Rockaby: A Portable Cot Designed for Simplicity and Comfort

A Versatile Addition to Modern Households and Travel

The Rockaby is a portable folding cot designed to provide simplicity, comfort, and convenience for infants up to 7 months old. Created by designer David Longhurst, this innovative cot offers a unique solution for parents who value mobility and practicality without compromising on safety and elegance.

Inspired by the need to design a simple cot for his newborn daughter, Longhurst aimed to create a cot that could be easily dismantled for storage and mobility. Observing how quickly his daughter fell asleep when rocked in his arms, he developed the idea of using a cot suspended between two folding arms to facilitate gentle rocking.

The Rockaby stands out with its unique properties and strengths. The frame is made from two parallel lengths of wood joined with dowels, with a pivoting arm at each end. A hammock-type cot, made from machine washable cotton canvas, is hung from the ends of the arms. This design envelops the child safely and comfortably, allowing for gentle rocking that mimics the soothing motion of being cradled.

One of the key features of the Rockaby is its simplicity and ease of use. The frame is kept stable and locked open by two spars with offset-mounted feet that slide through holes in the frame. This eliminates the need for any metal parts, making it lightweight and safe for the child. The cot can be easily assembled and disassembled, and when not in use, it can be stored in a canvas drawstring bag with a shoulder strap.

The Rockaby is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. The frame is made from glued beech or oak, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio and appealing look. The hammock and bag material are made from cotton canvas, known for its tenacity, comfort value, and washability. The design also includes a simple toggle mechanism to adjust the length of the cot, accommodating any stretch of fabric and cord over time.

With its dimensions designed to meet the needs of infants up to 7 months old, the Rockaby provides a safe and comfortable sleeping space. The cot easily copes with the weight and length parameters specified by the WHO infant charts for a 6-month-old child. Beyond this age, the design would not be safe due to the child's movements during sleep.

The Rockaby has garnered recognition for its innovative design and practicality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2019, which honors well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the Rockaby's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world.

Designed by David Longhurst, the Rockaby is a versatile addition to modern households and a reliable travel cot. Its ease of use, portability, and elegant design make it a desirable choice for parents seeking a safe and comfortable sleeping solution for their infants.