Abstract:
A convertible bag with storage compartments, pockets, and bottle compartments for carrying diapers, bottles, childcare supplies, or other general items. The bag can convert into a sling for carrying a child. The storage compartments, pockets, and bottle compartments of the convertible bag can still be accessed by a user even when a child is being carried in the converted sling configuration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to prior filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/434,756, filed Jan. 20, 2011, the complete contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to the field of childcare accessories, specifically a bag that can be converted to a child carrier. 
     2. Background 
     Caring for children, including infants, toddlers, and other young children can be challenging whether a parent or guardian is at home or in a public place. However, being away from home while travelling, shopping, eating in restaurants, or being in other public venues can present a parent or guardian with the problem of having too many things to carry around in addition to needing to carry a child. Carrying around diapers, bottles, changing pads, wipes, toys, keys, wallets, cash, identification, credit cards, mobile phones, and/or other items while also holding a child can be difficult, especially when disorganization arises and it is difficult to reach needed items while caring for the child. Currently, there are both baby carriers and diaper bags on the market. However, there has not been a product that can serve both functions at a user&#39;s whim. 
     What is needed is a diaper bag that can hold all of one&#39;s essentials, but can also convert to a child carrier when needed. The device should allow all storage compartments and accessories of the diaper bag to remain readily accessible when the device is converted and is being used to carry a child. The device should also be able to be used as a stand-alone bag when not caring for a child or not using the bag as a diaper bag. The device should have a removable handle or strap that can be detached and stored when the device is being used to carry a child, such that there is no extra material that might get in the way between the device and the child. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front view of one embodiment of a convertible bag. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a back view of same embodiment of the convertible bag. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front view of a storage portion without a bottle compartment in an open position. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a front view of a storage portion with a bottle compartment. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a convertible bag in an open, extended, child carrier configuration. 
         FIG. 6  depicts one embodiment of a convertible bag and child carrier in use with a child in a cradle position. 
         FIG. 7  depicts another embodiment of a convertible bag and child carrier in use with a child in a sitting position. 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  depict the steps of a method for converting the convertible bag from an open position to a closed position. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  depict the steps of another method for converting the convertible bag from an open position to a closed position. 
         FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of a convertible bag that forms a front style child carrier in an open position. 
         FIG. 11  depicts an embodiment of a convertible bag that forms a front style child carrier in use. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a convertible bag  100 . The convertible bag  100  can comprise one or more body portions  102 , one or more storage portions  104 , and one or more child carrier portions  106 . The convertible bag  100  can have a closed position in which the body portions  102  enclose the child carrier portions  106 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The convertible bag  100  can also have an open position in which the child carrier portions  106  are not enclosed by the body portions  102  and the convertible bag  100  can be used as a child sling and/or carrier, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . 
     In the closed position, the convertible bag  100  can have a front, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a back, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the convertible bag  100  can also have one or more sides, a top, and/or a bottom that can extend between the front and the back of the convertible bag  100 . The front, back, sides, top, and/or bottom of the convertible bag  100  can comprise one or more body portions  102 . In some embodiments, the convertible bag  100  can comprise a single body portion  102  that is large enough to extend from the front of the convertible bag  100  to the back of the convertible bag  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, a single body portion  102  can be folded, tucked, segmented, or bent into at least two sections such that one section of the body portion  102  is the front of the convertible bag and the other section of the bottom portion is the back of the convertible bag, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In alternate embodiments, the front of the convertible bag  100  can comprise one body portion  102  and the back of the convertible bag  100  can comprise a separate body portion  102 . In still other embodiments, the front, back, top, bottom and/or sides of the convertible bag  100  can each comprise any number of body portions  102  coupled with one another in any configuration. In some embodiments of the convertible bag  100  that comprise a plurality of body portions, the body portions can be coupled with one another directly through stitching, adhesives, fusing, or any other connection method. In other embodiments of the convertible bag  100  that comprise a plurality of body portions  102 , the body portions  102  can be coupled with one another via intermediate portions comprised of fabric, plastic, polymer, nylon, elastomeric material, metallic thread, or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. 
     In some embodiments, the body portions  102  can be substantially rectangular. In alternate embodiments, the body portions  102  can be circular, square, ovoid, irregular in shape, and/or can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, the body portions  102  can be at least partially comprised of fabric. In other embodiments the body portions  102  can be at least partially comprised of plastic, polymer, nylon, elastomeric material, metallic thread, and/or any other known and/or convenient material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the body portions  102  can be comprised of hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, waterproof, breathable, sun resistant, and/or water resistant material. In some embodiments, the body portions  102  can be at least partially comprised of impermeable material, such that liquid cannot pass through the body portions  102 . The body portions  102  can be machine washable and/or insulated. The body portions  102  can comprise one or more colors, prints, designs, and/or embellishments. 
     The front and back of the convertible bag  100  can be permanently coupled with one another along one side, and selectively coupled with one another on the remaining sides via closure mechanisms  108  to form the convertible bag  100  into the closed position. In some embodiments, the closure mechanisms  108  can be one or more zippers. By way of a non-limiting example, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the front and back of the convertible bag  100  are permanently coupled with one another along one side (the left side as seen in  FIG. 1  and the right side as seen in  FIG. 2 ), and are selectively coupled with one another along the top, opposing side, and bottom via a zipper. In alternate embodiments, the closure mechanisms  108  can be hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, magnets, and/or any other convenient and/or desired closure mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, one or more storage portions  104  can be coupled with the convertible bag  100 . A storage portion  104  can comprise one or more storage compartments  110  and one or more access sections  112 . A storage compartment  110  can be a pouch, box, pocket, case, or any other type of compartment. An access section  112  can be a flap, slit, or any other mode of accessing a storage compartment  110 . In some embodiments, the storage compartment  110  and/or the access section  112  can comprise one or more fastening components  114  that can be selectively engaged to close the storage portion  104 . In some embodiments, the fastening components  114  can be complementary hook and loop fasteners. In other embodiments, the fastening components  114  can be snaps, hook and eye fasteners, buttons, magnets, zippers, or any other known and/or convenient fastening mechanism. The storage portion  104  can be coupled with the convertible bag  100  at any location on the convertible bag  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, the storage portion  104  can be coupled with front of the convertible bag  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the storage portion  104  can be coupled with the convertible bag  100  permanently via stitching, adhesives, or any other desired mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the storage portion  104  can be removable and can be selectively coupled with the convertible bag  100  temporarily via snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or any other desired selective coupling mechanism. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a storage portion  104  in a configuration with an access section  112  open such that the interior of the storage compartment  110  can be accessed. In some embodiments, a storage compartment  110  can be sized such that it can store a diaper changing pad  302 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the storage compartment  110  can be sized such that it can store baby wipes, diapers, toys, clothing, medications, books, and/or any other item or group of items. The access section  112  can be secured to the storage compartment  110  with the fastening components  114 . By way of a non-limiting example, the fastening components  114  shown in  FIG. 3  are corresponding strips of hook and loop fasteners coupled with the access section  112  and the storage compartment  110 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of the storage portion  104  comprising a bottle compartment  116 . In some embodiments one or more bottle compartments  116  can be coupled with the convertible bag  100 . In some embodiments, one or more bottle compartments  116  can be coupled with the storage portion  104 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . In other embodiments, one or more bottle compartments  116  can be coupled with one or more body portions  102  at any location on the convertible bag  102 . In some embodiments, a bottle compartment  116  can be a substantially horizontal tubular pathway configured to accommodate one or more baby bottles  402  and/or other desired objects, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In alternate embodiments, the bottle compartment  116  can be vertical or can be oriented in any other direction. In some embodiments, a bottle compartment  116  can comprise flaps  118  at one or both ends of the tubular pathway to enclose the bottle compartment  112 . In some embodiments, the flaps  118  can be selectively coupled with the bottle compartment  116  via fastening components  114  to enclose the bottle compartment  116 . In some embodiments, the bottle compartment  116  can be coupled with the convertible bag  100  permanently via stitching, adhesives, or any other desired mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the bottle compartment  116  can be removable and can be selectively coupled with the convertible bag  100  temporarily via snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or any other desired selective coupling mechanism. 
     The bottle compartments  116  and the flaps  118  can be comprised of the same material as the body portions  102  and/or storage portions  104 , or can be comprised of a different material. In some embodiments, the bottle compartments  116  can be insulated via insulating layers or inherently insulating material such as foam, rubber, polystyrene, neoprene, or other insulating material to assist in keeping baby formula, breast milk, food, or other items at proper temperatures. 
     In some embodiments, the convertible bag  100  can comprise one or more pockets  120 . The pockets  120  can have any desired dimensions. Pockets  120  can be configured to hold a mobile phone, personal computing device, keys, wallet, credit cards, cash, toys, pacifiers, jewelry and/or any other desired items. A pocket  120  can be located at any position on the convertible bag  100 , such as on a body portion  102  or on the exterior or interior of a storage portion  104 . By way of a non-limiting example,  FIG. 2  depicts a pocket  120  coupled with the body portion  102  on the back of the convertible bag  100 . By way of another non-limiting example,  FIG. 3  depicts a pocket  120  coupled with the interior of the storage compartment  110  such that the pocket  120  and the contents of the pocket  120  cannot be seen from outside the convertible bag  100 . In some embodiments, the pockets  120  can be closed and/or fastened with fastening components  114  such that the contents of the pocket  120  can be secured inside the pocket  120  until the pocket  120  is opened or unfastened. In some embodiments, one or more pockets  120  can be selectively removable from the convertible bag  100 . The pockets  120  can be removably coupled with the body portions  102  via hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, zippers, clips, magnets and/or any other convenient mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the pockets  120  can be permanently coupled with the body portions  102  via stitching, adhesives, or any other attachment mechanism. 
     One or more handles  122  can be coupled with the convertible bag  100 . In some embodiments, the convertible bag  100  can comprise rings  124  and the handles  122  can be removably coupled with the rings  124 , such that the handles  122  can be detached from the convertible bag  100  and optionally stored in a storage compartment  110 . The rings  124  can be fabric loops, metal rings, plastic rings, or any other type of ring or loop. In alternate embodiments, the handles  122  can be permanently coupled with the convertible bag  100  and/or the loops  124  via stitching, adhesives, fusing, or any other attachment mechanism. In some embodiments, the handles  122  can be coupled with a storage portion  104 . In alternate embodiments, the handles  122  can be coupled with one or more of the front, back, sides, and/or top of the convertible bag  100 . By way of a non-limiting example, the handle  122  depicted in  FIG. 1  can be coupled with the storage portion  104 . In some embodiments, the handles  122  can have an adjustable length via one or more rings  126 . In some embodiments, the handles  122  can have a fixed length suitable for wearing the handles  122  over a user&#39;s shoulder. In other embodiments, the handles  122  can have a fixed length suitable for carrying the handles  122  by hand. The handles  106  can be comprised of fabric, nylon, polymer, elastomeric material, non-slip material, breathable material, mesh material, and/or any other desired material or combination of materials. 
     In some embodiments, one or more carabiners  128  can be selectively coupled with the handles  122  and/or the rings  124 . In other embodiments, the carabiners  128  can be selectively coupled with any other desired portion of the convertible bag  100 . In operation, the carabiners  128  can be used to attach keys, accessories, toys, pacifiers, rattles or other items to the convertible bag  100 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts the convertible bag  100  in one embodiment of an open position such that the one or more child carrier portions  106  are not enclosed by the body portions  102 . In some embodiments, in the open position the body portions  102  and/or the child carrier portions  106  can form a sling type child carrier, as shown in  FIGS. 5-9 . In other embodiments, in the open position the body portions and/or the child carrier portions  106  can form a front style child carrier, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In still other embodiments, in the open position the body portions  102  and/or the child carrier portions  106  can form any other style, form, or type of child carrier, such as a wrap, sling, backpack, harness, papoose, or other child carrier. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , the body portions  102  and/or the child carrier portions  106  can form a loop  130  that can be worn by a user as a sling type child carrier, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In some embodiments, some segments of the loop  130  can be wider than other segments of the loop  130 . In other embodiments, the loop  130  can have a uniform width at each segment around the circumference of the loop  130 . The loop  130  can have a circumference such that a user can surround his or her upper torso with the loop  130  so that the loop  130  is positioned diagonally across the user&#39;s chest from a shoulder to the waist. In some embodiments, the loop  130  can have a fixed circumference. In other embodiments, the loop  130  can comprise one or more adjustment mechanisms  132  that a user can operate to change the circumference of the loop  130  to fit the user&#39;s body size. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanisms  132  can be one or more elastic cords with toggles. In alternate embodiments, the adjustment mechanisms  132  can be adjustable straps. In still other embodiments, the adjustment mechanisms  132  can be hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, or any other device for changing the circumference of the loop  130 . In some embodiments the body portions  102  and/or the child carrier portions  106  can be permanently formed into the loop  130 . In other embodiments, the body portions  102  and/or the child carrier portions  106  can be selectively coupled with one another to form the loop  130 , and in some embodiments can be selectively coupled at different locations to change the circumference of the loop  130 . 
     In some embodiments, a child carrier portion  106  can be integral with and made from the same piece of material as a body portion  102 . In alternate embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be coupled with the body portions  102  via stitching, adhesives, fusing, or any other coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be comprised of elastomeric material, such that the child carrier portions  106  can conform to a child&#39;s body when the child rests on the child carrier portion  106 . In other embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be comprised of fabric, nylon, fleece, mesh, polymer, plastic, and/or any other desired material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be comprised of hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, waterproof, breathable, sun resistant, and/or water resistant material. The child carrier portions  106  can be machine washable and/or insulated. In some embodiments, the edges of the loop  130  formed by the child carrier portions  106  can be elastomeric. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can comprise cushions. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can have holes for a child&#39;s legs. 
     In some embodiments, one or more portions of the loop  130  that can be worn at a user&#39;s shoulder can comprise one or more shoulder adjustment mechanisms  134  to change the width of the loop  130  at the user&#39;s shoulder. The shoulder adjustment mechanisms  134  can be one or more straps, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, clasps, elastic cording, or any other device that can change the width of the shoulder portion of the loop  130 . In some embodiments, a plurality of shoulder adjustment mechanisms  134  can be selectively mated with one another to decrease the width of the loop  130 . In alternate embodiments, one or more shoulder adjustment mechanisms  134  can be operated in isolation to adjust the width of the loop  130 . In some embodiments, a plurality of shoulder adjustment mechanisms  134  can be located in different positions around the loop  130 , such that the user can choose to wear the loop  130  in different configurations, for example around the user&#39;s left shoulder, right shoulder, or both shoulders, and have shoulder adjustment mechanisms  134  near the chosen shoulders regardless of the orientation of the loop  130  around the user&#39;s body. 
     In operation, the convertible bag  100  can be in a closed position such that the child carrier portions  106  are enclosed by the body portions  102  secured together by the closure mechanisms  108 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the closed position, the user can be able to reach and access items stored in the storage compartments  110 , the bottle compartments  116 , and/or the pockets  120 . 
     When the user wishes to carry a child, the user can convert the convertible bag  100  to a child carrier by unsecuring the closure mechanisms  108  so that the front and the back of the collapsible bag  100  can be unfolded and arranged substantially side by side such that the child carrier portions  106  are no longer enclosed by the body portions  102 . The user can then arrange the child carrier portions  106  into the loop  130  as shown in  FIG. 5 , and wear the opened convertible bag  100  around the user&#39;s torso  602  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In some embodiments, the opened convertible bag  100  can be worn over a user&#39;s shoulder in a substantially diagonal fashion, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In alternate embodiments, the opened convertible bag  100  can be worn on both shoulders, over a user&#39;s back, or in any other desired configuration. The user can also choose to remove the handles  122  from the convertible bag  100  and store the handles  122  in a storage compartment  110 . 
     After the convertible bag  100  has been opened and worn on the user&#39;s body, the user can place a child  604  on the inside of the loop  130  of the opened convertible bag  100 , such that the child&#39;s weight rests on the body portions  102  and/or the child carrier portions  106 . A user can hold the child  604  in the opened convertible bag  100  in a cradle position, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In other embodiments, a child  604  may be placed upright against the user&#39;s chest, such that the child&#39;s buttocks can be supported by the child carrier portions  106  and/or the body portions  102 , with the child&#39;s feet dangling below the child carrier portions  106 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In still other embodiments, the child  604  can be placed such that the child&#39;s legs are tucked into the loop  130 , the child  604  is placed against the user&#39;s hips, the child  604  is placed facing forward, the child  604  is placed facing backward, the child  604  is placed sideways, and/or the child  604  is placed in any other configuration. After the child  604  has been placed into the opened convertible bag  100 , the user can still be able to reach and access items stored in the storage compartments  110 , the bottle compartments  116 , and/or the pockets  120 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more breastfeeding covers  606  can be coupled with the loop  130  such that the breastfeeding covers  606  can be placed over the child  604  and/or the user&#39;s torso  602  during breastfeeding for the user&#39;s privacy, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the breastfeeding covers  606  can be integral with the loop  130 . In alternate embodiments, the breastfeeding covers  606  can be separate components that can be selectively coupled to the child carrier portions  106  and/or the body portions  102  via fastening components  114 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  depict one embodiment of steps a user can take to return the convertible bag  100  to the closed position. When a user no longer desires to use the convertible bag  100  as a child carrier, the user can remove the child  604  from the opened convertible bag  100 . The user can then flatten the loop  130  as shown in  FIG. 8A . The user can fold the sections of the child carrier portions  106  that extend above and below the body portions  102  into the loop  130  or behind the loop  130 , as shown in  FIG. 8B . The user can fold the sections of the child carrier portions  106  that extend to the left and right of the body portions  102 , as shown in  FIG. 8C . In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  and/or the body portions  102  can have corresponding fastening components  114  to secure the folded sections in place after the user folds them into position. The user can fold the body portions  102  and the child carrier portions  106  along the line  800  at which the front and the back of the convertible bag  100  are permanently coupled with one another, as shown in  FIG. 8D . The user can then engage the closure mechanisms  108  to secure the remaining sides of the front and the back of the convertible bag with one another such that the child carrier portions  106  are enclosed by the body portions  102 , as shown in  FIG. 8E . The steps can be reversed to convert the convertible bag  100  from the closed position back to the open position. 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  depict another embodiment of steps a user can take to return the convertible bag  100  to the closed position. When a user no longer desires to use the convertible bag  100  as a child carrier, the user can remove the child  604  from the opened convertible bag  100 . The user can then flatten the loop  130  as shown in  FIG. 9A . The user can fold the sections of the child carrier portions  106  that extend above and below the body portions  102  into the loop  130 , as shown in  FIG. 9B . In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  and/or the body portions  102  can have corresponding fastening components  114  to secure the folded sections in place after the user folds them into position. The user can fold the body portions  102  and the child carrier portions  106  along the line  800  at which the front and the back of the convertible bag  100  are permanently coupled with one another, such that the child carrier portions  106  extend outward from the end  802  opposite the line  800 , as shown in  FIG. 9C . The user can then engage the closure mechanisms  108  to secure the tops and the bottoms of the front and the back of the convertible bag with one another while leaving the side  802  of the convertible bag  100  opposite the line  800  open, as shown in  FIG. 9C . The user can then push the child carrier portions  106  through the open side  802  to a position between the body sections  102  and engage the closure mechanisms  108  along the side  802  to enclose the child carrier portions  106  inside the body portions  102 , as shown in  FIG. 9D . The steps can be reversed to convert the convertible bag  100  from the closed position back to the open position. 
     In other embodiments, when a user no longer desires to use the convertible bag  100  as a child carrier, the user can remove the child  604  from the opened convertible bag  100  and use any other sequence of steps including tucking, folding, rolling, bending, stuffing, or otherwise manipulating the child carrier portions  106 , the body portions  102 , and the closure mechanisms  108  to enclose the child carrier portions  106  within the body portions  102  and return the convertible bag  100  to the closed position. 
       FIG. 10  depicts another embodiment of the convertible bag  100  in which the body portions  102  and/or the child carrier portions  106  can form a front style baby carrier  1000  when the convertible bag  100  is in the open position. The child carrier portions  106  can be one or more support sections  1002 . Support sections  1002  can be shoulder straps  1004 , back straps  1006 , child support sections  1008 , and/or any other sections of a front style baby carrier  1000 . In some embodiments, the support sections  1002  can comprise additional hardware  1010  that can adjust and/or connect the support sections  1002  together, such as buckles, adjustment rings, clasps, straps, snaps, buttons, or any other desired hardware. 
     In some embodiments, a child carrier portion  106  can be integral with and made from the same piece of material as a body portion  102 . In alternate embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be coupled with the body portions  102  via stitching, adhesives, fusing, or any other coupling mechanism. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be comprised of elastomeric material, such that the child carrier portions  106  can conform to a child&#39;s body when the child rests on the child carrier portion  106 . In other embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be comprised of fabric, nylon, fleece, mesh, polymer, plastic, and/or any other desired material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can be comprised of hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, waterproof, breathable, sun resistant, and/or water resistant material. The child carrier portions  106  can be machine washable and/or insulated. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can comprise cushions. In some embodiments, the child carrier portions  106  can have holes for a child&#39;s legs and/or arms. 
       FIG. 11  depicts the embodiment of the convertible bag  100  of  FIG. 10  in use. When the user wishes to carry a child  604 , the user can convert the convertible bag  100  to the front style child carrier  1000  by unsecuring the closure mechanisms  108  so that the front and the back of the collapsible bag  100  can be unfolded and arranged substantially side by side such that the child carrier portions  106  are no longer enclosed by the body portions  102 . The user can then arrange the child carrier portions  106  into the support sections  1002  as shown in  FIG. 10  and wear the front style child carrier  1000  around the user&#39;s torso  602  as shown in  FIG. 11 . The user can also choose to remove the handles  122  from the convertible bag  100  and store the handles  122  in a storage compartment  110 . 
     After the convertible bag  100  has been opened and worn on the user&#39;s body, the user can place a child  604  between the user&#39;s torso  602  and the convertible bag  100 , such that the child&#39;s weight is supported by the body portions  102 , the child support section  1008 , and or any other support section  1000 . In some embodiments, the child&#39;s feet can dangle below the front style child carrier  1000 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The user can place the child  604  into the front style child carrier  1000  such that the child  604  is facing toward the user&#39;s torso  602  or facing away from the user&#39;s torso  602 . After the child  604  has been placed into the front style child carrier  1000 , the user can still be able to reach and access items stored in the storage compartments  110 , the bottle compartments  116 , and/or the pockets  120 . 
     Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.