December 2008 Notable Toys — Safety

These cards provide a simple format to teach the important safety principles around food allergy management. Specific examples help children and those who care for them learn that staying safe with a peanut or tree nut allergy goes beyond the nut product itself. These flashcards introduce cross-contamination, the importance of label reading, and the importance of always carrying emergency medication. There are 36 color-coded cards with eye-catching illustrations on the front and important safety information and tips on the back. The cards have been recommended by allergists, school nurses, day care providers and families of children with nut allergies. Launch date: November 10, 2008.

This 7-oz. bottle holds an earth-friendly solution that can be sprayed liberally wherever germs reside.

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".

This portable, weather-resistant sign offers an eye-catching reminder to drivers that they should slow down and drive carefully in areas where children are playing — neighborhoods, parks or schools. It is designed to be put out only when children are at play, and removed when they are not. The sign is printed with UV-protected inks and comes with a T-stand. Several character designs are available.

With this DVD, kids can learn important facts and get ready for any physical science test. Marko the Pencil takes learners on a journey to his Super Science Station where it’s easy to grasp science concepts. This DVD covers lab safety, scientific method, atoms and their parts, molecules, states of matter, physical and chemical changes, mixtures versus pure substances, electricity, magnetism, motion, gravity, light and energy. It meets National Science Education Standards, and is designed for grades 5 and up. Approx. 55 min. Launch date: September 2008.

Serena, a 13” all-soft-body baby doll has a charming vinyl face with a realistic baby expression and vinyl arms and feet. Her outfit is made of baby-soft knit fabric with woven gingham trim, all in pastel shades of aqua, pink and blue, and includes a matching sun hat. Her embroidered Sensitive Baby logo shows she’s safe to be around children and family members with allergies and asthma. "Sensitive Baby dolls are Certified asthma & allergy friendly™ by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)," Danielle Robitaille, account coordinator for G.S. Schwartz & Co., told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.

This DVD presents personal safety instructions to be shared by children and parents. Also included with the DVD is a booklet to catalog and store child’s vital information.

Handheld Thermo Scientific Niton XRF analyzers have become the worldwide standard for identifying and quantifying lead and other toxic metals in children’s toys and jewelry. Our TestAll™ technology (patent pending) automatically selects the correct analytical mode, allowing nontechnical users to easily perform measurements with minimal training. In light of the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, these powerful instruments can provide importers, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and regulators with a real solution for fast, easy screening of toys. Awards: 2008 R&D 100 Award for technological innovation; Creative Child Magazine 2008 Product of the Year Award in the Safety Products category. "The Niton XL3t 700 features an optional small-spot x-ray area that allows users to isolate and analyze individual areas as small as 3 mm in diameter," said Jen Robert, Marcom Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific. Launch date: April 11, 2007.

MiniMitts are a thumbless, easy on/off pair of child-size wash mitts designed for "little hands” that enable children to master personal hygiene skills. While parents teach children how to wash with BellyLaf’s coordinated Grippees™ adult wash mitts, children model after Mom and Dad by using MiniMitts. MiniMitts incorporate SmartShapes™, geometric shapes of colorful circles, squares, triangles and stars that are combined together to create clever characters that appeal to kids and parents alike. They are made with an ultra-soft, eco-friendly bamboo/cotton blend. "MiniMitts teach children bathing independence and make bath time an interactive and learning experience. The SmartShapes™ appliqué designs on the top of each mitt allow parents to teach children about shapes and colors," Denise West of BellyLaf told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

Patent-pending Grippees are designed to help parents bathe children with confidence and reduce risk of injury. Grippees' clear, soft and non-toxic silicone gripping dots are strategically placed on the palm of each wash mitt and aid in holding slippery children as you wash or move them in and out of the bathtub. Colorful embroidered appliqué designs incorporate SmartShapes™, bright and cheery geometric characters that make bathing time fun and interactive for all. The product is made with an ultra-soft, eco-friendly bamboo/cotton blend. Grippees wash mitts actually solves a problem with its clever gripping system. Everyone on the planet that has bathed a child knows how slippery they are. "Bathroom accidents occur every day in American households involving children. Having wash mitts that wash as well as aid in safely holding the child is an ideal combination. The bamboo/cotton blend makes it perfect for delicate skin," Denise West of BellyLaf told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 7, 2008.

Ladybugs are often considered a symbol of good luck! This delightful red with black spots ladybug will bring a smile to every child lucky enough to wear one. Fun and safety team up in the adorable helmet covers from Tail Wags, useful for biking, skating, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and equestrian riding. Tail Wags Helmet Covers increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions, and are themed to work for both children and adults. "Kids WANT to wear their safety helmet when they have a helmet cover that they love!" stressed Karyn Climans, owner and creator of Tail Wags Helmet Covers. MSRP ranges from $30 to $45. Tail Wags was selected as a JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Innovation Award Finalist and was chosen as a “Best Product for Babies and Kids 2008” by Orca Communications. The ABC Kids Expo named Tail Wags one of the “Top 10 Innovative Companies in the Juvenile and Safety Products Industry Worldwide."Launch date: November 2008.