Why this 'Stand in Baby' training mannequin can move like a real baby

Two Brisbane photographers have made a name for themselves in the US medical market with their simulated newborn baby, the StandInBaby.

StandInBaby mimics the weight and range of movement of a newborn baby. Source: Supplied

Photography can be a lucrative business, particularly in the booming newborn portrait market. As digital SLR camera technology becomes more user-friendly, more amateur photographers are entering the scene.

But newborn photographer, Sandra Moffatt has warned that inexperience can cause baby-related injuries during shoots.

“Since the industry is not regulated, anybody can pick up a camera and call themselves a photographer,” says Sandra.

Practicing photography poses with real newborn babies poses risks, but until recently, there was little alternative. Sandra and her husband, Brendon spotted the gap in the market.

“When we were looking for a newborn training mannequin, there was literally nothing out there,” explains Sandra. “Brendon turned to me and said let’s invent one.”

The StandInBaby can cut down training time from 12 months to four weeks Source: SBS

With no design or manufacturing experience, creating a prototype proved challenging.

“It was quite a big process. We thought it would take six months and $30,000 maximum to have it done,” laughs Brendon.

“It took us close to three years,” says Sandra. “It ended up costing about $220,000.”

In 2015 the couple launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund production, and were overwhelmed with the response.

StandInBaby raised $231,000.

“Without the backing of those people who helped us through our Kickstarter there’s no way it would have happened, we just couldn’t afford the manufacturing costs,” says Brendon.

The StandInBaby moves like a one week old infant Source: SBS

Photography studios currently make up more than 90% of StandInBaby’s revenue, but Brendon and Sandra are now pushing into new markets.

“We have our little safety net of photography for sure, but it’s really nice to see that it’s being embraced by healthcare professionals for its abilities as well,” says Sandra.

The StandInBaby has medical grade silicone skin Source: StandInBaby

Sandra and Brendon hope their training mannequins will soon find homes in hospitals and universities across the USA.

“If you believe in what you’re doing, other people will see that and they will rally behind you,” says Sandra.