January 2010 New Specialty Toys — Safety

Parents can keep a hold of their children while still allowing the child freedom to roam with these plush backpack harnesses. The tether is easily detachable.

Little Bites Freezer Trays are designed to make storing and freezing homemade baby and toddler foods safe and easy. Made of durable, BPA-free and phthalate-free silicone, these stackable trays feature four storage cups and a see-through silicone lid. Users seal with a pinch, and then place in the freezer. They are sold in sets of two, and feature 2-oz. servings that can simply be popped out, warmed and served. The toxin-free trays are freezer safe, dishwasher safe and microwave safe. Kinderville offers "uniquely designed products made of resilient silicone. Not too many items in the market place ... are similar to what we are offering," Oliver Albers, president of Luft Industrie LLC dba Kinderville, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009.

The Dream Baby Hallway Security Gate is designed to fit any opening 38' to 53.5'. The gate comes with a 7' extension and a 3.5' extension. It is pressure mounted, swings closed automatically, has a door that opens in both directions and closes automatically, and functions with one-handed operation. It is created for easy installation and comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. This gate is available in white or black. Launch date: November 10, 2009.
— As of August 2010, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 16 reviews on Amazon.com. PROS: Sturdy, effective and fits even wide doorways. CONS: Some parents felt the gate was too difficult to open and close.

These swim goggles for kids feature polycarbonate lenses that offer 100-percent UV protection, an anti-fog system, and silicone cups for comfort. They are available in pink and blue and feature an adjustable silicone strap. Launch date: 2009.

This transparent blade attaches to bicycle spokes and displays various design images prompted by an internal computer as the blades spin while the bike is moving. Hokey Spokes utilize LED lights and have waterproof keys to select the play mode.

Designed to address the growing concern of toxic chemicals leaching from consumer products, this bottle is made of recyclable polypropylene and is free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, lead, nitrosamines, melamine and biologically toxic chemicals. It has a travel cap and a venting system to help reduce colic. High-grade silicon nipples are used, available in seven styles and flow designs, to ease transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. The bottle is dishwasher safe. "In addition to being safe, our products are full of functional benefits and are highly sustainable," Kevin Brodwick, founder of thinkbaby and thinksport, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2006.

Endorsed by Medical Professionals, Snazzy Baby Knee Pads are made to high safety standards. Medical-quality Neoprene and non-slip traction beads help babies can learn to crawl and walk without injuries like bruising, cuts, scraped knees and rug burn. Worn inside or outside, they can be used for commando crawling, crawling, toddling, walking, bike riding and playground activities. They are designed to also offer Vital safe protection to special needs children. The knee pads are "ergonomically designed to safely give greater flexibility and movement over a long timeframe of use," Cyndy Mundy, CEO of Snazzy Baby, told TDmonthly. This product received an iParenting Media Award for Safety in 2006. Launch date: September 2006.

Bathing baby is easier with the Soft-Touch Rinse Cup. Just fill with warm water and pour gently over the baby's head to rinse off shampoo. The cup is soft and flexible to prevent bumps and bruises.

The Baby Banz sunglasses & sun hat set includes a pool-ready PVC bag to store it in for the child on the go. The lenses are made of durable polycarbonate and offer 100 percent  UVA/ UVB protection. The lenses are also of ophthalmic quality and are capable of being replaced with prescription lenses. The neoprene elastic band matches the chosen color of the sunglasses. The side-adjustable Velcro® allows for years of wear as the child grows.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars from 49 customer reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Velcro seal irritated some children's ears.

Bathing Buddies shower slings are made from a soft athletic mesh. This fabric is very sturdy and breathable. It's also very easy to dry. The pouch style sling is easy to use in the bath. Just fold the sling into itself, creating a pouch. Drape over the shoulder like a sash and pop a baby right in. No clips, buckles, or rings.Pouch style slings are suitable for a tiny newborn or a toddler. Bathing Buddies slings
can be used in a variety of carrying positions and in showers, pools, or during hot weather.

By simply placing the pillow behind your baby’s head and pulling the bottom of the Baby Elephant Ear lobes snugly under your baby’s chin, you will give your baby superior head/neck support and encourage healthy, strong posture development. The two organic versions of Baby Elephant Ears are made of 100% organic cotton and stuffed with a premium corn fill.

For toddlers ages 12-24 months. Made from soft, bendable, but durable medical grade silicone. Thick handle is easy to hold, while the long neck can easily reach back molars without being a choking hazard. Dishwasher and Freezer safe. Teach healthy oral care habits to your child at the earliest possible age.

The 2010 SummerMuff is a 100-percent organic cotton sack that fits into strollers, joggers and carriers, cocooning baby in soft, breathable organic cotton. The top layer that drapes over baby is woven with natural minerals that block more than 90 percent of the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. The bottom layer, also soft, 100-percent organic cotton, protects baby's skin from scratchy synthetic stroller fabrics, protecting them using the highest UV protection available in fabrics today. It is available in two sizes, small and large, and three colors, pretty pink, baby blue and natural. "It is the only product in the market that offers all these features," Judi Santana, account coordinator at PJ Inc. Public Relations, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2008.