Development and testing of infant colic cradles

Abstract

Colic is a frequently encountered problem. It is very common among infants. The colic time is a high physical and psychological stress for the entire family. Parents and siblings often do not know how to deal best with the cry attacks which seemingly occurre randomly. There is no universal treatment for dealing with colic. To facilitate the exhausting time, Colicot AS has developed a special colic crib. This product combines several different ways to deal with colic. Previously, there was no confirmation that the cradle has a somnific effect. For the verification tests with colic infants are performed using prototypes of the colic crib. Therefore, a testing procedure will be developed, suitable participants will be found and an appropriate test environment will be established. In the following steps the test will be run and evaluated. Furthermore, design- and function-technical aspects will be proved and suggestions for modifications provided. The result of this work shows how much the cradle can assist the infants to fall asleep and keep them sleeping without waking up. It shows the potential of the product to improve family life and possible changes to the cradle.