February 2010 New Specialty Toys — Safety

These Ski Banz goggles are designed for outdoor enthusiasts from ages 4 to 10 years old. They offer valuable eye protection for every winter activity, from skiing to sledding to the occasional snowball fight. These professional-grade ski goggles offer 100-percent UV Protection, are helmet compatible for hitting the slopes safely, have anti-fog polycarbonate orange-tinted lenses, and include their own carrying case that doubles as a cleaning cloth. Launch date: 2010.

Safari Ltd. has given great attention to detail in its rendering of this elusive jungle dweller native to Malaysia. It measures 4.5” L x 2.75” H (11.5 cm x 7 cm). Meticulously painted by hand, this replica is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Each figure includes educational information in five languages and also name identification on its underside.

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.