December 2009 New Specialty Toys — Infant & Toddler

This environmentally friendly wooden activity board is made of wood from an FSC-monitored source, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. It is colorful, fun and has cute moving eyes, designed with a 1-year-old in mind. It teaches hand-eye coordination, colors, shapes, numbers and characters. It also works like a shape sorter and color-matching game as each of the different shapes has its own home (slot) and can be placed on the wooden pegs of the gears for added color matching and spinning fun. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 14, 2010.

Itsy Bitsy Hearts offers 100-percent organic cotton and each garment comes on a 100-percent recycled hanger. The company's slogan is "Clothing with Heart" because 20 percent of profits are donated to the Heart Gallery in an effort to help foster children find families. They offer hip stone art creations, including adoption designs and black organic styles, for newborns and young children. They are hand pressed in the United States. Launch date: 2009.

A classic, open ended building toy has a new twist via vibrantly colored, wood cylinders, cubes, and triangular prism blocks and little wood trays. Builders of all ages can create an infinite number of abstract and representational structures and play with the connections between color and form. The design was inspired by a survey conducted at the Bauhaus by the artist and teacher, Wassily Kandinsky, on the relationship between basic forms and primary colors. Designed by Karen Hewitt for the Museum of Modern Art [MoMA] Design Stores in conjunction with the Bauhaus 1919-1933: Workshops for Modernity exhibition. Set includes 9 hardwood blocks in 3 primary colors, 9 small hardwood trays, 1 hardwood tray/container, and descriptive booklet. Winner of the Best Picks 2009 Dr. Toy Award.

DINGaRING characters like Craig Crocodilel feature old-school craftsmanship and good quality materials. All are safe and non-toxic, with wooden rings and internal rattles, designed to serve as an interactive toy for ages 0 and up. Each toy comes with its own introduction swing tag and unique backer card which allows it to be free-stand, hung or laid flat, for various display options.

DINGaRING characters like Gigi Galah feature old-school craftsmanship and good quality materials. All are safe and non-toxic, with wooden rings and internal rattles, designed to serve as an interactive toy for ages 0 and up. Each toy comes with its own introduction swing tag and unique backer card which allows it to be free-stand, hung or laid flat, for various display options.

DINGaRING characters like Keith Koala feature old-school craftsmanship and good quality materials. All are safe and non-toxic, with wooden rings and internal rattles, designed to serve as an interactive toy for ages 0 and up. Each toy comes with its own introduction swing tag and unique backer card which allows it to be free-stand, hung or laid flat, for various display options.

DINGaRING characters like Pete Penguin feature old-school craftsmanship and good quality materials. All are safe and non-toxic, with wooden rings and internal rattles, designed to serve as an interactive toy for ages 0 and up. Each toy comes with its own introduction swing tag and unique backer card which allows it to be free-stand, hung or laid flat, for various display options.

This pail liner to hold soiled diapers provides non-wicking, bacteria-free and odor-control storage. Made from a high-quality PUL (poly urethane laminate) fabric with a special anti-microbial* effect, the Kissaluvs Antibacterial Pail Liner lets soiled diapers sit another day or so, worry free, without collecting gunk. The special finish also helps reduce unpleasant odors and protects against the spreading of health-hazardous bacteria, which can sometimes collect on soiled diapers. It may also be used for storing laundry, dirty shoes, wet swim suits and more. Launch date: December 2009.

The Tessell play mat was designed to develop kids' creativity, space perception and shaping ability by giving them the option to assemble whatever shape they want from soft colorful piece segments of the soft play mat. Tessellation has been adopted as part of mathematical curriculum in the United States since the 1960s. It has been applied in mathematical education in many countries in the world because it enables kids to develop mathematical thinking and creativity in the most natural way while they move, rotate and turn over the basic shapes of triangle, square and hexagon. "It's two products in one. The puzzle mats changes to a rocking chair while it enhances learning skills," Jennie Nam, PR, Tessell, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2008 & 2009 Kind + Jugend Innovation toys. Launch date: 2010.

This soft-structured baby carrier provides comfort and health benefits. Boba is eco-friendly — the shell and batting are made with GOTS and OE100 certified organic cotton and lined with 100-percent organic Texas cotton. No pesticides or herbicides are used. Made in the USA, it is designed for children ages 1 to 4 years old and is available in six different earth-inspired colors: Aspen, Cedar, Chestnut, Pine, Walnut and Willow. "Boba is the first baby carrier to feature patent-pending foot straps allowing the child’s legs to be held at a natural 90-degree angle, ensuring complete baby leg support and better alignment for a child's hips and spine," Ria Romano, PR Manager, NAP, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 30, 2009.

Zatswho® is a set of six differently colored, sensory flashcards that work like flexible photo frames. The cards are soft, easy to hold, pliable, tactile and wipe clean, great for babies, toddlers and special needs children. Slip in a photo of your child’s faraway Grandma and they'll learn her face in minutes, keeping family connected. This interactive learning tool also helps to teach colors, shapes and more as the child goes from one developmental stage to the next. Zatswho® soft photo flashcards come in a little carrying tote, so it also makes a cute travel game.

Disc 1 provides fun baby activities on a yoga ball to enhance motor development for 0- to 6-month-olds. Disc 2 provides 19 core exercises for new moms using a yoga ball. In some of the mommy exercises, the baby is also working on tummy time and trunk stability, balance and sitting. "Moms can exercise and engage their new babies all at the same time. They can workout without ignoring their babies or leaving them at home while mom is at the gym. Both discs benefit baby development and bonding to moms," Judy Kang, president of spotlightbaby, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. Watch DVD Preview

Caillou’s parents go out, and Lisa comes to babysit. Caillou feels abandoned, but Lisa helps him overcome his distress. Ideal for little hands, this book has a padded cover and plasticized pages. Also in the series are "Potty Time" (best seller) and "Caillou Says No!" "Written with input from child psychologists, the Hand in Hand book series help children understand the new situations and feelings they are experiencing. By encouraging youngsters to identify with Caillou and using this series as a catalyst for communication, parents can defuse situations that might otherwise cause conflict in family life," Anne Paradis of Chouette Publishing told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009.

This album unveils tender moments from Caillou’s first year. But once parents insert their own children’s photos behind the flaps, it becomes a lift-the-flap album where children discover their own story. Launch date: September 15, 2009.

Little ones can push this wagon around and collect their toys inside. The front gate unlatches to open, allowing easier access for your child to load and unload his toys. Launch date: February 10, 2010.

DINGaRING characters like Emma Owl feature old-school craftsmanship and good quality materials. All are safe and non-toxic, with wooden rings and internal rattles, designed to serve as an interactive toy for ages 0 and up. Each toy comes with its own introduction swing tag and unique backer card which allows it to be free-stand, hung or laid flat, for various display options.

With its bright colors with embroidered eyes, this 10.5" sea creature can delight kids of all ages. A   rainbow of tentacles are festooned withTaggie tags.

This 100-percent organic cotton blanket features a natural silk trim with corn fiber batting and comes in a 100-percent recycled paper package with soy ink printing. The embroidered monkey is made of a blend of organic cotton, silk and hemp. The blanket measures 40" x 32".

This pacifier-shaped teether is designed to comfortably reach back molars and massage gums to provide relief for teething babies. Made of Santoprene rubber approved by the FDA, the Teethifier is free of lead, BPA and phthalates.

A safe and easy option for storing and heating your little one’s edibles at home, daycare or on-the-go. Unlike plastic, little bites storage jars are bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. These stylish, versatile silicone jars and lids feature an innovative, patent-pending design and are made from high-grade silicone, making them dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave safe. Little bites stackable storage jars can be used for preserving baby food, storing and defrosting leftovers, stowing and warming lunches, and serving up snacks, and more. Size: 3 1/2" wide x 2 1/4" tall. Volume: approx. 3.5 fl/oz.

Like the classic little bites jars, these bigger, portable silicone jars provide a safe and easy option for storing and heating child's edibles at home, school or on the road. Serves as an alternative to plastic lunch boxes as, unlike plastic, bigger bites storage jars are bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. These stylish jars come in sets of two and feature an innovative, patent-pending design. These toxin-free jars are dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave safe. Size: 4 1/2" wide x 2 7/8" tall. Volume: approx. 10 fl/oz.

These portable, stackable silicone bowls feature a wide base (to prevent tipping), low profile and nifty sidewalls to help your little one scoop up their edibles. For home use, at daycare or on the road, little bites bowls are dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer and microwave safe. Serves as an alternative to plastic as, unlike plastic, little bites bowls are bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. Size: 5 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" tall. Volume: approx. 12 fl/oz.

Little bites cups feature a wide base and low profile to minimize tipping and spills. Their slightly textured exterior helps to prevent slippage. These stackable little cups are highly portable, easy to clean and, like all Kinderville products, are an alternative to plastic for being bacteria resistant and BPA, Phthalate and Lead free. Size: 3 1/8" wide x 2 3/4" tall. Volume: approx. 6 fl/oz.

Made of durable, BPA-free, non-leaching silicone, these ice pop molds are the perfect size for small hands and bellies. The unique tapered design allows the ice pop to be pushed to the top to enjoy. The fluted rim helps any residual liquid go back into the mold and not over little hands. No sticks and less mess. Dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and microwave safe. Size: 2 1/8" wide x 5" tall. Volume: approx. 3.5 fl/oz.