In the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship, appearing on the hit TV show Shark Tank can be a game-changer for aspiring business owners. One such success story is Baby Toon, a company founded by a young entrepreneur named Cassidy Crowley. When Baby Toon made its appearance on Shark Tank, it caught the attention of the sharks and viewers alike with its innovative baby spoon design.
But what happened to Baby Toon after its big moment on the show? In this article, we will delve into the post-Shark Tank journey of Baby Toon, exploring its growth, partnerships, financial success, and the impact it has made in the baby product industry.
What Is Baby Toon?
The Baby Toon is a revolutionary and versatile baby product crafted to enhance the lives of parents and caregivers, ensuring the safety and comfort of their little ones.
The silicone handle attached to this character head also doubles as a teething device, making it a two-in-one product. The innovative design eliminates the potential risk of harm associated with sharp edges and rigid materials commonly found in traditional teethers and baby spoons.
The Baby Toon is manufactured using 100 percent FDA-approved silicone, ensuring its freedom from harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and latex, and guaranteeing its safety features. As a result, the product is deemed safe for babies with allergies or sensitivities, as well as generally safe for all.
The inventive design of the Baby Toon, its dual functionality as a spoon and teether, and its unwavering focus on safety have propelled it to become a favored choice among parents, caregivers, and even pediatric experts, underscoring its potential to become an essential product in every baby’s feeding routine.
The Baby Toon serves as a secure alternative to conventional baby spoons, infusing mealtime with playfulness and amusement [2]. Its adorable and vibrant design aids in capturing a child’s attention, simplifying the feeding process for parents. Furthermore, its dishwasher-safe feature ensures effortless clean-up.
This product proves to be an excellent option for parents due to its functionality, safety, and enjoyable nature. Acting as a feeding spoon, teether, and toy, it exhibits versatility while offering cost-effectiveness. The considerate design prioritizes the baby’s well-being, and the easy-to-maintain material provides convenience for parents. Moreover, it contributes to a smoother and more delightful weaning experience for both infants and their caregivers.
Baby Toon Features:
1) Flexibility
The construction of the Baby Toon is truly remarkable. Crafted from supple silicone and featuring a smooth contour, this spoon offers remarkable versatility, allowing babies to manipulate it with ease.
This proves advantageous, particularly when infants are prone to engage in playful activities, such as bending and twisting objects within their grasp.
2) Baby-proof
The primary objective of the Baby Toon is to ensure the safety of babies and toddlers during mealtime. With its soft, FDA-approved silicone material, it serves as a protective shield against potential harm when used as a teething aid [3].
Regrettably, babies also possess a proclivity for hurling objects, a fact that I am well aware of as my baby cousin has a tendency to launch items at anyone within range.
Thankfully, the Baby Toon incorporates a convenient solution—a hole that allows for the attachment of a pacifier clip, enabling caregivers to secure it to the baby’s clothing and prevent it from being flung onto unsanitary surfaces.
3) Ergonomics
The Baby Toon boasts an ergonomically designed shape tailored for tiny hands. Its rectangular form facilitates effortless grasping and self-feeding for infants. Furthermore, it simplifies the task for parents and older siblings, aiding in the feeding process.
About Founders Of Baby Toon
Cassidy Crowley, a youthful innovator hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, started Baby Toon [4]. Remarkably, Cassidy was merely seven years old when the concept of The Baby Toon sparked in her mind.
Cassidy drew inspiration for The Baby Toon from observing her younger sister’s teething phase. Notably, she noticed her sister using a firm plastic baby spoon as a teether, raising concerns about the potential risks of injury.
Motivated by the need for a safer and more efficient solution to meet her sister’s needs, Cassidy birthed The Baby Toon.
To transform her idea into a tangible reality, Cassidy participated in and emerged victorious in the 2018 Hawaii Annual Code Challenge (HACC) Keiki Division. This platform provided her with an opportunity to refine her concept and construct a prototype. With unwavering support from her family, Cassidy persevered in perfecting her product, ultimately bringing The Baby Toon to the market.
Despite her tender age, Cassidy exhibited remarkable creativity, resourcefulness, and an entrepreneurial spirit. She identified a problem, devised an innovative solution, and took determined steps to manifest her idea.
The Baby Toon stands as a testament to Cassidy’s inventive prowess and unwavering dedication to enhancing the safety and comfort of infants. It serves as a remarkable illustration of how even a child can leave a lasting impact on the world with a brilliant idea and the determination to see it through.
Prior to its appearance on Shark Tank, The Baby Toon had already been creating ripples in the realm of baby merchandise, all thanks to the groundbreaking design envisioned by Cassidy Crowley, a young inventor from Hawaii.
Cassidy’s creation was born out of her deep concern for the safety of her baby sister. Upon observing her sister utilizing a firm plastic spoon as a teething aid, Cassidy took it upon herself to devise a safer alternative. She seized the opportunity to present her idea in the 2018 Hawaii Annual Code Challenge (HACC) Keiki Division and emerged as the triumphant victor.
Taking advantage of this success, she embarked on the development of her concept and successfully crafted a prototype of The Baby Toon. Cassidy and her family worked diligently in refining the product, ultimately introducing it to the market prior to their appearance on Shark Tank.
The Baby Toon received an overwhelmingly positive response due to its dual functionality as a baby spoon and teething aid. Its distinctive design, resembling an adorable cartoon character, captured the hearts of both parents and children.
Furthermore, the product earned accolades for its use of soft, BPA-free, and FDA-approved silicone, ensuring a gentle experience for a baby’s delicate gums.
The Baby Toon had already begun to garner attention and achieve success even before Cassidy and her remarkable creation graced the stage of Shark Tank. However, the exposure gained from the show significantly amplified its reach and recognition, catapulting Cassidy’s innovative solution to a wider audience.
The Pitch Of Baby Toon At Shark Tank
Cassidy Crowley and her mother, Lori Crowley, made their appearance on the season 11 premiere of Shark Tank, which aired on September 29, 2019, to showcase The Baby Toon. The Baby Toon is an infant spoon that serves the dual purpose of a teether, designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of babies.
During her pitch, Cassidy shared that the idea for The Baby Toon originated from a science fair project she undertook in first grade. She became concerned when she noticed that her baby sister could potentially harm herself with the hard handles of traditional spoons while attempting to feed independently.
Presenting the sharks with her science fair prototype and the current product, Cassidy sought a shark investor to provide $50,000 in funding, acquiring a 50% share of the company by 2019, enabling her to prioritize her education and cherish her childhood [6].
Confidently, despite her young age of 10 at the time of the pitch, Cassidy introduced The Baby Toon to the Sharks. She explained that the inspiration behind the product came from her younger sister’s use of a rigid plastic spoon as a teething aid, which posed potential dangers.
To address this issue, Cassidy ingeniously designed a safer alternative: a spoon crafted from gentle, BPA-free silicone that also served as a teether.
She described the distinctive and playful design of The Baby Toon, which offers ease of grip for infants and prevents them from inserting it too far into their mouths. Additionally, the product’s dishwasher-safe feature adds convenience for parents.
Cassidy’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with the innovation of her product, immediately captured the attention of the sharks. The square-shaped teether/handle component of The Baby Toon enables infants and toddlers to effortlessly hold the spoon without risking it entering their mouths too deeply.
Furthermore, the FDA-approved silicone used in the product ensures a soft and soothing experience for the delicate gums of babies and toddlers.
The Sharks were visibly impressed by Cassidy’s presentation and maturity. They commended her inventiveness, entrepreneurial drive, and ability to identify problems and create effective solutions. The design and functionality of The Baby Toon also garnered high praise.
Despite the sharks being thoroughly impressed, it was Lori Greiner who extended an offer. Lori proposed the exact terms Cassidy had requested, offering $50,000 for a 50% equity stake in the company.
In a generous gesture, Kevin invited Cassidy to occupy his chair after accepting Lori’s offer, allowing her to experience firsthand what it feels like to be a shark.
Cassidy Crowley and her mother, Lori, struck a deal with Lori Greiner on Shark Tank, agreeing to a $50,000 investment in exchange for a 50% ownership stake in the company, contrary to the previous statement of 25%.
This investment aimed to fuel the growth of the company and expand its reach to a wider market. Lori Greiner, renowned as the “Queen of QVC”, proved to be an ideal partner for The Baby Toon, given her extensive experience with consumer products and her innate ability to recognize the potential of new and innovative products.
Baby Toon After The Shark Tank
The collaboration with Lori Greiner brought valuable guidance and access to an extensive network within the retail industry. Greiner’s expertise in marketing and retail would have played a pivotal role in scaling the business and expanding distribution, potentially securing placement for The Baby Toon in major retail chains and television shopping networks.
The distribution of The Baby Toon extends across various channels, including Munchkin, Amazon, and other retail outlets. The product line encompasses three spoon variations: Blue Koala, Lime Alligator, and Mint Elephant, each priced at $6 [7].
The launch of The Baby Toon for commercial sale took place in September 2018. As part of their commitment, the company aimed to donate $1,000 from the profits to the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. This pledge was fulfilled on December 27th, 2019, with a donation made to Goal Money.
In 2020, Cassidy had the honor of speaking at the East Meets West event. Additionally, Baby Toon entered into a licensing agreement with Munchkin Inc., a renowned baby product company.
Presently, The Baby Toon is available for purchase on Munchkin’s website, Amazon, and select retail stores in Hawaii. As of 2023, there is no information indicating the termination of the licensing deal with Munchkin.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, the company had generated sales of $5,000. However, since entering into the licensing agreement with Munchkin, The Baby Toon spoon has garnered thousands of orders on Amazon.
At the age of 13, Cassidy Crowley continues to actively participate in The Baby Toon business. She serves as an inspiring role model for young entrepreneurs and continues to inspire parents worldwide.
In 2021, The Baby Toon earned recognition as one of the fastest-growing companies in America according to the Inc. 5000 list. The company’s valuation has surpassed $1 million. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, Baby Toon continues to be led by Cassidy Crowley, now 12 years old, who has successfully embarked on her entrepreneurial journey.
The following are notable developments that transpired for The Baby Toon and its business after the Shark Tank appearance:
- Secured a $50,000 investment from Lori Greiner;
- Expanded the product line to include a range of other baby products;
- Established distribution in over 100 countries globally;
- Acquired by Munchkin Inc., a prominent baby products company;
As of summer 2023, Baby Toon remains operational. Since its appearance on Shark Tank, the company has witnessed a significant surge in sales. The product is now available in over 1,000 stores nationwide, including retail giants like Target, Walmart, and Amazon [8]. Strategic partnerships have been formed with major retailers, such as Munchkin and Babylist.
The Net Worth Of Baby Toon
During their appearance on Shark Tank, Baby Toon garnered an estimated valuation of approximately $100,000. Following the show, the company achieved remarkable triumph and has been successfully operating ever since, establishing itself as one of Hawaii’s premier toy companies.
With a commendable profit margin of 50% from their sales, Baby Toon has been able to secure a financially stable position in the market. This solid financial standing has contributed to their continued success and growth.
However, as of 2023, the net worth of The Baby Toon has grown significantly, reaching an estimated $1 million [9]. This remarkable increase in value reflects the success and growth the company has experienced since its appearance on the show. The Baby Toon’s innovative and functional design, coupled with strategic partnerships and widespread distribution, has contributed to its impressive financial standing.
Alternatives To Baby Toon:
- Soft Silicone Baby Spoons: Like the Baby Toon, there are various soft silicone baby spoons available that are designed to be safe and gentle on a baby’s gums. These spoons are often BPA-free and feature a flexible, ergonomic design for easy handling;
- Teething Toys with Feeding Functionality: Some teething toys are specifically designed to double as feeding tools. These toys usually have textured surfaces that provide relief to sore gums during teething and can also be used for self-feeding practice. They come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different stages of teething;
- Baby Pacifier Feeder: This innovative product combines the functions of a pacifier and a feeder. It features a silicone pouch attached to a pacifier handle, allowing babies to safely consume pureed food or juices while soothing their teething discomfort. The pacifier feeder is easy to clean and can be a convenient option for introducing solid foods to infants;
- Teething Rings with Built-in Spoon: Another alternative to the Baby Toon is a teething ring with a built-in spoon. These rings typically have a detachable spoon made of silicone or other baby-safe materials. They provide babies with a teething surface and a spoon for self-feeding, promoting both oral stimulation and independent eating skills;
- Wooden Baby Spoons: For parents who prefer natural materials, wooden baby spoons are a great option. These spoons are typically made from eco-friendly, non-toxic wood and are smooth and gentle on the baby’s mouth. They are also free from any harmful chemicals that may be present in plastic or silicone materials;
- Baby Food Pouch Spoons: Baby food pouch spoons are designed to attach directly to store-bought baby food pouches. They have a flat spoon-like attachment that allows babies to eat directly from the pouch, eliminating the need for a separate spoon. These spoons are convenient for on-the-go feeding and reduce mess during mealtime;
FAQ:
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How is Baby Toon doing?
Baby Toon is thriving and experiencing significant success. Since their appearance on Shark Tank, the company has achieved remarkable growth, expanded their product line, and established partnerships with major retailers. They have garnered a loyal customer base and their financial standing is solid, with a net worth of $1 million as of November 2021.
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Does Munchkin own Baby Toon?
There is no information to suggest that Munchkin currently owns Baby Toon. However, Baby Toon did enter into a licensing agreement with Munchkin Inc. in the past, which allowed them to distribute their products through Munchkin’s website and select retail stores in Hawaii.
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Who is the owner of Baby Toon?
The founder and owner of Baby Toon is Cassidy Crowley. She conceived the idea for the product when she was just 10 years old and appeared on Shark Tank with her mother, Lori Crowley, to pitch Baby Toon.
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What was the problem with Cassidy Crowley and The Baby Toon?
The problem that Cassidy Crowley aimed to solve with The Baby Toon was the use of traditional plastic feeding spoons as teething toys by babies. She recognized the potential harm posed by hard spoon handles and designed The Baby Toon as a safe alternative made of soft silicone.
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Is Lori Greiner married?
Lori Greiner is married to Dan Greiner. However, please note that personal circumstances may have changed since then, and I do not have access to real-time information.
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When did Baby Toon go to Shark Tank?
Baby Toon appeared on the season 11 premiere of Shark Tank, which aired on September 29, 2019 [10].
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How much money does The Baby Toon make in 2023?
The specific information regarding Baby Toon’s earnings in 2023 is not available. However, since its launch in September 2018, Baby Toon had earned a total of $5,000 in sales [11].
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Is Baby Toon safe?
Yes, Baby Toon is designed with safety in mind. It is made of FDA-approved silicone and is tested to ensure it does not contain any harmful materials. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship or materials.
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How fast does it take to ship?
The shipping time for Baby Toon products is estimated to be 2-3 weeks.
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What is the warranty period of Baby Toon?
Baby Toon comes with a lifetime warranty, which means it is protected against defects in workmanship or materials for the duration of its use.
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What is the return policy of Baby Toon?
The specific return policy of Baby Toon may vary, but typically, they offer a return window of two weeks from the date of receiving the product. If eligible for a return, the company will refund the original payment for the item.
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How can you pay for Baby Toon?
Baby Toon accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, checks, money orders, and wire transfers.
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What is the shipping cost?
For orders placed on the Baby Toon website, customers are expected to pay a flat rate shipping fee of $6.60 for all orders.
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How old is the founder?
As of the latest available information, Cassidy Crowley, the founder of Baby Toon, is 12 years old.
Useful Video: Shark Tank US | 10-Year-Old Entrepreneur Wows Sharks With Her Baby Spoon Product
References:
- https://allsharktankproducts.com/shark-tank-products-kids/the-baby-toon-soft-baby-spoon/
- https://sharktankbiz.com/what-happened-to-the-baby-toon-after-shark-tank/
- https://biznewske.com/baby-toon-shark-tank-update/
- https://onlinebizbooster.net/what-happened-to-baby-toon-after-shark-tank/
- https://bizzbucket.co/baby-toon-shark-tank-update/?expand_article=1
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