September 2009 Notable Toys — Infant & Toddler

The front end loader from the ROADMAX series is a sturdy toy with a design suitable for small children with many realistic functions for playing fun. The transparent driver's cab that opens from above can be equipped with a play figure. Front and back end loader are fully functional and can be locked in position. The front shovel and the rear shovel can also be tilted or moved by operating the respective lever. Fold-out support legs ensure stability and soft tires complete the picture.

These nature-themed, gender-neutral wall cards are numbered one through 10. The images are made using recycled paper. The cards are designed to be educational, stylish and environmental from start to finish, using only 100-percent recycled materials and soy ink for the product and packaging. "Wall cards are known as an economical alternative to expensive wall art, which makes them the perfect product for families on a budget. And their versatility allows them to be individually framed, or simply tacked up to the wall!" Rebecca Peragine, CEO of Art and Philanthropy, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009.

The Rocking Caterpillar features a wooden base, a soft, plush seat and a squeaky red nose. The multi-colored fabric plush can be removed for easy cleaning.

organicKidz Stainless Steel Baby Bottles are a safe and practical alternative to plastic, aluminum and glass drinking containers.

The universal "dwink" box holder: designed to fit most individual drink boxes and pouches, including soy milk and extra small juice boxes! Made in the USA

These washable nursing pads are the comfortable, eco-conscious choice in nursing gear! OnGuard™ nursing pads are recommended by Lactation Consultants for their superior quality and affordability. They are available in 2 sizes and 2 styles: pure organic cotton or luxuriously soft organic merino wool. (Organic merino wool is antibacterial and absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet. It also keeps the breast warm during use helping to decrease the risk of nursing difficulties.)

This Organic Caboose® wool bag is an example of our innovative accessory items. This bag has detachable handles to fit around any stroller, door knob, or bathroom hook. It closes easily with velcro and is machine washable! We also offer a growing bedding line including baby blankets and mattress/puddle pads. The ideal accessory for organic crib mattresses!

This line of plush donkeys is stubbornly cute. Tomato comes in various sizes, but this one is 45 cm long.

These brightly colored, textured snaps with faces make a push, pull motor skill game for infants. Suitable for ages 6 months and up. Launch date: 2009.

Organic Caboose® reusable diapers, chosen a “Best Product”, is the affordable, convenient choice in cloth diapering. This Newborn Fitted Diaper utilizes 100% pure organic cotton, has elasticized legs and waist, secures with adjustable snaps and has a snap-down umbilicus for ultimate newborn comfort! Organic Caboose® diapering system also offers bamboo, organic merino wool and eco-fleece diapers covers, organic wipes, changing pads and more.

Organic Caboose® diaper covers are constucted from Malden Mills' Polartec® Ecospun® fleece made from recycled soda pop bottles or Organic Merino wool.

Super soft and highly breathable, perfect any time of year! Great alternative to wool and a superb nighttime cover. Fold-back tabs for ease of washing.

Color available: oatmeal.

Sizes: Small (6-12lb/2-6kg) Medium (12-18lb/6-9kg) Large (18-28lb/9-14kg) Extra Large 28+lb/14+kg

Ultra soft, absorbent puddle pad works wonders under the sheets! Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet. Helps to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Sizes Twin-King have elastic stay-put corners. Now with a luxurious plush wool!

Sizes: Crib: 31" x 54" (Available in Classic organic merino wool or our new ultra plush organic merino wool!) Twin: 40" x 76" Full: 55" x 76" Queen: 62" x 82" King: 78" x 82"

Perfect natural accessory for cloth diapers. This bag holds wet and soiled diapers while "on the go". Closes easily with Aplix® brand velcro. Size small (shown above) offers one detachable handle for that perfect fit around doorknobs, restroom hooks, and strollers. Size large (shown right) has two detachable handles. Handles detach completely with durable plastic snaps. These are wonderful accessory bags for almost any occasion, too!

This diaper bag's design frees up a caretaker's arms and shoulders while still carrying around baby necessities. Features a buckle closure and extra big pockets located on the side allowing space for a baby's legs while storing essentials within reach.

Designed to meet the challenges of young children's fast-paced lives, and enhance the development of motor skills, coordination, balance and emotional and social skills, the GYMBOX opens into six squares forming a playground of various elements: ball pit, different-sized rollers, rockers, steps, climb and slide slope, tunnel, and balancing elements. The sections attach with Velcro and can easily be pulled apart. It is created to encourage classical soft play and provide a fun, active environment anytime of day. At the end of the day, the GYMBOX can be snapped closed and put away for another day. The modular cube is available in two sizes: 32" (80 cm) and 39" (100 cm).

Suitable for ages 18 months and up, this fire engine is made of the renewable resource rubberwood and comes with colorful shape pieces toddlers can push through the matching silhouettes on the sides. Launch date: 2009.
— "Smart Gear is doing some really smart stuff," Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books in Oklahoma City, told TDmonthly after the 2009 ASTRA show. She commented on the line's nice appearance and wooden construction.

Baby’s first prehistoric plush pal! This extremely soft, loveable baby dinosaur was designed especially for infants. Its embroidered details, soft blue color, orange spikes, and smiling face make this a toy that children of any age will cherish.

With this puzzle, toddlers can match the shape of one of the four knob puzzle pieces or discover what is underneath. The Pond Knob Puzzle is designed to promote fine motor and concentration skills. "Delightful graphics encourage children to uncover and learn more about animals in their environment," Robin Lehnert, marketing manager for Hape Intl, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

Little Autos are child-sized vehicles made of maple with natural wood wheels painted with a vibrant burst of color and sweet graphics. They are available in four colors: lime green, blue, red and yellow, and accented with one of two whimsical patterns: checkers or blossoms. Little Autos are an "exceptional value for a modern, wood vehicle. This is available in a display with 8 autos in 4 colors," Robin Lehnert, marketing manager for Hape Intl., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

The Pink line includes organic rattles, teethers, and developmental toys designed with purpose. The House Sorter comes packed with four shape blocks ready to be shaken, squeezed and sorted. It's designed to stimulate and develop babies' sensory, motor and social skills vital to their personal growth and most importantly, have fun doing it. “From the organic cotton grown without pesticides and chemicals, coloring process, and right down to the plant-based fibers used in filling the plush toys, we’re all about delivering toys that babies will enjoy learning from and that don’t harm the environment,” Re-Think It Co-founder Amy Shumway told TDmonthly. A portion of the proceeds from the PINK line will support Breast Cancer Research. Launch date: September 16, 2009.

The Lauri Caterpillar Crepe Rubber Puzzles for Wood Puzzle Graduates are made in the United States and have soft, bright, durable and washable pieces that won't curl, crease or tear. The puzzle has two skill levels. Kids first follow the pattern, and then they can take it away to increase the challenge. It's designed for kids to feel special achievement when each piece fits snugly. "The best thing about the Lauri Caterpillar Crepe Rubber Puzzle is that it's latex-free, washable and completely safe! Parents also appreciate the educational value of the puzzles, which encourage concentration, patience and quiet play," Jessica Wineke, PR coordinator for Patch Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009.
— Lauri puzzles are best sellers at Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., Owner Shana Hack told TDmonthly in June 2009.