Infant sling and hip carrier

Abstract

An infant sling carrier having a breathable mesh fabric, elastic retaining members along opposite edges of the carrier, a padded weight distribution strap assembly and a removable infant support.

1 . In an infant carrier, comprising,
 an elongated pouch member having at least one layer of stretchable mesh fabric;   said pouch member having opposite, upwardly extending side panels with upper, stretchable retaining members; and   a strap assembly extending downwardly from one shoulder across the front and back of a wearer's torso, said assembly connected to said pouch member at opposite terminal ends and having an adjustable releasable securing member.   
   
   
       2 . In the infant carrier according to  claim 1  wherein said retaining members span a partial length of each said side panels. 
   
   
       3 . In the infant carrier according to  claim 1  wherein said elongated pouch member terminates at a first end with a broad padded strap portion and at an opposite second end with a slightly tapered secondary strap portion. 
   
   
       4 . In the infant carrier according to  claim 3  wherein said broad padded strap portion is adapted to extend downwardly and partially span one shoulder and across the front of the wearer's torso. 
   
   
       5 . In the infant carrier according to  claim 1  wherein said retaining members are elasticized and padded. 
   
   
       6 . The infant carrier according to  claim 1  wherein said carrier includes a harness support that is releasably secured within said pouch member. 
   
   
       7 . The infant carrier according to  claim 6  wherein said harness support is adapted to aid in elevation of an infant's head within said carrier. 
   
   
       8 . In an infant support sling comprising,
 a cradling member having upwardly extending opposite side members terminating in edge portions having an elastic member and a padded member;   said cradling member having upwardly extending opposite end members with terminal ends non-releasably secured to opposite ends of an adjustable shoulder strap, said shoulder strap extending downwardly from one shoulder of the wearer and across the front and back of the wearer's torso; and   means for providing additional support to the infant within said cradling member.   
   
   
       9 . The infant support sling according to  claim 8  wherein said cradling member is comprised of at least one layer of breathable mesh material. 
   
   
       10 . The infant support sling according to  claim 8  wherein said edge portions comprise a fabric encased padded, elastic band spanning the greater length of opposite edge portions of said cradling member. 
   
   
       11 . The infant support sling according to  claim 8  wherein said additional support means includes a padded body support and harness system. 
   
   
       12 . The infant support sling according to  claim 8  wherein said additional support means is releasably secured to a lower portion of said cradling member. 
   
   
       13 . The infant support sling according to  claim 8  wherein said shoulder strap is adapted for single hand adjustment. 
   
   
       14 . The infant support sling according to  claim 8  wherein said cradling member includes a pocket member. 
   
   
       15 . An infant carrier comprising in combination a shoulder strap extending downwardly from one shoulder across the front and back of the wearer's torso; a pouch member comprising dual layers, at least one of said layers comprising a breathable mesh fabric, said pouch member having opposite upwardly extending first and second ends and opposite upwardly extending first and second sides;
 said first and second sides having outer edges encasing a stretchable member;   a removable, padded infant head and body support for placement within said pouch member; and   means for suspending said pouch member from opposite lower ends of said shoulder strap at or near a side of the torso opposite to the one shoulder.   
   
   
       16 . The infant carrier according to  claim 15  wherein said stretchable member is in spaced relation to said first and second ends. 
   
   
       17 . The infant carrier according to  claim 15  wherein said infant head and body support is releasably secured to said dual layers of said pouch member. 
   
   
       18 . The infant carrier according to  claim 15  wherein said suspension means includes a buckle member and is adapted for single hand adjustment.