Mom gives birth to new business.

BURLINGTON, ON, March 6, 2017 /CNW/ - A Burlington mom who turned an idea to help her son's teething issue into a sought after baby product, and now a global business has won the 2017 Mompreneur® StartUp Award.

Melissa Seifert-Hyslop, wife and mother of two who lives in Burlington's Orchard area was among six finalists in the fifth annual awards. Although surprised that she won because of the extremely talented competition, she is humbled and honoured. "After a very long 2 1/2 years of research, design, mistakes, re-design, development…and a second baby, the Munch Mitt was launched in retail at New York Toy Fair in 2015 with an overwhelming positive response from trade peers. So much so
that the Munch Mitt was profiled in the American Specialty Retailers Association and the Canadian Toy Association list of new innovative products, suggested for retailers to purchase. And now, to receive the Mompreneur honour from my Canadian women peers, I am beside myself! I encourage all moms to take the risk in something they truly believe in. It's hard work and can be challenging but there is no better feeling than knowing you have helped parents and children."

Her journey as a Mompreneur began in 2012 shortly after her oldest son turned one. Her cuddly, happy go-lucky toddler had turned into a teething, grumpy drool monster. Nothing on the market could relieve his teething pain aside from gnawing on his hands; so much so that he developed eczema on them. Since there was nothing available on the market to aid with such a problem, she spent a few years of intense research and development creating the world's first teething mitt, the Munch Mitt. The "handy" sensory teething solution provides easy access pain relief for teething babies who are learning grip and direction. In addition, its black and white patterns and crinkly sound provide sensory stimulation all while protecting baby's hands from irritation due to chewing. The Munch Mitt is made from food grade silicone, is BPA and Phthalate free and has undergone rigorous safety standard testing.

She added, "The Munch Mitt can now be found in over 13 countries internationally, including over 2,600 independent stores in North America. Not only has the trade industry received the Munch Mitt warmly, it opened a door to parents with teething children as well as doctors with teething babies around the world!"

The Munch Mitt can be purchased worldwide, including to approximately 2,000 retailers across North America. For more information about Munch Baby Inc/Malarkey Kids – FUNctional Products and to find supporting retailers, please visit www.MalarkeyKids.com. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram via @MunchMitt.