ADULT ASSISTED INFANT WALKING HARNESS

Abstract

An infant walking harness is described. Embodiments may consist of a padded fabric harness that wraps around the upper chest and under an infant's crotch to provide all around support, while leaving the sides of the infant's lower torso uncovered. The top part of the harness or upper body section is designed like a vest with fastening means on the back. In one embodiment, the fastening means are hook and loop material patches allowing for adjustments based on the infant's chest circumference so as to provide a snug fit, important for the infant's balancing. Two vest loops ensure that there is no excessive movement in the upper chest and shoulder area of an infant. The bottom part of the harness or lower body section is designed to be adjusted up or down via hook and loop material patches to accommodate an infant's height.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/534,291, filed 13 Sep. 2011.

BACKGROUND

Devices permitting a parent, or other adult caregiver, to assist an infant in learning to walk are well known. Some of the patents and patent applications written to infant walking devices include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,498,219, 6,196,949, 6,397,389 and 6,338,699; and published patent applications 2006/0278176 and 2008/0018163.

The prior art walking devices suffer from many significant problems that preclude or hinder their successful use by relevant consumers. One problem of prior art walking devices is that they often situate straps held by an adult such that they pass close by the infant's head where the straps occasionally rub on and possibly irritate his/her ears. Yet other walking devices are difficult to put on and/or take off of the infant reducing the chances that they will be used. Another problem is that many prior art walking devices support the infant too low on his/her body and increase the risk that the infant could pivot unsafely when suspended thereby increasing the risk of injury.

Other devices do not feature a means of supporting the lower torso of the infant and focus only on providing support for the chest area, which drives the infant's arms up to an unnatural and uncomfortable position during use. With some such devices it is possible for the entire harness to slip off from the infant during use, posing a safety hazard. Those prior art devices that do feature a means for lower torso support often have narrow leg openings which can potentially hinder the infant's free leg movement and preclude use with larger infants or infants wearing thicker pants.

Some prior art devices do not allow for any alterations in accommodation of an infant's height or chest circumference. This limits their use to infants of average size and does not accommodate smaller or larger infants. Finally, some prior art harnesses situate the attachment points of the support straps used by the assisting adult away from the infant's high center of gravity, thus limiting the stability and degree of control afforded to the adult during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a back view of a harness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a front view of a harness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a back view of a harness showing support straps according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a back view of a harness illustrating a first stage of implementing the harness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a back view of a harness illustrating a second stage of implementing the harness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a back view of a harness illustrating a third stage of implementing the harness according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a detailed diagram of a harness being used by an infant and adult according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram of a harness being used by an infant and adult according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a harness designed to be adaptable for infants of varying shapes and sizes. The harness can be used by an adult to assist an infant in maintaining balance while learning to walk allowing the adult to remain erect behind the infant. The assisting adult benefits from not experiencing back pain due to prolonged bending as might be experienced if they bend over to support the child with their hands. The harness also provides the assisting adult good control over the infant's top heavy body. The infant benefits from using arms for balance and maintaining an unobstructed view of feet, which reinforces the visual feedback of cause and effect related to the voluntary movement of a foot forward and the resulting action of taking a step.

Embodiments may consist of a padded fabric harness that wraps around the upper chest and under an infant's crotch to provide all around support, while leaving the sides of the infant's lower torso uncovered. The harness combines support around the upper chest of an infant's torso, where the center of gravity of a top heavy infant is, with support of the infant's lower torso. The support of the lower torso is further enhanced by the attachment point of the support straps used by the assisting adult being situated close to the high center of gravity of the infant.

The top part of the harness or upper body section is designed like a vest with fastening means on the back. In one embodiment, the fastening means are hook and loop material patches allowing for adjustments based on the infant's chest circumference so as to provide a snug fit, important for the infant's balancing. Two upper body section loops ensure that there is no excessive movement in the upper chest and shoulder area of an infant, which can contribute to better balance. Additionally, the upper body section is adjustable and allows for wider chest circumferences and multiple layers of clothing.

The harness also features an easy to use lower body section which can be adjusted up or down via hook and loop material patches or other fastening means to accommodate an infant's height. The manner of the connection of the lower body section to the upper body section allows for size adjustment depending on an infant's height. The lower body section of the harness provides essential structural support for an infant and can prevent the upper body section from gathering up under the infant's arms by absorbing most of the infant's weight. Wide leg openings that result from the lower body section connecting to the upper body section can accommodate bigger infants or infants dressed in multiple layers of clothing without compromising a snug fit. In addition, the wide leg openings facilitate any voluntary bending action initiated by the infant during use, such as bending down to pick up a small object from the ground.

To aid the assisting adult, adjustable length support straps can be attached to the back of the upper body section loops and to a distal end of the lower body section. The support straps, when used by the assisting adult, can capture the infant's full weight and provide a means of enhanced control for the assisting adult. As shown in the figures, the support straps do not rub against the infant's ears and the length of the straps can be easily adjusted to the height of the assisting adult. Furthermore, the support straps are removable in order to allow an infant to crawl without risk of entangling and are easily reattached via buckles when the infant is ready to continue a walking session. This feature is desirable from the perspective of the assisting adult as it eliminates the need to remove the entire harness from the infant.

Embodiments of the present invention are for use after an infant has demonstrated an ability to stand supporting themselves on furniture or against a wall or holding on to an adult's hand and cruising (i.e., moving from one piece of furniture to the next, while holding on). These signs of maintaining posture and balance are typically observed around the ninth month of an infant's life and are indicative of neural maturation necessary for walking The signs are also indicative of completed changes in bodily proportion, such as longer legs, broader shoulders, and a smaller head relative to the rest of an infants' body. All of these changes lower the infant's center of gravity and make it easier to balance in an erect posture. At this stage infants are ready to begin clocking in the necessary hours of walking with some type of support to help them more quickly and effectively develop the strength and stability to walk independently.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

The term “hook and loop material patch,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to either a hook patch or a loop patch. Furthermore, where two hook and loop material patches interface, couple, or mate, it is to be understood that one patch is a hook patch and the other is a loop patch.

The term “attachment means,” as used in the specification and appended claims, refers to buckles, buttons, snap fasteners, d-ring fasteners, clasps, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

The term “permanent attachment means,” as used in the specification and appended claims, refers to sewing, adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, rivets, etc.

The term “fastening means,” as used in the specification and appended claims, refers to magnets, hook and loop material patches, safety pins, buttons, snap fasteners, etc.

A First Embodiment of a Harness

FIGS. 1A and 1B are detailed diagrams of an embodiment 100 illustrating a harness 102. FIG. 1A is a back or interior view of the harness 102 and FIG. 1B is a front or exterior view of the harness 102. In a preferred embodiment, the harness 102 is implemented to help an infant learn to walk.

Generally, the harness 102 comprises an upper body section 104 and a lower body section 106. The upper body section 104 wraps around the upper body of an infant just underneath the arms of the infant. The lower body section 106 of the harness 102 extends downwardly from a bottom edge of the upper body section 104, tapering to a section that corresponds to the position directly underneath and between the infant's legs when worn. The lower body section 106 then expands out again into a somewhat circular wider section to help provide support to the infant's buttocks. Finally, at a distal end of the lower body section 106, the lower body section 106 may taper back down again and includes a patch of hook and loop material for attachment on the back side to the upper body section 104, as shown in FIG. 1B.

As shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 2, the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 can couple or mate by way of a first hook and loop material patch 110, a second hook and loop material patch 112, a third hook and loop material patch 118, and a fourth hook and loop material patch 120. In one embodiment, the first patch 110 is located on an opposite end of the upper body section 104 from the second patch 112. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first patch 110 is located on a right interior side of the upper body section 104 and the second patch 112 is located on a left interior side of the upper body section. It is to be appreciated that other means of fastening the upper body section 104 to the lower body section 106 can be implemented. In one example, magnets are implemented in place of the hook and loop patches. In another example, buttons are implemented in place of the hook and loop patches. In yet another example, snap fasteners are implemented in place of the hook and loop patches.

The first patch 110 and the second patch 112 can be elongated and, as such, may permit the circumference of the upper body section 104 to be adjusted for infants of differing sizes. For instance, the first patch 110 and the second patch 112 can be elongated horizontally. In one example, the first patch 110 and the second patch 112 have a four inch by one and a half inch rectangular shape. In another example, each of the patches have a three inch by one inch rectangular shape It is to be appreciated that hook and loop material patches of varying lengths and widths may be implemented without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the fourth patch 120 is located on the front side of the upper body section 104 opposite the second patch 112. In another embodiment, one of the ends of the upper body section 104 includes a hook and loop material patch on both an interior surface and an exterior surface of the upper body section 104. As shown in FIG. 1A, the second patch 112 is on the interior surface of the upper body section 104. The fourth patch 120 is illustrated on the exterior surface of the upper body section 104 in FIG. 1B. The dual hook and loop material patches permit the upper body section 104 to be custom fitted to an infant.

To securely embrace the infant, a pair of shoulder straps or loops 108 extends upwardly from a top side of the upper body section 104 to embrace an infant's shoulders. The shoulder loops 108 include a first pair or set of quick release (“QR”) buckles 116 mounted thereon. In one example, each of the first pair of buckles 116 is mounted on a backside of one of the shoulder loops 108. In a preferred embodiment, the first pair of buckles 116 are attached below an apex on the backside of the shoulder loops 108. It is to be appreciated that the first pair of buckles 116 can be located on a front side or a backside below the apex of the shoulder loops 108. As shown in FIG. 1A, the buckles 116 are mounted halfway between the apex of the shoulder loops 108 and a beginning of the shoulder loops 108 on a backside. In one example, the buckles 116 are mounted one inch below the apex of the shoulder loops 108 on a backside. In another example, the buckles 116 can be mounted a half-inch below the apex of the shoulder loops 108 on the front side. Generally, the buckles 116 are mounted halfway between the apex and beginning of the shoulder loops 108 on a backside of the shoulder loops 108. It is to be appreciated that the buckles 116 can be mounted at any location between the apex and beginning of the shoulder loops 108, and in some instances, below the apex on the front side of the shoulder loops 108.

A pair of support straps 122, which can be held by an adult when supporting the infant, couple or attach to the first pair of buckles 116. The support straps 122 are shown in FIG. 2. The location of the first pair of buckles 116 ensures that the support straps 122 do not rub against an infant's ears. The distal end of the lower body section 106 includes a second pair of quick release buckles 114 to which the other end of the support straps 122 couple or attach. As shown in FIG. 2, the support straps 122 attach to the first pair of buckles 116 on the shoulder loops 108 and to the second pair of buckles 114 on the distal end of the lower body section 106. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the support straps 122 is adjustable. As such, the support straps 122 can be easily adjusted to the height of an assisting adult. It is to be appreciated that a variety of means for attaching the support straps 122 to the harness 102 may be implemented. For example, the upper body section 104 and lower body section 106 may implement snap fasteners with which the supports straps 122 can attach to. In another example, button type fasteners may be implemented to attach the support straps 122 to the harness 102.

The upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 typically comprise a thin foam material sandwiched between two pieces of sewn together or otherwise joined exterior and interior pieces of fabric. For instance, the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 can comprise cotton, nylon, canvas, or any other suitable flexible sheet material. In at least one variation, a quarter inch rolled foam may be utilized. It is to be appreciated that a variety of thicknesses of rolled foam may be implemented in the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106. Generally, the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 comprise the same material. In at least one variation, the upper body 104 comprises a different material than the lower body section 106. For example, the upper body section 104 comprises a stiff or supportive material and the lower body section 106 comprises a flexible or comfortable material.

The third hook and loop material patch 118, which is located on the distal end of the lower body section 106, permits the distal end of the lower body section 106 to connect with one of the ends of the upper body section 104. In one embodiment, the third patch 118 interfaces with the second patch 112. The length of the third patch 118 on the lower body section 106 allows the location of attachment to be adjusted such that the lower body section 106 can be fitted to infants of differing sizes and snugly cradle them therein. The unique means of joining the ends of the upper body section 104 and the distal end of the lower body section 106 permit the harness 102 to be easily placed on an infant and adjusted thereon to provide a snug and reassuring fit.

It is worthy of note that many variations and other embodiments of the harness 102 are contemplated and figures of the illustrated embodiment should not in and of themselves be seen as limiting. For instance, the length of the hook and loop patches can be longer in some variations to permit greater adjustability of the harness 102 when worn. In another variation, the straps that are attached to the distal end of the lower body section 106 to hold the quick release buckles can be shorter without hindering functionality. The type of fabric or flexible sheeting material used in the upper body section 104 and the lower body section 106 can be changed as well. As shown in the figures, the upper body section 104 and lower body section 106 are made of a cotton fabric, but variations can be made of any suitable material and even combinations thereof. In this sense, the type of foam can vary as well.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support straps 122 can be attached and detached as desired using the provided first pair of buckles 116 and the second pair of buckles 114. Accordingly, with the support straps 122 removed the harness 102 can be left on the infant during periods of rest between uses without undue risk of entanglement or choking. When the adult is ready to resume use of the harness 102, the support straps 122 can be attached back in place with ease. FIGS. 4 and 5 are provided to show an embodiment of the harness according to one embodiment of the present invention in use.

Of important note, the support straps 122 are positioned behind the infant and as such the support straps 122 do not hinder the infant's ability to move and walk. The support straps 122 are positioned such that the support straps 122 do not graze an infant's head during use and the support straps 122 do not provide a visual distraction for the child. This is accomplished by the placement of the first pair of buckles 116 and the second pair of buckles 114. The first pair of buckles 116 on the shoulder loops 108 are mounted to the rear of the shoulder loops 108 below an apex. The second pair of buckles 114 are mounted at the distal end of the lower body section 106, which when worn corresponds in location to the infant's back roughly midway between the shoulder blades. In a preferred embodiment, means to adjust the length of the support straps 122 can be provided to permit the adult to adjust them to a suitable length.

The manner of securing the walker in place is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. Of note, there is no infant in the photos for sake of more clearly illustrating the means of coupling the lower body section and upper body section ends. Further, the supporting straps have been disconnected from the lower body section and upper body section for these demonstrative figures.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, an embodiment 300 of a harness 302 in various stages of coupling an upper body section 304 and lower body section 306 is shown. FIG. 3A illustrates a first stage of coupling the harness 302, FIG. 3B illustrates a second stage of implementing the harness 302, and FIG. 3C illustrates a third stage of implementing the harness 302.

Generally, the harness 302 comprises the upper body section 304, the lower body section 306, two shoulder straps or loops 308, a first hook and loop material patch 310, a second hook and loop material patch 312, a third hook and loop material patch 314, a fourth hook and loop material patch 316, a first set of quick release buckles 318, and a second set of quick release buckles 320. It is to be appreciated that other fastening means can be implemented in place of the hook and loop patches. For example, a plurality of magnets sewn into the harness 302 can replace the hook and loop patches. In another example, buttons sewn into the harness 302 can replace the hook and loop patches. As noted, support straps are not shown for illustrative purposes.

The first stage of implementing the harness 302 is shown in FIG. 3A. As can be imagined, the two shoulder loops 308 are placed over each shoulder of an infant and the lower body section 306 is placed between the infant's legs and brought up the back of the infant. In this position, the first patch 310, the second patch 312, and the third patch 314 are facing a similar direction. As shown in FIG. 3A, the second patch 312 is oriented in a vertical direction and is elongated. It is to be appreciated that a variety of orientations can be implemented for the second patch 312. The vertical orientation of the second patch 312 allows the first patch 310 to interface or mate with the second patch 312 at a variety of points along the length of the second patch 312. For example, if the infant is tall, the first patch 310 can couple to the second patch 312 on an upper portion of the second patch 312. Alternatively, if the infant is short, the first patch 310 can couple to the second patch 312 on a lower portion of the second patch 312. The vertical orientation of the second patch 312 allows an adult to alter the height of the harness 302 based on the height of the infant to provide a proper fit.

As previously mentioned, magnets can be implemented in place of the hook and loop patches. In one embodiment, a plurality of magnets sewn into the harness 302 in a horizontal orientation can be implemented in place of the first patch 310, third patch 314, and fourth patch 314. A plurality of magnets can also be oriented in a vertical stack in place of the second patch 312. It is to be appreciated that different fastening means can be implemented to achieve the same result as using hook and loop material patches, as illustrated in the figures.

The second stage of implementing the harness 302 is shown in FIG. 3B. In the second stage, the third patch 314 is coupled or mated to the fourth patch 316. In one embodiment, the fourth patch 316 is oriented in a horizontal direction and is elongated. The elongated horizontal orientation of the fourth patch 316 allows the harness 302 to be adjusted for varying sizes of infants. The harness 302 can be adjusted for a width of an infant based on the interface of the third patch 314 to the fourth patch 316.

The third stage or final stage of implementing the harness 302 is shown in FIG. 3C. As shown, ends of the upper body section 304 are securely fixed to the lower body section 306 via the first patch 310, the second patch 312, the third patch 314, and the fourth patch 316. At this stage, the support straps (not shown) can be attached to the harness 302.

On the backside of each loop 308 there is the first set of buckles 318. Two support straps can be attached to the buckles 318. Each of the support straps ends with a second set of buckles 320 that allows the support straps to attach to the lower body section 306.

Additionally, the lower body section 306 can be elongated at the top with the third patch 314 that attaches to an end of the upper body section 304 completing the snug fit around the infant's entire torso and allowing for adjustments based on the infant's height. In one embodiment, the rounded back part of the lower body section 306 can provide support to an infant's buttocks and can make the harness 302 more comfortable for the infant during use.

The elongated part of the lower body section 306 can be connected to the support straps by the second set of buckles 320 and thus complete the loop of each support strap. In one embodiment, buckles of the support straps can allow for length adjustment which is important for accommodating the height of an assisting adult. In another embodiment, the support straps can be removed by implementing quick release plastic buckles. If an infant wants to crawl for a little bit during a walking session, the support straps can be temporarily removed to avoid entangling. The manner of connection of the lower body section 306 to the support straps near the infant's center of gravity, in combination with the assisting adult pulling on the support straps, provides even infant weight distribution during use. Because of this, the infant's balance is easier to support via the support straps.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a detailed diagram illustrating a harness according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown being used by an infant and an adult. As shown, support straps used by an adult are located behind the infant. The location of the support straps ensures that the support straps do not interfere with the infant learning to walk. The support straps are also shown at a comfortable length for the adult. The support straps can be adjusted in length to ensure that any adult can be comfortable in aiding an infant in learning to walk. Furthermore, quick release buckles allow the adult to quickly detach the support straps to allow the infant to walk on their own or participate in other activities without having to remove the entire harness.

A Method for Implementing an Embodiment of the Present Invention

Referring to FIG. 6, a flow chart illustrating a method 600 is shown. First, an adult places the inside surface of the upper portion against the chest of the infant and places the infant's arms through the shoulder loops in block 602. The adult then threads the lower body section between the infant's legs and places the distal end hoop and loop patch at approximately the same height as the upper portion but on the infant's back in a block 604.

Next, the adult folds the end of the upper portion having interior and exterior hook and loop patches over and around the child's torso. To adjust the harness based on a height of the infant, the interior hook and loop patch is secured to the hook and loop patch of the distal end of the lower body section in block 606. Thereafter, the harness can be adjusted for the infant's width. To adjust the width of the harness, the second end of the upper portion is wrapped around the infant's torso and its hook and loop patch is brought in contact with the exterior hook and loop patch of the other upper portion end in block 608. After all three ends are secured, the adult may selectively release and re-secure the hook and loop patches to adjust the fit of the walker for the infant. When the harness is securely fitted, the adult can attach support straps in block 610. In block 612, the adult aids the infant in learning to walk.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A harness for use with an infant, the harness comprising:

an elongated generally horizontally disposed upper body section configured to wrap underneath arms of an infant, the upper body section including, (i) an upper body top edge, (ii) an upper body bottom edge, (iii) an upper body outer side, (iv) an upper body inner side, (v) an upper body left end, (vi) an upper body right end, (vii) a pair of spaced apart shoulder straps extending upwardly from the upper body top side and each being configured to receive a respective left or right arm of the infant therethough, each shoulder strap defining an apex and including an attachment means fixed thereto below the apex, (viii) a first fastening means located on the inner side proximate the upper body left end, (ix) a second fastening means located on the upper body inner side proximate the upper body right end, and (x) a third fastening means located on the upper body outer side proximate the upper body left end generally opposed to and facing away from the first fastening means;

a lower body section attached to and extending downwardly from the upper body bottom edge proximate a center location of the upper body section, the lower body section being generally vertically elongated and configured to extend beneath the legs of the infant and upwardly along a back of the infant, the lower body section including, (a) a lower body top end, (b) a lower body bottom end, the lower body bottom end including a pair of attachment means fixed thereto, (c) a lower body outer side, (d) a lower body inner side, and (e) a fourth fastening means located proximate the lower body bottom end on the lower body outer side; and

two support straps removably attached to the attachment means of the shoulder loops and to the pair of attachment means fixed to the lower body bottom end;

wherein when placed on the infant, the fourth fastening means mates with the first fastening means and the second fastening means mates with the third fastening means.

2. The harness of claim 1, the upper body section comprises a foam material sandwiched between two pieces of sewn together fabric.

3. The harness of claim 2, the lower body section comprises a foam material sandwiched between two pieces of sewn together fabric.

4. The harness of claim 1, the attachment means of the shoulder loops are buckles.

5. The harness of claim 4, the pair of attachment means fixed to the lower body bottom end are buckles.

6. The harness of claim 5, each of the buckles are quick release buckles.

7. The harness of claim 1, each of the fastening means comprises a hook and loop material patch.

8. The harness of claim 1, each of the fastening means comprises at least one magnet.

9. The harness of claim 1, the two support straps being adjustable in length.

10. The harness of claim 1, the attachment means of the shoulder loops and the pair of attachment means fixed to the lower body bottom end are snap fasteners.

11. A harness for use with an infant, the harness comprising:

an upper section configured to embrace an upper body of the infant;

a lower section configured to embrace a lower body of the infant;

a first hook and loop material patch located on a left inner side of the upper section;

a second hook and loop material patch located on a right inner side of the upper section;

a third hook and loop material patch located on a right outer side of the upper section; and

a fourth hook and loop material patch located on a bottom outer side of the lower section, the first patch interfaces with the fourth patch and the second patch interfaces with the third patch.

12. The harness according to claim 11, the fourth patch being elongated in a vertical direction.

13. The harness according to claim 12, the first patch interfaces with the fourth patch in varying locations along the length of the fourth patch.

14. The harness according to claim 11, the third patch being elongated in a horizontal direction.

15. The harness according to claim 11, the harness further comprising:

two supports straps removably attached to the harness.

16. The harness according to claim 15, the two support straps being adjustable in length.

17. A method comprising:

placing an infant's arms through shoulder loops of a harness, the harness comprising: an upper body section having the shoulder loops; a lower body section; and a plurality of hook and loop material patches, the upper body section and the lower body section being coupled by the plurality of hook and loop material patches,

wrapping the lower body section of the harness under a torso of the infant;

adjusting a height of the harness based on a height of the infant using the plurality of hook and loop material patches;

adjusting a width of the harness based on a width of the infant using the plurality of hook and loop material patches; and

attaching support straps to the harness.

18. The method according to claim 17, the support straps being adjustable in length.

19. The method according to claim 17, at least one of the plurality of patches being elongated in a vertical direction.

20. The method according to claim 17, at least one of the plurality of patches being elongated in a horizontal direction.