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Meet the Maker - Loving Baby In May of 1999, our daughter Sophia was born five weeks early. After she had been home for one day, she had an episode where she stopped breathing. After spending a few days in the Intensive Care Unit we were able to take her home. This episode put her at a higher risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Her pediatrician and nurses explained that infants who sleep on their stomachs have a higher rate of SIDS than infants who sleep on their backs. We were so worried after having feared the worse. We would swaddle Sophia with a receiving blanket, but invariably it would unravel or she would kick it apart.
This experience compelled us to search for solutions to the problem. We thought of the many babies and parents whose quality of life could be improved if such a product were available. As a mother of three, a Psychotherapist in Private Practice, and Doctorate student in Natural Health Sciences, it is my goal to foster physical and emotional well-being. Knowing the connection between sleep and wellness, I felt it imperative to create a quality swaddle blanket that is secure and comfortable so newborns can experience less stress in their new world and sleep more soundly.
We started with zero savings, using every extra penny we earned towards making the blankets. We both went part-time to take turns caring for our children and working on the swaddle blanket. Over five years of research and development covering multiple safety issues, I am proud to present a true swaddle blanket, a modernized age-old tradition that is cross-culturally recognized, simple, and easy to use. We introduced Loving Baby, Inc. at the 2005 JPMA show in Florida. We are presently in 17 states and growing every month. The Loving Baby Swaddle Blanket promotes the "Back to Sleep" position known to decrease the risk of SIDS; it also helps decrease the symptoms of colic. We were so proud to have won The National Parenting Seal of Approval for 2005 and hope to continue in excellence. Our goal is to have every baby swaddled. We hope to make a difference in decreasing the incidence of SIDS as placing an infant on his/her "back to sleep" is one of the crucial components in decreasing infant death rates. We would also hope to see more parents having an opportunity to be more rested as babies who are swaddled cry less and seem to have fewer symptoms of colic. Our biggest concerns are swaddle blankets that discourage swaddling. We have had comments such as, "Oh, I got a swaddle blanket as a gift and stopped swaddling because it was complicated to use and did not fit my baby snugly." We will strive to provide the best and be available to give consumers educated choices.
Our future plans are to begin adding quality newborn products to compliment the Loving Baby Swaddle Blanket such as hats, mini blankets, socks, undershirts, and more. Katerina Rozakis Trani, LCSW, ACSW, DAPA (Passionate Mother of Three!!!) As a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, Ms. Trani is committed to helping individuals achieve emotional well-being. She has been a member of the National Association of Social Workers for over eighteen years and holds a certification with the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Katerina is a Certified Diplomat on Psychotherapy with the American Psychotherapy Association. Currently, Ms. Trani is working toward a PhD in Natural Health Sciences. She also has many years of experience in hospital settings. Her deep commitment to serving humanity has compelled her to volunteer her time and expertise working as a lay therapist for abused and neglected children. Katerina has also served on the Education Committee with the Alzheimer's Association and has vast experience with the Life Cycle Model and knows the important role grandparents play in families. Sid Trani (Busy Father of Three!!!) An entrepreneur and inventor, Mr.Trani is the owner of S.T. Model, a CNC machining facility that builds precision models and prototypes for a variety of purposes. Mr. Trani's wide range of experience includes working directly with successful engineers and designers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some of his projects include working on medical devices for heart and brain surgery, laser machines, blood count devices, insulin inhaling devices, and creating precision models for numerous parts and molds including computer parts and even pottery. In his spare time, he used to enjoy honing his artistic talents through painting and sculpting. For more information, please contact Loving Baby, Inc. at 866-356-BABY. You can also visit them online at: www.lovingbabyinc.com or send an email to: info@lovingbabyinc.com
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| Feature Article | Meet The Maker | Did You Know? | Trade Show Info | Baby Buzz A Spindle Publishing Company, Inc. Production |
Sophia was an infant who did not like to sleep. Every night at approximately 7:00 p.m. she would begin to franticly cry. Trying to swaddle her with a receiving blanket was very difficult, especially while Sophia was in such distress. We were in a near-constant state of worry and sleeplessness. We searched for a blanket that we could easily swaddle her with, that would fit well, look tidy, and stay securely in place so that she would be safe and could sleep longer than one hour at a time, but there was nothing on the market.
With the Loving Baby Swaddle Blanket, we wanted newborns to be swaddled correctly using a cross-cultural design that would be universally recognized. We wanted something safe and easy to use with a snug swaddle that would not come undone so parents could swaddle the same way they had been taught by their health care providers. I didn't want to use Velcro, pockets, zippers, straps, or snaps for obvious reasons. It was a challenge to design, but with the help of my spouse, Sid Trani, who is in the engineering field it became possible.
Since we have started this incredible journey, especially in the last two years, we have seen new swaddle blankets introduced. We feel that this will give parents' more choices, and we hope that swaddle blankets will become a necessity on all parents' registry lists.