Peekaru (Baby Snuggie) (2009)

About

A picture of a woman and her child wearing a Peekaru (AKA a Baby Snuggie) became popular on the internet as an exploitable image. The meme basically has either head or both photoshopped off and replaced with anything of the shooper’s desire.

Origin

The Peekaru Original™ is a fleece vest that zips over a soft baby carrier to keep you and your child warm. It fits comfortably over all carriers, including Baby Bjorns, Hotslings, Ergos, Mei Tais, and Wraps.

Made from 85% recycled high quality Polartec fleece, each Peekaru Original™ saves approximately 25 plastic bottles from reaching the landfill. In addition, Polartec fleece is Oeko-tex Standard 100 “for textile products of all types which pose no risk whatsoever to health.” Feel good knowing that while you are holding your baby close, you are also helping the environment.

With sizes and colors for both women and men, the Peekaru Original™ is a perfect accessory to your favorite baby carrier. You’ll love the style, and your baby will love the comfort.

Source: TogetherBe.com

The photoshopping of this image began on an unlikely memetic hub, a site called Emptees.com on March 2009 by chrisrushing (Do not confuse with Chris Menning). Why he did it is uncertain but many people liked the idea and the meme stuck.

Spread

By April 2009, the Peekaru meme appeared on a number of memetic hubs, including SomethingAwful.com.

On April 2nd, The Daily What blog featured the many derivatives now making up the meme.

The same day, Urlesque further confirmed the Peekaru’s meme status, and even more derivatives were made.