IPad in a cot pushes all the wrong buttons
A BRITISH company has created the world's first cot with an iPad touch screen computer built in – and sparked a furious row.
Gary Taylor, owner of Birmingham-based baby furniture firm Babeek, designed it after having trouble getting his ninemonth-old daughter Graysie to sleep.
He included the iPad in the £1,500 crib so he could play the infant “white noise”, which masks out other disturbing noises, to help her nod off.
He and his wife Gemma also use it to be able to see what Graysie is up to.
Gary can even log in to watch his baby when he is away from home for work.
But cot design has been attacked on line as being bad for brain development.
Educational psychologist Dr Gary Allen 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.
“It could be argued that it could be used as a night light, to play soothing melodies or be a means for a parent to keep their eye on their child. But it won't be long before apps are developed simply to occupy a baby. Cots are a safe place for sleeping and resting – period.”
Mr Taylor, who lives in Birmingham, responded: “For me, it's about getting our child to sleep.
“It's not to sit your child in the cot all day watching Peppa Pig. That's not the idea. Kids are stuck on their computers. I'm giving people what they want.”