Startups

New kiddie wearable: ‘personal nanny’ or mind control for toddlers?

Invented by two outdoors enthusiasts-turned-dads, Hoko, which comes with an activities book, is supposed to make sure children are comfortable so parents can plan family adventures without being interrupted by crying or tantrums. Our warped minds had other thoughts.

It’s called a “baby comfort monitor.” It’s from a Montreal-based startup called Hoko. It includes a temperature and moisture sensor that slips between layers of a small child’s clothing with a plush toy-like unit that indicates whether the kid might be too hot, too cold or too humid.

Invented by two outdoors enthusiasts-turned-dads, the product, which comes with an activities book, is supposed to make sure children are comfortable so parents can plan family adventures without being interrupted by crying or tantrums.

Brit + Co. gushed about it:

Having a Hoko is like having a personal nanny who not only comforts your baby 24/7, but also travels with your family at no extra cost. Whether you pack the Hoko on long-distance family trips by plane, car or boat or simply on days out when the weather is uncertain, the Hoko will keep an eye on Junior even when you can’t. By continuously monitoring and reporting on his or her needs, the Hoko can prevent discomfort and tantrums from cutting your family excursions short.

Here at MedCity News, we are mostly childless and perhaps a bit twisted. We couldn’t help wondering whether Hoko isn’t the first step toward a mind-control device for toddlers. I mean, if it prevents tantrums now, what else could it do in the future? Jedi mind tricks? Subliminal suggestion?

The plush toy/indicator looks like a cross between a cat-like creature and U2’s “Zoo TV” baby. It also recalls the work of Stewie Griffin, the diabolical baby from “Family Guy.” (Yeah, we know that Stewie is the one controlling the much older kid, Chris, in this video clip, but work with us here.)

For what it’s worth, a recently ended Kickstarter campaign fell short, raising just 11 percent of the goal of $60,000 (Canadian). We’re not sure what Hoko’s next step might be.

Photo: Hoko

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