For parents of newborn babies that need to multitask, a new device could be the answer to their problems.
Swipe&Feed is a smartphone and baby bottle accessory. It was invented by Tim Causa of Reston, Virginia, who was trying to figure out a way to catch up on work while feeding his son, Jack. The infant had acid reflux issues and had to take a bottle every hour, Causa told WTVM.
"For 25 minutes at a time, I was in a dark, quiet room feeding my son. It dawned on me that I could do some catch-up work while he fed, but I needed something to help me hold a bottle and my smartphone," Causa told WTVM. "I searched online for solutions, but nothing was on the market. That's when I decided to seize the opportunity and solve the problem myself."
Causa said the device will fit iPhone 6, 6s or the new iPhone 7 without a case, in addition to most Android devices. The device also fits most baby bottle sizes.
Pre-orders are available via their website and on a Kickstarter page.
Causa appeared on the “Today” show on Wednesday and noted afterward on his Facebook page that the Kickstarter goal already has passed 50 percent with 18 days remaining.
“It's hard to believe that an idea I had a year ago has progressed from a rough prototype to a professionally engineered, patent pending product that has now been featured on the ‘Today’ show,” he wrote.
Causa told WTVM that there has been some backlash on social media about his device impeding on the quality bonding time between a parent and child.
"Quite frankly, since I used it at night, I don't think much bonding time is being missed out on during those dark-room-3 a.m, bottle feedings,” he told the station via email. “I think the most disturbing aspect is how quickly people forget that parenting is tough, and shaming a parent who is doing their best and occasionally needs to find a break is terrible.
"We expected some backlash — the internet is full of warriors without a cause, but I'm hoping that my product would provide a solution to working parents like us who are just trying to do their best."
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