MetroMom Brenda Berg
Meet Brenda Berg, president, CEO and mom, who founded Scandinavian Child and continues to lead and grow the company.

MM - How did Scandinavian Child come about?

When I was expecting our first child, my husband Christer and I wanted to find a way for me to have more freedom to devote to my family. Before Kelly's birth, we visited Christer's homeland of Sweden. While window shopping, we spotted this incredibly elegant high chair by Svan®. When I learned of the safety and functionality inherent in its design, I knew I had discovered something remarkable. Not only did I find the perfect high chair for our daughter, I also wanted to share the beauty and practicality of Scandinavian design with other parents. An entrepreneur at heart, I decided to introduce these extraordinary designs in the United States. So I created Scandinavian Child. (I actually got the call from Svan one hour after Kelly was born!) Along the way, we have also welcomed our son Anton, and I've discovered more products that satisfy the same high standards.  

MM - How do you balance work and motherhood?

I will freely admit that juggling a young family and a start-up business is not easy, but I do think it is worth it and in addition to having two small children, my husband and I each have our own entrepreneurial businesses. Life is very hectic in our home. Every day is filled with tantrums, school planning, managing the business until all hours of the night, etc. However, I am proud that we are able to be home every night (except the all-important date nights) to have dinner together as a family, play together, and tuck the kids in bed. We also spend almost the entire weekend doing family activities. But, as soon as the kids are in bed, we are back on our laptops and thinking strategically about the businesses. It is a lucky thing that we love what we do, or this would be no fun. I also remind myself often that work-life balance is something everyone strives for, but it is important to realize that it can’t be achieved every day. Sometimes successful work-life balance means getting to work with your teeth brushed and your kids to school with (hopefully matching) shoes on.

MM - You are very passionate about safety in Children’s Products. What do you recommend parents look for when purchasing products for their children??

Look for the JPMA Certification Seal! Most parents seem to think that every product meets basic standards, but this is simply not true. Parents need to know that safety standards, for the most part, are voluntary. The only way to know if a manufacturer has met these standards is to look for the JPMA Seal or ask the manufacturer for proof that their product has met all relevant standards.

When I first entered the juvenile industry in 2002 (just after my first baby was born), I realized that there were very few mandatory standards for juvenile products. As a mom myself, this bothered me and I set out to understand it more thoroughly. I was immediately impressed with the JPMA’s efforts to support and certify voluntary product standards. I am now on the Board of Directors of JPMA in large part because I believe firmly in our organization’s commitment to children’s product safety.

JPMA works with government officials, consumer groups, and industry leaders on programs to educate consumers on the safe selection and use of juvenile products. Safe & Sound For Baby and Baby Safety Month are only a few of the programs JPMA sponsors to keep today’s safety conscious parents informed.  

MM - September is National Baby Safety Month. What are some of the top mistakes you see parents making when it comes to the safety of their babies??

I think parents make two kinds of safety mistakes - at the store and in the home. First, they assume any product that is sold in a store is 'safe'. This just isn't true. Most products are not regulated, so parents need to do their homework to find out which meet the voluntary standards and which do not. Plus, keep up with current trends. What might have been the norm when your best friend or sister had their baby, may not be considered safe just a few years later. Once they get home, the biggest safety mistake is to not baby-proof before the baby arrives. It seems like your baby will be immobile forever, but between birth and when they start to move around, you simply might not have the time to get those outlet covers and furniture anchors in place. It is best to go ahead and get it all done before the baby arrives.

MM - What is the best parenting advice you have been given?

Take all the advice your friends and family (and nosey strangers) give you ... then take what works best for you and your baby. There is not ONE right way to raise a baby.

MM - Do you have a motto you would like to share with other moms?

"This too shall pass ... the tough stuff will end, it really will, but so will the exciting milestones and special moments. Enjoy every minute. It goes so fast!"