Above: Kimball Swarts and Ross Dickinson with their son Rainn – the inspiration for their range of baby clothing with magnetic fasteners.
One couple’s wriggly baby has turned a common problem into a growing business, writes Lee Currie.
It was battling to change their baby Rainn’s clothing in the middle of the night that gave Mount Edgecombe couple Kimball Swarts and Ross Dickinson the idea to magnetise the process.
“Rainn was a terrible sleeper. He would wake up several times needing changing and it became extremely frustrating to pop the little press studs at night when we couldn’t put the light on as it would wake him. Then, because Rainn wriggled so much (plus our lack of sleep), we had buttoned the press studs up incorrectly and would have to start again. We also found that the quality of the fabric for sleepwear was not thick or warm enough – especially after he had wriggled so much the blankets had fallen off him.
“It was in that moment that Magnetic Munchkin was born. We went online researching better quality and more simplified clothing options and found out about magnetic fasteners. We couldn’t believe the lack of availability in South Africa and in late 2020 decided to try out these closures. Our mission? To simplify the time spent dressing your baby allowing more time to bond with them,” recalls Ross.
“The magnets come together effortlessly compared to other fasteners. They are encased in a soft pouch and safely sewn into each garment. While there are special instructions on each item that should be adhered to, the garments are all washer and dryer safe.
“As far as safety is concerned, we have done extensive research as we also had our doubts. According to WHO (World Health Organization), exposure to static has not been proven to have any negative effects on humans. We have used our products with our son for over a year and have not encountered any problems.”
Magnetic Munchkin offers a collection of high-quality garments, ranging from new-born to 24 months. “Rompers, Footies, Onesies all benefit from magnetic fasteners. Even our bibs can keep the baby dry during feedings without slipping off. And most importantly, all are proudly SA made,” says Ross.
“Through social media (mainly Instagram) we gift ‘mom influencers’ with Footies and Rompers. They review the products and share their experience with their followers. We’ve been blown away by the incredible response!”
The garments are available nationwide from Magnetic Munchkin’s online store. “We keep all stock on hand so orders will be dispatched very quickly (currently within three days) and we also have a pick-up option where your order can be collected on the same day at no charge. Further plans are to stock our collections at local baby boutiques and retail stores,” says Ross. *
FOR MORE INFO:
- Instagram: @magneticmunchkin
- Facebook: Magnetic Munchkin
- www.magneticmunchkin.co.za