Contestant's Case to Win

Babycapes Innovative Outerwear for Little Ones combines the best aspects of blankets, coats and buntings while eliminating the drawbacks associated with all three. Babycapes unique, patent-pending design allows you to move from house, to car, to stroller or front carrier without having to remove the garment to adjust harness straps. From your arms to the car, your child will be safe, comfortable and not confined in Babycapes. When the car warms up, remove the cape or drape it to the side without unstrapping the child . When you arrive at your destination, easily remove the child from her seat and place in stroller. The front cozy feature works as a bunting to cover up and protect wiggly toes. Babycapes innovative design is great for babies in front carriers as well. One size fits newborns to preschoolers. Babycapes are available in a variety of luxurious, machine-washable fabrics to suit all climates. For more information, visit www.BabycapesOnline.com.

Background:
Babycapes are the brainchild of Elizabeth Hostler, a mom who grew tired of the daily battle to put her daughter into the infant car seat while wearing her winter coat. Hostler read an article stating that children fastened into car seats wearing bulky winter garments could be at risk in a crash. The force of a collision could cause the coat to compress and actually eject the child from the seat. After further research, Hostler learned that non-profit organization Car-Safety.org generally does not recommend that children wear a winter coat while in the car seat, since the car seat harness straps must remain tight on the child’s shoulders regardless of any clothing. Hostler thought there had to be a better way to keep her child safe and comfortable.

With limited sewing skills, she immediately began constructing a garment out of a fleece blanket. The goal was to provide protection from the cold, while keeping the baby comfortable and safe while strapped into her car seat or stroller. The garment she created was much easier to put on and take off. Hostler could flip the garment to the side, adjust the straps and then drape the garment back over the car seat. If the child became too hot, the garment could easily lift off. Hostler felt that her daughter was more secure in her car seat as well, since there was no bulky barrier between her and the harness straps.

Every place Hostler took the baby, people commented on the ingenuity of her “cape.” Suzi Crowder, mother of three, encouraged Hostler to obtain a patent for the garment. The two joined forces and together made several practical modifications to the garment, including the addition of the back opening and foot pocket, and that is how Babycapes began.