Infant Swaddling Arrangement

Abstract

The present invention discloses an infant swaddling arrangement including an infant receiving portion and a blanket portion. The infant receiving portion may be a pocket or a bodysuit. The blanket portion is adapted to wrap around the infant, swaddling the infant. The blanket portion includes cinch mechanism that secures the blanket in its wrapped configuration.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/475,720, filed Apr. 15, 2011 and entitled “Infant Swaddling arrangement,” and to Provisional Application No. 61/534,514, filed Sep. 14, 2011 and entitled “Infant Swaddling arrangement.” Each of the disclosures of the aforementioned provisional applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an infant swaddling arrangement and, in particular, to a combination bodysuit and swaddling blanket with a cinch connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Swaddling devices are commonly used by hospitals, parents, and infant caretakers. These devices typically consist of a blanket of fabric wrapped around at least a portion of an infant's body to prevent the infant's arms and/or legs from moving. If unrestrained, an infant can move its arms and/or legs in an uncontrolled manner. This unrestrained movement can cause the limbs, particularly the arms, to hit the newborn's face or other areas of the newborn's body, causing bruises, scratches, and/or other injury. Once the infant is swaddled, the blanket often quickly becomes loose or unraveled due to transporting the infant or by the infant's own movements. If swaddled improperly, moreover, an infant can easily work out of the swaddle, creating a loose blanket. Even if the infant does not completely free himself, the swaddle may migrate over their face, creating an equally dangerous situation.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide a swaddling blanket capable of being secured firmly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an infant swaddling arrangement including a garment portion and a blanket portion. The garment portion may be a one-piece bodysuit. The blanket portion is adapted to wrap around the infant, swaddling the infant. The blanket portion includes coupling mechanism that secures the blanket in its wrapped configuration around the infant. Specifically, the blanket includes an integrated tongue and groove fastener. The tongue includes a hook-and-loop type fastener; moreover, selected portions of the blanket may be formed of connection material adapted to mate with the hook of the hook-and-loop fastener. In operation, the infant is positioned within the garment portion, and the blanket portion is wrapped around the infant. The blanket is secured in its wrapped position by drawing the tongue through the groove and adhering the hook fastener to the connection material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front plan view of an infant swaddling arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic diagram of the infant swaddling arrangement of FIG. 1A

FIG. 1C illustrates a rear plan view of the infant swaddling arrangement shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front plan view of the infant swaddling arrangement shown in FIG. 1A, showing the positioning of an infant within the garment.

FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate close-up views of the coupling mechanism for the blanket.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top plan view of the infant swaddling arrangement, showing an infant wrapped within the arrangement.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side perspective view of the swaddling arrangement shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the front side a swaddling arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4B-4F illustrate the operation of the swaddling arrangement shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4G illustrates a perspective view of the back side of the swaddling arrangement shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4H illustrates a close-up view of connection material secured to the exterior surface of the swaddling arrangement.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a reinforcement member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a top plan view of a reinforcement member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate cross-sectional views of expansion fabric, showing the fabric in its contracted (FIG. 6A) and expanded (FIG. 6B) configurations.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a swaddling arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1A, the swaddling arrangement 10 includes a garment portion 105 and a blanket or wrap portion 110. The garment portion 105 may include a bodysuit having a body defined by a torso portion 115 and a leg portion 120. The body includes a front body panel 125A and back body panel 125B joined to each other along lateral body sides 127 via, e.g., stitching. The torso portion 115 includes a neck opening 130 disposed centrally within the upper body end, as well as shoulder portions 135A, 135B extending laterally outward from each of the opposite sides of the neck opening. The shoulder portions 135A, 135B may be integral with the back body panel 125B.

The front body panel 125A may further include a longitudinal slit 131 that divides the front body panel into a first longitudinal section 132A and a second longitudinal section 132B. The slit 131 provides an access opening that permits an infant to be inserted into and removed from the garment portion 105. The sides of the slit 131 may be selectively secured together by a slit fastener 133 such as a zipper. A neck fastener may be further be disposed on the front body panel 125A proximate the neck opening 130. By way of example, the neck fastener may include a flap 136 extending distally from front body panel 125A with a first mating connection 137 disposed on the interior surface of the flap, proximate flap distal end (shown in phantom in FIG. 1A). The second section 132B of the front body panel 125A further includes a second mating connection 138 (FIG. 2A) positioned such that it mates with the first mating connection. By way of specific example, the first 137 and second 138 mating connections include the mating portions of a hook-and-loop fastener. In operation, the flap 136 is drawn across the front body panel 125A such that it extends from the first longitudinal section 132A, across the slit 131, and to the second longitudinal section 132B.

In the embodiment illustrated, the garment portion 105 is sleeveless, including arm apertures 140A, 140B defined by openings formed into front body panel 125A that extend angularly from the shoulder portion 135A, 135B to the lateral body side 127. The garment portion 105 may further include one or more elastic bands 145 disposed at preselected locations, being secured to its corresponding portion via a seam (formed, e.g., via stitching).

The leg portion 120 receives the legs of the infant. In the illustrated embodiment, the leg portion includes a first leg and foot enclosure 150A and a second leg and foot enclosure 150B. It is important to note that while enclosed leg portions are illustrated, open leg receptacles may further be utilized.

The garment portion 105 may be formed of any material suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, the garment portion 105 is formed of expansion material configured to expand in a predetermined direction (or to expand significantly more in a first direction than in a second direction). By way of example, the material may be adapted to expand in a vertical direction (e.g., along the y-axis from the viewpoint of the figures) or a lateral direction (e.g., along the x-axis from the viewpoint of the figures). In an embodiment, the garment portion 105 is formed of unidirectional expansion fabric configured to expand transversely (crosswise) from a normal, contracted configuration to an expanded configuration when a predetermined outward lateral force is applied (indicated by arrow L). Once the outward force is removed, the fabric returns back to its normal (contracted) position.

By way of specific example, the fabric includes a plurality of projecting ribs 151 running longitudinally along the garment portion 105 (see FIG. 1B) (i.e., vertically, from neck to feet such that the ribs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the garment portion 105). The ribs 151 are connected by resilient webbing that defines valleys 152 between the ribs. The webbing is resilient, permitting the separation of adjacent ribs (seen best in FIGS. 6A and 6B). The ribs 151, moreover, may be structurally more rigid than the resilient webbing. Thus, applying an outward force (e.g., pulling transversely in direction L) on the fabric generates an accordion-like motion that separates adjacent ribs 151, expanding the dimensions (e.g., width) of the fabric along the pulling direction (e.g., the girth of the garment portion 105 increases). Once the force is no longer applied, the fabric contracts, with the ribs being drawn inward, toward each other.

By way of specific example, the unidirectional expansion fabric may be two-wale cotton. This unidirectional expansion fabric permits lateral expansion L (expansion in a direction transverse to the wale), but minimizes expansion in the longitudinal direction (expansion along the wale). Stated another way, the fabric permits greater lateral expansion than longitudinal expansion (e.g., the fabric may permit substantially no longitudinal expansion).

With this above described configuration, the garment portion 105 will expand should the infant received in the bodysuit possess a girth larger than that accommodated by the fabric in its normal (contracted) position. As such, the garment portion 105 accommodates infants of various sizes by permitting lateral expansion (to accommodate infants of various girths).

The blanket portion 110 is configured to wrap around the infant, swaddling the infant. The blanket portion 110 defines an interior (baby facing) surface 122 and an exterior (outward facing) surface 124. The blanket portion 110 may be any size and possess any dimensions suitable for its described purpose. In the embodiment illustrated, the blanket portion 110 is generally rectangular, having a first or left lateral side 155A, a second or right lateral side 155B, a first or upper transverse side 160A and a second or lower transverse side 160B. The blanket portion 110 is secured to the back body panel 125B of the garment portion 105, e.g., via stitching 162.

The blanket portion 110 further includes a coupling mechanism adapted to secure the blanket portion 110 in its closed or wrapped configuration. In an embodiment, the coupling mechanism includes first and second coupling members operable to selectively mate to each other. Specifically, the first lateral side 155A of the blanket portion 110 includes a first coupling member 165 in the form a tongue or flap protruding laterally from the first lateral side 155A and terminating in a distal end 167. The first coupling member 165, formed integrally with the blanket, is sized to fit within a groove formed into the first coupling member (discussed in greater detail below). The exterior surface 124 of the first coupling member 165 further includes a mating fastener 170. By way of example, the mating fastener 170 may be the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. A hook-and-loop fastener is typically a sheet of woven synthetic material having raised loop threads wherein the loops of one member are cut at their outer extremities to form hook-type elements and/or loop threads that are uncut to form loop-type elements. When one loop-type element is pressed together in a face-to-face relationship with a hook-type element, substantial engagement between the two elements results. It should be understood, however, that the mating fastener 170 may be any fastener suitable for its described purpose

In addition, the second lateral side 155B of the blanket portion 110 includes a second coupling member 175 in the form a generally enlarged flap protruding laterally from the second lateral side 155B of the blanket portion 110 and terminating in a distal end 177. The second coupling member 175 includes a slot or groove 180 formed therein. The groove 180 may be an elongated, structurally reinforced groove oriented generally parallel to second lateral side 155B and disposed proximate flap distal end 177.

The second coupling member 175 may be formed of connection material operable to mate with the fastener 170 disposed of the first coupling member 165. By way of example, the connection material 185 may be textured material configured to interconnect with the hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener. Specifically, the connection material 185 may be a warp knitted fabric. In warp knitting, the yarn zigzags vertically along the length of the fabric such that it follows adjacent columns (wales) of knitting (rather than a single row (course) of knitting). As a result, warp-knit fabric includes a plurality of fibers that extend along the length (the warp) of the fabric (rather than the width) in a zigzag pattern. This configuration results in one side of the fabric including a plurality of fine (non-expandable) vertical ribs running longitudinally along the fabric, and the opposite side including a plurality of horizontal or crosswise ribs. The vertical ribs define a smooth fabric side, while the horizontal or crosswise ribs define a textured fabric side. The material forming the warp knitted fabric is not particularly limited. By way of example, the fabric may be formed of any natural or synthetic fibers (e.g., cotton, wool, silk, rayon, nylon, or a combination thereof) suitable for its described purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the warp knit fabric is tricot.

Selected sections of the blanket portion 110 may also include (e.g., be formed of) connection material. As seen best in FIG. 1C, the blanket portion 110 includes a swatch 190 of connection material disposed at a predetermined location along the blanket portion exterior surface 124. The swatch 190 is positioned to provide a supplemental securing surface for the mating fastener 170 (the hook portion of the hook-and-loop fastener) disposed on the first coupling member 165. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection material 185 may be positioned along the exterior surface 124 of the blanket portion at a location that is proximate the blanket center and/or oriented slightly toward first lateral side 155A.

Thus, the connection material 185 forming the second coupling member 175 or the swatch 190 has a textured surface including fiber loops sufficient to grab the hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener 170. As a result, the fastener 170 (and thus the first coupling member 165) may be secured to any location of the second coupling member 175 or swatch 190 (since it is formed of connection material).

Sections of the blanket portion 110 not formed of connection material may be formed of any material suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, the blanket portion 110 is formed of expansion material as described above. Specifically, the one or more sections of the blanket portion 110 may be configured to expand in a predetermined direction (or to expand significantly more in a first direction than in a second direction). In an embodiment, the garment portion 105 is formed of unidirectional expansion fabric as described above. Such material may be configured to expand transversely (crosswise, along the x-axis as indicated by arrow L) from a normal, contracted configuration to an expanded configuration when a predetermined outward lateral force is applied. Once the outward force is removed, the fabric returns back to its normal lateral position. By way of specific example, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the expansion fabric includes a plurality of projecting ribs 191 running longitudinally along the blanket portion 110. The ribs 191 are separated by webbing or valleys 192 that permit the separation of adjacent ribs (seen best in FIGS. 6A and 6B). Thus, pulling outward on the fabric along direction L separates the ribs 191, altering the dimensions of the blanket portion (e.g., its length or width).

By way of specific example, the unidirectional expansion fabric may be two-wale cotton. This unidirectional expansion fabric permits lateral expansion (expansion in a direction transverse to the wale), but minimizes expansion in the longitudinal direction (expansion along the wale). Stated another way, the fabric permits greater lateral expansion than longitudinal expansion (e.g., the fabric may permit substantially no longitudinal expansion).

With this configuration, the blanket portion 110 will expand should the parent apply a lateral force to the blanket (e.g., when wrapping the blanket around the infant). The blanket portion 110 will expand, furthermore, should the infant move his hands while wrapped in the blanket. This permits very limited infant movement while minimizing the likelihood of the infant loosening the blanket portion 110 secured around the infant.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the operation of the infant swaddling arrangement 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, an infant is placed within the garment portion 105, with legs positioned within leg enclosures 150A, 150B and the arms extending out from the arm apertures 140A, 140B. The infant can be secured within the garment portion 105 as described above utilizing the slit fastener 133 (e.g., a zipper) and the neck fastener (flap 136, first mating connection 137, and a second mating connection 138). The first 155A and second 155B lateral sides are wrapped around the sides of the infant (indicated by arrows A and B, respectively) until the distal ends 167, 177 of the sides meet and/or overlap. As seen in FIG. 2B, the first coupling member 165 is then inserted into and drawn through the groove 180 of the second coupling member 175. The first coupling member 165 is drawn through the groove until the desired level of tautness is achieved. In addition, since the first coupling member 165 is formed of expansion fabric, it may be expanded (indicated by arrow L) to ensure appropriate placement of the fastener within the connection material swatch 190. The first coupling member 165 is then folded back onto itself, and the fastener 170 is pressed into contact with the connection material swatch 190 disposed on the exterior surface 124 of the blanket portion (FIG. 2C). Stated another way, the first coupling member 165 is placed at selected longitudinal positions along the swatch 190 such that the coupling members 165, 175 longitudinally overlap at a predetermined distances in accordance with the size of the infant and/or the desired snugness level of fit.

As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, with the above described configuration, an infant is securely swaddled by the arrangement, with his arms and legs safely restrained. Should a parent desire to remove the blanket portion 110, the reverse of the above process is followed, with the fastener 170 detached from the swatch 190, and drawn through the groove 180. The expansion material, moreover, accommodates infants of various lengths and girths by, e.g., widening the garment portion 105 or lengthening the reach of the blanket portion 110.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrates an infant swaddling arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 4A, the swaddling arrangement 400 includes a base or blanket portion 405 and an infant receiving portion 410 coupled to the base portion (e.g., connected via stitching). The base portion 405 includes a first (left) lateral section or panel 415A (also called a lateral member), an intermediate section or panel 415B (also called a central member), and a second (right) lateral section or panel 415C (also called a lateral member). The sections 415A-415C (and thus the blanket portion) each has an interior I, child-facing surface and an exterior surface E (FIG. 4G).

In an embodiment, the base 405 is not continuous. That is, the sections 415A-415C of the base 405 are not integral with each other. For example, the first lateral section 415A is connected to a first lateral side of the intermediate section 415B along a first lateral seam 420A (i.e., via stitching). Similarly, the second lateral section 415C is connected to a second lateral side of the intermediate section 415B along a second lateral seam 420B (i.e., via stitching). The lateral sections 415A, 415C are positioned along the intermediate section 415B such that each section is oriented offset/inboard from intermediate section top edge 425. By way of example, the top edge 430A, 430B of each lateral section 415A, 415C (measured at the seam 420A, 420B) may be offset from the top edge 425 of the intermediate section 415B by at least three (3) cm. In one embodiment, the offset value is the same for both lateral sections. In another embodiment, the value of the offset for the one lateral section differs from that of the other lateral section.

The first lateral section 415A and the second lateral section 415C may each taper as the section extends distally from the lateral sides of the intermediate section 415B. The degree of taper for the lateral sections 415A, 415C may be similar or may differ from each other. For example, the first lateral section 415A may have a more defined taper than the second lateral section 415C. In other embodiments one or more the sections 415A, 415C possess no taper.

The length of the lateral sections 415A, 415C (measured from seam 420A, 420B to the farthest distal point the section) is not particularly limited. In an embodiment, the length L1 of the first lateral section 415A may be substantially equal to the length L2 of the second lateral section 415C. In another embodiment, the lengths L1, L2 differ. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the second lateral section 415C may possess a length L2 that is slightly smaller than the length L1 of the first lateral section 415A. For example, L1 is 1.5 times as long as L2. In any event, the lateral sections 415A, 415C typically do not possess a length L1, L2 that would enable encirclement of an infant disposed within the arrangement 400. As discussed above, the when the expansion fabric forms the lateral sections 415A, 415B, the lengths L1, L2 of the sections may be altered (increased) by applying an outward, transverse force to the sections to expand separate the ribs forming the fabric.

A first panel fastener 435 (FIG. 4D) may be disposed proximate the distal end of the first lateral section 415A on the exterior surface E of the section. The first panel fastener 435 mates with a second panel fastener 437 (FIGS. 4D, 4G, and 4H) disposed on the exterior surface E of the intermediate base section 415B. In other embodiments, the second panel fastener 437 may be disposed on either the exterior E surface of the second lateral section 415C, or on the exterior surface of the first lateral section 415A at a position inboard from the first panel fastener 435. The mating panel fasteners 435, 437 may include, but are not limited to, complementary portions of a hook-and-loop fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the first panel fastener 435 is the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, and the second panel fastener 437 is connection material (e.g., warp knitted fabric) similar to that described above (seen best in FIGS. 4G and 4H). As explained above, the connection material engages the hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener, securing the lateral sections 415A, 415C together.

The infant receiving portion 410 is secured to the intermediate portion of the base 405 (e.g., via stitching). As shown, the infant receiving portion 410 may be a pocket including a left side 440A, a bottom side 440B, a right side 440C, and a top side 440D. Each of the left 440A, bottom 440B, and right 440C sides are secured to the intermediate section such that the sides are completely closed. The top side 440D is opened, thereby forming a cavity capable of receiving an infant therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket may further include a loose flap 445 that is folded upward to cover the infant positioned within the pocket.

The second lateral side 415C of the blanket portion 405 includes an aperture 450 (e.g., an eye or slit) configured to permit the passage of the first lateral side 415A therethough. As seen in FIG. 5A, the aperture 450 may be defined by a reinforcement member 500 including a slightly tapered body 510 having a widened base 515 and a narrow end 517. The body 510 includes an elongated slot 520 formed therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the reinforcement member 500 includes a body 510 possessing a generally rectangular shape. An elongated slot 520, centrally disposed along the longitudinal axis of the body, is configured to permit the passage of the first lateral section therethrough (i.e., the slot 520 forms the eye 450 of the section lateral section). The body 510 further includes a recess or slit 530 surrounding the slot 520 to define a rib disposed 540 about the slot perimeter. The opposite side of the reinforcement member 500 includes a similar recess 530 and rib 540 structure (not illustrated).

The reinforcement member 500 may be embedded within the fabric forming the second lateral section 415C such that the base faces the intermediate portion 425B. When the embodiment of FIG. 5B is utilized and the rib 530 and slot 540 are exposed (i.e., the remaining body portion may be embedded/sandwiched within the lateral section). By way of example, the reinforcement member 500 may be directly sewn within and to the fabric forming the second lateral section 415C.

The operation of the swaddling arrangement is explained with reference to FIGS. 4B-4E. An infant 490 is placed within the pocket section 410 (FIG. 4B), and the flap 445 is drawn over the infant (FIG. 4C). The lateral sections 415A, 415C are folded over the infant and the first lateral section 415A is drawn through the eye 450 of the second lateral section 415C (FIGS. 4D and 4E). Once threaded through the eye 450, the first lateral section 415A is folded back on itself, over the infant 490. The first panel fastener 435 is then mated with the second panel fastener 437 (FIGS. 4E and 4F).

The base 405 and/or pocket 410 portions may be formed of any material suitable for its described purpose. In an embodiment, one or more of the first lateral section 415A, the intermediate section 415B, the second lateral section 415C, and the pocket portion 410 is formed completely or partially of the expansion material operable to permit expansion in a predetermined direction, as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral sections 415A, 415C are formed of expansion material configured to permit the expansion of each section along its x-axis (the length of the section), indicated by arrows L in FIG. 4C and further illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The above-described embodiments provide an easily adjustable swaddling arrangement that accommodates infants of various sizes, as well as permits limited movement of the infant within the arrangement due to the expansion characteristic of the fabric.

While the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the material forming the swaddling arrangement or portions thereof may be any suitable for its described purpose. Similarly, the connection material may cover any area of the swaddling arrangement suitable for its described purpose. Thus, although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation.

Claims

1. A swaddling arrangement for an infant comprising:

a blanket portion configured to surround the infant, the blanket portion including: a central member, a first lateral member extending distally from a first lateral side of the central member, the first lateral member adapted to be folded over at least a portion of the central member, and a second lateral member extending distally from a second lateral side of the central member, the second lateral member being adapted to be folded at least a portion of the central member,

wherein the blanket portion defines an interior, child-facing surface and an exterior surface; and

an infant receiving portion configured to receive an infant, the infant receiving portion coupled to the interior surface of the blanket portion proximate the central section,

wherein the first lateral member further includes connection material and a fastener configured to engage the connection material, wherein each of the fastener and the connection material is disposed on the exterior surface of the first lateral member.

2. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein:

the first lateral member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion; and

the fastener is disposed within the distal portion of the first lateral member.

3. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein:

the second lateral member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion; and

the aperture is disposed within the proximal portion of the second lateral member.

4. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein the aperture is an elongated slot extending along the second lateral member in a transverse direction.

5. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein:

the fastener is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener; and

the connection material is texture material that interconnects with hooks of the hook portion.

6. The swaddling arrangement of claim 5, wherein the connection material is tricot.

7. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein one of the first lateral member comprises expansion material adapted to expand when a predetermined force is applied.

8. The swaddling arrangement of claim 7, wherein the expansion material comprises a plurality of ribs connected via resilient webbing that permits movement of one rib with respect to another rib.

9. The swaddling arrangement of claim 8, wherein:

the first lateral member includes a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension; and

the expansion material is a unidirectional expansion fabric adapted to permit longitudinal expansion of the first lateral member effective to increase a length of the first lateral member.

10. The swaddling arrangement of claim 1, wherein the infant receiving portion is selected from the group consisting of a bodysuit and a pocket.

11. A swaddling arrangement for an infant comprising:

a blanket portion configured to surround the infant, the blanket portion including: a central member, a first lateral member extending distally from a first lateral side of the central member, the first lateral member adapted to be folded over at least a portion of the central member, and a second lateral member extending distally from a second lateral side of the central member, the second lateral member being adapted to be folded at least a portion of the central member,

wherein the blanket portion defines an interior, child-facing surface and an exterior surface; and

an infant receiving portion configured to receive an infant, the infant receiving portion coupled to the interior surface of the blanket portion proximate the central section,

wherein the second lateral member further includes an aperture configured to permit passage of the first lateral member, and the first lateral member is configured to pass trough the aperture to secure the first lateral member to the second lateral member.

12. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the first lateral member further includes:

a proximal portion and a distal portion; and

a fastener is disposed within the distal portion of the first lateral member.

13. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the second lateral member further includes an aperture configured to permit passage of the first lateral member.

14. The swaddling arrangement of claim 13, wherein:

the second lateral member includes a proximal portion and a distal portion; and

the aperture is disposed within the proximal portion of the second lateral member.

15. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the aperture is an elongated slot extending along the second lateral member in a transverse direction.

16. The swaddling arrangement of claim 15, wherein the first lateral member further includes connection material and a fastener configured to engage the connection material, wherein each of the fastener and the connection material is disposed on the exterior surface of the first lateral member.

17. The swaddling arrangement of claim 16, wherein:

the fastener is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener; and

the connection material is texture material that interconnects with hooks of the hook portion.

18. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the first lateral member includes expansion material adapted to expand when a predetermined force is applied, the expansion material comprising a plurality of ribs connected via resilient webbing that permits movement of one rib with respect to another rib.

19. The swaddling arrangement of claim 19, wherein:

the first lateral member includes a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension; and

the expansion material is a unidirectional expansion fabric adapted to permit longitudinal expansion of the first lateral member effective to increase a length of the first lateral member.

20. The swaddling arrangement of claim 11, wherein the infant receiving portion is selected from the group consisting of a bodysuit and a pocket.