ES2975660T3 - Wrapping device with adjustable wrap - Google Patents

Abstract

A swaddling device is described. The swaddling device includes a sack configured to substantially enclose an infant. The sack includes sleeves and an attached wrap configured to wrap the infant. The swaddling device at least partially restricts the infant's movement and thereby suppresses the Moro reflex, while also snugly wrapping the infant's torso and thereby providing constant moderate pressure thereon. The wrap is narrow enough so as not to restrict movement of the infant's hips and knees, while still providing access to the infant's bottom for diaper changing. Some versions of the device include sleeves that have foldable mitten cuffs or other selectively openable mechanism at their ends. The cuffs allow the caregiver to expose the infant's hand or hands to provide skin-to-skin contact. Alternatively, the caregiver may close the cuffs if concerned about scratching.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Adjustable Wrapping Device

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a device for swaddling babies.

Background

Typical prior art swaddling devices do not allow an infant skin-to-skin access to his or her hands. An example of an earlier swaddling capsule design that prevents an infant from accessing his or her hands is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,607,364. This earlier swaddling capsule design, which prevents access to an infant's hands for sucking and self-soothing, is not in the best interest of the infant because it is very important for the infant to have access to his or her hands.

Another example of an earlier swaddle capsule design is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,179,711. The described design is a sleep sack that allows the baby to suck on his or her hands through the fabric of the sack, but without direct skin-to-skin access. This earlier swaddle capsule design, which requires the baby to suck through the fabric, is not ideal or best for the baby, because skin-to-skin contact is more natural. Also, if the baby sucks on the fabric, he or she will be ingesting detergent or fabric softener residue in the fabric after the garment is washed and dried.

Another prior design of a swaddling device is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,246,392. The described design secures the infant's arms with a large, wide wrap feature, typically including a hook-and-loop fastener. The width of the wrap in this design, which extends below the waist, makes it difficult for the infant to flex and/or extend the hips and knees. If used incorrectly or overly tightly by parents, this design impairs mobility, increasing the risk of hip dysplasia. Furthermore, since the wrap extends significantly below the infant's waist, it is not possible to change a diaper without removing the wrap. Furthermore, the prior art designs do not include integrated covers in combination with a wrap or mechanism for securing the infant's arms. Furthermore, many infants prefer to sleep with one or both arms above their head and unsupported, and the prior art designs do not provide any functionality to suppress or partially suppress the Moro reflex when the arm is outside the wrap. Therefore, typical prior art designs do not address this need by providing an option for the baby to sleep with one or more arms inside the covers and outside the wrap.

US 2016/113331 A 1 relates to a method and apparatus for securely swaddling an infant, including a sleepwear component having a hook and loop fastening component provided on a back panel, and a wrap component having a corresponding hook and loop fastening component provided on an inner surface wherein the wrap component and the sleepwear component adhere to each other via the hook and loop fastening component. The wrap then wraps the infant in the sleepwear component and adheres to itself at a back location of the infant, thereby providing a secure and comfortable wrap for the infant.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a swaddling device that provides sufficient pressure to suppress the Moro reflex while at the same time providing sufficient range of motion for an infant's legs.

This problem is resolved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figures 1A and 1B are line drawings showing front and rear views of a wrapping device according to a first embodiment, where its cuffs are in an open position.

Figures 2A and 2B are line drawings showing front and rear views of the wrapping device according to the first embodiment, where its cuffs are in a closed position.

Figures 3A and 3B are line drawings showing front and rear views of a wrapping device according to a second embodiment, where its cuffs are in an open position.

Figure 4 is a line drawing showing a front view of a wrapping device according to a third embodiment, which does not have foldable mitten cuffs.

Figure 5 is a line drawing showing an infant in an exemplary embodiment of the swaddling device. Figures 6A-6C are images showing views of an exemplary embodiment of the swaddling device.

Detailed description

The embodiments described herein provide a swaddling device, sometimes referred to as a swaddle sack with adjustable wrap ("SSAW"). The SSAW is an innovative swaddle capsule, wearable blanket, and sleep sack for an infant. The SSAW includes an attached adjustable wrap that can be operated to swaddle the infant. Some embodiments of the SSAW also include uniquely shaped and modified covers with fold-over mitten cuffs to allow the infant full access to the hands for self-soothing, and the design supports multiple natural arm position options for the infant.

The innovative design of the SSAW provides a number of safety and ease-of-use benefits for the caregiver. The SSAW offers several different options for use. In a first configuration, the infant can be swaddled with both arms across the chest or midline of the infant, with either the hands down or up near the face. Having the hands near the face allows the infant to self-soothe as described below. In a second configuration, the infant can be swaddled with one arm outside the swaddle. Swaddling the infant in this manner provides the benefit of swaddling with the partial suppression of the Moro reflex for the arm outside the swaddle achieved by the sleeve and cuff design. In the third configuration, the infant can be swaddled with both arms outside the swaddle. Swaddling the baby in this manner provides the benefit of swaddling by putting pressure on the baby's torso and with the partial suppression of the Moro reflex for arms outside the swaddle achieved by the sleeve and cuff design, whilst also providing a safety benefit by giving the baby greater mobility should he or she roll onto his or her stomach.

The SSAW includes a swaddle wrap with hook and loop fasteners to allow the caregiver to easily wrap the baby's arms close to the baby's body. For many newborn babies 0-3 months, research has shown that allowing the baby to self-soothe by allowing access to their hands when the arms are comfortably swaddled can reduce arousals caused by the Moro reflex. For some newborn babies, access to their hands may cause the baby to scratch their face, causing distress to both parent and baby, and for babies with a propensity to scratch, parents will have the option to close the fold-over cuff to prevent scratching and allow the baby to suck on the hands through the cotton fabric.

The SSAW wrap is relatively narrow compared to prior art wraps, which typically extend below the baby's hips or even knees. The narrow wrap of the SSA<w>provides a number of benefits. The narrow wrap provides room for the baby's hips and knees in an up and out (flexed and abducted) position and provides range of motion for the baby's legs as recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Additionally, the narrow wrap allows access for diaper changing without removing the wrap.

Some SSAW embodiments include foldable mitten cuffs, an important innovation that allows the caregiver two options for providing the infant with access to his or her hands. In a first option, the SSAW allows the infant to have skin-to-skin (hand-to-mouth, hand-to-hand, hand-to-face) access to his or her hands through the foldable mitten cuffs in the open position. In a second option, the SSAW allows the hand opening to be closed through the foldable mitten cuff if the caregiver chooses to do so, and the infant can still bring his or her hands to his or her face for comfort.

The SSAW foldable mitten cuff feature is innovative and important because other available wrap designs do not allow the infant to have skin-to-skin access to his or her hands. As discussed above, prior art wraps do not allow skin-to-skin contact with the infant's hands. In contrast, in the open-cuff position, the SSAW provides ample opportunity for the infant to access and experience skin-to-skin contact with his or her hands.

This SSAW design is innovative and allows the baby to be supported in a natural position with access to the hands. It is very important for the baby to be able to self-soothe and suck on his or her hands to communicate to the caregiver that he or she is hungry and ready to feed. Vigorous hand sucking is a hunger signal and the first signal from the baby. Crying is a late signal of hunger. Researchers and infant specialists believe that the first communication between the baby and caregiver is important, so that the caregiver can respond appropriately and feed the baby following this signal. This early act of signaling that is met with feeding establishes trust, the foundation of healthy relationships. Lactation specialists believe that this infant signal is important for breastfeeding mothers to help establish lactation, milk let-down and supply, and infant-led feeding routines. Hand sucking also helps with the maturation of the infant’s GI tract, the maturation of hand control, and also provides comfort to the infant. Sucking is the most organizing behavior for the baby and helps control sleep and wakefulness. In addition, babies have many nerve endings in their hands and around their mouths through which they learn, comfort themselves, and communicate.

Previous wrap capsule designs allowed the baby to suck on his or her hands by sucking through the fabric, but breastfeeding and baby care experts agree that it is important for the baby to have direct skin-to-skin access to the hands without a layer of fabric. Also, given the risk that detergent and chemicals may be on the fabric after washing, it is safer and preferable for the baby not to suck on the fabric, which will minimize exposure and risk related to detergent and chemicals on the fabric.

The SSAW is designed to support the baby with a swaddle-like support to suppress the Moro reflex and allow the baby to sleep on their back in a natural supported position, with multiple arm position options and enjoy the benefits of swaddling, including longer sleep with fewer wake-ups due to the Moro or startle reflex. The design is optimized for the baby's bottom, middle and top regions as described below.

In the lower region (hips and legs), the SSAW is not tight around the hips and legs, allowing the hips and knees to flex and providing ample room for leg movement. In the middle region (torso), the wrap sack with adjustable wings is relatively tight to provide support around the midsection and tummy, helping baby feel secure.

In the overhead region (chest, arms, and hands), the SSAW is snug, but not overly tight, and restricts movements related to the Moro reflex with the attached wrap. The uniquely shaped wrap SSAW allows for multiple arm positions combined with multiple configurations for the foldable cuffs (when present in a particular embodiment), including: (1) both arms flexed and positioned in the midline with both hands uncovered by the open foldable cuffs and available for skin-to-skin sucking by the infant for infant cues and self-soothing; (2) both arms flexed and positioned in the midline with one hand covered by the foldable cuff and one hand uncovered and available for skin-to-skin sucking by the infant for infant cues and self-soothing; (3) both arms flexed and positioned in the midline with both hands covered, but within reach of the mouth for self-soothing; (4) one arm extended above the shoulder with the hand covered or uncovered and one arm in the midline with the hand covered or uncovered; (5) both arms extended above the shoulders with the hands covered or uncovered.

In some embodiments, significant benefits are derived from the combination of the fold-over cuffs, sleeve design, and narrow wrap described herein. In particular, when the cuffs are closed, the infant cannot easily use his or her hands to reach under the bottom edge of the wrap and pull the wrap up to the neck and face region, which can lead to unsafe conditions. Thus, the cuff and sleeve design works in conjunction with the narrow wrap to provide safety and security benefits including improved access for diaper changes and increased mobility of the hips and knees.

1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B are line drawings showing various views and configurations of a swaddling device 100 in accordance with a first embodiment. 1A, the swaddling device 100 includes a pouch portion 101 having a neck opening 102, a first sleeve 104a, a second sleeve 104b, an overwrap 110, and a two-way zipper 108 for allowing entry and exit of an infant. In other embodiments, snaps or other fasteners may be used in place of the zipper 108.

The wrap 110 is configured to securely wrap the infant. The wrap 110 is typically at least as long as the maximum circumference of the sack portion of the device 110. The wrap 110 includes a first loop fastener portion 112, two hook fastener portions 114, and a second loop fastener portion 116 on the back of the wrap (visible in FIG. 1B). The two hook fasteners 114 can be removably attached to either the first loop fastener portion 112 prior to laundry or to the second loop fastener portion 116 when the infant is swaddled in the wrap 110. As can be seen in the back view (FIG. 1B) of the device 100, the wrap 110 is formed from a fabric panel with the loop fastener portion 116 attached. In this example, the portion 116 is substantially rectangular with rounded corners. In other embodiments, additional or different shaped portions, such as ovals, circles, or the like, may be employed.

As noted, the wrap 110 is uniquely sized to provide specific benefits to the infant and caregiver. As shown in the rear view of Figure 1B, the wrap 110 extends along a first axis 120 that is perpendicular to a second axis 122 that runs from the neck opening to the bottom of the pouch. The length of the wrap is measured along the first axis 120 and is longer than the circumference of the pouch portion of the device. In accordance with the invention, the wrap is at least 1.5 times the circumference of the pouch so that there is sufficient fabric to secure the infant and attach the loop fasteners.

As discussed above, the wrap 110 is relatively narrow compared to prior art designs. In addition, the wrap is relatively "short" in that it does not extend far below the midsection of the device 100. In some embodiments, the wrap 110 does not extend beyond the top of the infant's hips. 2A, the wrap 110 has a bottom edge 130 that is a maximum distance below the narrowest portion of the sack, measured between reference lines 134 and 132. In addition, as seen in FIG. 2B, the wrap 110 has an upper edge 140 that is below the neck opening as shown with respect to reference line 142. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper edge 140 is approximately one inch below the neck opening. In accordance with the invention, the wrapper has a maximum width (measured between the top edge 140 and the bottom edge 130) that is one of: 10, 11, 12, and 13 inches (between 25.4 and 33 cm).

Some embodiments employ a unique combination of fasteners to attach the wrap 110 to the sack portion of the device 100. As seen in the front view of Figure 2A, the wrap 110 is attached to a front panel of the sack by two attachments 138a and 138b. The attachments 138 include multiple stitches to reinforce a connection between the wrap 110 and the front panel of the device 100. In this embodiment, the attachments 138 are placed approximately 1 inch (25.4 mm) from the side seams (not visible) that join the front and back panels of the sack. The attachments 138 function to prevent the infant from pulling up on the wrap 110 and possibly maneuvering the wrap into the neck and face region, thereby reducing the risk of impairing access to fresh air and reducing the risk of suffocation. Research has shown that impeding access to fresh air will lead to rebreathing and increase the risk of SIDS. Additional attachments may be used. For example, in the rear view of Figure 2B, the shell 110 is attached to the back panel of the jacket via a center seam line 152 and attachments 150a-c.

Some embodiments of the device 100 include foldable mitten cuffs. As seen in Figure 1A, each sheath 104 includes a corresponding foldable mitten cuff 106 ("foldable cuff" or "cuff"). Each foldable cuff 106 can be selectively opened by a caregiver. Figures 1A and 1B respectively show front and back views of the device 100, with the cuffs 106 in the open position. In this position, the cuff 106 allows the infant, when the arms are not encased by the wrap 110, to extend a hand through the opening of the sheath, thereby allowing the infant to give baby cues and self-soothe by sucking on its hands.

Each cuff 106 is sized such that when in the closed position, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the infant to open the cuff 106. As shown in FIG. 1A , each cuff 106 has a length that can be measured along a longitudinal axis of the corresponding sheath. The length of the cuff is long enough that when the cuff is closed, it forms a deep "pocket" that cannot be easily inverted by applying force to the end of the cuff by extension of the infant's hand/arm. The deep pocket further prevents the infant from moving his or her hand through the layers of material in the closed cuff 106. In some embodiments, each cuff 106 has a length of at least 2.5 and preferably 2.75 inches (at least 64 and preferably 70 mm).

The sleeves of the device 100 are also sized to keep the infant's hands closer to the infant's head and body. As can be seen in Figure 1A, the length of each sleeve, measured from the shoulder of the device 100 to the end of the sleeve 104, is relatively short compared to the length of a typical infant's arm. In some embodiments, the sleeves are between 3.0 and 4.0 inches (76 and 102 mm) in length. The short sleeve length (along with other features discussed herein) allows the device 100 to provide partial suppression of the Moro reflex when the infant's arm or arms are outside of the swaddle. The sleeves do provide some support for the infant's arms, but not as much as would be provided by a swaddle blanket or swaddling device that serves to lock the infant's arms.

The covers extend upward in a Y-shaped configuration with the distal ends above the shoulder line of the swaddling device 100. As noted above, the shorter than standard covers have closed mitten cuffs and provide resistance to prevent full extension. The shape of the cover is contoured to follow the arm position of an infant sleeping in a natural position with the hands above the head. Each of the covers allows sufficient room for the infant's arms and hands to be contained in the cover portion, thus allowing the infant to sleep in multiple natural positions including hands on the chest, hands in line with the shoulders with the elbows at the sides of the body, and arms above the shoulders in the contact position. The covers allow for limited movement and provide partial suppression of arm movements related to the Moro reflex.

Figures 2A and 2B respectively show front and back views of the device 100, with the cuffs 106 in the closed position. When the cuff 106 is in the closed position, it contains the infant's hands in the sack to prevent the infant from extending his or her hands outside of the sack to caregivers who are concerned about scratching his or her face. Note that in this and other embodiments, the foldable cuffs may be configured to be in the closed position when folded from front to back (as shown) or to be in the closed position when folded from back to front.

The 100 swaddle device is designed to support the infant with a swaddle-like support to suppress the Moro reflex and allow the infant to sleep on his or her back in a natural supported position with multiple arm position options, and enjoy the benefits of swaddling, including the infant sleeping longer with fewer awakenings due to the Moro or startle reflex.

The swaddling device 100 includes three distinct sections or regions, each of which is optimized to provide one or more important functions or supports for the infant. In the lower section (hips and legs), the device 100 is loose around the hips and legs, allowing the hips and knees to flex and providing ample room for leg movement. In the middle section (torso), the device 100 is relatively snug to provide support around the midsection and tummy, helping the infant feel secure. In the upper section (chest, arms, and hands), the device 100 is snug, but not overly tight, partially suppressing movements related to the Moro reflex and allowing for multiple arm position options so that the infant sleeps in a natural and comfortable position. Arm position options include: arms flexed and hands positioned midline within the sack; arms up and hands aligned with the shoulders and within the sack; arms up and hands above shoulders inside the sack; or with arms up and hands outside the sack and available for skin-to-skin sucking by the baby to receive cues from the baby and to calm down.

Figures 3A and 3B show front and back views of a second embodiment of a wrapping device 200 according to a second embodiment. The device 200 differs from the device 100 of the first embodiment (Figures 1 and 2) in that the wrap 110 of the device 200 is longer and does not include any fasteners. Note that the wrap 110 shown here also includes fasteners on the front side of the device 100, to inhibit upward movement of the wrap 110.

Figure 4 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a wrapping device 300. The device 300 differs from the device 100 of the first embodiment (Figures 1 and 2) in that the device 300 does not include foldable mitten cuffs. While three embodiments have been shown and described above, the various features may be combined differently in other embodiments. For example, another embodiment may include a long wrap with fasteners and without foldable cuffs.

Figure 5 is a line drawing showing an infant 502 within a swaddling device 500 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Note that the infant's left hand is exposed, while the infant's right hand is safely contained by the swaddle within the openable sleeve.

5 also illustrates the relative dimensions of the upper, middle, and lower sections with respect to the size of the infant's body. In the upper section, the covers and chest of the device 600 (not shown under the wrap) are relatively tight, to reduce and suppress upper body movements associated with the Moro reflex. In the middle section, the device 600 is relatively snug against the stomach region of the infant. The comfort of this region helps the infant feel secure. In the lower section, the device 600 is sufficiently roomy to allow the infant's hips and knees to flex, while partially reducing and suppressing lower body movements associated with the Moro reflex.

The top, middle, and bottom sections of the swaddling device are sized according to sizes determined by the inventors to provide the advantages described above, including Moro reflex suppression, hip health, and the like. In some embodiments, the middle section of the swaddling device has a circumference in the range of 13 to 17 inches (330 to 432 mm), where the circumference varies depending on whether the device is constructed for a premature, newborn, or larger infant size. The circumference of the middle section is designed to be 5 to 10% smaller than the circumference of the infant's stomach. The smaller circumference, along with the use of a stretchy fabric construction, provides moderate, consistent pressure on the infant's stomach.

Unlike the dimensions of the midsection, the maximum circumference of the bulbous bottom section may be in the range of 21 to 26 inches (53.3 to 33 cm). In relative terms, the maximum circumference of the bottom section is at least 40% greater than the average circumference of the midsection. In typical embodiments, the maximum circumference of the bottom section is approximately 50% greater than the average circumference of the midsection. In some embodiments, the midsection is substantially cylindrical in shape, in that its circumference does not vary by more than 10% throughout its length. In other embodiments, as seen for example in Figure 1A, the midsection has a narrower waist than its upper and lower ends.

Figures 6A-6C are images showing multiple views of an example of a swaddling device 600. Figure 6A shows the device 600 without an infant. The device 600 has foldable cuffs in the open position. Figure 6B shows the device 600 with an infant swaddled by the swaddle. Note that the infant's right hand is exposed through the open foldable cuff. Figure 6C shows the device with an infant swaddled by the swaddle, but with both arms and hands enclosed by the swaddle. Figure 6C illustrates the access provided by the narrow swaddle configuration, which allows a caregiver to access the infant's diaper and legs without removing the swaddle.

The embodiments shown and described herein may be largely fabricated from a front and back fabric panel, sewn together along the respective perimeters of the panels. The fabric panels are made from a soft, stretchy cotton or substantially cotton-based fabric. In some instances, the fabric may include a synthetic stretch fiber, such as spandex. Various blends of cotton, synthetic, semi-synthetic, and/or stretch fibers may be employed.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims (13)

1. A device (100) for wrapping in the form of a capsule, portable blanket or sleeping bag, comprising: a sack (101) having a left side, a right side, a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section, wherein the sack (101) is structured to substantially enclose an infant (502), wherein the sack (101) includes a neck opening (102), wherein the bottom section is bulb-shaped and roomy to allow both hips and knees of the infant (502) to flex and/or abduct; a first sheath portion (104a) coupled to the bag (101) on a first side of the neck opening (102); a second sheath portion (104b) coupled to the bag (101) on a second side of the neck opening (102), wherein the second side is opposite the first side; and a wrap (110) operable to wrap the arms and a portion of the trunk of the infant (502), wherein the wrap (110) extends along a first axis (120) that is perpendicular to a second axis (122) that runs from the neck opening (102) to the bottom section of the sack (101), wherein the wrap (110) has a length measured along the first axis (120), wherein the length is at least 1.5 times the circumference of the sack (101), wherein the wrap (110) has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is below the neck opening (102), wherein the lower end is below the upper end and above the bottom section of the sack (101), and wherein the wrap (110) has a maximum width of between 10 and 13 inches (between 25.4 and 33 cm) to allow the infant (502) to move one or both legs in a flexed and/or abducted position and wherein the swaddling device (100) at least partially restricts movement of the infant (502) and thereby suppresses a Moro reflex of the infant (502), while comfortably swaddling the infant's torso (502) and thereby providing constant moderate pressure thereto. 2. The swaddling device (100) of claim 1, wherein the lower section has an average circumference that is greater than an average circumference of the midsection, wherein the lower section is structured to provide room for the infant (502) to flex and extend its hips and knees while moderately limiting range of motion and providing partial suppression of the Moro reflex. 3. The wrapping device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the wrapper (110) has a maximum width measured along the second axis (122) and between the upper end and the lower end, wherein the maximum width is less than 13 inches (33 cm). 4. The wrapping device (100) of one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower end of the wrapper (110) is not more than 10.2 centimeters below the narrowest portion of the middle section of the bag (101). 5. The wrapping device (100) of one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length of the wrap (110) is at least 1.5 times the maximum circumference of the upper section of the bag (101); or wherein the length of the wrap (110) is at least 2 times the maximum circumference of the upper section of the bag (101), and wherein the wrap (110) is secured without the use of any fasteners (114, 116). 6. The wrapping device (100) of one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wrap (110) includes at least one hook (114) and a loop fastener (116) that is configured to secure the wrap (110). 7. The wrapping device (100) of one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wrapper (110) includes a fabric panel that is attached to a rear fabric panel of the bag (101), and wherein the wrapper (110) is attached to a front fabric panel of the bag (101); and/or wherein the bottom edge of the wrapper (110) is sewn to the front panel of the bag (101) in at least two locations (138a, 138b). 8. The swaddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first (104a) and second (104b) sleeve portions extend upwardly in a Y-shaped configuration with the distal ends above the shoulder line of the swaddling device (100), wherein the first and second sleeve portions (104a, 104b) are structured to restrict movement of the infant's arms (502). 9. The swaddling device (100) of one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the first and second sheath portions (104a, 104b) has a distal end that is selectively openable by a caregiver such that when the distal end is in an open position, a hand of the infant (502) is exposed, and when the distal end is in a closed position, the hand of the infant (502) is enclosed within the sheath portion (104a, 104b); or wherein each of the first and second sheath portions (104a, 104b) includes a foldable mitten cuff (106a, 106b) that is selectively openable by the caregiver, wherein the cuff (106a, 106b) is opened by rotating the material of the sheath portion (104a, 104b) back on itself to allow access to the interior of the sheath portion (104a, 104b). 10. The swaddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the midsection has an average circumference that is 5-10% less than the circumference of an average infant's stomach (502) and provides a moderate constant pressure on an infant's stomach (502), wherein the bottom section has an average circumference that is 50% greater than the circumference of the midsection. 11. The swaddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the swaddle (110) is operable to swaddle the infant (502) while one or both arms of the infant (502) are outside of the swaddle (110), and wherein, when both arms of the infant (502) are outside of the swaddle (110), the upper section of the sack (101) partially suppresses arm movements related to the Moro reflex which further allows a sufficient range of motion for the infant (502) to use its arms when prone to lift its torso and reposition its head. 12. The swaddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first and second sleeve portions (104a, 104b) extend upwardly in a Y-shaped configuration with the distal ends above the shoulder line of the swaddling device (100), and wherein each of the sleeve portions (104a, 104b) has a shorter sleeve length than a standard long sleeve to allow the infant (502) to easily access and place his or her hands in the mouth when the cuffs (106a, 106b) of the mittens are open. 13. The swaddling device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sack (101) includes a bi-directional zipper (108) or snaps providing for entry of the infant (502) into the sack (101) and exit of the infant (502) out of the sack (101), wherein the zipper (108) or snaps extend from the neck opening (102) down through the midsection of the sack (101) and to the bottom section of the sack (101), and wherein the zipper (108) or snaps are operable to access a diaper worn by the infant (502) even when the infant (502) is enclosed in the wrap (110); or wherein the cover portions (104a, 104b) leave enough room for the arms and hands of the infant (502) to be contained within the cover portion (104a, 104b) thereby allowing the infant (502) to sleep in multiple natural positions including hands on the chest, hands in line with the shoulders with the elbow at the sides of the arms from the body reaching above the shoulders in a contact position, and wherein the covers (104a, 104b) allow limited movement and provide partial suppression of arm movements associated with the Moro reflex.