Both became interested in baby talk and began working together. They finished the Baby Babble Blanket through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and they patented it in 1993. As the baby moves, the sensors are activated. As the baby learns to sit up, usually at six months, the sensors can be operated by the baby's hands, feet or crawling movements. At nine months or when the baby begins to make intentional gestures, the blanket can be used to make a decision between two toys, snacks or other items.
Parents can record their voices as part of the program.
The voices can be changed at any time. According to Fell, the blanket in no way, should take the place of parents and their interaction with their children. The blanket was originally intended for preschoolers, but Fell and Ferrier designed the final product to help younger children. Baby Babble Blanket should be ready for public sale in February 1997. The company, Meeting the Challenge Inc., located in Colorado Springs, Colo., will produce the Sound Explorer.