GB2312374A - Rocking infant holder - Google Patents

Abstract

An infant seat or cradle has a motor 12 causing reciprocal motion thereof on wheels 20 which are guided in a track 22. Partial actuation of the motor causes the wheels to engage only in a straight central portion of the track whilst full actuation causes the wheels also to engage upturned end portions. Change between the two motions may be controlled by computer 11 in response to signals from a close proximity sound scanner and a movement sensor. If motion or crying is detected then after a predetermined delay motion will be started to settle the infant. After a further predetermined time, a chime or music controlled by the computer may also sound. The motor may have a gear 115 driving a rack (117, Fig 2) and springs (23, Fig 2) may bias the wheels to a central position. The device may be externally powered or have internal batteries 14 and/or solar cells.

Description

INFANT HOLDER This invention relates to an infant holder and to a method of settling an infant.

Previous attempts to provide a seat or cot for infants have had some form of limited movement or attachments such as a mobile or similar object.

The purpose of these facilities is to settle an infant. A movement of the seat or cot, such as a rocking motion has been achieved with a curved base.

Pushing the seat or cot will result in rocking for a limited period. Repeated pushes are needed to settle an infant. Additionally, an infant rapidly becomes bored of a particular motion, a factor which significantly increases the difficulty of settling an infant. Parental stress is significantly increased when an infant is not settled.

Mobiles comprising appropriate characters, such as animals, have been suspended above a seat or cot to settle an infant. Additionally, clockwork mobiles, which play music for a limited period have been used.

Disadvantages arise with these attempts to settle an infant. A musical mobile will only play for a limited time and only when activated by a parent. Motion of the mobile may be limited and will not respond to the needs of the infant.

It is an aim of the present invention to address the disadvantages mentioned above.

According to one aspect of the present invention an infant holder is provided with means for settling an infant, said settling means comprising at least a portion of the holder being movable relative to a surface on which the holder is located, the relative movement being constrained by guided portions engaging guide means, said guide means being fixed relative to a stationary portion of the infant holder.

The guide means may comprise a track, which track may be substantially horizontal. The or each guided portion of the movable portion may comprise wheels. Said wheels may be adapted to engage said track. The track may be upturned at one or each end, such that when the wheels run substantially the length of the track a first, rocking motion of the movable portion is caused. The or each wheel may support the movable portion of the infant holder. When the movable portion of the infant holder is caused to move relative to the stationary portion thereof, said wheel or wheels may run substantially freely along the track.

The or each wheel may be biased towards remaining in a substantially central point of the track. Said bias may be caused by a resilient member arranged to resist motion of the movable portion away from a substantially central point of the track. Said bias may constrain the movable portion to move in a reciprocal motion, either side of a substantially central portion of the track.

When the wheels travel along only a central portion of the track a second, linear reciprocal motion may be caused.

The movable portion may be powered. The movable portion may be powered by activation means. The action of the activation means may result in a reciprocal motion being imparted to the movable portion. Variation of the amount of actuation of the activation means may result in variation in the type of motion of the movable portion. Partial actuation of the activation means may result in limited lateral movement of the movable portion, such that the wheels do not engage the upturned ends of the track. Substantially complete actuation of the activation means may result in the wheels engaging the upturned portions of the track.

The activation means may be manually operated. The activation means may be a motor.

The motor may have a rotary output member. A complete rotation of the output member may result in the wheels engaging the upturned ends of the track. A partial rotation of the output member may result in the wheels engaging only the linear portion of the track.

The motor may be actuable to change the motion of the upper portion between the first and second motions. The change between first and second motions may be caused by a computer in response to signals received by sensing means.

The sensing means may comprise a movement sensor. The sensing means may comprise a sound scanner to detect when a baby is crying.

According to a further aspect of the present invention a method of settling an infant comprises placing the infant in an infant holder, which infant holder comprises at least one settling means controllable in response to a signal or signals received from at least one sensing means.

Said the or each settling means may be controllable by a computer in response to said signal or signals received by the computer from said at least one sensing means.

The method may include the or each settling means being controlled by a computer.

The method may include the or each settling means being deactivated after a predetermined time has elapsed after one or more of the sensing means has ceased to be triggered.

According to another aspect of the present invention an infant holder comprises at least one settling means controllable in response to a signal or signals received from at least one sensing means.

Said at least one settling means may be controllable by a computer in response to said signal or signals received by the computer from said at least one sensing means.

The or each settling means may be activated after a predetermined time, or a pre-delay time, has elapsed after one or more of the sensing means has been triggered.

The or each settling means may be deactivated after a predetermined time, or a post-delay time, has elapsed after one or more of the sensing means has ceased to be triggered.

Where two or more settling means are provided, the settling means may be coordinated by the computer. Where two or more settling means are provided, the sequence of activities of the settling means may be coordinated by the computer. The said computer coordination may be arranged to allow a first settling means a predetermined time to operate and settle an infant.

The said computer coordination may be arranged to activate a second settling means if the first settling means has failed to settle the infant. The second settling means may be activated after a predetermined period of triggering of one or more of the sensors.

The pre-delay time and the post-delay time may be in the range 10 seconds to 120 seconds. The pre-delay and post-delay times may be in the range 20 seconds to 50 seconds. Preferably the pre-delay and post-delay times are in the range 30 seconds to 45 seconds.

The settling means may comprise soothing sounds. The soothing sounds may be music. The soothing sounds may be reminiscent of a heartbeat. The soothing sounds may be generated by the computer.

The settling means may comprise at least part of the infant holder being movable relative to a surface on which the infant holder is located. The movement may be repetitive. The movement may be powered. The power source may be a motor, which motor may be electrically powered. The electrical power may come from a mains supply or batteries, which batteries may be rechargeable. The electrical power may come from a motor vehicle cigarette lighter or from solar power. The electrical power may come from a combination of solar and battery power. The solar power may be used when the holder is outside for instance.

The movable part of the infant holder may have more than one mode of movement. The mode of movement may be switchable between modes in response to a signal or signals from the sensors. The mode of movement may be changed manually.

The settling means may comprise a changing light or lights in the view of the infant. The lights may be caused to change in response to sounds. The or each light may comprise a light emitting diode. The or each light may be housed in a handle portion of the infant holder. The or each light may produce light in response to the sound generated by the sound settling means, where provided. The or each light may respond only to the sound settling means. This is of particular advantage to infants with hearing difficulties.

The sensing means may comprise a movement sensor, which may be the first sensing means.

The sensing means may comprise a second sensor to detect the sounds of an infant. The sound sensor may detect the difference between the sound of an infant crying and other sounds. The sound sensor may be triggered only when an infant's cries are detected. The sound sensor may detect the sound of an infant crying by means of a pitch level sensor. The sound sensor may be a close proximity sound level sensor. The sound sensor may be the said second sensing means.

An upper portion of the infant holder may be adapted to receive an infant. The upper portion may take the form of a seat, which seat may be arranged to hold an infant in a partially upright position. The seat may be provided with means to secure an infant in the holder. The seat may be provided with means for supporting an infant's head. The seat may be provided with a removable cover. The cover may be arranged to protect an infant from rain, sunshine or the like.

The upper portion may take the form of a cot, which may be arranged to receive an infant in a supine position. The cot may be provided with a control panel to vary settings of the settling means and sensing means. The control panel may display the temperature in the holder. The display may be a LCD. The control panel may display the monitoring status of the infant holder. The cot may be provided with a light. The light may be a night light.

The cot may be provided with a removable and/or retractable cover.

The cover may be arranged to darken in response to a predetermined level of light. The cover may be adapted to display images, which may be moving images, to an infant positioned in the cot.

The cot may be provided with a mattress. The mattress may curve upwards towards its edges, to reduce the likelihood of an infant rolling over.

If an infant can be made to lie on its back, it is less likely to succumb to cot death.

The infant holder may comprise a handle.

The method may include the or each setting means being activated after a predetermined time has elapsed after one or more sensing means has been triggered.

Any feature referred to in one aspect of the invention may equally be used in relation to any other aspect of the invention.

The present invention may be brought into practice in various ways but four embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of infant holder; Figure 2 is a partial schematic view from above of the base of an infant holder; Figure 3 is a partial schematic cross-sectional side view of a track; Figure 4 is a partial schematic perspective view from below of the infant holder; Figure 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of infant holder; Figure 6 is a schematic side view of an upper part of the first embodiment infant holder; and Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the first embodiment infant holder.

An infant holder 10 is provided with a close-proximity sound scanner and movement sensor, both housed in and controlled by a computer 11 (see Figure 2). The infant holder is also provided with a motor 12 to cause one or more of a variety of possible motions of the holder 10. The holder 10 is controlled such that if the motion or crying of an infant in the holder 10 is detected them after a predetermined delay the holder 10 will be caused to move to settle the infant. If the motion does not settle the infant then after a further predetermined time a chime or music controlled by the computer 11 is caused to sound. Motion and sound are continued for a predetermined time after the infant has ceased to move or cry.

In Figure 1 the infant holder 10 comprises a base 13, which houses (see Figure 2) the computer/sensor unit 11, the motor 12, rechargeable batteries 14 and the various pieces of the means for moving the holder. The holder 10 also has an upper portion 18 which receives an infant. A fold-away panel 28 is also provided for selecting various options available, which options will be described below.

Alternatively the holder may be powered by a motor vehicle cigarette lighter, or by solar power, when outside for instance. The holder may be powered by a combination of battery power and solar power.

Figures 2 and 4 show the mechanism by which the motion of the holder 10 is achieved. An output shaft 15 of the motor 12 has a cog 115 mounted thereon. The cog 115 is in intermeshing engagement with corresponding teeth 116 in a drive track 117 (see figure 5) which is formed integrally with the upper portion. Rotation of the cog 115 causes movement of the drive track 117 and hence the upper portion 18, to which it is attached, relative to the base 13. Rotation of the cog 115 in one direction causes movement of the upper portion 18 in a first direction, counter rotation of the cog 115 causes movement of the upper portion 18 in the other direction. Rotation of the output shaft 15 of the motor 12 thus leads to motion of the upper portion 18 of the infant holder 10.

The weight of the upper portion 18 is supported at each side by wheels 20, which are rotatably attached to the upper portion 18 by axles 21. The wheels 20 are arranged to run in a track 22 (in Figure 3). A coiled spring 23 (in figures 2 and 7) is attached at one end to the track 22 and at its other end to the upper portion 18.

When the upper portion 18 is caused to move by the motor 12, as described above, the wheels 20 run in the track 22. The motion is made smooth and steady by the free rotation of the wheels 20. Additionally, the spring 23 smooths the motion of the upper portion 18 by slowing the speed of the upper portion 18 at each end of its motion. It is at the ends of the motion of the upper portion 18 that the spring 23 is under the greatest tension.

The upper portion 18 consequently undergoes a change of direction of its motion with a minimum of jerking or sudden changes being experienced by the infant.

The track 22 (in figure 3) has slightly upturned end portions 25. The track 22 has a stabilising spring attached between the track 22 and upper portion 18. When the wheels 20 roll in this track the motion is a gentle rocking, reminiscent of being rocked in a parent's arms.

The track 22 shown in Figure 3 can be used to give two types of motion. The first motion can be achieved by a partial rotation of the motor cog 115 in one direction, followed by a partial rotation in the opposite direction. This will cause limited motion of the upper portion 18 in the track 22. The wheels 20 will only engage in the straight central portion of the track 22 and so will only give a simple reciprocal, "linear" motion. If a full rotation of the motor cog 115 is used then a gliding motion will be achieved because the wheels 20 will continue into the upturned end portions 25 of the track 22.

Significant benefits in soothing an infant can be obtained by changing the motion of the baby holder 10 from the linear motion to the gliding motion.

An infant has a much greater tendency than an adult to become bored more quickly. Whenever the infant fails to settle in one motion the motion can be changed to settle the infant more effectively. The change of motion can be programmed to occur every 15 minutes for example, whilst also having a switch for manual changing of motion modes. The linear mode is, in this example carried out a slower speed than the glide motion to allow the infant to notice the difference between the two modes more easily. The difference in speeds may be changed and still have the same effect.

The upper portion 18 of the infant holder 10 is in the form of a seat.

The seat is provided with straps 26 (see figure 1) to secure the infant into the seat. At an upper part of the seat there is a bowl shaped padded head support 27, in which the infant's head is positioned. The bowl shape provides comfort and support for the infant. A hood 29 is also provided. The hood can be raised to give shelter from the rain or sunshine to the infant. Hinges 30 allow the hood to pivot and be raised and locked in position.

The computer/sensor unit 11 has a number of modes and features which will be described below.

A snooze mode is provided for use when the infant is asleep, in this mode the movement sensor, which may be of a type that is generally available, is activated. When movement is detected, which means that the infant might be about to wake up, a timing sequence is started. If the infant continues to move for a predetermined period of time (pre-delay time) then the holder motion will be started in an attempt to settle the infant. In this example the period of time is 15 seconds, but this could be set to any of a large number of times by the manufacturer. If the infant is settled by the motion and its motion ceases to be detected then the motion of the holder 10 continues for a predetermined period of time (post-delay time) to ensure that the infant has returned to sleep rather than momentarily having ceased movement. The predetermined post-delay time is set in this example to 30 seconds.

Also, the infant holder 10 has an auto-pulse mode. The auto-pulse mode can be used in conjunction with snooze mode when the infant has woken up. Auto-pulse mode is also for general use, rather than only for when the infant is asleep. A close proximity sound scanner (housed in the computer 11) distinguishes between the infant's crying and other sounds with a sound pitch level sensor. When crying sounds are detected the upper portion 18 of the holder 10 is caused to move by activating the motor 12.

The motion is intended to settle and comfort the infant. A post delay time ensures that the holder motion continues after the infant stopped crying. The post delay time is 30 seconds in this example.

A further mode which in this example is used in conjunction with the auto-pulse mode is the auto-chime mode. After a pre-delay time of 30 seconds which allows the auto-pulse mode time to settle the infant a tune is generated by the computer to further sooth the infant. The auto-chime mode is also governed by the sound scanner 11, but has its delay time set such that the auto pulse mode will function for a chosen time (30 seconds in this example) before the chime is started in addition to the holder being moved.

A post-delay time of 45 seconds allows the chime feature to continue after the infant has stopped crying. The delay times in the auto-pulse and auto-chime modes serves to provide accurate timing and coordination of the two modes.

The auto-chime mode may have a number of possible tunes, or sounds, which may be played in succession, or may be varied depending on the pitch level detected by the pitch level sensor. If the sensor detects that one sound or tune settles the infant more quickly then that sound or tune may be played for a longer period of time.

The infant holder 10 may also comprise a deceleration sensor in the computer/sensor unit 11. The deceleration sensor enables the computer to control the speed at the motion of the holder. The motion is controlled such that the overall effect is gentle and soothing without disturbing the infant.

An overall safety sensor is built into the computer, the safety sensor constantly monitors overall safety and stability of the unit. The sensor detects mechanical failure or jamming by means of a tilt sensor, which sensor immediately causes the infant holder to shut down. The sensor may detect, for instance, that another person was tampering with the holder's stability.

The stability sensor may be in the form of a spring-loaded safety switch fixed to the centre of the holder's base. The overall safety sensor may include a warning bleeper alarm so as to warn the parent that the unit and the infant's safety were in danger.

The power source for the infant holder 10 comprises a mains socket 31 and rechargeable batteries 15. The batteries 14 can be used when the holder is outside or where using a mains flex might be dangerous. Alternative power sources may include solar power or power from a motor vehicle cigarette lighter. The solar power may be used when the cot is outside. The power may come from a combination of solar power and batteries.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of infant holder. The mini-cot 40 is provided with the snooze mode, auto-pulse mode and auto-chime mode as described in relation to the first embodiment. The mini-cot 40 has upper and lower portions 41 and 42 respectively. A selection panel 43 and joint night light and illuminated liquid crystal display 44 are provided on side of the upper portion 41. The cot temperature may also be indicated on the display 44 and the apparatus may monitor that temperature.

A linear motion is achieved by using the same method as described in relation to the first embodiment (a track engaged by wheels, the upper portion is moved by a motor (not shown)). Another motion is achieved by using a circular track (not shown). An upright motion stabilising and retrieving spring (not shown) is mounted in the centre of the lower portion 42 and attached to the upper portion 43. The motion achieved allows a 75" turn in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.

The auto-chime mode has an option of producing soft heartbeat-like sounds to sooth a younger infant.

A breathing monitor and alarm are included in the computer/sensor unit (not shown). A key-ring type bleeper can be included which will be worn by a parent to warn of the alarm sounding when out of earshot. An out of range warning is included in the key-ring alarm.

The mini-cot is also provided with a cool air circulator fan (not shown), which is activated by a built-in thermostat.

A removable react-to-light visor (not shown) is included for infants who experience difficulties in sleeping during the day. The visor darkens in response to bright light thus protecting the infant's eyes and soothing its eyes whilst it is asleep. The visor is dome-shaped and includes the possibility of showing moving images on the inside of the dome, so that the infant can see and be soothed by them. These images may be activated via a chime and/or infant sounds, for instance, when switched on. The images may be at a lower part of the dome to encourage an infant to close its eyes.

A third embodiment (not shown) may differ in that a lower portion has manual drive means to cause movement of an upper portion of the infant holder.

The manual drive means comprises a pedal, which may be foot operated, attached to a cam. The foot operation may be helpful to a person operating the holder who has back trouble. An arm protruding from the cam is pivotally attached to a second arm, which second arm is pivotally connected to the underside of the upper portion of the infant holder. In use, the upper portion can be moved by pressing on the pedal which leads to the upper portion moving by means of the linkage described above. Alternatively, the infant holder can be moved by hand. A switch may be activated to disengage the foot pedal to allow movement of the upper portion by hand.

A further embodiment may comprise a foot pedal operated infant holder which has two motions. The motions may be that allowed by the track described in the first embodiment combined with a second, side to side, rocking motion. The second motion may be permitted by means of a disc in the lower part of the holder being lowered to the ground. The disc may be locked in position at the same time raising the lower and upper parts of the infant holder. The disc may be pivotally mounted on the upper portion. The infant holder may then be rocked in a side to side motion in which both the upper and lower parts move in unison.

Any of the various features described in any one of the specific embodiments can be used in relation to any other of the specific embodiments as may be applicable.

The present invention addresses to problems of a baby rapidly becoming bored of a particular type of motion. By providing means by which the motion of an infant holder can be varied the boredom of an infant can be markedly reduced and thus reduce the time it takes to settle an infant.

Parental stress is significantly reduced by the above because an infant will settle more quickly.

Additionally the provision of computer controlled settling means considerably reduces parental stress in that an infant can be settled more easily by the infant holder without the need for a parent to assist.

Further benefits are gained by the provision of a cot mattress with upturned edges. The benefits are a reduced likelihood of an infant succumbing to cot death syndrome.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (49)

1. An infant holder is provided with means for settling an infant, said settling means comprising at least a portion of the holder being movable relative to a surface on which the holder is located, the relative movement being constrained by guided portions engaging guide means, said guide means being fixed relative to a stationery portion of the infant holder.

2. An infant holder as claimed in claim 1 in which the guide means comprise a substantially horizontal track.

3. An infant holder as claimed in claim 2 in which the or each guided portion of the movable portion comprises wheels which are adapted to engage the track.

4. An infant holder according to claim 3 in which the track is upturned at one or each end, such that when the wheeis run substantially the length of the track a first, rocking motion of the movable portion is caused.

5. An infant holder according to one of claims 3 or 4 in which when the movable portion of the infant holder is caused to move relative to the stationery portion thereof the wheel or wheels run substantially freely along the track.

6. An infant holder according to any one of claims 3 to 5 in which the or each wheel is biased towards remaining in a substantially central portion of the track.

7. An infant holder according to claim 6 in which said bias is caused by a resilient member arranged to resist motion of the movable portion away from a substantially central portion of the track.

8. An infant holder according to one of claims 6 or 7 in which the bias constrains the movable portion to move in a reciprocal motion, either side of a substantially central point of the track.

9. An infant holder according to any one of claims 4 to 8 in which when the wheels travel along only a central portion of the track a second, linear reciprocal motion is caused.

10. An infant holder according to any one of claims 4 to 9 in which the movable portion is powered by activation means.

11. An infant holder according to claim 10 in which the action of the activation means results in a reciprocal motion being imparted to the movable portion.

12. An infant holder according to one of claims 10 or 11 in which variation of the amount of actuation of the activation means results in variation in the type of motion of the movable portion.

13. An infant holder according to any one of claims 10 to 12 in which partial actuation of the activation means results in limited lateral movement of the movable portion, such that wheels do not engage the upturned ends of the track.

14. An infant holder according to any one of claims 10 to 13 in which substantially complete actuation of the activation means results in the wheels engaging the upturned portions of the track.

15. An infant holder according to any one of claims 10 to 14 in which the activation means is manually operated.

16. An infant holder as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 in which the activation means is a motor.

17. An infant holder according to claim 16, in which the motor has a rotary output member.

18. An infant holder according to claim 17 in which a complete rotation of the output member results in the wheels engaging the upturned ends of the track.

19. An infant holder according to one of claims 17 or 18 in which a partial rotation of the output member results in the wheels engaging only the linear portion of the track.

20. An infant holder according to any one of claims 16 to 19 in which the motor is actuable to change the motion of the upper portion between the first and second motions.

21. An infant holder according to claim 20 in which the change between first and second motions is caused by a computer in response to signals received by sensing means.

22. An infant holder according to claim 21 in which the sensing means comprises a movement sensor.

23. An infant holder according to one of claims 21 or 22 in which the sensing means comprises a sound scanner to detect when a baby is crying.

24. A method of settling an infant comprises placing the infant in an infant holder, which infant holder comprises at least one settling means controllable in response to a signal or signals received from at least one sensing means.

25. A method of settling an infant according to claim 24 in which the or each settling means is controllable by a computer in response to said signal or signals received by the computer from said at least one sensing means.

26. A method of settling an infant according to claim 24 or claim 25 which includes the or each settling means being controlled by a computer.

27. A method of settling an infant according to any of claims 24 to 26 which includes the or each settling means being activated after a predetermined time has elapsed after one or more of the sensing means has been triggered.

28. A method of settling an infant according to any one of claims 24 to 27 which includes the or each settling means being de-activated after a predetermined time has elapsed after one or more sensing means has ceased to be triggered.

29. An infant holder comprises at least one settling means controllable in response to a signal or signals received from at least one sensing means.

30. An infant holder according to claim 29 in which said at least one settling means is controllable by a computer in response to said signal or signals received by said computer from said at least one sensing means.

31. An infant holder according to claim 29 or claim 30 in which the or each settling means is activated after a predetermined time, or a pre-delay time, has elapsed after one or more of the sensing means has been triggered.

32. An infant holder according to one of claims 29 to 31 in which the or each settling means may be deactivated after a predetermined time, or a post delay time, has elapsed after one or more of the sensing means has ceased to be triggered.

33. An infant holder according to any one of claims 29 to 32 in which where two or more settling means are provided, the settling means may be coordinated by the computer.

34. An infant holder according to claim 33 in which said computer coordination is arranged to allow a first settling means a predetermined time to operate and settle an infant.

35. An infant holder according to claim 33 or claim 34 in which said computer coordination is arranged to activate a second settling means if the first settling means has failed to settle the infant.

36. An infant holder according to claim 35 in which the second settling means is activated after a predetermined period of triggering of one more of the sensors.

37. An infant holder according to any one of claims 29 to 36 in which the settling means comprises soothing sounds.

38. An infant holder according to any one of claims 29 to 37 in which the settling means comprises at least part of the infant holder being movable relative to a surface on which the infant holder is located.

39. An infant holder according to claim 38 in which the movement is repetitive.

40. An infant holder according to either of claims 38 or 39 in which the movable part of the infant holder has more than one mode of movement.

41. An infant holder according to claim 40 in which the mode of movement is switchable between modes in response to a signal or signals from the sensors.

42. An infant holder according to any one of claims 29 to 41 in which the settling means comprises changing light or lights in the view of the infant.

43. An infant holder according to claim 42 in which the lights are caused to change in response to sounds.

44. An infant holder according to any one of claims 29 to 43 in which the sensing means comprises a movement sensor, which is a first sensing means.

45. An infant holder according to any one of claims 29 to 44 in which the sensing means comprises a sound sensor to detect the sounds of an infant.

46. An infant holder according to claim 45 in which the sound sensor detects the difference between the sound of an infant crying and other sounds.

47. An infant holder according to either one of claims 45 and 46 in which the sound sensor is triggered only when an infant's cries are detected.

48. An infant holder substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.

49. A method of settling an infant substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.