Baby handling device

Abstract

A baby handling device includes a horseshoe-shaped pillow formed of resilient material that has a center section of a first height and adjacent first and second side sections that taper to first and second ends of a second, lower height. A support platform is formed of flexible material and extends between an upper surface of the center section and upper surfaces of the side sections. A removable, cover is shaped to fit over the horseshoe-shaped pillow and the support platform. A restraining blanket is formed of flexible material and is removably and adjustably attached to an underside and a top surface of the cover. The pillow provides support for a baby's head and neck. The support platform provides a determined position for the baby's body and the restraining blanket constrains movement of the baby's arms. A combination fastening and carrying strap secures the device in a compact bundle for transport.

1 . A baby handling device, comprising:
 a horseshoe-shaped pillow, said pillow being formed of resilient material, having a center section of a first height, adjacent first and second side sections tapering to opposite first and second ends of a second, lower height;   a removable, washable cover, said cover being sized and shaped to fit over said horseshoe-shaped pillow and providing a support platform, said platform being formed of flexible material and extending between an upper surface of said center section and at least a portion of upper surfaces of said side sections, said support platform becoming concave when supporting a baby;   a restraining blanket, said blanket being formed of flexible material and being removably and adjustably attached to at least an underside of said cover of said horseshoe-shaped pillow; and   said horseshoe-shaped pillow providing support for a baby's head and neck, said support platform providing a determined position for said baby's body and said restraining blanket constraining movement of said baby's arms.   
     
     
         2 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said horseshoe-shaped pillow is formed of impermeable material. 
     
     
         3 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said removable cover further includes a storage pocket. 
     
     
         4 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said restraining blanket is attached to said removable cover with a plurality of fastening devices selected from the group comprising:
 snaps, hook and eye combinations, buttons, looping and hooking fasteners and zippers.   
     
     
         5 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 4 , wherein said fastening devices provide attachment for said restraining blanket at a first position, said first position attaching said blanket at approximately shoulder height for a baby on at least said underside of said removable cover, said first position constraining arms of said baby. 
     
     
         6 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 4 , wherein said fastening devices provide attachment for said restraining blanket at a second position, said second position attaching said blanket at approximately abdomen height for a baby on at least said underside of said removable cover, said second position permitting movement of arms of said baby. 
     
     
         7 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 4 , wherein said fastening devices provide attachment for said restraining blanket at a series of points on said underside of said removable cover, permitting use of said device as a sleeping bag for a baby of increasing height. 
     
     
         8 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said horseshoe-shaped pillow further comprises an electrically operated vibrating element, said element causing said device to provide a soothing vibration to induce sleep in a baby. 
     
     
         9 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said horseshoe-shaped pillow further comprises at least one loudspeaker and electrically operated music source, said music source providing music to provide a calming environment for a baby. 
     
     
         10 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , further comprising a combination fastening and carrying strap, said strap serving to hold the device in a compact bundle and to provide a carrying handle, said strap being attached to either of said removable cover and said restraining blanket with any of stitching, snaps, hook and eye combinations, buttons, looping and hooking fasteners and zippers. 
     
     
         11 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 10 , wherein said restraining blanket comprises a plurality of fasteners, said fasteners securing said blanket about said horseshoe-shaped pillow in a compact bundle, said combination fastening and carrying strap providing a carrying handle for said bundle. 
     
     
         12 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 10 , wherein said adjustable combination fastening and carrying strap provides a mounting for baby toys and accessories and secures said baby to the horseshoe-shaped pillow. 
     
     
         13 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , wherein said removable cover for said horseshoe-shaped pillow further comprises a closable opening, said opening providing for removal of said horseshoe-shaped pillow from said cover. 
     
     
         14 . The baby handling device, as described in  claim 1 , wherein blanket is removed from said cover and provides a privacy shield during nursing.