Thank you, AtMat SplatMat Designs, for sponsoring this post, part of the 2017 Shop Small Spring series. I was selected for this opportunity by AtMat SplatMat Designs; the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Let's just talk for a few moments about baby led weaning. Geez, it's exhausting. As parents, we did not really think about his transitions to solids much. In my head, Ollie would nurse, eat purees, and then solids. That's what kids do, right? Wrong.
Ollie refused, and still refuses, pretty much all purees or anything that looks and acts like pureed foods. That means very little yogurt, oatmeal, rice cereal, applesauce... you name it. Before I even realized it, we were doing some form of baby led weaning (not true BLW but close) and I found myself searching high and low on Pinterest for ideas food ideas. I soon discovered that there was a whole world of baby led weaning mommas out there, including a some coworkers.
I emailed one of them recently and asked, "When will my floors be clean again!? Isn't just feeding with a fork easier? Why does he have to play with his food for so long? I think he ate a lot, pick him up out of his seat, and there's all the food glued to his thighs..." Ha! She kindly reminded me of all of the sensory benefits and then pointed me to splat mats. Goodness gracious! Why did I think of that?
After some research, I discovered this adorable Etsy shop, AtMat SplatMat, who has years of research and works directly with USA-based fabric manufacturer to bring the best possible splat mat. I knew her splat mats would be perfect! Machine washable and dryer safe, which is literally unheard of, her splat mats are super large (50 x 35 inches) and have a wipeable surface. Thank goodness for this wonderful addition to our home so now when Ollie eats, down goes our mat! And when he's done, we just wipe it down or toss it into the washer and dryer! It's quick & easy and ready to reuse with no time at all! You should definitely check out her shop over on Etsy because how perfect would this be for a little one's Easter basket that is just beginning to eat, a baby shower, or even a kiddos birthday party with an artist kit!
Also, head over to my Instagram today for a quick meal time giveaway for one of AtMat SplatMat's SplatMat and a set of 5 snack bags!!
Here is a little bit more about Kris, the owner of AtMat SplatMat Designs:
How did you get your shop started?
AtMat SplatMat Designs was inspired by my three beautiful children.
First came my SplatMats - After finding no machine washable and dryer safe splat mats on the market, I created my own! My latest line is the result of years of research and working directly with a USA based manufacturer to create a WIPEABLE, WASHABLE, and DRYER SAFE SplatMat! But SplatMats were just the start--my creative gene was activated and I could not shut off my need to create! That's why there are so many different products in my shop 😉
What is the hardest part of owning a shop?
Worrying if customers are going to like what I make! I really, really, really care that my customers love what they buy from me. I read every single review and get a fuzzy warm feeling every time I see 5 stars and positive feedback.
What is one thing unique about you?
I am 6 feet tall, but most people don't notice because I slouch! It's not that I have bad posture, I just like looking people in the eye.
What is the best part of owning a shop?
Having an outlet for my creativity! It's so fun to have an idea, bring it to life, and then see someone enjoy it!
How did you get your shop name?
It's a really odd name, I know. But AtMat SplatMat came from me playing around with "splat mat", my first product. I was thinking my splat mats were going to be "where it's at" (I am blushing as I write this) and that turned into AtMat SplatMat. It just kind of stuck for me and when my kids heard the name, they turned it into a verb! Every time I was sewing, they'd say, 'Oh mom's over there AtMat SplatMat-ing.' I added "Designs" in an attempt to capture all of the other things I make!
What is one way that you keep organized?
Ugh, I don't! All I can say is that I have a very compassionate and supportive husband!
How do you balance family life and work life?
I try really hard to plan intentional time. So when I am at my "real" job (I am a full time public health educator), that's my focus, when I am working in the "shop", that's my focus, and when I am "off", I try to focus on what's right in front of me, like my 3 beautiful kids and handsome hubby.
