STACK #258 April 2026

TECH FEATURE

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Parenting through the ages The eternal quest for devices to make bearing children easier goes back to the dawn of time. Archaeologists have found evidence of early teething tools, animal-skin papooses, and even the use of herbal remedies, such as mild sedatives.

Here are some key points in the history of baby tech!

1. The Mesopotamian baby rattle In the early 20th century, archaeologists uncovered hollow clay rattles filled with small pebbles for sound, small enough for a baby’s hand, dating from 3000 BCE.

the glass bottles featured a connected rubber tube that proved to be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria! 4. Disposable nappies Regularly spread across suburban roads by crows on bin days, the disposable nappy was first introduced in the late 1960s. Offering complete convenience, the cunning invention rendered the old thundering top loader to the unemployment queue.

It just shows that parents from 5000 years ago were thinking about the same things as modern parents do. 2. The mechanical cradle

Yes, even way back in the 1700s, inventors were busy developing devices to help babies get to – and stay - asleep. Rocking cradle bases – some even with a foot mechanism for the ultimate in multi-tasking - date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. 3. Glass bottles First documented in the mid-18th century and marketed under names like ‘Little Cherub’ and ‘Mummies Darling’,

5. Electronic baby monitors Where once you needed a sharp ear to hear the mumblings of a waking baby, in the 1970s, your 40-minute exhaustion nap on the couch was instantly interrupted by the audio on a baby monitor. The simple radio transmitter was the ancestor of the modern smart monitor.

Sign me up… to the times It makes sense to employ everything you can to make life easier for when baby eventually comes home. The good news is you don’t have to look very far to get started. Here’s our easy buying guide to ensure you’re on the right path and that you buy exactly what you need.

Solve a problem Start small and choose the essentials. Opt for a baby monitor, a UV steriliser, and maybe a wearable breast pump. When baby arrives, then you can expand depending on your needs.

Keep to a budget Like any new

Prioritise safety

Don’t double up on features Many devices overlap (monitoring, white noise, tracking etc). One good product can often replace two or three.

Battery life Battery life is a consideration. If the device works on a rechargeable battery, the longer the life, the better. You will 100% forget to charge it at some point.

Check privacy and security Some baby tech devices connect to the internet so ensure the devices use encryption, allow password changes, get firmware updates, and let you control remote access.

Integration with other devices

Steer clear of cheap and-cheerful retail points and opt for brands with a solid reputation. Safety and reliability always come first

investment, work on an initial budget and stick to it. You’ll find a device for every situation, and it’s easy to get carried away, but stay on course.

If you already have smart home tech, check whether the gadget plays nicely with your existing ecosystem, such as apps, voice assistants, or hubs.

APRIL 2026

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