Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and a prominent figure in the global tech industry, recently revealed that his newborn son sleeps in a smart crib designed by an Indian startup founded by a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur.
The crib, which costs around ₹1.5 lakh in India and is priced at $1,999 in the United States, is made by Cradlewise, a company co-founded by Radhika Patil and her husband Bharath Patil. This high-tech baby bed has captured global attention not just because of its innovative design and advanced features, but also due to its adoption by one of the world’s most influential technology leaders.
Cradlewise was born out of personal necessity and a desire to innovate in the parenting space. After the birth of their daughter Anushka, Radhika and Bharath experienced firsthand the sleep deprivation and anxiety that comes with being new parents. Recognizing a widespread problem, they decided to engineer a solution. Drawing from her background in electronic design—Radhika holds a Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru and a Bachelor’s from Stanford University—the couple developed a prototype of a smart crib that could monitor and soothe a baby, ensuring better sleep for both the infant and the parents.
The Cradlewise crib is unlike traditional baby beds. It uses artificial intelligence and built-in sensors to monitor a baby’s sleep patterns. What sets it apart is its ability to detect early signs of waking and gently bounce the baby back to sleep before the baby starts crying. This proactive approach to infant care helps prevent full awakenings and extends sleep periods, which is crucial during a child’s early development. The crib is also equipped with a built-in baby monitor, a customizable music system, and can transition from a bassinet to a full crib, accommodating children up to two years old.
Sam Altman, who welcomed his son with partner Oliver Mulherin in February, has praised the crib for its utility and thoughtful design. The couple’s baby was born prematurely and spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit, a period that brought its own set of challenges and emotional strain. In the weeks following their baby’s return home, the Cradlewise crib became a key part of their parenting toolkit. Sam Altman has described fatherhood as a deeply transformative experience, one that has profoundly shifted his worldview and sense of responsibility. The crib’s smart features have offered him and his partner some peace of mind, particularly during the critical early stages of their baby’s life.
The fact that such a product has earned the trust of Sam Altman and endorsement of a high-profile tech leader like Sam Altman speaks volumes about the quality and global potential of Indian startups. Cradlewise, originally built and tested in India, has expanded its operations to the United States, where it has found a receptive market among tech-savvy and wellness-conscious parents. The company’s journey from a prototype developed in a Bengaluru workshop to being featured in the homes of Silicon Valley elites is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of Indian entrepreneurs on the global stage.
The success of Cradlewise also reflects broader trends in the parenting and wellness industries. As millennial and Gen Z parents seek smarter, safer, and more efficient tools to care for their children, the demand for tech-enabled solutions has surged. Products like Cradlewise blend engineering and empathy, using artificial intelligence not just for automation, but for nurturing and well-being. This trend represents a shift in how consumers interact with technology—not just as a tool, but as an active participant in family life.
Radhika Patil has often spoken about the importance of designing products that prioritize the needs of both the baby and the parents. According to Sam Altman the idea is not just to automate tasks, but to create experiences that reduce stress, support bonding, and enhance the overall quality of life. In interviews, she has highlighted the role of user feedback in shaping the product and the significance of understanding cultural and emotional contexts when designing for parents around the world. Cradlewise’s development process included extensive user testing, expert consultations, and collaboration with pediatricians to ensure the crib met high safety and comfort standards.
