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
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It's discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.