'A cot with a built in iPad is simply outrageous': Child psychologist SLAMS baby furniture firm for creating the 'world's first smart crib'

Gary Taylor built the £1,500 cot after he had trouble putting his baby to sleep
He included the iPad in the crib as he could play his young daughter white noise
Chartered psychologist Dr Andy Allen has slammed the 'outrageous' creation

Published: 07:04 EST, 7 November 2018 | Updated: 07:04 EST, 7 November 2018

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A British baby furniture company has created the world's first cot with an iPad - prompting horror from one child psychologist.

Gary Taylor, owner of Birmingham-based furniture company Babeek, designed the £1,500 ($2,000) cot after he had trouble putting his nine-month-old baby to sleep.

According to Mr Taylor, he included the iPad in the crib so he could play his young daughter white noise to help her nod off.

But chartered child psychologist Dr Andy Allen has slammed the 'outrageous' creation, warning that it could be used by lazy parents to distract their child.

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A British baby furniture company has created the world's first cot with an iPad - prompting horror from child psychologists

The London-based practitioner 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.

'Whilst it could be argued that it could be used as a nightlight, to play soothing melodies or be a means for a parent to keep their eye on their child.

'It won't be long before apps are developed simply to occupy a baby or child.

'Cots are a safe place for sleeping and resting - period.'

Creator Mr Taylor, who lives in Birmingham, explained how the iPad could be used as a way for parents to make life easier for themselves.

He said: 'For me, it's about getting our child to sleep.'

Mr Taylor and his wife Gemma used to use their phones to play white noise to get their baby Graysie to sleep.

Gary Taylor (centre right), owner of Birmingham-based furniture company Babeek, designed the £1,500 ($2,000) cot after he had trouble putting his nine-month-old baby to sleep

According to Mr Taylor, he included the iPad in the crib as he could play his little daughter white noise to help her nod off

From time to time the music cut out if their phone range and disturbed their child.

So they decided to build one into the little girl's crib and with the built-in iPad, the white noise app can be downloaded and played with no interruptions.

The crib received criticism online with some people saying it is damaging to babies' health.

Ana Belem said: 'This is wrong on so many levels. There's a limit for technology and this is just way over that limit!!! Shame on you.'

The crib received criticism online with some people saying it is damaging to babies' health

Josephine-Freya Gilbert said: 'Oh dear God no! Brain dead kids with parents who can't be arsed to actually parent!'

Danielle West said: 'This has got to be a joke the most ridiculous thing ever. What's wrong with reading/singing/talking about the day with your child to settle them for bed!'

Mr Taylor defended the placement of the iPad and said that only lazy parents would even think of leaving their child in a cot for longer than half an hour.

He said: 'It's not to sit your child in the cot all day watching Peppa Pig. That's not the idea.

Mr Taylor defended the placement of the iPad and said that only lazy parents would even think of leaving their child in a cot for longer than half an hour

'People who work for a living thought it was a great idea. Without me being nasty, people who would leave their kid in the front room all day were hammering it.'

He said he is simply selling a product parents want.

'People are saying it's an early start but that is just the modern day. Sorry to say it. I don't see any kids playing outside any more.

'Kids are stuck on their computers. That's not my fault. That's the way the generation is going. I'm giving people what they want.'