St. Thomas, Ont. couple creates a product to help children with sensory needs
Devon and Alana Farrant say their two-year-old daughter Parker, is the inspiration behind their small business, Baby Dill.
"We noticed that a very early age, that Parker was showing some signs of developmental delay,” said Parker’s father, Devon Farrant.
After Parker was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the Farrants were encouraged to start early intervention. Devon said a part of that process was trying to find products that kept her calm during times where she would feel over stimulated.
After trying several products on the market, they decided to create something on their own — that's how the Baby Dill company was born.
"We developed the pickle sensory pillow to keep her occupied and it's been a Godsend. So we just really have hope to try and help as many other children out there as possible,” said Parker’s mother, Alana Farrant.
"It feels really good when you know you are helping kids and making them feel better, and when you can see your own kid light up when you have something like that,” added Devon.
Parker’s parents say the pickle sensory pillow is a combination of a baby blanket, pillow, stuffy and sensory toy all rolled into one. According to their website, the Baby Dill pickle sensory pillow is made with a non-toxic material that provides a soothing surface for the child, and the dimples act as a distraction from fidgeting.
The Farrants say the Baby Dill has been well received by the community and they are now introducing new products, including a pickle sensory mitt, mini sensory pickle and busy blanket geared towards babies.
Alana says they try to give back to the community by making sure all of the products used to make these items are locally sourced and sewed by a local seamstress.
"It helped our daughter tremendously, so if there's anybody out there who is willing to try anything, I say give this a shot, because it worked for us.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.