A support structure (2) is used for supporting an infant in a supine position. The support structure (2) includes a support body (21) and a neck bolster portion (22) for supporting a neck of the infant. A bottom surface of the support body (21) is a horizontal surface. A top surface of the support body (21) is an inclined surface for supporting the infant. The neck bolster portion (22) protrudes from the inclined surface. A concave structure (23) for resisting buttocks of the infant is provided along a downward direction of the inclined surface. The support structure (2) keeps an airway open when the infant sleeps in the supine position, so as to avoid sudden infant death syndrome. The support body (21) has the concave structure (23) for resisting buttocks of the infant and providing support for buttocks and legs of the infant, thereby preventing the infant from sliding down due to gravity and providing the infant with a comfortable feeling of being contained.

Bedding for a crib mattress includes a plurality of temperature sensitive sensors disposed therein and an on-board power source. The sensors are configured to be in wireless communication with a monitoring device. A visual indicator is disposed upon the bedding and in electrical communication with the power source. The visual indicator is activated when a pre-set temperature is sensed by any one of the sensors.

A smart block can include a plurality of displays and configurable magnet components to selectively attract or repel other smart blocks. The smart block can include proximity sensors to identify a surface of another smart block close to the smart block to determine if the smart blocks are correctly oriented based on an application or game associated with the operation of the smart blocks. A plurality of smart blocks can be configured to display a portion of a picture (as a puzzle), such that when the smart blocks are oriented correctly they collectively display the complete picture. The smart blocks can be used in conjunction with a smart mat that is configured to move the smart blocks in response to commands received from a remote computing device. The smart blocks and the smart mat can facilitate interactivity with other, remote users, such as between a caregiver and a child.

Methods and apparatus for artificial kangaroo care supporting and promoting health needs in premature babies, babies in neonatal intensive care, and other newborn infants are disclosed. The artificial kangaroo care apparatus may imitate a pre-birth maternal environment and may include an odor-absorbent material imitating a mother's smell, a means for imitating a mother's heartbeat, a means for imitating a mother's breathing pattern, a means for imitating a mother's body temperature, or any combination thereof. The shape and structure of the artificial kangaroo care apparatus may support stand-alone use or use within an incubator or other structure. The shape and structure of the artificial kangaroo care apparatus may suggest a mattress, a mattress covering, or a pillow.

An apparatus for supporting a resting or sleeping occupant may include a compressible structure configured to allow airflow through the compressible structure, and a cover removably coupled to the compressible structure and overlaying at least a portion of the compressible structure. The cover may include a foldover portion. The foldover portion may include a zipper along an edge of the foldover portion, and may be secured about a portion of the compressible structure. A method of assembling the apparatus may include inserting the cover through a compressible structure, and wrapping the foldover portion around an outer rim of the compressible structure. The method may further include manipulating the zipper along the foldover portion to secure the foldover portion about the compressible structure.

The present invention is a mattress for infants which reduces positional plagiocephaly. In one embodiment, the mattress includes a first portion and second portion, where the second portion is inclined relative to the first portion. In another embodiment, the surface of the second portion of the mattress includes a pattern of raised areas and depressed areas to support the neck and head of an infant.

An apparatus for soothing a baby on a mattress has a mattress support or base having weight detecting means for detecting weight of the baby on the mattress, cry detecting means for detecting baby cry, and vibration means for vibrating the mattress. The apparatus has control means configured to determine a center of gravity of the baby on the mattress and baby agitation in response to the weight detecting means. The control means control the vibration means to vibrate the mattress in a position different from the center of gravity of the baby on the mattress within and not beyond a maximum time in response to detection of the baby's cry and/or agitation.

An easy-change mattress sheet system having a top panel selectively interconnected to lateral panels covering at least a portion of the four sides of a mattress is provided. The lateral panels may employ an elastic seam comprised of a vertical drop seam bounded by upper and lower 45-degrees seams, wherein the length of the vertical drop seam varies by mattress thickness. The top panel may be secured to the lateral panels with a simple attaching device. The top panel can be completely removed from the lateral panels by unfastening the simple attaching device. Accordingly, removing/replacing the top panel can be easily accomplished without disturbing the mattress.

An infant support pad assembly has a body of resilient material, a generally planar bottom surface and a top surface that is inclined relative to the bottom surface between a proximal end and a distal end of the body such that the infant is in an inclined position when placed on the body. The top surface has an opening in a distal portion of the body and curved surface configured to receive and support at least a portion of an infant's head. The support pad assembly also has a pair of raised side members on either side of the top surface configured to generally maintain the infant on the body and inhibit movement of the infant out of the body. The support pad assembly also has an outer padding to at least partially surround the body to generally maintain the infant on the body.

A foldable diaper changing mat that includes a foldable base layer of plastic film having a surface engaging side and an upward facing side and a top edge and a bottom edge; and an infant buttocks receiving pad portion having a top end facing the top edge of the foldable base layer of plastic film and a bottom end facing the bottom edge of the foldable base layer of plastic film, wherein the infant buttocks receiving pad portion is engaged with the upward facing side and proximate the bottom edge of the foldable base layer of plastic film. The infant buttocks receiving pad portion has at least one intermediate plastic layer and a top absorbent containing layer. The infant buttocks receiving pad portion typically has a top edge facing pocket and a bottom edge facing pocket that are separated from one another.