Get Well Blanket
Kids love getting Band-Aids on their boo boos. Moms hate wasting bandages. But there seems to be some placebo effect from that moment of undivided attention and TLC. Enter the (oopdoo) Hug.
Inventor Katherine Klinger (see photo, left) created this because her own “no blood, no Band-Aid” rule just wasn’t working with her son. In fact, it seemed to make him carry on more. She realized he needed some symbol of soothing, even when a bandage wasn’t appropriate. At the time, she happened to work for the company that made Polartec fleece, so she whipped up a wrap from the scraps, her son felt better, and a product was born.
The (oopdoo), named for the emoticon used to send a virtual bandage, is strip of soft and colorful perforated fleece that looks a lot like an adhesive bandage—except it’s big enough for a child to wrap around an entire bruised arm, sprained leg, sore tummy, or bumped head. And it has a white pocket in the center of it (right where the non-stick pad would be) that can hold a hot pack or cold pack. Best of all you can machine wash and dry the (oopdoo), which is great, because you’ll be using it a lot. Whether there’s real pain, or just hurt feelings, this adorable and inexpensive item will become a much-loved mainstay of the family first aid kit.
Emily
11/7/2008 11:54 AMSo great for all of those non-flesh wounds! What else seems to work with your kids? (My baby is not old enough to demand a Band-Aid, but I'm taking notes for the toddler years!)
Courtney Velasquez
11/7/2008 12:21 PMWhat a great idea! This would make such a great gift for a child having to go to the hospital or even the dentist for dental work!
Katherine
11/7/2008 12:26 PMHonestly a big hug and a kiss works wonders, too!
Unfortunately, mine was a little too attached to Mommy for comfort which played out dramatically when we had to separate for pre-school. They suggested leaving a comfort object with them...and I realized that his comfort object was ME. I hadn't yet come up with the (oopdoo)hug which developed later as a response to tummy aches. I was amazed when the first reviews from parenting professionals came back saying this would be a fabulous tool for the important process of learning to self-regulate. If only I'd thought of it earlier! It MAY have helped with separation, if over the years he had learned to comfort himself instead of always needing me.
caughtREDhanded
11/7/2008 1:04 PMWhat a cute idea!
Louise
11/7/2008 1:28 PMFabulous!
Claire
11/7/2008 1:47 PMI did my best to avoid getting them upset in the first place. A light-toned "hop up", as if falling is not problem, for example, to avoid anyone launching into tears in the first place. The other tool was a box of tissues: "here's a tissue so you can dry your tears." That generally works - everynow and then the younger one will say "but I can't stop crying." Now that they are older (12 and 8) they are pretty easy. Except the 12-year old is a hypochondriac - hears of a child with juvenile diabetes, and thinks he has the symptoms, and the 8 year old spends a lot of time visiting the school nurse; I only hear about it when it appears that there is an actual problem...:)
Jeanne
11/7/2008 2:32 PMI was just telling someone the other day that the school nurse used to refer to my oldest (now 11) as a "frequent flier!" This would have been the perfect item to stash with her for those moments when he just needed to check in for a dose of comfort!
Katherine
11/7/2008 2:39 PMTell us who you would give an (oopdoo)hug to and why! Two lucky winners will be picked at random at 6:00pm ET today, Friday Nov 7th. IMPORTANT: be sure to log in (or register if you are new to Grommet) so that we can identify you if you win.
Jennifer – Grommet Team
11/7/2008 2:44 PMYou know that annoying sore back or shoulder or some sort of muscle ache brought on by doing too much yard work or a new workout or just lifting kids and stuff. Yes, I think the Oop Doo would be a good remedy for Dads and Moms alike. Doesn't a warm cup of tea and a hot or cold pack wrapped in the Oop Doo pulled around your lower back sound comforting. How do you help those sore muscles, backs and shoulders?
Katherine
11/7/2008 2:45 PMWhen Joanne approached me to have the (oopdoo)hug be a part of the Daily Grommet the site wasn't yet up. But when she explained how there would be a message board where I could interact with people who had questions or were interested in my product, I was sold! So - I'm here! If you have any questions about the product, about me, or about my company, I'm here! I'd love to talk with you!
Bonnie
11/7/2008 2:49 PMI would give one to my little niece, Kaylynn. She's just over a year old and walking, and is tall enough to bump her head on tables. She gets a lot of bumps and scrapes from falling down, too, as she learns to use her feet.
Jules
11/7/2008 2:52 PMWhen your OB/Gyn says (after two deliveries) "You are very stoic", you realize that maybe it's OK to start complaining a little bit. In raising my sons, I guess I do still err on the "suck it up" side of pain, so this OopDoo speaks to me as "it's OK to complain a little bit" reminder. I really do believe it could have magical healing powers that even a "stoic" mom could use. In fact stoic mom probably needs it more than soothing mom!
Joanne
11/7/2008 2:54 PMThe Oop Doo was one of our early Grommet finds and Katherine has been a terrific partner....knowledgeable, responsive and helpful. Thanks, Katherine
Debbie
11/7/2008 3:06 PMIf I had known about them a few years back I would have given one to my dear friend Cindy as she was going through chemo and being in the hospital for weeks and me not being able to be with her. It would have been comforting to her and to me knowing that I was giving her a "hug"!!! :)
Staci A
11/7/2008 3:09 PMI would give an oopdoo hug to my 4-year-old. He is the king of bumps and bruises it seems. He's so active and into everything, that we are always dealing with boo-boos. When he gets hurt, the first thing he asks for is a blanket. This would be perfect for him! Thanks for the chance to enter!
Mindi
11/7/2008 3:14 PMI would have a hard time choosing my 8yo DS or my 6yo DD. My son gets kinda cranky sometimes and I know he would love to cuddle an oopdoo to feel better. My daughter is a bit accident prone and this would help her feel all better. What a great product!
Tracy
11/7/2008 3:47 PMI would put a warm pack in the pocket and let my children go to sleep with it. A warm cuddly pack on their belly with the soft fleece on their cheek. How cozy. :)
DB
11/7/2008 4:08 PMNice vest
Jules
11/7/2008 4:32 PMKatherine--what kind of hot pack do you recommend? Where do you get one? I only have cold packs in the freezer.
Courtney Velasquez
11/7/2008 4:48 PMI would give it to my girls so that when they need a big oopdoo hug, I'll wrap them up with the oopdoo.
Katherine
11/7/2008 4:53 PMMany people have and love the corn, rice, or other grain/synthetic bead filled packs - many have scents added to them for aroma therapy. You'll often find them in gift stores or spa shops.
We do sell a hot/cold gel pack that fits nicely into the pocket - it's a good size, great for lower back, tummy aches, shoulders, neck...
www.oopdoohug.com
lisa
11/7/2008 5:05 PMI would give one to each of the kids in my daycare 2 is just not enough especially when colds are going around they each need something to feel better
lisa
11/7/2008 5:07 PMi love the oopdoo i can know save on bandaids and they share as those small bumps and falls occur during the day.
[email protected] Brain Reports
11/7/2008 5:18 PMI would give it to my 3yo twin girls... they totally have the "I need a BandAid" factor going on.. even when there isn't any blood... I think I've spent so much on Bandaids, i should've bought stock in them! This would be so perfect for them!!!
Thanks for the opportunity to enter!
Tiffany
11/7/2008 5:49 PMThat is such a great idea- i know my middle one can sometimes use something to give him just a little bit of comfort like that.
Katherine
11/7/2008 6:17 PMI put the numbers 1-8 in a randomizer and 8 and then 3 came up. So, congratulations Monica and Staci A.!
Heather
11/7/2008 6:20 PMWhat a great idea and so many wonderful uses, not the least of which is to comfort a child when they get an "ouchie" and save the Bandaids for blood. :0)
[email protected] Brain Reports
11/7/2008 6:34 PMOh my!! What a pleasant surprise! Thank you!!! This is awesome!
Danielle
11/7/2008 9:27 PMOMG - my son loves his Oopdoo hug. He uses it when hurt, well and everything in between. It is soft, it is soothing - it generally rocks. And the packaging is diving - what an amazing gift for any child - or adult for that matter.
[email protected]
11/7/2008 9:56 PMI would give the oopdoo to my husband. He's the biggest baby of them all! He loves to be pampered when he's sick. I can see him getting into the oopdoo. Great product!
farmer ann
11/7/2008 10:46 PMdo you make these for animal?
Courtney Velasquez
11/8/2008 8:58 AMHow did you come up with the idea of the Oopdoo?
Katherine
11/8/2008 9:13 AMThanks for the nice comments everyone!!
Courtney, the idea for the (oopdoo) came up because my son was always complaining of tummy aches and asking for medicine. I was NOT going to give him medicine every time he thought he needed medicine like he thought that he needed Band-Aids for every bump. Then it occurred to me, maybe he just needed a giant Band-Aid!
The first night I used it, part of me hoped he would be too smart for this and part of me hoped it would work! I wrapped it around his tummy, left his room and waited for him to yell "Mom - this isn't working!" He never did -- it must have been just enough to relax him and allow him to fall asleep! In the morning, of course he was feeling better and he said that it worked! It's worked for so many things ever since.
Farmer Ann - you are too funny, but maybe not so far off! A similar type of fabric used in this product is often used as horse blankets because of its ability to wick moisture away from the animals skin. The psychological benefit of the bandage shape would be lost on them...but not on their caretakers!
Danielle, I'm thrilled that your son loves his!!
Katherine
11/8/2008 9:30 AMI've been surprised at the number of older kids (in the 8-12 yr old range) who really like this product with a gel pack for their wounds. Many are in sports and often need to ice down injuries. They get a kick out of the symbol of a large bandage. We are the cool house on the block to get an injury while playing!
Jules - my first review from a parenting educator (you can read it in full
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Katherine
11/8/2008 9:35 AMThat's a good point! One of my testimonials that came back from a customer was that she steals it to use on her neck aches, much to the great dismay of her children! Those long arms or the hug really do help position a cold or hot pack.
Des
11/8/2008 9:39 AMI just got to see one of these "first hand" and it really is as soft as they say. I like the cold pack / hot pack idea. The size and shape -- rectangular -- are perfect for holding the heat or cold in place. This is definitely a "for all ages" gift idea. The packaging is beautiful as is the little booklet. Glad I got my hands on one!
Katherine
11/8/2008 9:52 AMNot all fabric is created equal. When you have a product that is going to go through years of use, it has to be able to withstand the abuse! This fabric is manufactured by Polartec right here in the United States in Massachusetts! They maintain the highest standards for their fabrics because their customers demand it!
This particular fabric is one of Polartec's premium fabrics. It is made with a combination of microfiber and spandex yarns. The result is a luxuriously soft fabric, with a low pile that will wash over and over and over again without showing significant wear. The spandex gives it just a little more snuggleability!
If that weren't enough, the fabric on this featured hug has an etched burst-like pattern that gives it added dimension and life!
This is truly one of my favorite hugs because the fabric is so divine!! I'm a fabric lover who goes through fabric stores with my fingers outstretched. This one has that luxurious feel.
Katherine
11/8/2008 10:05 AMwhoops - my last comment was truncated!
Jules, my first review from a parenting educator came back saying that she thought it was good for the PARENT's to see the symbol of a bandage around their child so that we realize that they are tender and just figuring out their way in the world! I thought that was a very interesting perspective. She must see many tough love parents and thinks there's room for more TLC!
Jeanne, 11 year old girl? You do know what's just around the corner? That's right - cramps. We've sold more than one to Mom's giving an (oopdoo)hug and a hot pack to a girl for this occassion. I think it's a wonderful gesture.
Courtney - a dentist visit, great idea! I've always thought it would be perfect, too, for a doctor's visit just to take the edge off of the nervousness of the situation and to help the child explain what hurts.
Again, thanks for the nice comments!
Jules
11/8/2008 11:13 AMKatherine--I am with you on the fabric obsession. I was at one of my favorite fabric stores getting ribbon for one of the Grommet sculpture. Of course I was diverted into fabric fondling and project dreaming. But an older woman summed it up, as we were standing in the cashier line. She said to her companion, "I am so busy today. I am way behind on my to-do list. But I just touched fabric so I am happy."
The Oop Doo fabric is all Katherine claims. I haven't washed it but I believe her on the way it holds up because Katherine is really the real deal. We know that from our weeks of interaction with her.
Sara – Grommet Team
11/8/2008 12:03 PMWe have a wonderful school nurse whom my children adore! She listens so patiently to every child's woes and ...there can be doozies!!! (I've heard them when I've volunteered in her office.) Sometimes I think the kids just come in to hang out with her and get some comfort on a particularly stressful day at school. I think she would love these! I can hear her to one of her teary-eyed regulars, "Oh, hello Bobby. Do you want to go over and get the Oopdoo?"
I think I will get one for her.
Laura Porras
11/8/2008 4:19 PMI was fortunate enough to get an Oopdoo hug for my son - and it has been a total lifesaver! I even carry it in my diaper bag (aka backpack!) for times when we're out and about. He's even offered it to his friends who get hurt. I can tell Katherine has put a lot of time and effort into her product and I highly recommend it :)
Deb
11/8/2008 7:24 PMGreat idea Sara! Our school nurse is invaluable! The Oopdoo would make a great holiday gift. Thanks for the idea!
Katherine
11/8/2008 11:07 PMThanks again for the nice comments!
Laura was one of the first people (who I didn't know) who I sent one to for feedback before I decided to go into business. At the time I thought that I could start with just a band-aid tan color, she was quick to tell me that I should reconsider that plan! Kids love color! Luckily she could see past the color issue and gave me great feedback and confidence to go forward. Thank you and thanks for stopping by, don't you love this site?!
Katherine
11/8/2008 11:10 PMMy son's school principal has requested one for Christmas, I wonder if that's what he has in mind!? Great idea Sara, I'll earmark one for the nurse as well!
Marianne Cascone
11/9/2008 11:35 AMThat is the sweetest thing I've ever seen! It gives instant relief and love AND it addresses the child's mental anguish over a boo boo! I love that!
Annika
11/9/2008 8:34 PMHi Katherine,
I really really LOVE the fact that you can use a hot pack or cold pack with the Oopdoo - how fantastic! I wish I had had one of these when my son was younger. I can't even tell you how many bandaids we went through LOL!! This is just a fabulous idea. And Jules, what a unique way to review a product on the web. The product really comes alive and you can really get a sense as to what's it's really about. Very innovative! Best wishes for lots of success -Annika (Red Thread Confections)
Jules
11/9/2008 10:49 PMAnnika...thanks for the good word. I can't tell you how exciting and satisfying it is to help good products tell their stories. I am an industrial designer and I know that getting those stories out about my product "babies" was the hardest part. Traditional retail just isn't set up for it. But social media is...yay!
Katherine – Grommet Team
11/6/2010 1:00 PMThis is great as a get-well gift too. Who wouldn't love a huge band-aid to make everything feel better!
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