Baby poncho

Abstract

A versatile poncho preferably for a child is provided. By its unique configuration, the poncho of the present invention allows for convenient and safe use for a child while fastened in a car safety seat. The preferred embodiment of the poncho includes an opening on a moveable panel and includes, under the opening, a flap, such that the moveable panel can be moved over the child's head so that the child may be strapped into a car safety seat more safely and comfortably because the child may be placed directly against the seat and the straps may be placed directly against the child without a bulky winter garment between the seat and the child, and the flap covers a portion of the child to provide thermal protection while being strapped in. A method of using the poncho and of fabricating and assembling the poncho is also disclosed.

1 . An apparatus for keeping a child warm comprising:
 a fixed front panel;   a rear flap;   a movable panel wherein said movable panel contains an opening large enough to allow the movable panel to be flipped over a child's head such that the panel can be located either in front of or behind the child.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus in  claim 1 , wherein said opening is elastic. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a turtle neck collar.   
   
   
       4 . The apparatus in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a hood.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus in  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is composed of water proof material. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus in  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is composed of fleece material.
 tech.   flap.   
   
   
       7 . The apparatus in  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is composed of polar 
   
   
       8 . A method for manufacturing a poncho, the method comprising:
 attaching a front panel to a rear flap;   attaching a movable panel with an opening to the front panel and the rear flap.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 attaching a collar to the poncho.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 attaching a hood to the rear flap.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 attaching a hood to the rear flap through a fastening device or devices.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said fastening device is a zipper. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said fastening devices are buttons. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said fastening devices are snaps. 
   
   
       15 . A method for securing a child in a car seat, the method comprising:
 placing the child in the apparatus of  claim 1 ;   flipping the movable panel in front of the child;   placing the child in the car seat;   buckling the child into the car seat by fastening the car seat straps underneath the poncho.