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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.