MDA Sales News and Updates

Viva CYBEX!

2010-01-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Double whammy in Spain! CYBEX was awarded the “Todos Papas” as well as the “Todos Papás Professional” award for the 2.GO baby carrier and the Callisto travel system respectively. Todos Papás is one of the leading parent magazines in Spain and the only award of this kind in the industry. The winners are chosen through a survey among parents and - for the “professional” award - by the trade.
This is a nice recognition, and certainly we are very optimistic that we will win similar awards here in the US. So far, the interest within the media is good and the more testing/reviewing, the more chances to get awards, so lots of good stuff to look forward to.

The CYBEX 2.GO baby carrier satisfies every child’s natural need for close physical contact and, thanks to the versatility of 5 carrying positions, is the ideal companion in a child’s first years of life. The Comfort Fit™ Seat can be individually adjusted to allow baby to sit in a more comfortable position. The head support can be easily adjusted with the zipper or folded down to allow the baby to face foward and explore the world. With 70% of the weight carried on the hips, the 2.GO is as equally comfortable for the parent as the child.
2.GO Quick facts:• Five carrying positions for maximum versitility• Developed with midwives and orthopedists• Quick and easy to put on and take off• Comfort Fit Seat™ for Baby's Comfort• 70% of weight on the hip for parent's comfort• From 8–40 lb (3.5 – 18 kg)

Holiday Gift for Moms Everywhere

2009-10-29T14:21:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the holidays, teething tots and stylish moms want dentist invented & recommended Chewable Jewels.

With Halloween around the corner and the year-end holiday season closing in, chewy candy and sweets are a big part of the childhood holiday experience. For moms at any stage in their life, wearing colorful jewels and baubles in beautiful holiday colors are also a special part of this time of year. While these may seem like two very random, disconnected topics the reality is that holiday candy and women’s jewelry have a lot in common. Just ask the founder of Chewable Jewels.

Teething Twins Inspiring Chewable Idea

During the holiday season in 2003, Dr. Helen Bloom was sitting on the living room floor seven months pregnant with her first child playing with her twin nephews. As they were playing she realized that the twins were drooling and teething on her jewelry. Her beautiful holiday necklace and bracelet made of hard metal, glass beads and charms likely felt good on their young teething gums. But as a senior in dental school at the time, Dr. Bloom knew it wasn’t good for their developing/erupting teeth buds and the possibility of a part of the jewelry could come unhinged and get lodged in their throats.

Young moms worldwide learn to put the jewelry away until the babies grow out of the teething stage because babies chew on anything that they can get their hands and mouth on. Dr. Bloom and her sister began searching baby stores, toy stores and the Internet for baby-safe jewelry that moms could wear during the teething stages. Their thorough search came up empty.

When Dr. Bloom created a prototype for the jewelry she also learned that the material that most teethers are made from plastics that can leach harmful carcinogenic chemicals. It was then that she realized how important it was to produce a product that was not only utilitarian and fashionable for mom, but also safe for baby.

In July, 2004 while attending a wedding, Dr. Bloom slipped off the first bracelets she created and gave them to her two-month old teething son and two nephews to chew on. “All three boys loved them and stayed quiet for over an hour,” says Dr. Bloom. “This was the ‘a-ha’ moment.” Chewable Jewels was born.

“I created Chewable Jewels because there was nothing on the market like it. As a dentist, I want children everywhere to have a safe teething product. As a mom I could not live without this jewelry,” says Dr. Bloom.

Safety First
Chewable Jewels product materials are FDA approved, free of phthalate, BPA, PVC, latex, and lead. They are waterproof, dishwasher durable and endorsed by dentists nationwide. Even grandmas, babysitters, aunts, sisters, brothers and dads who find themselves around teething tots benefit from wearing or having this jewelry on hand.
In addition to the original bracelets, there are chewable necklaces, rings and key chains in more than 50 different product options, colors and packages.

One busy mom commented that, “I love wearing the bracelets and I think they are my daughter’s favorite as well…she can reach both aching sides of her mouth at a time! And I have a key chain jewel attached to my key hook on my diaper bag so it’s always available when we’re out.”

Already a Trend even in Hollywood
Dr. Bloom’s Chewable Jewels have been featured in or reviewed and/or tested by a variety of mom-approved publications, blogspots, and websites. Below are just a few:
Pregnancy magazine (May, 2009 issue)
Now What Baby blogspot

Classy Mommy
Connecting Moms
Ugga Mugga
Working Mother.com

On Working Mother.com, actress and television hostess Finnola Hughes (known for her long running role as Anna Devane in General Hospital and as hostess of Style Network’s “How Do I Look?”) raved that “Dr. Bloom’s Chewable Jewels are not only stylish but her youngest daughter, Sadie, loves to chew on them”.

The fashion-forward jewels have recently been made available as combo packs that include either a slide necklace and bracelet, or multiple bracelets that can be stacked to conform to the latest trends, or a bracelet and keychain. Each piece is also available individually and in a wide arrange of colors including a natural stone-look that can be a great accent piece to compliment any casual or dressy outfit that mom will be wearing around the baby.

Chewable Jewels are more than a way to keep a teething tot occupied, they’re also a conversational piece of jewelry that mom can feel great about wearing anywhere.

It makes a difference

2009-10-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

A portion of every bag sold goes to the Susan G. Komen foundation
-- Kids Today, 10/13/2009 6:57:00 AMSAN CLEMENTE, Calif. – Ju-Ju-Be has donated a portion of each sale of its diaper bags to the fight against breast cancer, since the manufacturer’s inception in 2005.Ju-Ju-Be founders Joe Croft and Kristin Hunziker are deeply committed to the fight against breast cancer as it has personally touched the lives of many they love.“Breast cancer is not something that we limit our support to for just one month. We support the fight against breast cancer for the month of October as well as every other month,” said Hunziker. “Until it is cured, every month is breast cancer awareness month at Ju-Ju-Be.”Thousands of dollars are donated each year to Susan G. Komen and several other foundations to help in the fight against breast cancer.“Ju-Ju-Be is proud to support Susan G. Komen and will not stop until a cure is found,” said Croft. “We would like to make a call to action to others to find a way to inspire and give back.”Croft and Hunziker hope that their passion for the fight against breast cancer will be realized by others.“I really want our customers to have a fun shopping experience with unmatched enthusiasm and customer service,” said Hunziker.“In addition, they can feel good knowing that their purchase is contributing to the fight against breast cancer,” added Croft. “I’m committed to giving back and donate a portion of proceeds from all bag sales, all the time, not just in October. I want each sale, every day to make a difference.”

ABC Show 2009

2009-08-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

With the ABC show approaching fast, we thought we would try to contact you and give you a heads up on our lines and where and how you might connect with us at the show.

Look for a map of the show at www.theabckidshow.com . On the first floor our lines are Tuffo 118, Child to Cherish 424, Lamby 420, Sumersault 600, Dr. Bloom Chewable Jewels 816, Nap Nanny 912, Best Chairs 1442, Naturepedic 2136, Hotslings 2732, Piggy Story 2824, JuJuBe 2800, and KidCo 3108

On the second floor Prince Lionheart 4148, Jazzy Toes 4215, Piccolo Bambini 4314, baby Banz 4422, Baberoo 4528, Bumknis 4730, L’ovedbaby 5031, Mustela 5026, Regal + Lager 5640, Wallcandy Arts 5620, notNeutral 5622, minui HandySitt 5922, Gustav Maxwell & Co. 6020.

If there is a company you wish to meet with and would like us to be with you, please let us know as soon as possible. We will be happy to schedule time with you even to just buy you a cup of coffee or a cold drink. We can go over what you have found and have questions about. We will also have a list of show specials to give you.

We hope this helps with your plans. Again, please set up an appointment with us as soon as possible. We will not drag you around to all the lines; just give us a half hour to touch base!! Have a safe trip and thanks for all your business.

Dress Tiny Feet with JazzyToes

2009-08-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

DRESS TINY FEET FOR
THE HAMPTONS, THE BEACH, OR THE THEATRE
WITH JAZZYTOES®
JazzyToes Unveils New Sock Styles, Tights and An Eco-Friendly Collection
Pittsburgh, PA (July 30, 2009) – This year, whether you’re on vacation, or just wishing you
were, JazzyToes® has the perfect footwear solution for babies. New for fall 2009 are two resort inspired collections of the original JazzyToes socks-that-look-like-shoes, an adorable pair of
ruffle butt tights for fancy nights and an all-new line of eco-friendly JazzyToes socks.
The entire fall sock collection has the same great features as the original JazzyToes designs, like
elasticized ankles to help the socks stay on, and non-skid soles to help baby stay on their feet.
JazzyToes’ new earth-friendly line, the Bamboo Collection, features socks made from ecofriendly materials that are still completely cute. Each pair is made from Bamboo yarn, which is hypoallergenic, breathable, anti-bacterial, natural, and silky smooth. All of the yarn used in the JazzyToes Bamboo Collection is processed with low-impact dyes, and is OEKOTEX Standard 100 Certified,meaning it’s free of any harmful chemicals. The Bamboo Collection comes packaged in 100% recycled paper using soy-based ink, and even the sock inserts inside are recyclable. JazzyToes chose to use Bamboo yarn because bamboo is one of the
most sustainable sources of natural fibers on earth. It grows quickly and does not require replanting after harvesting, making it extremely sustainable. It is 100% biodegradable in the right soil conditions and its decomposition process does not cause any environmental pollution.
JazzyToes Bamboo Collection 2 Pack- Available in blue and green High Top Sneakers or black and pink Mary Janes. Sizes 6-12M or 12-24M. Each 2 pair pack is $14.99. Also available individually for$6.99/pair. (reatil)
New additions to the original JazzyToes socks come in handsome ready-to-mail boxes, making them perfect for gift-giving: JazzyToes Flip Flop 3 Packs- These fun mock flip flops
feature drawn-in toes and toenails. Choose from Athlete (soccer, football and basketball) or Sunshine (butterfly, sunflower and ladybug). Available in sizes 0-12M and 12-24M. Each 3 pair pack is $17.99. JazzyToes Hamptons 6 Packs- Inspired by weekend getaways to the Hamptons. Both the boys and girls variety set come with six brand-new JazzyToes designs. Each sixpair set available in 0-12M or 12-24M sizes, $26.99.
Boys Hamptons 6 pack includes: Oxford shoes in brown, Sandals in green/black, Golf shoes in olive/white,Runners in blue, Clogs in red and Flip Flops in black/white.
Girls Hamptons 6 pack includes: Ballet in pink, Flip flops in brown, T-strap Mary Janes in black, Runners in bright pink, Clog in red, and Casual Flats in light blue.
Finally, JazzyToes debuts its first pair of tights this fall. Each pair is complete with lacy ruffle-butt design, and built-in Mary Jane “shoes.” These tights are sure to turn heads!
Mary Jane Lacy Baby Tight- White cotton tight. Available in sizes 6-12M or 12-24M. $17.99/pair.
Visit www.jazzytoes.com for more information.

ABOUT JAZZYTOES®
High quality, stylish clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers with a wider
range for boys is the goal of JazzyToes, LLC. Founder Winnie Liu, a mother of
two young boys, felt the current offerings were limited for boys so she created her
own team with industrial designer Raymond Hwang. JazzyToes offers a unique collection of babysocks for new mothers and gift givers. For more information click on their website
www.jazzytoes.com

BodyRest Recliner

2009-07-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

Until very recently, I thought all nursery rockers were the same. Then I discovered the BodyRest by Best Chairs: the rocker that has the ability to recline completely flat. This might sound like a frivolous addition to your nursery necessities, but for parents with a newborn it's completely brilliant. Late night feedings and sick kiddos both mean leaving your bed and trudging to the nursery, only to spend the wee hours of your morning uncomfortably nodding off in an upright glider. While I think most moms are undeniably resilient, I'm sure we can all agree that catching your Zs in a nursery chair, night after night, is far from restful. Enter BodyRest. Not only does it recline into a full horizontal position, it offers the comfort and support of a bed mattress. It's like having an extra bed in your baby's nursery, but without demanding so much space. Amazingly, this isn't its only perk. Whether you're fully reclined, sitting upright or posing somewhere in between, the kick-out ottoman can be pushed out or in, depending on your preference. For swollen mommy ankles, this is a nice detail. Plus, since it's a part of Best Chairs' Storytime Series, you can pick from a variety of adorable fabrics, leather and vinyl to create the perfect chair for your space. You may want to consider something a little more grown up, though, because the BodyRest's sturdy build and cozy arrangements aren't going to leave you wanting to kick it to the curb when your babe outgrows his nursery! Recliner by day, bed by night... the BodyRest recliner is more than a chair: it's a superhero.
Written by Amanda on Jun 12, 2009 Good Gear Blog from Pregnancy and Newborn

End of June Specials

2009-06-24T14:16:00.001-07:00

Prince Lionheart has just unveiled the new pottyPod. The ONLY Anti-Microbial pottyPOD™ on the market! The soft, cushiony surface of the pottyPOD™ is treated with an EPA approved additive to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause spoilage, odors and mildew. See the following link for images and more information: http://princelionheart.com/site/n_bc_7401.html

Also, Prince Lionheart is currently running a special; purchase 11 Balance Bikes, get the 12th free. That's a freebee worth $42.50! Balance Bike: http://princelionheart.com/site/p_bike_7600.html

Lastly, our North American Bear line is also having a June special. Order $500+ for AT ONCE delivery and receive a coupon for $50off your next order placed between Sept. 1- Oct. 15th. (You must include at least 4 new items from the fall catalog to qualify). North American Bear: http://www.nabear.com/

Get in Touch

2009-05-27T11:44:00.001-07:00

We’ve recently picked up several new lines that we are excited to bring to the market. Among them is KimochisTM, which means “feeling” in Japanese. The line consists of adorable high-quality plush toy characters with a pocket to carry their feelings inside. Each character has a distinct personality and a strong Japanese design influence. More than just a toy, these characters and the feelings that come with them help kids learn how to express themselves appropriately and communicate better. Each KimochisTM box comes with a character, three feelings, and a How-to Feel Guide to assist adults in using the toy as a tool with children for the excellent price of $25.00 suggested retail. Additional feelings can be purchased separately. There are 6 to a pack with one Make-Your-Own Feeling with washable pen! This is the perfect toy for any child who is learning about feelings or having difficulty expressing them. KimochisTM are being used in hospital, school, and therapy settings with great success. Check out the KimochisTM web site for more information including news on the expansion of the line coming soon!

Clean Green

2009-02-20T17:33:00.000-08:00

A lot of companies are making cleansers that are safe for you, your kids and the planet, but Fields Organic (fieldsorganics.com) is taking those cleaning products to a whole new level. Fields Organics has an array of products, their motto is Eco Smart + Kid Friendly… and it’s true. This company really walks the walk, even the ink on the label is printed with soy based ink on 100% recycled paper. Their entire line is biodegradable, free of VOCs, ph-balanced, hypoallergenic and cruelty-free — all things you want in cleaning products. On top of that, a percentage of its profits go to Children's Environmental Health Network.

An Old Post but a Good Post

2009-02-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

Naturepedic® natural and organic mattresses ensure a natural, non-toxic and healthy environment for children. The No-Compromise™ organic baby mattress is made with organic cotton, no polyurethane form. It has a non-toxic waterproof surface that is easy to clean and stain proof with no vinyl, PVC or phthalates. It is hypoallergenic with a dust mite proof cover, no latex, wool or other high allergy materials. It has FlameBreaker™ fire protection with no PBDEs, antimony, modacrylic, PAN or wool and meets and exceeds all federal and state flammability standards. The mattress has extra firm support with 252 coil heavy duty innerspring construction with border rods. Naturepedic is a trusted brand with a 20 year limited warranty.Natural materials provide a healthy and non-toxic environment for your baby. Naturepedic uses organic and chemical free materials while eliminating vinyl, foam and many chemicals commonly found in crib mattresses. Naturepedic puts your baby’s health and safety first. Babies spend 10 – 14 hours a day sleeping and playing on a crib mattress. The benefits of a healthier mattress will last a lifetime.

KidCo BabySteps™

2009-02-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

We all live and learn……marketing and consumerism is NOT “static” as we all know.
We have recently made an interesting discovery about the fast-growing trend of preparing home made baby food. The “mom” consumer is totally focused and oriented to the exact word grouping: “Home Made Baby Food”. If you GOOGLE that phrase using the exact search string, “Home Made ( or Homemade as one word) Baby Food”, over 33,000,000 search results are produced! This is larger-than-life HUGE!!

To capitalize on this clear trend, we urge you to use this marketing fact. If you are ecommerce,you embed or add this search string within BabySteps™ items on your site, and if you are “brick and mortar”, that you create in store shelf signs which state “Make Home made baby food easily” or similar. KidCo is undertaking a marketing evaluation as to affordable, efficient and effective ways to assist our reseller partners (primarily at the shelf in traditional stores) with possibly some shelf talkers and small gondola signs which capture this important phrase and commands consumer attention. We will keep you advised.

L'ovedbaby. Meet Marlow

2009-02-10T22:57:00.000-08:00

Mary and James (my daughter and son - in law) have a little girl, Marlowe Miyuki Gamble, born at 0:17, 2/9/2009. She was born at home after a long labor and long hours of pushing but everything is perfect. She weighted in at 7 lbs and is 21 inches long. She was born on the full moon with a lunar eclipse ( according to Cheryl, very auspicious). I can't believe I am a grandmother! Thanks for all your support these last months, Melissa

New Soft Dolls from North American Bear

2009-01-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

The North American Bear Co. is embracing little girls’ love of ballet and fashion with two new products for 2009: Rosy Cheeks™ Big Sister Ballet and Cotton Goody Bags™. Rosy Cheeks™ Big Sister Ballet is a soft jersey knit 18-inch doll with a removable pink ballerina outfit with tutu, floral headband and lace-up slippers. The doll is offered with blonde or brunette long yarn hair, in two skin tones and three different styles. Additional Big Sister outfits and play accessories are sold separately. The dolls are designed for girls ages 3+ (SRP: $32.00 each). New Cotton Goody bags feature whimsically patterned animal shapes that were created to help young fashionistas make a fresh spring statement. The woven cotton 7-inch tot sized totes come fully lined with a central compartment to keep trinkets safe with a Velcro closure. Available styles include Chick Butterfly and Bunny Cotton Goody Bags, all of which are machine washable. For ages 3+ (SRP: $12.00 each) Visit North American Bear Co. at the Seattle Gift Show with Melissa Dodge and Associates, Suite 225, Pacific Market Center

Sam I Am

2009-01-06T23:33:00.000-08:00

It happens during many a stroller walk. You load up Little One, tuck his fave, cozy blankie around him, and nestle his sippy cup and favorite toy by his side. A few blocks later, you gaze at LO to find him with sip and toy, but the blankie had fallen somewhere along the way.
This happened one too many times to Seattle mom Theresa Okell , who while jogging with son Sam would routinely have to break her stride, stopping to pick up Sam's fallen or dragging blanket. She'd see other moms and babes dealing with the same issue: blankets that got kicked off by little legs or that would get caught in the stroller wheels or get soiled by harsh weather.
Okell's eureka moment resulted in the SammySack, a kick-off proof, weather-proof stroller blanket. Made with two fabric layers, the SammySack's outer part is durable, water-repellent nylon, while the inside is soft polar fleece. The SammySack's genius comes in the way it fits. It clips to the stroller so it won't slide off, and it's shaped like an hourglass with a wider upper and lower portion, making it easy for snug tuck-ins without bulky blankie excess. An adjustable foot pocket keeps feet covered but still allows for wiggle room. With 9 designs to choose from, the SammySack is for toddler through 4 years. (Look for the brand new SammySackBaby for infant to 12 months coming later this month). If you've got a double stroller, no problem. Clip two together and you're good to go.
SammySack, $60 - $65

Seattle Gift Show

2009-01-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Chalk N Doodle, newest in the line of children’s products from The Piggy Story, features a chalk pad with side flaps to hold chalk or crayons. The chalkboard converts to a lap station for drawing with the Doodle Pad or Activity Book. Owner and principle designer, PeiLing Hwang remarks, “We know our buyers are struggling so this product is priced for this economy. We not only want to make good products but products people can afford.”

The Piggy Mermaids set to debut in January at Market are the follow up to the most popular Piggy Pirates design released in July 2008. Featuring fun underwater seascapes and happy Piggy Mermaids the design will be on a majority of the children’s line including: ArtFolio, Art-to-Go Roll, Handy Notecard Kit, Play Go Go Pack, Doodle Pad and Activity Book, Mini-Chef Apron for girls, Carry All Caddy, Chalk N Doodle, Lunch Tote, Lil Diva Valise and the Beauty Box. All items are available to ship January 15, 2009.

We Gotcha Covered Redbird Couture

2008-12-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

We never got into the car décor thing. Steering wheel covers, seat covers, parking brake covers? Never. Dash toys and danglies hanging from the rearview? Not a chance.
Infant car-seat covers, on the other hand = brilliant. Soft yet durable, machine-washable fabric with cute hand-sewn detailing (birds, blossoms, bamboo, or space orbits), plus Woopsloops to keep toys near means these covers by Redbird Couture are more than just stylish. And they’re made in Portland!

JU JU BE

2008-12-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Ju Ju Be has invested in creating lower cost and multi-use items so that with this economy, people can still afford a JJB bag and get more for their money! The Be Light retails for $35 and the Be Set retails for $38. Both of these bags are not necessarily just diaper bags. The Be Light makes a great purse and the Be Set is perfect for a night out! The Be Prepared makes a perfect gym bag after the kids grow out of the diaper bag years & fits perfectly under the seat of the airplane making it ideal for travel. Please make your customers aware of the many uses of our bags and the great price points.

2008-12-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hotslings Presents Little House

As the leading designer soft baby carrier in America, Hotslings has taken its first licensing steps and partnered with Little House by Annette Tatum, an innovator and pioneer in the infant and juvenile home textiles arena. Little House by Annette Tatum's signature prints beautifully grace the nurseries of celebrities such as Minnie Driver and Marcia Cross, as well as consumers who seek fashionable designs and quality products for their baby. Now these distinctive prints are available in an exclusive assortment of soft baby carriers and nursing covers, brought to you by the award-winning Hotslings brand.

Hotslings Nursing Covers

The sleek and streamlined Hotslings Nursing Cover is a long-awaited addition to our growing collection. Our passion for innovation led us to a fresh and fashionable take on this must-have item for nursing moms.The unique asymmetrical design allows for discreet and easy nursing. Mom is able to switch baby and cover effortlessly from side to side while one arm is left uncovered for maximum freedom and functionality.They are made of soft, washable fabrics and come in delicious patterns and colors. They can even double as a stylish shawl.

The Piggy Story

2008-06-25T12:14:00.001-07:00

A Story Born Of Imagination & Perfected By Design…

Welcome to the Piggy Story – where every day, childlike wonder and creativity are breathing new life into the world of children’s products.

The Piggy Story is a labor of love founded by owner (and mother) Peiling Hwang. Armed with a 15-year background in design, working for kid-friendly companies like Mattel, Disney Interactive, Oscar Meyer Luncheables and Hallmark, Peiling set out to build a company dedicated to crafting an imaginative suite of products from the child’s point-of-view. So before designing each new product, it is first thought about from a child’s perspective. Will this product spark little imaginations everywhere? Will it encourage creativity? Does this product have the longevity to be an old favorite years from now?
Then, the focus is shifted to the parent’s perspective. Is it functional? Is it aesthetically pleasing? Is it sturdy enough to last?

It is this unique approach and forethought that makes the Piggy Story line so special. The products are always imaginative, stylish and built to last – equal parts vintage charm and intuitive, modern design. And as you experience each Piggy Story product, we hope they will become as close to your heart as they are to ours.

Piggy story offers handmade children’s gift ideas, kids products for boys and girls preschool age and up - naptime sleep set with pillow and quilt, play cook kitchen apron, boxed dish set with table placemat - they make great Christmas gifts, back-to-school giifts and birthday presents.

2008-04-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

We hope 2008 is off to a great start! Here's an update with the latest news from Fresh Baby.

We were extremely satisfied with last year's performance. Most notably, our So Easy Baby Food Kit sales doubled and So Easy Baby Food Tray sales more than tripled! The rising interest in green parenting is tremendous and we believe it will continue to drive strong sales demand for Fresh Baby products.

Along with green being "in", Fresh Baby continues to expand their marketing programs to reach parents. This newsletter offers a snapshot of these programs and provides information on how you can take advantage of them to grow your Fresh Baby sales.
If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint making organic baby food is a great way to go. Consider the GREEN facts:
Organic - Organic fruits and vegetables are the best choice for making baby food. They are the most natural ingredients and organic foods drastically reduce harm to the environment.
Less Waste - When you make your own baby food, there are no jars, labels or metal lids to dispose or to recycle. Any waste from making baby food is biodegradable or can be composted.
No Factory Required - Just a little energy to steam foods and run a blender is all you need to make your baby's meals! Did someone say near "zero" greenhouse gases?
Local - Your baby's food does not need to be trucked to you from a factory thousands of miles away. Instead you can simply buy organic produce from your local farm market (or grow your own) and get started.
Healthy - Homemade baby food is safe and nutritious. Baby food jars are often lined with bisphenol-A, a controversial hormone disruptor that should be avoided. In addition, homemade baby food has no preservatives, additives or chemicals - it is pure, natural goodness.
The Bottom Line: Making baby food is a great gift to give the environment and your baby. Plus homemade baby food tastes great. Who knows? Your baby may even grow up to like the taste of Brussels sprouts and mangoes!

Goodnite Moon Kids

2008-03-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

High quality art work makes such a difference in the feeling you get in a child's room. It is easy to decorate with Goodnite Moon Kids. They have many themes: princesses, fairy tales, ballet dancers and tea parties, nursery rhymes, pirates and treasure maps, safari animals, dinosaurs and farm animals,sports and trucks.All the art work is stretched on canvas. Some pictures are embellished with trims of beads and buttons and range in size from 12 x 12 to 24 x 30. Goodnite Moon's art work is carried over in clocks and growth charts and a wonderful collection of melamine dish sets. The dish sets include forks & spoons, a TV tray, sippy cup, suction bowl and plate and cup. They also do a wonderful range of oil cloth bibs and aprons with matching fabric burp cloths. Many of the fabrics are vintage. Come and look! You will soon be able to see it all on their web site www.goodnitemoonkids.com.

Satsuma Designs

2008-03-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

Things we love:
Satsuma Designs amazingly soft and stretchy receiving blankets.
Satsuma Designs takes great care in sourcing eco friendly and sustainable resources. They choose partners who adhere to conventional processes that meet international criteria for earth friendly manufacturing of soft goods.

For example, Satsuma Designs works with:
- Raw bamboo suppliers that employ sustainable harvesting practices and adhere to strict industry guidelines in the processing of bamboo
- A fabric mill that ensures environmentally friendly production processes that don’t pollute the local environment
- They never dye their fabric to ensure that the natural properties and naturally antibacterial nature of bamboo remains intact
- They design and produce their products in U.S. factories that employ local artisans
- Their packaging can be recycled

Chewable Jewels

2008-02-18T15:14:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bloom Chewable Jewels

Birmingham dentist Helen Bloom Smith was at her own baby shower when her twin nephews started using her glass beaded bracelet and necklace as teething toys.
Smith, who was still in dental school at the time, was frantic about what the glass and metal could do to the babies' developing teeth.
"I saw their teeth biting down on these glass beads and it horrified me. I tried to pull it away, but they wanted them - they always want what you're wearing," she said. "Then I looked around the room, and I noticed that the moms weren't wearing jewelry and I thought, why can't we wear pretty jewelry?"
So Smith set out to create her own line of teething jewelry made of food-safe silicone. The result, called Chewable Jewels, is now on the market.
The products were designed for busy moms who need even their accessories to do double-duty, said Smith, who has more than once slipped off a bangle and passed it to her son to keep him busy while she drives.
The bangle-style bracelets and chunky pendants are designed to look like sleek resin or stone, but gently give way on baby's gums and are dishwasher safe. All of the parts, even the cording that holds the pendants, are made of FDA-approved products and are free of latex and phthalates, controversial chemicals used in plastics that some say are linked to hormone disruptions and other health problems. Infants and toddlers need something to soothe sore gums and stimulate growing tooth buds.
The price is right and the packaging works. Look for Chewable Jewels on display in the showroom or check out their website http://www.chewablejewels.com/.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

I’m very behind in keeping up with the latest information from the showroom. Bunnies and chicks are here from North American Bear as well as all the special keepsake gifts from Child to Cherish. Basics are here too from Bumkins, JuJuBe, Hotslings. L’oved Baby, Little Knits, Mustela, Prince Lionheart, Regal + Lager Brands, Tuffo, Summersault, Silver Treasures, WallCandy Arts and Wee Gallery. Don’t forget to ask about out furniture lines.
We have a host of new lines that feature innovative, whimsical, and down right practical products. We have added notNeutral to our product mix. They create bold, colorful and innovative products that encompass all categories of the modern lifestyle. We are most excited about their kid’s products. They have tied in with WallCandy Arts to have their designs as removable and reusable surface graphics to complement their dish sets, rugs, pillows, and t-shirts. They also make great furniture. They have a twin bed, night stand, shelf unit and rocker. These pieces are in addition to their famous table and chairs designed 15 years ago for a child care center at Warner Brother’s Studio. notNeutral is a fun addition to our other modern offerings.
We are very excited to be offering a new layette line, Piccolo Bambino: Beautiful packaging, key products with great synergy, pure organics in muted pastels and amazing price points. This will be a keystone line for your baby section.
Earth Friendly LLC is importing organic wooden toys from India. Maya Organic has initiated efforts to create a niche market for a brand of wooden educational toys with a strong emphasis on safety, quality and the use of natural vegetable dyes. All Maya Organic toys meet CE and ASTM standards.
We had a great market the end of January and look forward to seeing everyone who could not get here. We will be at the showroom most Mondays and Tuesdays or by appointment. We will also be showing at the NW Kids show the end of March at the Embassy Suites Southcenter.

2007-10-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of Sharon’s own mom who is battling stage 4 breast cancer, L'ovedbaby will donate 25% of the profits from October sales of our "Think Pink" nursing shawls to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Spread the word...think pink...save lives. "Make your baby a L'ovedbaby!"

2007-10-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Budding Family series of fun books that help little kids through big transitions is a valuable parenting tool. This is an award winning line of keepsake albums for siblings-to-be and/or children moving to a new home. It is a book that you fill with photos in the 38 interior die cuts of assorted shapes, 24 pocketed pages, and 12 easy to use removable insert cards. It has a fill in the blanks format for a personalized story. There are interactive flap doors. Its beautiful designs have a laminated cover and interior for durability. Great value—highest quality materials and construction for making a time capsule filled with cherished memories of your child’s milestones. ($25.00 msrp available now)
Introduced at the recent ABC show are the new sibling photo cards by Budding Family. Cracking the code of sibling transition is at a new level with the series of Kid Sister and Kid Brother-On-The-Way keepsake cards that provide a unique, forward-thinking approach to getting only-children ready for a new baby and a new role in the family. ($3.75 single card/$19.50 6-pack.) The easy-to-personalize photo cards offer two potential uses: one for expectant parents and another for expectant siblings. Parents can use them with their own child as a fun, creative way to deliver the news about a pending new addition and begin explaining the meaning of being a Big Sister/Big Brother. Only-children, starring in their new role of sibling-to-be, can use the cards to announce the family news far and wide (or just across the street). Sharing the excitement with loved ones during mom’s pregnancy allows a child to gain confidence to embrace his/her coming new role in the family. “These sibling cards are an innovative new tool,” says nationally renowned psychologist Dr. Susan Bartell. “Allowing your child to participate in the excitement is a loving way to guide him through this life-changing transition.”The bright colored 5” x 7” tri-fold cards include a red and white “Hurry up! Open it!” sticker for the outer envelope. In addition, these distinctive keepsake cards fit into standard 5”x7” picture frames for easy display and lasting memories.The cards will be available in January, 2008.

Bibs

2007-09-22T00:10:00.000-07:00

Safety First!

Bumkins has ALWAYS been Vinyl, PVC & Phthalate free.

Bumkins is proud to continue our legacy of putting child safety first. We offer products that are not only high-quality, but safe as well. In light of recent product recalls, Bumkins would like to remind customers that all our products, including our waterproof items, are all PVC, vinyl and phthalate free! This includes our SuperBibs, aprons, art smocks, cloth diapers and covers. Additionally, all our waterproof products are MADE IN THE USA with American-made fabric!

Seattle Gift Show

2007-08-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to seeing you at the August show. We have lots of new things to show you for fall, holiday and spring. The show starts on Wednesday the 15th and runs thru Tuesday the 21st. We have great show specials to take advantage of too. If you are concerned about the traffic due to the construction on I 5 here is a link to the website for the latest information. Look at the alternate routes. Remember going north bound, Michigan Street is before the construction but I 5 may be a mess. I suggest using 599 to 99 and exit just after the 1st Avenue bridge to Michigan Street if coming from the south. Hope this helps.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I5/SpokaneStreetBridgeRepair/TrafficEffects.htm

ABC Show Information

2007-08-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

With the ABC show approaching fast, we thought we would try to contact you and give you a heads up on our lines and where and how you might connect with us at the show.

Look for a map of the show at http://www.abckidsexpo.com/ . At the entrance of the show are Naturepedic crib mattresses, space 143. The next big space is KidCo, 237. HotSlings is to the right on the same isle 324 and just across is Baby Banz 323. Green Frog Art, 443, Tuffo, 424 and Prince Lionheart 601, are next. Then Sumersault, 839, Smarty Parents, 920, and Gus & Max, 900-901 is showing on Stokke cribs. Mustela, 1000, is across the isle and Regal Lager, 1001-1200 is the big space on the right side. Lamby, 1122, is close too. The next on the right in the 1700 isle is Hot Toddies Baby Gear, 1707. SafeGuard, 2001, is also on the right hand side. Best Chairs, 2923, is in the middle and a great place to relax. Above Best Chair is La-Le Kids’ Imports (Pastel Toys), 3323. AP Industries and Perlimpinpin are to the back also on the right hand side, 3621.

This year the show is also upstairs. On the second floor in the Modern Child section you will find Wee Gallery, 4341, then L’oved Baby, 4424 and zigzag over to WallCandy Art, 4843. Ju-Ju-Be, 5621, diaper bags are located in the square in the middle and Child to Cherish, 5921, is the next spot back. Just next door in 6022 Budding Family is showing in the Goodnight Moon booth. Bumkins, 6048, is over to the left, Baby’s Bliss and Bliss by Mom, 6126, is in the back middle and the last is ‘Bout Kids, 6244.

If there is a company you wish to meet with and would like us to be with you, please let us know as soon as possible. We will be happy to schedule time with you even to just buy you a cup of coffee or a cold drink. We can go over what you have found and have questions about. We will also have a list of show specials to give you.

We hope this helps with your plans. Again, please set up an appointment with us as soon as possible. We will not drag you around to all the lines; just give us a half hour to touch base!! Have a safe trip and thanks for all your business.

Melissa, Cheryl and Sherringa

2007-08-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Naturepedic® natural and organic mattresses ensure a natural, non-toxic and healthy environment for children. The No-Compromise™ organic baby mattress is made with organic cotton, no polyurethane form. It has a non-toxic waterproof surface that is easy to clean and stain proof with no vinyl, PVC or phthalates. It is hypoallergenic with a dust mite proof cover, no latex, wool or other high allergy materials. It has FlameBreaker™ fire protection with no PBDEs, antimony, modacrylic, PAN or wool and meets and exceeds all federal and state flammability standards. The mattress has extra firm support with 252 coil heavy duty innerspring construction with border rods. Naturepedic is a trusted brand with a 20 year limited warranty.

Natural materials provide a healthy and non-toxic environment for your baby. Naturepedic uses organic and chemical free materials while eliminating vinyl, foam and many chemicals commonly found in crib mattresses. Naturepedic puts your baby’s health and safety first. Babies spend 10 – 14 hours a day sleeping and playing on a crib mattress. The benefits of a healthier mattress will last a lifetime.

WallCandy Art

2007-08-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to bring you five new designs; three in our patent pending peel and stick chalkboard by renowned designer Eric Pfeiffer and two already popular designs from notNeutral.

ChalkBoard Tree30" chalkable tree with green grass &13 birds to accessorize
Growing Tree Growth Chart5 1/2' chalkable growth chart tree,16 squirrels & 25 acorns
Chalk-O-DileTwo 23" chalkable crocodiles with conversation bubbles

Count by notNeutral56 numbers of varying sizes and colors,ranging from 5-8"
Count Borders by notNeutral18' of 5 1/2" wide borderAvailable in Pink and Blue
Transport by notNeutral40 vehicles of varying shades of blue & greenVehicles range from 6-12"

We are also pleased to make available to you new photos of our best selling DottiLicious as well as Rad Racers, ChalkBoard Animals and the new Grazeland to help support your sales.

Find the link to WallCandyArt on the vendor page of our site.

Chocolate!

2007-07-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

L'ovedbaby's new chocolate brown Cotton Basics and new Clay Gray 4-in-1 Nursing Shawls are doing very well in stores and online. For a look at the complete line, including info, pricing, CUTE NEW jpegs, and the adorable new (baby) face of L'ovedbaby, please click here: www.lovedbaby.com/onlinecatalog.html. If you sell our products online, we'd love it if you'd update your site with some of these new jpegs.

JU JU BE

2007-07-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

One of the most practical and well-thought diaper bag brands is Ju-Ju-Be. Have you ever pulled a diaper bag out to find that something in there smells? Well, Ju-Ju-Be’s were created with an anti-microbial coating and are machine washable. Ever feel that the changing pad is too thin? Ju-Ju-Be’s changing pads are created with memory foam (as is their shoulder strap). Ju-Ju-Be’s also have all the right pockets, are the right size, and just seem perfect.
Well, how do they do it? Their website, http://www.ju-ju-be.com/, actually has a forum where customers can interact with the owners/designers who do read all of the posts and respond. It’s this co-development which actually helped create the Be Mine, which is a small wristlet for moms. This wristlet contains a spot for a lipstick, drivers license, credit cards, money, coins, and cell phone.
Ju-Ju-Be also has several styles of diaper bags, including a messenger bag, a backpack, a tote bag, and a smaller messenger bag. You can check out the bags at http://www.ju-ju-be.com/, call us for an appointment or stop by the showroom. We will have the latest styles for fall at the August Seattle Gift Show the 15th- 21st and also at the ABC show in September.

Las Vegas

2007-07-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

Summer is really here, and if this isn’t HOT enough for you, come to Las Vegas for the furniture show at the end of July. Cheryl will be attending that show and would be happy to meet with you while she is there; you can reach her on cell #503-502-8921.

University Loft has a permanent showroom in the World Market and Pavilions, bldg. B, #1400 (14th floor, just off the escalator with a fantastic view of the mountains). Come see and try out their fabulous new upholstery line, with cutting edge design and truly innovative features from July 30th thru August 3rd.

Spring Creek Furniture is showing in space S4700 (just to the right of the main entrance) at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. The Sands opens July 31st and runs thru August 3rd. You will see beautiful new finishes available for immediate delivery, and new beds to enhance their selection of high quality, all wood furniture.

Summer's Here!

2007-05-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Time to make sure the Baby Banz and Mustela Sun Screen are in stock! Memorial day was cold but the sun is shining now. Hope it continues. The showroom is getting ready for the North American Bear Trunk show. Yikes! That's Fall and Holiday stuff. HotSlings samples have come and the line looks great. Ju-Ju-Be is selling fast. Be sure to check on availability. Hot Toddies is a great addition to our product mix. Check out their site. www.hottoddiesbabygear.com. Hope to see you all soon.

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a month since I started this blog. I've been busy! Tomorrow is the first day of the spring show at the Pacific Market Center. Since coming back from JPMA there have been some big changes. No more BabyBjorn...very sad to not be representing them but I had to choose. Regal Lager has so much happening! Phil and Ted's Excellent Buggy Company, Dekor, Gr8X, Second Nature and of course Lascal and their new M 1 carrier. It is cutting edge!! It will ship in July. I hope to have a sample soon.
Additions to the package are Green Frog Art, amazing furniture and furnishings for baby rooms and Hotslings, the best pouch type carrier. Ju Ju Be diaperbags joined the mix in March. Must see the amazing features of these great bags.
I will have a trunk show for fall North American Bear June 4th and 5th, please make an appointment. The advantage of booking these two days are the excellent terms from North American Bear: net 90 days, free freight and a 5% discount. If the order is over $1000.00 and additional 5% discount!! Such a deal.

MDA SALES NEWS AND UPDATES

2007-04-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

With the JPMA show coming up next Monday there will be updates from many of the companies we represent. I hope to use this format to quickly be able to let you know all the latest information.