Safety, Functionality & Style…
The key consideration underpinning the Karekot design, as with most nursery products, was safety. But there were other issues the creator, Katharine Paterson, felt were essential contributing factors when it came to creating what she felt was the perfect cot. Take a look at Gallery to see Karekot in stylish beech.
Safety:
- Soft Walls: First and foremost, there had to be a solution to the hard, rigid sides. Travel cots, often with soft mesh walls, provided some inspiration but it was also important that Karekot wasn’t just an enhanced travel cot. So Katharine sourced a super soft mesh that supported ventilation and visibility. The mesh walls not only look great and can easily be removed and washed for optimum hygiene, but they also provide a soft, breathable surface with no hard edges. In addition, the minimal hard surfaces which are exposed to baby are padded, and all hard edges are rounded to enhance the feel and look of karekot but also to avoid bumps and scrapes.
Karekot Prototype showing rounded edges.
- Dropdown Side: Most cotbeds currently available don’t have a dropside. However, Katharine recognised that the dropdown side function was a critical action for parents leaning in and out of the cot several times a day…and night! Especially as the baby becomes a heavier toddler! So an innovative drop system technology was introduced. The system easily lowers the cot side with one two-stage touch (even with babe in arm) and is equally simple – and quiet – to lift back in place. Importantly, the system locks in both the ‘up’ and ‘down’ positions in conformance with the Standard requirements.
Dropside on Karekot prototype
Functionality:
The dropdown function was essential to the complete product that Katharine wanted to create. But in keeping with modern market demands Karekot also had to cater for a child’s changing sleeping needs throughout their formative years. Karekot had to offer parents cot and bed modes that are easily interchangeable, without undermining the commitment to safety and style. So Karekot easily converts from cot mode to a stylish toddler bed. Ultimately, Karekot should see a child through to around at least four years old.
Karekot prototype in toddler bed mode (spot the photo bomber!)
Style:
And finally, the look! One of Katharine’s primary concerns throughout the design process was the potential visual similarities to a travel cot, particularly in cot mode. So Katharine looked to contemporary design that combines robust wooden features with modern and fresh fabrics. The final look ensures Karekot is not only a product that embraces safety and functionality, but one that will be the deserved centrepiece of any little one’s bedroom.
Karekot Prototype Number 4. Some more design tweaks and then we are there!
