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[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]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.[0003]2. Background of the Invention[0004]According to medical studies conducted between 1981 and 1991, there is a strong correlation between infants sleeping in a prone posit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]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.

Problems solved by technology

However, these devices tend to fall into the category of “skull-molding” therapy.

First, the prior art devices are designed to treat skull deformities after the conditions have occurred.

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.

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.

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