READY TO ROCK

Mother-turned-entrepreneur Milena Djankovic puts the rocking chair in its place.

Sleep-deprived. Overwhelmed. Humbled. That’s how Milena Djankovic and her husband were feeling as they navigated parenthood for the first time. “Caring for a colicky baby kept us in a constant cycle of comforting,” she remembers. “Rocking seemed to be the best solution to soothe our son, and I spent countless hours confined to the rocking chair in our nursery. This experience led me to search for a portable rocking solution that would offer greater versatility and convenience. To my surprise, no such product existed—anywhere.”

Propelled by the isolation she had experienced, Djankovic was determined to develop a portable rocking device. This determination kicked into high gear with the arrival of the couple’s second child. “With no prior personal experience running a company or developing products, I relied on my husband, whose background in business and entrepreneurial mindset proved invaluable. And, although neither of us had an engineering background, my husband spent his childhood restoring classic cars with his father, so we applied those early hobby skills while experimenting with various materials and concepts—including foam, air bladders, plastics, and traditional metal springs.”

Already familiar with various baby-safe concerns, such as sharp edges and pinch points, Djankovic began learning about ergonomics “and even a touch of physics.” Experimenting with various shapes and spring mechanisms, the couple produced prototype after prototype. “We ultimately designed a lightweight, tempered alloy frame capable of withstanding millions of compressions, while weighing no more than a gallon of milk,” explains Djankovic. “Our objective was to create a solution allowing people to rock anytime, anywhere, using virtually any surface they could sit or lean against. Finally, we had invented an embodiment that would provide the freedom to rock in bed, in shared family spaces such as the living room, and even while traveling—including on airplanes or in hotel rooms.” The Ready Rocker was born.

Placed between the user’s back and a stationary surface—a chair, headboard, wall, or even a tree—the Ready Rocker’s rebounding spring action allows for steady, unforced movement. The couple brought their invention to market in 2018, presenting it at trade shows where it was immediately recognized for its innovation. Media coverage soon followed, with Parents, Good Housekeeping, US Weekly, and The New York Times extolling its virtues. And the product continues to earn accolades, most recently from TIME.

A hit with individual buyers, Ready Rocker is also gaining popularity with organizational buyers in the health and wellness sector. “With 17 granted utility and design patents in the U.S. and internationally, Ready Rocker has expanded into the medical field and has been utilized in more than 100 leading hospitals,” reports Djankovic. “These institutions recognize the wide-ranging benefits of a portable rocking device, particularly in maternity care, post-surgical recovery, and self-soothing therapies.”

In February, Djankovic extended the Ready Rocker line by introducing Child and Youth versions. “When we discovered studies that proved the extensive physiological and psychological benefits of rocking for people of all ages, it was a no-brainer for us to create a rocker that can be used by children to promote calmness, focus, and improved posture by the simple act of rocking.”

In an ever-accelerating world with never-ending stimulation, it’s easy to over-look the simple, yet deep, abiding habits that have comforted humans throughout history. Setting out to improve her own caregiving and well-being, Djankovic hit on something universal. “Rocking is a timeless practice that transcends cultures and generations,” she observes. “Research has shown that rocking during pregnancy can enhance neurodevelopment in the womb and even alleviate pain during labor. After birth, it can improve balance, promote healthy blood circulation, and reduce postpartum muscle discomfort. It offers therapeutic advantages for adults, increasing the release of endorphins in the brain, improving mood, and promoting relaxation. At every stage of life, rocking serves as a powerful tool for overall well-being, whether aiding in post-surgical recovery, relieving pain, improving posture, alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression, or enhancing circulation. The evidence is clear. Rocking is a natural, restorative force—truly, a miracle in motion.”

For more information, visit readyrocker.com. 111 Oxford Road in Kenilworth is on the market offered at $3,890,000. For more information, contact Katie Moor at 630-805-0057 or [email protected].