Rockit: The Innovative Stroller Rocker

Revolutionizing Baby Sleep with a Unique, Portable Solution

Dr. Nick Webb, one of the brains behind Rockit, was inspired to create this product when his three-month-old daughter would only sleep in her stroller while it was in motion. Recognizing this as a widespread issue, he combined his knowledge of vibration and acoustics to create a prototype that could mimic the motion of a moving stroller. Over the next year, Webb, along with co-founders Matt Dyson, Matt Sparrow, and Gary Pyper, refined this prototype into a marketable product.

What sets Rockit apart from other solutions is its portability and adaptability. Unlike large, mains-operated platforms, Rockit can be attached to any pram or stroller using a 2-fix system, allowing it to be easily switched between strollers or stored when not in use. The speed control feature enables the user to tune Rockit to the resonant frequency of any pram or stroller, creating the perfect rock that mimics the sensation of being pushed along.

The development of Rockit involved meticulous testing and refinement. The design team optimized the mass and distance of the spinning eccentric weight from the motor spindle and the RPM of the motor to achieve a gentle, low-frequency rock suitable for various stroller weights and sizes. The majority of parts are injection moulded in ABS with some having TPR over-moulds, ensuring durability and safety.

Rockit's design journey began in Bristol, UK, in late 2015, and the product was launched to market in November 2017. The initial concept won a Design Council Spark Award in London in September 2016, and the first production samples were exhibited at the Kind und Jugend Nursery Show in Cologne in September 2017. The design has since been recognized with a Silver A' Baby, Kids and Children's Products Design Award in 2021.

Rockit's design is not only innovative but also aesthetically pleasing. The design team wanted the product to stand out in the nursery sector, avoiding a 'twee' or medical appearance. The strong Rockit branding ensures that the product attracts attention and acts as an advertisement when in use.

Rockit's success lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It offers a practical, portable solution to a common problem, demonstrating the power of thoughtful design in enhancing lifestyle and well-being. The Rockit Design Team's invention is a testament to the transformative potential of design, innovation, and technology.