is supported by the cushioning pads while the infant is lying down.

There are several possible variations of the infant head positioning device. One variation includes a hat member that does not have an aerated, grid-like design in order to keep the baby's head warm in colder temperatures.

Another possible variation includes using water resistant fabric and pads for the purposes of supporting the baby's head while the baby is given a bath. The cushioning pads assist the care giver by providing a place where the baby's head and neck can be safely and gently handled.

Other possible variations include but are not limited to (1) placing the cushioning pads toward the sides of the head to keep the neck straight and promote the even development of the neck muscles while baby is lying flat on back or sitting in a car seat or high chair; (2) placing the insert pieces in a lateral strip position for lower head and neck support while baby is lying flat on back; (3) placing the two inserts in a vertical position adjacent to one another for coverage of the back of the baby's head, where bald and flat-head areas tend to develop, also while baby is lying flat on back.

Another variation of the device is having the cushioning pads be located on the outside of the hat secured by two strips that are attached to the back of the hat. The cushioning pads are inserted into the two strips, which serve to hold the cushioning pads in place.

OTHER USES OR APPLICATIONS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The infant head positioning device can be used in a number of other activities where the baby's head needs to be controlled and supported. As discussed further below, some of the other uses of the present invention include providing support when the baby is breastfeeding and when the baby's diaper is being changed and a soft surface is not available. See FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

With respect to breastfeeding, the present invention facilitates proper latching of the baby's mouth to the mother's nipple for optimal breastfeeding. The positioning pads can be placed in various positions on the hat member so as to allow the mother to position/control the infant's head to achieve optimal mouth to nipple contact, as is demonstrated in FIG. 5. For example, while the baby is being fed (breastfeeding or bottle feeding), the baby may shift or wiggle her body and rub her head against the mother's arm or that of the caregiver, thereby causing stress on the baby's head. The head of a newborn is the heaviest part of her body, making it difficult for the baby to hold up his/her head or keep it in balance—i.e., a newborn's head tends to wobble back and forth. Further, certain breastfeeding positions, such as the clutch or “football” hold requires the mother to hold/grip the baby's head directly in her hand, sometimes using the lower part of the palm and several of the fingers (FIG. 5). This may cause pressure and stress on a newborn's soft and developing head. As a result, many new mother are concerned that they may hurt their baby's head if they hold it too firmly, which is sometimes necessary to keep the baby's mouth and head on target for the purpose of maintaining proper latch. The invention directly aids this process with allowing a better grip for the mother to position the baby's head as well as maintaining the grip for the duration of the breastfeeding session. The invention also helps support the baby's neck, and allows baby to stay in the various breastfeeding positions comfortably. Further, mothers often must nurse their babies outside of the home environment. As such, it is not practical for them to carry with them various nursing support aids with them, such as wedges, pillows, etc. As this invention is small and compact, it is highly portable and assists the mother with breastfeeding sessions “on the go” in public places, and therefore supports breastfeeding both inside and outside the home environment.

Additionally, the infant head positioning device may be worn as support to the baby's head while changing the baby's diaper and a soft surface is not available. For example, in an environment outside of the home, mothers often have to change their baby's diapers using any flat surface, such as a table or a public bench, or plastic changing tables found in most public restrooms. In these situations, the baby's head may have to rest on a firm, hard surface, such as a table. Wearing the infant head positioning device (FIG. 3) will alleviate pressure and stress against the back of the baby's head.

The device also helps to reduce reflux by elevating the infant's head. It also provides support in bottle-feeding, burping, and bathing the infant, serving as a “head gripper” in these instances. In addition to the positioning, the object serves to protect the fragile cervical muscles located in the back of the head.

Claims

1. An infant head positioning device to (1) facilitate babies to sleep on their backs while providing back head support in order to prevent skull deformities, such positional plagiocephaly and muscular torticollis; (2) protect cervical muscles in car seats and strollers; facilitate breastfeeding or bottle feeding; (3) support reflux reduction; and (4) provide back head support whenever the baby is placed on any firm surfaces such as public changing tables. The invention comprises: a hat/cap member made of soft, flexible, adjustable materials; and positioning pads that are placed in various positions in the back and sides of the hat member to redistribute/alleviate the pressure on the back of the infant's head. The positioning inserts may be made of various types of pressure relieving material formed in various shapes and sizes with one or more openings/cut outs for ventilation (such as oval, circular, rectangular, or square).

2. An infant head positioning device of claim 1, wherein the positioning inserts are placed on the outside or inside of the device, secured by two strips that attached onto the hat member.

3. An infant head positioning device of claim 1, wherein the top of the hat is an aerating grid that allows for excess heat to dissipate.

4. An infant head positioning device of claim 1, wherein the hat member is adjustable to fit the infant's head through the use of velcro materials located on the side of the hat member.

5. An infant head positioning device to facilitate optimal latching during breastfeeding comprising: a hat member made of soft, flexible, adjustable materials; and positioning pads that are placed in various positions in the back and sides of the hat member to facilitate control and support of the baby's head during breastfeeding. The positioning inserts may be made of various types pressure relieving material formed in various shapes and sizes with one or more openings/cut outs for ventilation (such as oval, circular, rectangular, or square).

6. An infant head positioning device of claim 5, wherein the top of the hat is an open, aerating grid that allows for excess heat to dissipate.