March 2009 Notable Toys — Infant & Toddler

This bottle cover, made to fit the 5-oz. Sweet Pea Glass Baby Bottle, is designed to insulate hot and cold liquids and easily slip on and off the bottle, is simple to clean, and features a bright hue so it's easy to find.

This glass bottle features a silicone nipple and comes with a nipple cover. Brightly colored, neoprene bottle covers are available.

On the iPlay Sizzlin' Stove, food sizzles on the grill, simmers in the pan, and pot bubbles on the stove. Also, the "burners" can be turned on and off. Sizzlin' Stove includes four cooking utensils, salt and pepper, spaghetti pot, frying pan, shrimp, fish and steak. "Unlike most kitchen sets that stand up on the floor, the Sizzlin' Stove is a fun table-top option," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The adorable, washable, water-safe Scrub-A-Dub Doggies come in two styles: Cocker Spaniel and Dalmatian. The washable ears, matching bathrobe and squirter accessory will have children "begging" for bathtime. "Children can pretend what it would be like to give a real dog a bath, and afterward, can slide the lever from side to side to see the puppy shake the water off its head," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

The VikingToys Cute Cars Mom & Baby Assortment feature cute big "Mom" and small "Baby" car sets in four different themes: Frog, Pig, Cat and Bear. Featuring new colors, VikingToys are sized just right for little hands, and their smooth, soft edges are safe for teething toddlers. "VikingToys Cute Cars are designed to be safe for young children to mouth. They are sanitary, allowing for top dishwasher rack cleaning. Additionally, they are made of soft, pliable plastic with smooth, round forms," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Baby's first camera encourages "digital" exploration. Press the button on the top of TAGGIES Smile! Camera and hear a shutter noise, while if you spin the mirrored lens, you'll hear a "click." There is room for a photo in the back, and it comes with a locking link. "TAGGIES' vibrant colors, materials and ribbons make this TAGGIES Smile! Camera a visually and tactilely stimulating toy for baby. Given the importance of pretend play in baby's life, the TAGGIES Smile! Camera is a great first toy for all of the future photo-lovers," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

These electronic feeding bowls make fun animal sounds as baby eats. The bowl is activated by the "magic spoon" and makes one of four sounds each time the spoon leaves the bowl. "The feeding bowl is dishwasher safe. Also, a large suction cup holds the base firmly in place, making it great for self-feeding," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

This six-piece playset is full of activity. Each food features a different texture and crinkles, jingles or chimes. It is ideal for fill-and-spill and take-along fun. "Often times, play fruit and veggie items are made of rubber or plastic; however the Lil' Shopper playset features soft, squeezable fabrics with stimulating textures and sounds," Nicole Tiedemann, PR account executive for International Playthings, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Suitable for ages 9 months and up, this automatic spout affixes to the bathtub and draws up an ongoing stream of water that causes a shower when it goes through the tumblers, turns a propeller, and brings a floating friend to the surface. The tumblers can be used alone or stacked for bathtime play.
— Three of 39 retailers told TDmonthly in March 2010 that products from the Yookidoo line sell best in the bath category.
— 17 percent of retailers surveyed by TDmonthly in Spring 2011 named the Yookidoo Flow "N" Fill as a best-seller in the bath category.
— Want this? As of 05/06/2011, this product was available for purchase at Playthings Toy Shoppe.

Gentle Giraffe offers a compilation of soothing sounds designed to entertain, educate and help children achieve a better sleep. Tucked inside Gentle Giraffe’s back is a removable sound machine that plays four sounds specifically composed to transport young listeners to the beautiful and mysterious plains of the Serengeti. With Gentle Giraffe, kids will listen to the rhythmic drums of a native tribe, gaze over the cliffs of Victoria Falls and hear actual sounds from real giraffes. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of both products will benefit Conservation International Foundation, a wildlife conservation organization. This product received a 2009 iParenting Media Award and a 2009 NAPPA Honors award.

This cuddly bear is made of eco-friendly materials, including hypoallergenic stuffing and sustainable toy bean fiber, and includes a heart-shaped vibration unit that offers gentle vibration at two modes: heartbeat, a soothing pulse; and continuous, a constant motion. It comes with the Polar Cuddle Cub Storybook that tells the bear's story while educating kids on endangered animals. This product received a 2009 iParenting Media Award.

This soft, plush bear holds a blanket and comes with a sound box that provides a real recording of the sound inside a mother's womb as well as ocean noises and lullabies designed to comfort babies. The oval sound box can be tucked into the back of the bear or hung from a child's crib. Launch date: February 2009.

Made from sustainable, domestically grown hard maple and manufactured by a company-owned facility in St. Paul, Minn., these shape sorters come in two styles. One has two same-sized posts that slide through a large unit block; the other features the base unit with two sunken wells to fit differently-sized posts for matching. Both are natural wood with no surface finishes or coatings and smooth-sanded edges that are safe and comfortable for baby. Both sets can be integrated into a larger set of Beka unit blocks later for added play value.

Whimsical eebee characterizes the line eebee's Adventures from Little Little Little, a system of toys, books, and DVDs aimed toward stimulating and educating babies and their parents. Bright colored and ultra soft, Snuggle Time eebee is a combination plush toy, puppet, and security blanket with various textures and knotted ends for easy grabbing or teething.

Warm earth tones in simple patterns distinguish the organic versions of Taggies blankets. The blankets themselves, made entirely of organic cotton and colored with safe, natural dyes, the blankets are edged in 100% silk ribbon tags of two different textures. Inspired by the observation that babies and toddlers love to rub clothing tags and satin blanket bindings, the natural fibers used in these take-along sized blankets offer young children a variety of inviting and comforting tactile sensations. Launch date: 2009.
— “Anything Taggies” sells well for babies, Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in spring 2009. “I sell a dozen or so a month.”
—  Six of 64 specialty retailers named Taggies as a best-selling infant and toddler brand in March 2009. Several specifically mentioned the Taggies blankets.

Specializing in earth-friendly and organic goods for young children, Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods has created a line of whimsical rattles and teethers. This soft yellow duck has stitched features and is made with organic cotton velour. A fun first friend for teething, tugging, and snuggling. The interior stuffing is made from fluffy, natural corn fibers. Launch Date: April 2009

A seven-piece simple stacking set with a unique shape, Beka's Stacking Blocks are made of sustainably-harvested maple in the United States. Each set contains three rectangular unit blocks with holes to fit the four round posts included. Multiple sets can be combined to build higher or more complex structures, and are fully compatible with Beka unit blocks for a wider array of building options. Wood is naturally finished with no coatings. Launch Date: 2009

This changing pad opens up to a large, padded surface for easy diaper changing. The two interior zipper pockets holds wipes, diapers, and lotion. Folds up small enough to place inside a diaper bag or can hang on to a stroller using the strap.

Suitable for babies 6 months and up, this soft, developmental toy is made of organic cotton fabric and is machine washable. It is part of a collection that features minimal packaging made of recycled paper and printed with vegetable-based inks. Launch date: February 15, 2009.
— "[I] love the organics, as new mothers are asking for them," commented Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Books & Games in Oklahoma City, following the 2009 ASTRA exhibition.

A super-smooth ring secures a small wheeled duck that rocks as the clutching toy is moved. Just the right size to be easy for a little hand to hold, the ring is intended for tactile stimulation or teething, while the cute duck character and pleasant colors engage the eyes. It is made in Germany and finished with non-toxic paints.
― “Anything from HABA overall in the wooden toy market” does well, said Nancy Nigl, owner of Playthings in Madison, Wis.
― “Haba's clutching toy and rattles. It's our No. 1 best-selling toy,” Jenny Bramhall, owner of Dandelion Toys in Fort Collins, Colo., told TDmonthly in early 2009.

The BuckleyBoo menagerie now comes in a 12" version for the baby and toddler on the go. With three unique buckles, these little guys offer challenges to keep children engaged. BuckleyBoos may be taken on an airplane to keep babies and toddlers busy for an extended period of time. Launch date: February 15, 2009.

Made with eco-friendly materials (ultra soft bamboo fabric and hypo-allergenic stuffing), the Dozy Dolphin™ was designed as a fun interactive plush toy that also helps soothe children to sleep.  It features four relaxing water base sounds.  Push four different buttons with the words to get distinctive sounds including PLAY (sounds of dolphins playing – actual dolphin noises), CALM (actual whale noises), RELAX (peaceful sounds / tranquil music) and SLEEP (actual ocean waves crashing on the shore).

What a purr-fect little companion for a new baby. This 9” kitty meows when you press her belly. An attachable clip design makes her portable from crib to kitchen and beyond. Kitty offers a soft teether for tender gums plus ribbon tags for tugging. Besides her meow, baby will enjoy hearing rattle and crinkle noises when touching the cat in special spots. Launch date: February 2009.