Created in 2009 by three Lifshitz brothers who were looking for a better way to take their children along, Piggyback Rider makes standing child carriers that let toddlers ride on a non-slip bar while adults keep their hands free. The family-owned company’s compact carriers, tested first by the brothers’ eight children, support children from age two up to 50 pounds and are designed for outings ranging from hikes to crowded theme parks. Piggyback Rider also operates a Special Needs program inspired by one inventor’s daughter, who used the carrier to stay involved in family activities while living with a rare muscle disease.
Inspired by DriveInspired by special-needs families, Inspired by Drive makes pediatric positioning and mobility equipment for daily life at home, school, and on the go. The brand brings together Columbia Medical and Wenzelite Rehab under Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, drawing on more than 50 years of pediatric rehab history. Its product line includes distinctive supports such as the Spirit car seat, designed to grow with children and young adults, and the parent-informed P Pod seating system.PORT WASHINGTON, NY
KibouBrooklyn moms Nell Shapiro and Stephanie Merks founded Kibou after meeting in a neighborhood baby music class and searching for a better way to carry life with a baby. Today, their cross-Atlantic company creates compact, hands-free bags for parents, including its original fanny-pack diaper bag with a detachable changing mat. Kibou also donates 1% of every sale to Hour Children, which supports mothers and children affected by incarceration.BROOKLYN, NY
Special TomatoSpecial Tomato makes pediatric seating and positioning products, a line developed by industrial designer Tim Bergeron after he found that his daughter Carrie could not get the equipment she needed. The company says its Soft-Touch cushion products are hand-crafted in upstate New York and that it has more than 40 years of manufacturing experience in pediatric seating and positioning systems.DOLGEVILLE, NY
mimish, incBrooklyn-born sisters Lisa and Jennifer founded Mimish, Inc. to make clever, affordable products for kids and families, including its patented Sleep-N-Pack that folds from a sleeping bag into a backpack. The family-owned and run company pairs playful design with practical features across its children’s indoor and outdoor accessories, while incorporating recycled materials and working toward PFAS-free products. Mimish is also certified through WBENC and WOSB as a women-owned business.DELHI, NY