For local parents, finding well-designed plates and utensils for toddlers just got easier. A new local partnership brings My Modern Mom’s silicone plates and stainless steel utensil collection to The Modern Munchkin Co.

Mealtime with toddlers is stressful enough without worrying whether utensils are developmentally appropriate. That’s why local mom and entrepreneur Brittany Francis started My Modern Mom. And now, the signature collection is available at The Modern Munchkin, another local mom-founded, kid-centric business.

The partnership brings together two local businesses created by mothers who identified opportunities to offer families something different while balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood and careers.

Founded by Whitney Tiemann, The Modern Munchkin Co. has grown from an online business into a local shopping destination for children and families. After opening its first brick-and-mortar location at Electric Depot in 2024, the retailer expanded in 2025 into the former Victoria’s Toy Station location on Government Street, where Tiemann continues to curate products from independent and emerging brands.

“Welcoming Brittany and My Modern Mom to our shelves is such a natural fit,” Tiemann noted in a press release. “While we pride ourselves on curating elevated, high-quality children’s products from around the world, there’s nothing quite like discovering that level of design and intentionality right here in our own community. Brittany’s thoughtful approach to modern mealtime aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we couldn’t be more excited to share her collection with our families.”

Just in time for the holiday season, shoppers can support two Baton Rouge businesses started by moms with kids in mind.

Learn more about Francis and My Modern Mom in this story from our archives.