May 2011 New Specialty Toys — Infant & Toddler

Dado Bricks are interlocking cardboard bricks, measuring 12 inches long x 6 inches deep x 3 inches high. Kids can use these stacking bricks to create kid-scale structures...walls, castles, forts, secret hide-outs, or even attractive room decor. Unlike other simple cardboard blocks on the market, the Dado Cardboard Bricks contain a protruding pair of square nubs along with a matching set of recessed square indentations. The result is a cardboard brick that when stacked, will not easily tumble and can retain a rigid structure. "The ONLY interlocking cardboard block on the market," Erik Quam, Director of Product Development at Fat Brain Toy, told TDmonthly.

"While there are several stacking toys on the market, none of them are circular and included the added element of balance.  Tobbles is a stacking toy which encourages children to explore and discover," Erik Quam, Director of Product Development at Fat Brain Toy, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2011 Finalist for ASTRA's Best Toys for Kids
— Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids Inc in Columbia, S.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey about best selling infant & toddler products that they sell 2-3 dozen Tobbles each month.

This award-winning patented cloth pocket diaper is made with sturdy snap closures, which are made to last and require no maintenance. FuzziBunz diapers have no Velcro®, so they won't fray, collect lint or snag your baby's clothes. FuzziBunz come in a variety of sweet and fun colors and they fit snugly on your baby without the added bulk that  comes with most one-size diapers. They offer "Lots of adjustability with 30+ adjustable buttons and snap settings to adjust waist, leg casings and rise. It is the most adjustable one-size diaper," Ashley Boudreaux, marketing director at FuzziBinz, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2007 Iparenting Media; 2008 PTPA Media; 2009 Best of Business Awards; 2010 Stevie Awards: Best New Product of the Year; 2010 Stevie Awards: Most Innovative Company

The multi-functional Play With Me Gym provides an ideal stage for growth as it keeps little minds fully occupied and alert. Built in concert with Bkids proprietary and innovative Loop ‘n Link system, the overhead bars are a perfect place to attach the collect ‘n connect plush animals from the Bebee and Friends collection. The soft, cushy frame provides a safe place for babies to rest making the Play With Me Gym an ideal nap time companion. Launch date: February 2011.

With it's innovative flipping mechanism, Wishbone Flip transforms from rocker to ride-on in seconds. Eye-catching and super-functional, Wishbone Flip is the perfect first birthday present. It’s an heirloom quality, transformable toy, packed with personality. Made from plantation birch for ages 1 to 5. "Wishbone Flip has an impressively simple flipping mechanism making it easy to transform Flip from rocking to ride-on toy and back again in seconds," Jennifer McIver, managing director at Wishbone Design Studio, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

Nourish Toddler celebrates a toddler's growing independence with an easy-to-use, impossible to spill and healthy drink of their own. It is 10 oz of purified spring water in a unique, patented bottle designed for little hands and complete with a spill-proof sippy top. Nourish is also BPA-free, Phthalate-free, made in the USA and 100% recyclable and reusable. Toddlers can now quench their thirst without drenching themselves and everything around them. ""Nourish Toddler is the only 100% spill-proof sippy cup on the market,"" Brittany Roderick from Nourish Inc told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 MAX Award for Most Innovative New Product in Georgia; 2011 Water Innovation Award: Runner Up for Best New Water Brand

Nourish Baby eases the stress of feeding time on the go. It is 8 oz of pre-measured purified spring water with a wide neck for easy formula mixing. Nourish is also BPA-free, Phthalate-free, made in the USA and 100% recyclable and reusable. ""Nourish Baby is like no other baby bottle because it already comes with water in it and is the first immediate consumption drink for babies on the market,"" Brittany Roderkick, from Nourish Inc, told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 MAX Award for Most Innovative New Product in Georgia; 2011 Water Innovation Award: Runner Up for Best New Water Brand

Lily and Milo, a bunny and mouse, get ready to go to the beach in this hardcover book, which features thick, toddler-safe pages. Kids follow the pair as they choose what to bring- from bathing suits to food, sun lotion to juice. But by the time they collect everything, will they still want to go to the beach? This book is for children 24 mos. and up, with a focus on the child's world.

This hardcover book with toddler-friendly, thick pages, follows Lily and Milo on their day at the zoo. With a rhyming refrain and detailed, colorful illustrations, there is plenty to keep a toddler's interest while they learn about all the different animals at the zoo.

This board book, ideal for children 24 mos. and up who have a new sibling on the way, focuses on babies across the animal world. From naked baby rodents in a warm nest, to a lamb born with all of its curly hair, the charming paintings illustrate the story John's mom tells him about babies in nature. Eventually, John ends up with a new baby to lean about- his little brother.

This story is about the relationship between a child and his father. John plays with his Daddy, dangles from his arm, and listens to Daddy read a story. The charming illustrations feature lots of bright reds and yellows that give the board book a cozy feel. The book is for children 24 mos. and up and focuses on emotions.

This 12 page board book follows a little boy before, during, and after his bath time. Simple yet colorful illustrations and a focus on a daily activity are ideal for children 12 months and up. The book also introduces children to vocabulary words such as bathtub, clothes, and shampoo.

From drumming, to reading, to pushing along toy cars, this book follows one little boy during all of his play activities for the day. Brightly colored, painted illustrations on a stark white background help the cute illustrations stand out for young readers. The book also emphasizes appropriate vocabulary words such as car, blocks, and wagon.

This product is for children ages six months and up. With a barnyard of friends to cheer baby on, little ones will love learning to walk with the Sit-to-Stand Walker. Start out with the easy-to-remove play panel for floor play or fun on the run. Then step it up with the fun-to-maneuver walker. There are three spinning flowers, five piano keys, colorful rollers, three light-up shape sorters and a telephone handset. The Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker keeps baby on track by teaching shapes, colors, animals, music and more. Requires 3 "AA" batteries, included. Measures 5.8"L x 20.9"W x 15"D.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.3 out of stars from 472 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Wheels don't have enough traction; too "loud and obnoxious;" too expensive.

Designed using sensory stimulating principles, this activity mat is packed with activities and features that encourage baby's development during the first year of life. The large plat mat features high-contrast colors, textured fabrics for tactile development, and adorable ladybug characters. Features include water-filled teether, soft corduroy fabric on mat for added tactile development, and 4 loops to attach more of baby's favorite toys. The Bright Starts Start Your Senses Activity Mat is a machine washable play mat.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product has 4.4 out 5 stars from 14 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of elements can be detached; many reviewers like the light-up mobile. Cons: One parent expressed concern over the toxicity of the flame-retarded fabric; one reviewer was disappointed that all of the "familiar faces" included in the artwork were blond/blue-eyed caucasian babies.

This soft activity gym features an electronic aquarium with classical melodies and dancing lights. A whale-shaped prop-up pillow accompanies baby on this aquatic adventure, which comes to life with the crisp and colorful real-life scenery of the sea on the play mat. A soft textured border encourages tactile development. Remove the arch and the play gym becomes the perfect play mat for tummy time. Tummy time is enhanced by the animal peek-a-boo flaps with real-life imagery, as well as the ability to reposition and attach toys to loops on the mat or loops on the whale pillow. The play gym comes with several developmental and colorful plush and plastic toys, including a large fish-shaped baby-safe mirror, a set of Ocean Discovery cards featuring real-life images of 6 underwater animals, a Baby Neptune rattle, and a star-shaped teether. The play gym also has 8 links for repositioning the toys. The plush Octopus with various textures and dangling rattles and teethers offers baby an on-the-go toy. The play gym features a 2-in-1 musical aquarium toy that can be used both with the gym and in the crib. his underwater-themed gym folds up for easy transportation and storage.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product has 4.2 out 5 stars from 63 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of elements can be detached; many reviewers like the light-up mobile. Cons: Not interactive enough; noises are annoying/ not melodical enough; not enough toys/toys not interesting enough.

Sassy Ring O Links offers youngsters a variety of textures to enhance tactile experiences. A bright, bold spectrum of colors keeps kids interested- no link is quite the same. The bold black and white pattern on the ring itself offers high-contrast imagery that is ideal for developing eyes.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com from 65 reviews. Pros: Durable; Multi-use (toy, teething rings); very colorful. Cons: Cheaper to just get the "bag o links;" the large black and white link detaches too easily from other links.

This soft plush monkey with super sweet face is perfect for hugging. "Features velcro hands," Valerie Henderson, administrative assistant at Lambs & Ivy, told TDmonthly.

These unique Bath to Go gifts are perfect for baby’s bath. Each design includes a hooded towel with appliqué, three squirt toys, two wash cloths and a re-useable bath bucket. The terry cloth is 100% Cotton and the squirt toys are baby safe.

Meet brother and sister Momo and Mimi. These cute plush monkeys come together with Momo holding little Mimi. "The monkeys feature brightly colored striped socks," Valerie Henderson, administrative assitant at Lambs & Ivy, told TDmonthly.

Meet Sock the Zebra. With his super soft plush and sweet face, anyone is sure to love cuddling with Socks. Launch date: 2011.

Meet Bubbles and Squirt, two adorable and fun fish from under the sea. These sweet fish come together as a set with their brightly colored embroidery and super soft plush fabric. Launch date: 2011.

All-in-one pillow+mat+blanket. An easy solution for daycare, Preschool, travel, Grandma’s house or just any time a little one needs to relax. This easy to carry mat that is colorful and versatile. Easy to roll up, has Velcro closures and a carry handle. There is also a name tag included. Comes in three different styles.

Plush floppy eared bunny has snuggly soft pink velour blanket, lined and edged in silky satin. Embroidered message reads, "Best Friends Indeed." Washes beautifully, machine wash and tumble dry. Size: 16"