Inventions created by Dads
The stereotype of men as fathers is to be the one who can MacGyver anything around the house. Typically, there were always broken chairs, fans, and other miscellaneous things from around the house on my dad’s workbench at any given time. If anything, it was more of a duct tape and superglue solution, but to 10 year old me, he was an innovator beyond comparison. What happens when you have the chops to actually invent something? I found some pretty awesome inventions made by dads – for dads – that help improve the life of their families.
Soapbox
Ray Phillips and Alvin Uy created soapbox – a plush toy that doubles as a washcloth and a bath toy. Both being father to boys, they decided to utilize their backgrounds to create a calming toy that would entice them to enjoy bath time, rather than object to it. Phillips is a director at a facility for children who have experienced trauma, and noticed how bath time would be a big moment of contention, and for completely understandable reasons. Creating this plush friend to accompany them in the bath helped harbor a feeling of safety and comfort in the children. When he realized that his prototype for one particular child was a hit, he decided that nothing else existed like it and that the world would benefit from this. God bless people like him, how heartwarming.
Safe Ride 4 Kids
Greg, a father of three and a firefighter for 18 years, and a paramedic for 10 years, created safety 4 kids. After experiencing more than his fair share of children dying unnecessary deaths in car accidents, he wanted to do everything in his power to prevent that from happening. With his wife pregnant with their third child, they realized that all three of his kids would be at risk in the backseat, and they would need to purchase a different car. To save money, but to not sacrifice safety, he designed a vest that would protect them in any vehicle. It’s more versatile than car seats, is cheaper, more compact, and a great alternative to a booster seat.
Nanobebe
Nanobebe was founded by two lifelong best friends Asaf Kehat and Ayal Lanternari after experiencing the same issues when both their wives got pregnant at the same time. Being bioengineers, they noticed that most of the nutrients either would leave the breast milk after a certain amount of time, or the temperature changes would affect the chemistry. They created the first bottle that preserves essential nutrients by enabling rapid heating and cooling through their innovative design. They didn’t sacrifice style or convenience either. Selling at only $11, it warms up 3x faster than standard bottles, and even boasts a pump adaptor that deposits breast milk directly into the bottle, not being exposed to outside elements that the air may carry.
Inroad Toys
Andy Musliner was surrounded by three boys and hundreds of small cars. After his kids asked for them for Christmas, he realized that when they went to play, there were no real play roads for the kids to pretend with. He then realized that there was a gap in the market that his invention could fill. He was even a finalist for 2016 toy of the year! The tape can be cut to any size and placed on just about any surface, without leaving a residue. This is the perfect example of having an idea so simple, it just might work! And it did. Now Andy gets to enjoy time with his kids. The toy sells for only $15 retail.
Grab-and-Go Booster Seat
Jon Sumroy came up with this idea doing what dad’s see all too often, in the carpool lane. Tired of not having the proper booster equipment for all children he was toting around town, he decided to make his own. Only, this design wouldn’t take up space. It needed to be easily portable, and preferably small enough to fit in the glove box. The end design works for children aged 4-12 who weight between 40 – 100 lbs and is just as safe. This product is even used by the Bradly Sherriff department for transporting children in emergency situations. What a great idea for people who don’t need a permanent booster seat, but still want to have a safety option for kids. I’d get one as an aunt!