November 2008 New Specialty Toys — Infant & Toddler

This blanket features a modern pattern and ties to attach it to a stroller, carrier or car seat. There's a "unique, water-resistant side which backs up to a soft, fleece side for baby and toddler," Lizzie Sorensen, founder of 32FlavorsPR, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2008.

Lamb says “maa,” doggie says “woof,” crow says “caw caw”—and baby laughs with joy. The shiny embossed and laminated pictures of animals seem to jump from the page, inviting babies to reach out and touch. As they become more familiar with the book, children will enjoy imitating the sounds each friendly creature makes. Launch date: December 2008.

A set of fifteen colorful 4" x  7-1/4" cards designed to keep babies interested and engaged. Early language will develop as children look, play, and are spoken to. Included is a parent card, which suggests talking points and learning games to play with baby. Launch date: January 2009.

One of the most popular pets—and the animal baby is most likely to know—sounds off in this amusing 6" x 6" foam board book. There are toy dogs; happy ones that look as if a child drew them; and noisy ones making noise. A touch-and-feel fur element at the end of the book enhances the experience. Launch date: June 2008.

This comfy beanbag chair features two detachable, machine-washable covers, soothing micro beads on the interior, and a gentle vibration system designed to relax the body and stimulate circulation. It is available in black with a baby blue or pretty pink top.

Monsters in the closet or under the bed? Parents can ease a classic nighttime fear by posting this sign on their tot's bedroom door. Personalized with a child's name, the sign tells Monsters to KEEP OUT! Each canvas is a museum-quality Giclee art print, gallery wrapped around a high-quality, 1.5" wooden frame. It arrives ready to hang on a door or wall within two weeks of order. "Personalized with a child's name, they give children a sense of ownership over their rooms and a sense that they are in charge," Amy Turner Senftlebe, creative director and president of Toccare Design, LLC & Hip Kid Art, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2007.

This research-based kit for busy parents includes materials to help baby grow healthily from birth. It includes a "Life With Baby" information guide and 23-minute DVD that go over children's development and encourage healthy communication with baby. The kit also includes a plush dog, the book "Goodnight, Moon," some small toys and a bib. It received a 2008 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center.

The new Banz Wrapz and Banz sunglasses combo sets come in a pool ready tote bag and make the perfect gift for cool kids.

This life-size zebra play center is equipped with 28 fun accessories, including mirrors, rattles, teethers, crinkling textures and horns. It is perfect for hugging or riding, and also comes in a smaller, hand-held size. The product received an iParenting Media Award and was named one of the Best Toys of the Year by Parents Magazine. Launch date: July 2008.

TykeLight GloMate by MOBI features an easy-to-clean surface that is soft to the touch, durable and impact resistant. The all-white GloMate, once illuminated, can turn a constant blue, green or pink; or rainbow-mode cycles between all three colors. Thanks to the built-in NmH rechargeable batteries and low-voltage charging base, TykeLight GloMate can provide up to 10 hours of constant light when fully charged. It turns on automatically when removed from the base, and the LED lights do not give off heat, so it’s cool to the touch. “Gentle Sleep” mode automatically dims and shuts off the light after 15 minutes. "The GloMate is not just a nightlight, but [also] a portable buddy for kids [that] is great for traveling and the perfect answer to 'Can you leave the light on?'" Dan Grody, publicist at Tellem Worldwide on behalf of MOBI, told TDmonthly. "It provides the perfect ambiance for nighttime feedings and it uses very little energy, lasting through the day or night on a single charge." This item received a 2008 Greatest Products iParenting Media Award. Launch date: October 2008.

The patent-pending blankie-ball features an attached self-encompassing pocket to keep the blanket clean and portable for moms and babies on the go. The luxuriously soft blanket tucks inside the pouch and converts into a stylish and soft pillowy ball. There are six fun and contemporary styles to choose from, each with a different colored blanket inside. This product is extremely unique because of the pouch attached to the blanket. "No other blanket tucks into a ball for easy portability and cleanliness," Samantha Namboothiri, director of sales and marketing at Wagamama Baby, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

This padded, reversible coffee table cover is designed to "protect kids from tables and tables from kids," offering childproofing value for a safer home as well as protecting furniture from nicks and scratches. The themed side of the cover encourages creative play as well as recognition of colors and shapes, and with roadways and railroads, is ideal for pairing with wheeled toys and figurines. The reverse side is gray, and the cover is machine washable. Kids can draw on the reverse side with Crayola Washable Markers, then throw the pad into the wash for a clean slate. Two sizes are available: 20" x 48" and 40" x 68".

Written and illustrated by Clare Beaton, this book introduced baby to different subjects, objects and themes. Sections include "Weather," "This Little Piggy," "My Toy Chest" and "Various Vegetables."

Chunky wooden body shapes can be switched around to make jolly chaps! Made in Germany, this is a solid beechwood stacking toy that will entertain the young and old alike! There are nine shapes and a sturdy base with pegs so the blocks don’t fall over.
— “We sell Haba really, really well,” said Michelle Smith, owner of Piccolo Mondo Toys in Portland, Ore., in Decemeber 2008. “I love Haba blocks, so I tend to recommend them to a lot of people, and their marble run. We have a whole display.”

Created by Rob and Lisi Wolf, this 14-track, 42-minute album features acoustic version of songs by Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and others. The product is made in the United States, using recyclable materials.

This retro-designed rocket ship has a swivel plug and comes with a 4-watt bulb. It measures 3.5" W x 5.75" H x 3" D. Launch date: November 2008.

This colorful pull-along features wooden construction with pieces that fit into the shape cut-outs on the trailer. A doll or stuffed animal can ride along in the cab. It measures 13.7" x 7.7" x 9.5".

This pink and white trucker hat for little girls is embroidered with rhinestones. It is available in "little" (4 to 18 mos.) and "BIG" (18 mos. to 4-5 yr. olds.) sizes. Several other hat designs are available.

This lightweight (3 lb.), water-resistant blanket features cotton fabric on one side plus durable nylon backing. It comes with a bag for easy portability, measures 54" x 84", and is available in a variety of designs.

These handcrafted baby shoes are made of sheepskin and feature a soft suede sole. They are available in three sizes: 0-6 mos., 6-12 mos. and 12-18 mos.

This soft, 8" bear is available in four pastel colors and comes packaged in a gift box.

Suitable for babies 3 months and up, this teething rattle combines elements of the company's Skwish and Winkel baby toys — soft plastic loops, colorful rings and a wooden ball. The product measures 6.25" H. Launch date: July 2008.

With stories tucked inside special pouches, these stuffed animals come to life with their very own stories by published authors. Children are encouraged to find the squeak, the crinkle and other special characteristics described in the story on the stuffed animal. The illustrated stories are printed on easy-to-read, soft, fabric story sheets. The adventures blend reading, storytelling and play into a stuffed animal. The large, 10" characters ($30) pair up with their own 5" friends attached via Velcro or magnets. The medium-sized, 8" characters ($15) each come with three adventure stories zipped inside a pocket. The small, 5" characters ($7) each come with one story written about them and tucked into a pocket. Launch date: March 2008.

This high-quality pettidress has plenty of frills and fluff for any little princess. Launch date: October 22, 2008.