Motherly
This sister duo created the most viral baby product on Instagram—and changed th…
I sat down to interview Sydney and Kaitlin Wiseman, the sister duo behind PlayhouseMD, I found myself getting genuinely excited about nasal aspirator…
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From Toys to Tiny Triumphs: How One Founder is Revolutionizing Kids' Healthcare with Playful Devices
In a groundbreaking move for pediatric healthcare, Syd Wiseman, co-founder of Playhouse MD, has unveiled a new line of playfully designed medical devices aimed at transforming children's experiences with medical care. Wiseman, known for her work on popular toys like Fingerlings, shared her journey of leaving the toy industry to address the emotional challenges children face during medical procedures. "We realized that the same kids playing with Fingerlings are the ones receiving nasal aspirations and medicine," Wiseman stated in a recent announcement. "There had to be a better way to make these hard moments a little bit more playful and fun." Playhouse MD's initial offerings include syringe covers shaped like a vibrant butterfly and a dynamic rocket, allowing children to choose their "power" for medicine time. The collection also features light-up nasal aspirators, "Noah the Narwhal" and "Luna the Light-Up Elephant," designed to engage children by turning booger removal into a playful interaction. Additionally, "Jax the Giraffe" is a thermometer that offers either a "forehead kiss" or a joke in the ear, providing a comforting distraction during temperature checks. Wiseman emphasized that the products were developed in collaboration with pediatricians, occupational therapists, and parents. "We're trying to reimagine kids' healthcare so that we tap into their imaginations and meet them where they're at," she explained. "A dose of play goes a very long way." The company's innovative approach seeks to alleviate anxiety and distress, making essential healthcare routines more manageable and even enjoyable for young patients and their families.
