Five "Best New Product Awards" Present and Baby & Child

Five companies were presented with Baby & Child Best New Product Awards today, with The Wonder Forge™ receiving the "Blogger's Best" distinction for its Angelina Ballerian Dance With Me interactive game. Baby & Child, one of 10 divisions in the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), runs through Wednesday, February 1, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

In addition to the "Blogger's Best" award, Baby & Child Best New Product Awards winners are recognized semi-annually for excellence in four categories: toy, décor, gear and apparel. A panel of editors from print and electronic media outlets, including our own Joann Fallon, selected products that exemplified innovation, design and style.

"These winners were clear stand-outs in a competitive field of outstanding products in Baby & Child," said Randi Mohr, Baby & Child sales manager. "The judges recognized design innovation and creativity which set these products apart from all others."

The winter 2012 winners and finalists, selected from 100 products, are:

BLOGGER'S BEST:
The Wonder Forge™ (Seattle, WA) for its Angelina Ballerina Dance with Me, an interactive collaborative game where kids take the center stage.

TOY:
Winner: Tegu (Darien, CT) for its Tegu Mobility – Dart, a wooden car with 10 classic Tegu blocks, a signature magnetic styling top, and 4 magnetic wooden wheels, Dart is a member of the Compact Line of Tegu Mobility. Finalist: Hape North America (Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada) for its Pancakes. Finalist: Juratoys US Corp (Fort Lauderdale, FL) for its Janod Wooden Toys.

DÉCOR:
Winner: Swankie Blankie (Plano, TX) for its Citron Marbella Receiving Blanket, a washer and dryer safe blanket with a unique design Finalist: Magicforest (Portsmouth, NH) for its Sevi Fly With Me Growth Chart. Finalist: My Boy Sam Ltd (New Milford, CT) for its Baby Stroller Blanket.

GEAR:
Winner: 7 A.M.® Enfant (New York, NY) for its Pookie Poncho, a baby carrier cover and stroller cover in one, made of waterproof materials. Finalist: MadPax, LLC (Phoenix, AZ) for its BUBBLE by MadPax. Finalist: GroVia® (Bozeman, MT) for its Curious About Cloth Kit.

APPAREL:
Winner: Zutano Inc. (Cabot, VT) for its Bowtie, the new accessory for little boys in Zutano's hallmark colors. Finalist: Dabbawalla Bags (Seattle, WA) for its Lunch Knot Purse. Finalist: Tutu Couture® (Atlanta, GA) for its Officially Licensed Collegiate Tutu Line.

The Best New Product Award judges were: Joanne Fallon, Baby & Kids Magazine; Jennifer Cattaui, Earnshaw's; Joanna Dreifus, MyMomShops.com; Caroline Kennedy, Playthings; and Leesa Valentino, TheGiggleGuide.com.