Infant changing pad system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system configured for changing the clothes and diapers of an infant and more particularly a changing pad system that includes an activity member held in contact with a changing pad. Optionally, the activity member is held in contact with the changing pad through the use of a base member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is based on Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 537,459, which was filed on Jan. 16, 2004.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an infant changing pad system configured for changing the clothes and diapers of an infant and, more particularly, a changing pad system that includes an activity member held in contact with a changing pad. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0003] Convenience and safety are two important components when it comes to the use of infant products. It is known that infants require special attention during the early stages of life. For example, diapers are changed numerous times each day, an activity that is typically a stressful, unpleasant experience for both the caregiver and the infant. The infant does not understand the benefits of cooperating with caregiver during the diaper changing, the infant only understands that the caregiver's attention has been diverted away from...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The infant changing pad system further includes a changing pad. The changing pad is configured as a standard changing pad currently used in the market that can optionally be used on a changing table or dresser. Typically, the changing pad will be constructed of a pliable material, such as foam or fiberfill that is configured with a flat or concave top surface for placing the infant. The pliable material is preferably covered with a waterproof material for easy cleanup.

[0015] The present invention of an infant changing pad system incorporates the use of a changing pad and activity member to assist a parent in changing the diaper of an infant, by engaging the interest of an infant. Because the changing pad system can include an adaptive base the system can be used with numerous changing pads currently on the market. Further, the invention allows the infant changing pad system to be easily transported and used in various situations including on changing stations, the floor, a changing table, a dresser, or a table.

Problems solved by technology

For example, diapers are changed numerous times each day, an activity that is typically a stressful, unpleasant experience for both the caregiver and the infant.

The infant does not understand the benefits of cooperating with caregiver during the diaper changing, the infant only understands that the caregiver's attention has been diverted away from entertaining, which leaves nothing to engage the infant's interest.

This causes the infant to fuss, wriggle, and struggle to roll over during the diaper changing process.

Since the infant has nothing to engage his or her interest or hands he or she will attempt to engage the caregiver by inserting his or her hands in the way when the diaper is being changed, this limits the caregiver's ability to perform the function of changing the diaper.

Because both of the caregiver's hands are busy changing the diaper, the caregiver is limited in the entertainment he or she can provide.

This provides the caregiver with a dilemma: obtain the discarded toy, which increases the risk of the infant falling off the changing pad; or continue to change the infant who will struggle because no means of entertainment is provided.

Struggling prolongs the diaper changing process and typically creates an unsanitary mess by further soiling both the infant and caregiver with the contents of the diaper.

Currently, changing pads or mats do not include means for entertaining an infant during diaper changing.

It is problematic that during diaper changing the infant is required to lie on his or her back and stare at the ceiling.

No means of entertainment is provided for engaging the infant to help divert his or her attention or hands away from the diaper changing.

Similar to the changing pad, the changing station lacks means for entertaining or engaging the infant.

Fixed attachments such as this limit the availability of the mobile for use with devices other than the specific structure.

This limits the mobile to only being used with the changing table.

The clamp mechanism cannot be used on a dresser changing station since there is no lip or edge to attach the clamp.

Since the majority of caregivers typically employ a dresser or floor as a changing station a clampable mobile or infant engaging arch cannot be used.

Thus, the wall mounted mobiles and clampable mobiles are not easily transportable.

The caregiver is further inconvenienced by having to take the infant to the changing table where the mobile is located rather than changing the infant where they are currently located.

The oversized design of the play mats inhibits its use for any purpose other than entertaining an infant when on the floor.

In addition, the current play mats are constructed of non-waterproof fabric material, which increases the inconvenience to the caregiver when the play mat requires cleaning.

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