Baby cot with built-in iPad sparks backlash

Creator had trouble getting daughter to sleep

ABritish baby furniture company has created the world’s first £1,500 (Dh7,171) ‘smart cot’ with an iPad.

The cot has received online backlash from parents and psychologists.

Gary Taylor, the owner of Babeek, created the cot after having trouble getting his daughter Graysie to sleep. He said he included an iPad to play white noise to her, a private news channel said.

“Given the available literature surrounding screens and sleep and that of early attachment, creating a cot with a built-in iPad is simply outrageous,” said Dr Gary Allen, an educational psychologist. “[But] ... it could be argued that it could be used as a night light, to play soothing melodies or for a parent to keep their eye on their child.” Parents have also called it ridiculous, claiming the smart cot was a way for lazy mothers and fathers to occupy their kids. The maker said the iPad could be used by parents to make life easier.