NEWBORN SUPPORT STRUCTURE

The present invention relates to a newborn support structure. More specifically, the invention concerns a structure of the above kind, particularly studied in order to permit a quiet sleep to newborns subjected to gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

As it is well known, newborn sleep has always been one of the main concerns of parents during the first months. These concerns are even higher in case the baby suffers of gastroesophageal reflux. It is also known that gastroesophageal reflux is a very diffuse disturb, mainly in babies 10 - 12 months old (about 10% of newborns suffer of this disturb). Substantially, it is the ascent along the esophageal tract of acid material arriving from stomach, and it appears by a regurgitation and emission of saliva, mucus and milk from the mouth. In most cases, it a soft forma and, in almost all cases (about

95%) it spontaneously disappears within 18 - 24 months. In some cases (about 30%), it can be present up to an age of 4 years. Complications in children are rather rare and are limited to 5% of cases.

Mainly, newborn reflux is due to the fact that first tract of digestive apparatus (esophagus and gastroesophageal junction) is still not completely developed. Esophagus makes food passing from mouth to stomach, and in the point of passage between esophagus and stomach a valve (cardiac) is present, which is comprised of muscles realizing a sort of ring. When food is passed from esophagus to stomach, these muscles contract and valve is closed.

Newborn esophagus is very short and it growths and lengthens for the first year; also valve between esophagus and stomach is not fully formed and it stops growing only at about 12 - 18 month, so that until termination of its creation it cannot perfectly close, thus causing that ingested food can go back to esophagus, thus causing the gastroesophageal reflux.

Symptoms of reflux are in 90% of cases regurgitation and vomit. Acid rising with reflux can enter within respiratory vie, irritating them and causing cough and asthma, inflammations and heartburn sensations, which cause a strong crying in newborn.

Rules to be followed in order to alleviate pain and troubles of the newborn concern alimentation and sleeping. As far as alimentation is concerned, doctor's advice is to administer thickened milk or thickening

foods to be added to the milk in order to make in denser and preventing its ascent along esophagus. As to the behavior, doctors advice putting the newborn sleeping laying on his/her back, inclining the mattress with respect to the horizontal plane, since horizontal position would facilitate outlet of food from the mouth with the consequent possible choking.

In view of the above, it is well evident the needing of having a mattress structure addressing at the same time the safety and comfort needing of the newborn when sleeping.

It is therefore specific object of the present invention a newborn support structure, characterized in that it comprises a mattress realized with an inclination with respect to the support plane between 15° and 30°, and in that it is provided with lateral containment side walls, and with a side wall for resting of the rear part of the newborn thighs or for seating the same newborn. In a preferred embodiment of the structure according to the invention, a footrest is provided after said side wall, in order to release pressure that otherwise would act on legs resting on the terminal element and thus improving blood circulation.

A further embodiment of the structure according to the invention provides a central element, to be placed between the newborn thighs, for hip nutation.

It is to be noted that presence of said central element is relevant to obtain hip nutation, imposing to the newborn a correct position of the lumbar zone and avoiding fatigue. Preferably, according to the invention, said lateral containment side walls and said side wall for resting newborn knees are integral with mattress, or they are realized in such a way to be removably coupled with said mattress, or they can be the side walls of a bed, perambulator, or like wherein the mattress is placed. Still according to the invention, said lateral side walls have a rounded profile and can be realized at such a distance to permit housing newborn, with a lateral play between the same side walls and the newborn shoulders.

Furthermore according to the invention, said side wall for resting the rear part of the newborn thighs or for seating of the same newborn has a rounded profile.

Further, according to the invention, said structure can be realized in such a way to be self-supporting and/or to be coupable within a bed or perambulator.

Furthermore, according to the invention, filling elements can be provided for filling possible spaces between said mattress and said bed, perambulator or like.

Still according to the invention, said structure can be provided with means for varying its inclination with respect to the support plane, preferably comprised of inclined planes to be placed under the mattress. Furthermore, according to the invention, said structure is provided with safety means for containing the newborn, preferably comprised of a belt or of a sling.

Further, according to the invention, said mattress is comprised of hypoallergenic and anti-chocking material. The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the support structure according to the invention; figure 2 is a top view of the support structure of figure 1 ; figure 3 is a lateral view of the support structure of figure 1 ; figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the support structure according to the invention; figure 5 is a top view of the support structure of figure 5; and figure 6 is a lateral view of the support structure of figure 4.

Observing now figures 1 - 3 of the enclosed drawings, it is shown an anti-reflux support structure, generically indicated by reference number 1 , comprising a mattress 2 with an inclined support plane, with an inclination between 15° and 30°, comprised of hypoallergenic and anti- chocking material. In the embodiment shown, mattress 2 has a height variable between 20 cm and 40 cm in the upper part, and a length of about 70 - 80 cm.

Mattress 2 further provides two lateral side walls 3, having a rounded shape (in the example shown, side walls 3 are comprised by a quarter of a sphere having a diameter of about 18/20 cm) defining, along with the mattress plane, a "sleeping recess".

On the lower edge of the same mattress 2 it is provided a rounded side wall 4, having the function of permitting resting of newborn legs.

Inclined planes 5 can be placed under the structure 1 , in order to freely vary inclination of mattress plane 2.

As already said, in this embodiment, side walls 3, 3 and 4 are integral with mattress 2, but it is to be understood that they can be removable, or they can be comprised of the bed or perambulator side walls (this is not compulsory, since structure 1 could be inserted within bed or perambulator already provided with side walls 3, 3, 4).

This kind of support structure 1 according to the invention permit obtaining an anti-reflux effect, since newborn trunk is lifted and inclination, that can vary between 15° and 30° with respect to the horizontal plane, permitting exploiting gravity to prevent return of acid material caused by reflux (inclination of the mattress is chosen in function of the seriousness of reflux); an anti-chocking effect, due to the lateral side walls 3 and the lower side wall 4, as well as of the limited available space

(sleeping recess), so that the baby takes an almost constant position, being it difficult rotating and taking positions which are dangerous for safety (causing the so called death within the cradle).

Furthermore, side wall 4 limits thrust on legs, since, notwithstanding inclination, baby does not slip, and thus he/she cannot push on feet. Thus, on one side a stress is prevented on legs, reflecting on diaphragm, amplifying possibility of occurring of reflux, and on the other side, it prevents uselessly loading the baby hips.

Coming now to observe figures 4 - 6 of the enclosed drawings, it is shown a second embodiment of the structure according to the invention. Making reference to these figures, the same components of the previous embodiment will be indicated by the same reference numbers and will be no further described.

In this embodiment, a footrest 5, prosecuting the side wall 4, and a central element 6, to be positioned between the baby thighs, for causing hip nutation, have been added.

Furthermore, particular shape of the mattress creates a defined and reduced space which is hospital and permits to the baby to feel embraced and comforted, thus concealing sleeping.

It is known that quality of sleeping is a direct consequence of the positions taken: limiting the possibility of positioning in an improper manner while sleeping, reduces fatigue of the spine.

Mattress 2 can be provided with some accessories - extensions permitting conforming it to the different logistic needing (bed, cradle, stroller, ecc.) and inclining the same on the basis of the seriousness of the reflux.

Further, the solution suggested according to the invention is particularly light and not bulky, so that it can be easily transported. Structure 1 according to the invention, due to its reduced dimensions, can be easily positioned at the centre of the queen or king bed, ensuring a constant check of the newborn, and at the same time permitting to the baby to take the correct position without the risk to be injured by sleeping parents. Structure 1 according to the invention can also be used when the baby is awaken, replacing the traditional supports used (cradle, stroller, perambulator, ecc.)

In case it is used in a Hospital, it will be possible conforming the mattress to the cradle of the neonatal department, including the suitable modifications in order to guarantee respect of safety rules with respect to height of lateral protections.

The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.