charlie the crab
7 weeks | 2024
Charlie the Crab is a toy redesigned to support child development and promote engagement for newborn to toddler phases and years beyond.
Meet the original “Crawling Crab Toy”
Despite being advertised as “a toy that grows with your baby”, my nephew lost interest in the original toy before he was 6 months old.
Creating Charlie
The initial sketches towards improving Charlie prioritized having a friendly and welcoming form, and trying to make it its own character.
Tummy Time
0-6 months
Developing early motor skills and visual tracking
Charlie the Crab
A toy for all day at any age
Playtime
6 months - 2 years
Learning how to crawl, walk, and develop cognitive skills
Bedtime
2 years & beyond
Following routine and increasing their independence
TUMMY TIME
0-6 months
Charlie’s movement and lights stimulate visual tracking and encourages arm and leg movement, important early motor skills at this age.
PLAYTIME
6 months-2 years
Charlie’s movement and lights will start to encourage babies to crawl and walk, while the cause and effect feature of the color-changing tap response promotes problem-solving, decision-making, and attention span.
BEDTIME
2 years & beyond
As they get older, Charlie the Crab turns into a toddler’s bedtime companion, extending the toy’s lifespan and purpose in the child’s life.