May 2010 Notable Toys — Infant & Toddler

Tiny Love’s Super Mat is an extra large, extra cushioned activity mat baby can share with a parent, sibling or friend. For use indoors or outdoors, the all-purpose play area features smiling faces, a variety of textured materials, removable mirror and many activities for baby to explore and enjoy.

This drum by Toysmith's B. brand is filled with 8 instruments that toddlers will enjoy playing. The drum has a big handle and strap and can be played with the silly centipede drumsticks. Jingle bell ants, busy bee maraca and clacker, cute caterpillar tambourine and two shaka-shaka eggs are also included in the set.

Designed for children aged newborn to 3 years, Stonz Booties are versatile all-season booties that can be worn over shoes, Stonz Linerz, slippers or bare feet. Their durable coated nylon upper provides wind and water-resistance, their fleece lining provides warmth and comfort, and their wide opening allows the booties to slip on and stay on easily. The booties have rubberized, skid-resistant soft soles and are machine-washable. "The toggles on each bootie make sure they go on easily and stay on any sized child's foot," Stonz Wear Owner Lisa Will told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2006 I-Parenting Media Award; 2009 PTPA (Parent Test-Parent Approved) Award; 2010 Mom's Best Award

Four ladybugs and a caterpillar have a tea party in the forest. Made of easy-to-clean, phthalate-free covers and high density foam, these bugs are safe and comfortable for children to climb, rock, toddle or play on.

This infant toy is based on the book by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. The "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"-themed soft stacker includes three alphabet stacking rings, plus a removable tree top to complete the coconut tree.

These adjustable 100-percent cotton toy straps allow parents to keep a child's favorite items on a seat or stroller. "Toy tossing has come to an end," Victoria Turner, president of Simply on Board, told TDmonthly.

This iron crib was designed to reflect a commitment to quality and attention to detail. It is made in the USA. "Experience, skill, and beautiful craftsmanship set Corsican Furniture apart," Corsican Furniture General Manager Jon Anderson told TDmonthly.

The Astro Highchair has a large, super-soft leatherette seat and a deep adjustable tray. It sits on a stable yet compact base, and collapses flat for easy storage.

This soft rattle is made from colorful rings, ribbons, bungee, crinkle paper and a bell.

This natural wood teether is also a colorful infant rattle. The rattle inside is designed to entertain infants while the natural wood soothes sore gums. Made of ECO rubber wood and machine-washable polyester, the rattle's pieces separate for easy cleaning.

This stacking toy has endless variations allowing toddlers to build their very own playmate. The stacking features are intended to fine-tune hand-eye coordination and strengthen manual dexterity as they teach children about size and proportion. Eight felt accessories stack in between the wood pieces to become arms, legs, clothing or even a super-hero’s cape.

Simple shapes make this puzzle suitable for early developmental stages. The creative variations and mixing features are intended to fine-tune hand-eye coordination and strengthen manual dexterity as they teach children about size and proportion.

These birds nest inside each other and are designed to teach the fundamentals of size and shape while engaging reasoning skills. Children can rock and balance the birds to learn spatial awareness and to fine-tune hand-eye coordination. These functional features combined with bright colors and natural wood create a playfully educational nesting toy.

Available in size 0-6 months, these gender-neutral socks feature little yellow ducklings waddling over a bright white background. Soy-based, non-skid grips make this American-made product eco-friendly.

The Little Tikes School Bus Activity Gym features tires and a steering wheel that turn as well as a stop sign that really works. It includes a slide, two platforms and a dashboard full of toys.

This child-friendly battery-powered teether is designed for comfort.  The textured chewable star points produce a safe, soothing vibration whenever the child bites down on them.

Suitable for ages 1 1/2 to 4, this vehicle features: extra-large, EVA Silent Ride Tires; a cup holder; a pretend steering wheel with electronic horn; an under-hood storage compartment; a seat belt; a push handle for adult steering. Maximum weight limit is 50 lbs. It is made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts. The steering wheel, tires, seatbelt and grille are made in China.
Awards: Gold Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2007
RECALLED MAY 12, 2010: The CPSC and Step2 recalled 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies because the handle can detach and pose risk of injury. The buggies retailed from August 1999 through March 2010. Consumers should stop using the product and contact Step2 at 866-860-1887 for a free repair kit.

Suitable for ages 1 1/2 to 3, the Push Around Buggy offers the following: a steering wheel with a honking horn; a storage compartment under the hood for snacks, keys and more; and a seatbelt. Except for the  seatbelt, it is made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts. Maximum weight limit is 50 lbs. and it requires minimal adult assembly.
RECALLED MAY 12, 2010: The CPSC and Step2 recalled 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies because the handle can detach and pose risk of injury. The buggies retailed from August 1999 through March 2010. Consumers should stop using the product and contact Step2 at 866-860-1887 for a free repair kit.

BPA and PVC free, this cornstarch teething rattle is eco-friendly and biodegradable. The slender design provides easy gripping for exploring fingers. It is made with Natureworks® EcoGreen cornstarch PLA biopolymer with silicone teether parts.

BPA and PVC free, this cornstarch resin rattle is eco-friendly and biodegradable. Its classic dumbbell shape provides easy gripping for exploring fingers. It is made with Natureworks® EcolGreen cornstarch PLA biopolymer.

This BPA-, PVC- and nitrosamine-free cooling teether can be chilled in the refrigerator for a soothing effect. The soother is filled with sterilized water for baby's health and comfort.

BPA and PVC free, this biodegradable plastic teething rattle is made from cornstarch resin. It is made with Natureworks EcolGreen cornstarch PLA biopolymer with silicone teether parts and comes in a fun shape for exploring fingers. Noelle Brown, marketing associate for iPlay, told TDmonthly, "We think about both baby and the environment and consider both when creating our products."

"Look Who's Signing Part 2 K-Z" jumps right in where Part 1 left off. The DVD continues to teach children the art of signing by introducing new vocabulary and using the second half of the alphabet. Express Yourself Baby DVDs are based on communication and self-expression. Jennifer Magee, Chief Creative Officer at Express Yourself Baby! LLC, told TDmonthly, "Children get the head start they deserve in communication by learning a second language, American Sign Language. Both parents and children will communicate with one another and have fun all at the same time!"

"Look Who's Signing" is based on communication and self-expression, and includes 26 basic signs in American Sign Language, the alphabet, classical music and more. The basic signs on Express Yourself Baby DVDS relate to early language development, everyday objects and actions that are familiar to babies and children. This interactive DVD gives parents, caregivers and teachers a tool for not only communicating with their children but also educating them and having fun all at the same time. Jennifer Magee, Chief Creative Officer of Express Yourself Baby! LLC, told TDmonthly, "Our products are created with other families in mind. They not only teach a second language but are educational and entertaining for both children and adults!"