Megan Dorrian Skeath is a SoCal mom and the founder of Mama Coco, an innovative company based in Manhattan Beach with a mission to make life easier for new parents and babies with their unique fastener-free everyday essentials for babies. Their adorable, super soft and simple designs make dressing your baby fuss-free. The company’s Newborn Essentials Bundle is a recent winner of the 2022 NAPPA Awards.

The NAPPA Awards evaluation team commented that “I’ve never seen anything like these! There are no snaps or zippers and you don’t need to pull anything over your baby’s head. You basically fold your baby into them like origami.”

We recently chatted with Skeath, who got the idea for the company when she became a first time mom to her son, Beckham.

Please tell us a little about Mama Coco and why you started.

Mama Coco has been a true passion project come to life. My first weeks as a new mom, while incredibly precious, were quickly becoming a blur of nurse, sleep, repeat with dozens of diaper changes, blowouts and spit-ups in between. And, let’s be honest, very, very little sleep. I quickly came to realize that the simpler the garment was for my newborn, the easier my life would be – quicker changes, happier baby, more sleep. Yes, please! So began my quest for the simplest garments without frustrating, noisy fasteners. When my middle of the night mobile browsing while nursing repeatedly came up empty, I knew I had to create a solution. Ideation began and now here we are! Mama Coco’s goal is to make swaddling and dressing easier for both baby and parents. So easy, you can manage in the dark, on little-to-no sleep. Simply fuss-free and easy as can be!

Did you grow up in Southern California? Tell us a little about your growing up experiences? Fondest memories?

I was actually born and raised in Northern California – Silicon Valley – but was always drawn to Southern California. I manifested my way down to L.A. for college (I went to LMU), fell in love with my college sweetheart and couldn’t dream of a better place to raise our children than in our family-oriented beach community here. 

Some of my fondest childhood memories are from our annual summer trips to the lake with my siblings, family and friends. Everyone together, sunshine, water, games, BBQ, campfires, s’more making…surrounded by love and laughter. It’s a tradition we still prioritize. Fun fact, I am the oldest of five and my husband is the middle of five. It takes a village!

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

I have been blessed with a few great mentors at different stages from high school to building my career.  One constant is that they each drew out the best in me by putting the onus on myself. They guided me to find my inner strengths to overcome an issue or achieve a goal. In doing so, I came out even stronger.  They helped build my confidence and armored me for success. I make a conscious effort to always encourage my children and guide them to be the best possible versions of themselves… whatever that may be.

Best life advice you received growing up?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Simple, yet powerful and so very important. 

Best parenting advice so far?

First, always say YES! when friends and family offer to help. No matter how big or small  Travel when they’re young and not yet on the move. You’ll be tired, but it only gets more complicated. Enjoy it! And most importantly, savor this day, this moment no matter how exhausted you may be. Take a memory snapshot, or better yet a real photo/video. Trust me, you will relish every little precious detail in the months and years to come. They’re priceless.

How has parenthood changed you?

Being a parent has made me appreciate family, life and all its gifts even more. I look at my beautiful babies (not so little any more) and feel pure joy. I’ve always wanted to be a mama, and am honored that they chose me. My first born, Beckham, is a NICU champ. His first five days after his 9lb 3oz debut (that’s right – my daughter was 1 lb bigger!) was a complete whirlwind of emotions, doctors, tests, probes, pumps and surgeries. That experience made me appreciate the tremendous gift of becoming a parent that much more. I am so grateful to the nurses, doctors and volunteers that kept our baby boy healthy. He is nearly 4 years old now and scrumptious as ever!

What does a typical day look like for you?

Thankfully, my kids are great sleepers. I typically start my day at 7 a.m. with Mom duties. I get the kids out of bed, make breakfast, then prep and drop-off at school by 8:30 a.m.  Then I try my best to dedicate some time to my health whether it be the gym, tennis, pilates or a strand walk. It’s not always easy with the seemingly never-ending task list waiting, but I’m a big believer in prioritizing me-time for overall health and to prevent burnout. After that, it’s Mama Coco time – I’m building, ideating and designing for Mama Coco until school pickup in late afternoon. Then, my Mom hat is back on with kids activities, family dinner and bedtime routines.  My kids are in their beds at 7 p.m. then I usually get back to a few Mama Coco tasks before my husband and I catch up, maybe watch a show, then read before bed.   

How do you manage running a company and motherhood?

There are so many hats to juggle! Honestly, I take it day by day. Some days are more productive than others and there is always room for improvement. But I enjoy it – all of it – which makes the chaos worthwhile. As I mentioned before, I try to take time for myself each day to prevent burnout – whether it’s working out, grabbing coffee with a girlfriend or attending book club with friends. And, regardless of the busy schedules or tasks lists for any given day, I always strive to give each of my children my undivided attention during our morning and evening routines. Whether it be building a spaceship from magnatiles or reading a book together. Now, sometimes, they may need to wait a few minutes while I wrap up an email, reply to a customer or get myself some much needed coffee! But, it’s important that they know I will always make time for them and listen.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to juggle these roles and am learning as I go!

When not working, where will we find you?

Working out or enjoying family time…probably at the beach! My kids love building (and smashing) sand castles and splashing in the water. If we’re not at the beach, we’re at the Point in El Segundo so the kids can run around and play without trekking back a bucket worth of sand into our house.

What would you tell your middle school self?

Don’t be afraid to ask Mom for those designer jeans…it’s time! Let the love for fashion and innovation begin. Be you.

What are some of your favorite spots and activities in SoCal?

I love hiking and hardly ever get out enough, but when I do I venture to Temescal Canyon. Palos Verdes is also great for a local hike followed by brunch or happy hour at Nelson’s overlooking the water. We love to take our bikes out for a weekend strand cruise as well. And Hollywood Bowl in the Summer is a must – we leave the kiddos at home for that one!