Everyone asks me why I decided to create the Mewl Baby Whiteboard. Like many people during the pandemic, especially parents of little ones, the pandemic was the catalyst for my entrepreneurial start. I was at an eCommerce start-up for five years, which laid me off early in the pandemic. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit.
I had just become a mom when I got laid off, and as I started job hunting, I became anxious about childcare.
Luckily, my mom lived close by and would come over to help take care of my son. I had downloaded several baby tracking apps to help coordinate his needs with her, but I was frustrated with the options. The apps were tedious and required a lot of data entry. My husband and I would forget to use it, especially during those late-night feedings. It was also not a good option for my non-techie mom, who spoke little English.
As I searched for solutions, I kept drawing a basic chart that a nurse taught us on a whiteboard to keep track of feedings and diaper changes. It was easy for everyone to understand. The baby chart on a magnetic whiteboard on the fridge was the perfect spot because we could glance over from the sink when cleaning bottles (which happens very often during the first year).
I searched Amazon and was surprised this product did not exist! I could only find paper journals or digital prints, nothing magnetic. That’s when I had my “a-ha” moment. The baby whiteboard was helpful for us to manage my son’s routine, and I believed it would help other families.
As for the name, while watching the Netflix docuseries “Babies,” we learned that “mewl” meant “to cry or whimper.” The word immediately spoke to me, and I liked that it started with an M! It was perfect. I bought the domain and trademarked it.
I had the idea and the name now; I had to get it to market. The only alone time was when I was breast-pumping. I utilized that time to create my prototype, look for manufacturers, and set up my Amazon account. I launched The Mewl Baby Whiteboard on Amazon in 200 hours. How do I know? Because that’s the total time shown on my Spectra 2 breast pump.
The Mewl Baby Whiteboard helps me track feedings, diaper changes, and sleep. Since I’m not relying on technology to alert me, I am more aware of his natural sleep patterns and hunger cues. It allows me to follow a flexible schedule and monitor sleep times that can vary, especially during the first few months. As my son grew older, he developed a predictable routine so I could plan my day better. By logging his feedings and naps, I was able to spot growth spurts and sleep regressions instantly. It was super easy to show my pediatrician, lactation consultant, and sleep consultant just by taking a photo of the board. The best part was that my husband was more proactive and involved because he knew what to do and when.
When I began my entrepreneur journey, I struggled with guilt for sacrificing my career. However, I realized that I didn’t sacrifice my career but found my passion for creating innovative products for moms.
Your thoughts or questions
Comments