A mum-of-two has invented a two-in-one timer that she hopes will improve kids’ oral and hand hygiene.
Rachel Stephens, of Colnbrook in Berkshire, came up with the idea for the Wash & Brush Timer after battles with her own children in trying to encourage them to spend longer cleaning teeth and washing hands.
Marketing and PR expert, Rachel, who has two children – Imogen, aged seven, and four-year-old Archie – explained: ‘All kids rush hand washing and teeth brushing, it’s a fact. The product is based on my own struggles as a parent.
‘The Wash & Brush Timer helps them learn to slow down and clean properly. The unit is kid friendly with easy-to-see and easy-to-press buttons featuring illustrations of a hand and tooth. When it’s time to wash hands, press the hand button and the green LED light will flash for 20 seconds, then when all clean and ready to towel dry the red light appears to say done!
‘It’s the same procedure for brushing teeth. Pressing the LED light helps them to concentrate on brushing for the recommended two minutes.’
The product was launched this month but is already available through JoJo Maman Bebe stores.
The feedback so far has been good and Rachel is now looking to sell the timer through dental practices, too.
She adds: ‘We started to research the idea and found someone who had patented the concept. We approached them to license the IPR and created our own version and included the hand washing feature as well.
‘People have used egg timer-type products – as I did in the past – but they get moved, lost, taken out of the bathroom. This is wall mountable and has suction – so it stays in place and kids can see it from the sink as well as operate it very easily. But it is also portable if needed.’
The Wash & Brush Timer wholesales at £2.50. For further information, visit www.trendykid.co.uk or call 01753 202 330.
