It is well known that babies like to be rocked in a rhythmic pattern. For example, it is common for a parent or caregiver to rock a child to sleep in a rocking chair. After the child falls asleep, the parent or caregiver typically places the child in a crib, at which point the rocking motion ceases. Although such rocking movement is not necessary for a child to fall asleep, the reciprocatory movement can function as an anesthetic for the child if the child is sick, teething, or the like, or for any child who finds it difficult to sleep.
Additionally, many new parents enjoy spending time with their child by instinctively rocking the child in a gentle, back-and-forth motion. While hours spent rocking a child can be a special period of bonding for both the parent or caregiver and the child, there are those occasions where it is not always possible for the parent or caregiver to hold the child in this manner, e.g., other children may require attention, the parent or caregiver may need to rest, or the parent or caregiver may need to attend to other duties.
Furthermore, it is known that a child is likely to awaken when transferred from a rocking chair, or similar state, to a crib. The technology described herein provides a device, system, and associated methods by which a child can experience the effect of reciprocatory movement, which is soothing and comforting to a baby, even after transfer from a rocking chair to a crib.