Picky Eater Placemat

No visual tool existed to make the SOS feeding methodology accessible for everyday mealtimes. The Picky Eater Placemat fills that gap — translating a clinical framework into a joyful, intuitive object usable by parents without training and credible enough for pediatric professionals to recommend.

The project was self-initiated, research-led, and brought to market independently on Etsy — from concept through prototyping, clinical consultation, and product launch.

Translating a clinical feeding methodology into a product that works simultaneously for three audiences: engaging enough for young children, intuitive enough for parents without specialist knowledge, and rigorous enough for pediatric feeding therapists to recommend as a therapeutic tool.

Copy was as critical as design — the language on the placemat directly shapes a child's experience of mealtime, requiring clinical consultation to get right.

• Extensive research into the Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) approach; consultation with two pediatric feeding specialists to ensure clinical accuracy throughout.
• Concept development mapping the SOS framework to a child-friendly visual structure guiding sensory exploration across all five senses.
• Full visual design: color palette, illustration style, typography, and layout — optimized for a child audience and built for print production durability.
• Copy developed in collaboration with pediatric specialists. Key refinement: shifting language from 'Do you like this food?' to 'What did you learn?' — reframing mealtime from a test to an exploration, a clinically significant distinction.
• Multiple physical prototypes printed and tested for color accuracy, material durability, and real-world usability before finalizing.
• Full Etsy product launch: product photography, listing copy, and fulfillment setup.

• 6,000+ views and 150+ purchases on Etsy.
• Adopted by pediatric feeding therapists as a between-session therapeutic aid.
• Reviewed by pediatric specialists as a clinically credible tool for home use.
• Reviewer feedback: 'This is my new go-to item at home to continue therapeutic feeding interventions between sessions. High-quality graphics, youthful, attractive design.' — Parent and Pediatric Specialist