Squeez'Ems Reusable Food Pouches Make It Easy to Give Kids a Healthy and Nutritious Snack in a Hurry

Heading off to another soccer, basketball, hockey or volleyball practice and wondering how to give your kids something healthy on-the-go? Squeez'Ems reusable food pouches are perfect for busy, sports-minded kids (and nutrition minded parents:). They are super easy to fill, clean and store. Squeez'Ems reusable food pouches are ideal for parents who want to give their kids a healthy, nutritious snack when away from home. They are great for yogurt, smoothies, applesauce or any blended food. Because Squeez'Ems reusable food pouches can be filled with whatever the parents choose, they are a great solution for those concerned over the nutrition content of premade store-bought food pouches which can often be filled with sugar or preservatives. Squeez'Ems are also BPA, PVC, and phthalate free. Because they are refillable and reusable, Squeez'Ems are an earth-friendly choice and perfect for families concerned about the environment. So, before your child heads out to soccer practice, make sure you toss a Squeez'Ems in his or her bag!

Squeez'Ems are comprised of just one piece to eliminate the worry over losing parts. They feature a new screw top lid that turns clockwise to prevent accidental opening. It guarantees a tighter, 100 percent leak-proof seal! Also, the pouch has an open window so there's no guessing what’s inside.

JPMA Reports 2012 Sales and Sees Increase in Online Buying Trends

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is pleased to report the U.S. market for juvenile products was approximately $2.97 billion in manufacturer sales for 2012, up from $2.72 billion the previous year.

The juvenile products market is defined by this study as everything for infants and toddlers excluding consumables and apparel. This figure represents total sales through all distribution channels including mass merchandisers, discounters and specialists, independent juvenile, department stores, drug and grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and e-tailers.

Highlights of the statistical study include:

More than $2.1 billion of juvenile products were sold through mass merchandisers, discounters, and specialists. Smaller companies transacted a much larger percentage of their total dollar sales through e-tailers and independent juvenile retailers than did mid-size and large companies in both 2011 and 2012. Small companies, with sales less than $5 Million, experienced the largest shift in sales, dramatically increasing their transactions through e-tailers (40% in 2012 compared to 25% in 2011).

According to the recent study, Moms and Media 2013, on average, moms have five devices connected to the Internet. With so many moms (and dads) connected virally, it’s no surprise parents are taking advantage of the ease of buying online. And according to Moms and Media 2013, an overwhelming 83% of moms choose Facebook as the champion social networking service for connecting with brands and companies.

Dallas Market Center Reaches 15,000 Facebook “Likes”

Dallas Market Center (DMC) recently announced that the company has reached more than 15,000 “Likes” on its Facebook page. The page serves as a resource for buyers, exhibitors and industry fans covering a range of industries. The platform provides the opportunity to share trends, showcase product offerings, facilitate the exchange of ideas and much more.

“Watching our social networking program flourish has been incredible,” said Meredith Hite, VP, corporate communications, Dallas Market Center. “We’re proud to have such a strong following and thank our social community for interacting with us on a daily basis. Creating conversations and sharing information is what it’s all about. We look forward to connecting even more buyers and sellers in 2014.”

Dallas Market Center has established a following of more than 20,000 people on its social platforms including: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. According to a study conducted by eMarketer, an estimated amount of more than 1.61 billion users worldwide logged in to social networks monthly in 2013, increasing 14.2 percent from 2012.

Give Your Little Glamour Girl Some Bling This Holiday Season with Isabelle Grace Jewelry

Isabelle Grace is known for unique, handcrafted jewelry collections inspired by the most important things in life: family, children and love. The well-received collection has been a hit with young Hollywood celebs such as Victoria Justice and Debby Ryan. And now, Isabelle Grace has designed a collection with the younger generation in mind. Whether you’re in search of a gift for a young child or teen, there’s sure to be one that will fit her personality perfectly. Make it uniquely hers by adding her initials, a date and a special stone. This is one holiday gift that won’t need to be upgraded or exchanged!

The Lovely Hearts Necklace features a heart shaped charm stamped with an initial and your choice of Swarovski crystal accent. It’s the perfect gift idea for the holidays, a Sweet Sixteen or any special occasion.

The Identity Charm Bracelet is simply charming! Bling out your mini diva in this custom piece. Customers can pick the charm that best fits her personality. Choose either 22kt gold accent or sterling silver to add to the bracelet. This custom bracelet is made of fine and sterling silver and can be customized with up to 9 characters.

Mamas & Papas Unveils Armadillo Stroller at ABC Kids Expo

Nearly half of the dollars spent by Americans on their strollers are on models that are not meeting modern families' needs, according to a Mamas & Papas survey conducted by Kelton in August 2013 and released at the ABC Kids Expo, the premiere trade show for baby gear and juvenile products. Recognizing that there is room for improvement within the industry and remaining committed to delivering innovative products, Mamas & Papas is excited to introduce its newest stroller, the armadillo.

The survey found that 1 in 2 parents with children under the age of five are not extremely satisfied with their current strollers. Additionally, more than two in three parents (68 percent) feel that it is better to have a secondary stroller than to have a single stroller for all of their activities. In fact, more than 21 percent have purchased three or more strollers for just one child.

The armadillo meets the needs that parents expressed in the survey, including ease of open and fold. 58 percent of parents believe that their current stroller is not as easy to open and fold as they would like it to be, while 48 percent cite ease of open and fold as their top desired feature. The armadillo quickly and easily opens, and folds in seconds with just one hand. Its innovative inward fold also protects the fabric, while its large, comfortable seat for baby lies flat for use from birth and is well padded for long naps.

The Call for Entries Opens for the ICON HONORS 2014

The fifth edition of ICON HONORS recently opened with the 2014 call for entries inviting retailers, manufacturers, sales agencies and service providers to compete for top recognition in the home and gift industry's most coveted mark of superior achievement.

With a stable of more than 50 honorees selected through rigorous judging from among thousands of submissions and nominations recorded over its first four years, ICON HONORS recognizes the highest levels of professional and personal accomplishment. Submissions and nominations are fielded across an array of categories. ICON HONORS are conferred annually in July in conjunction with The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market on what is universally recognized as the most anticipated and important night in the home and gift industry.

ICON HONORS is produced and staged by AmericasMart Atlanta in exclusive partnership with the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and Progressive Business Media, and in affiliation with Gift For Life. For 2014, the ICON HONORS categories of competition open to submissions and nominations expand with the addition of Branding, which joins the continuing Innovation, Contribution and Achievement categories to offer entrants an important new recognition celebrating pure marketing/branding achievement in three divisions: Brand Identity Development/Brand Launch; Brand Identity Development/Brand Continuity; and Brand Identity Development/Rebranding.

All ICON HONORS submissions and nominations are made exclusively online at AmericasMartICONHONORS.com.

Angelcare Enters into Global Agreement with journeyBee/Magic Bed

Angelcare, innovators in the baby care category for their full-range of products including baby monitors and the newly-launched bath support line, continues to expand its product line through a new manufacturing, distribution and licensing agreement of the journeyBee playard in the U.S. and Magic Bed in the rest of the world. The agreement grants Angelcare exclusive worldwide distribution rights, and is slated to hit retailers worldwide in December.

"The journeyBee/Magic Bed is a one-of-a-kind, innovative playard and Angelcare can now leverage its extensive worldwide retail distribution to make products available to parents around the globe," said Maurice Pinsonnault, Chief Executive Officer of Angelcare. "The product line nicely compliments our current line of high-quality monitors and baby bath support that provide parents with peace of mind."

Already recognized as an award-winning, must-have playard internationally, journeyBee (in U.S) is the ultimate playard that provides a secure, comfortable place for babies to rest and play. Weighing just over 10 lbs, its innovative design provides caregivers the ability to open and close in seconds, making set up and folding easy and fast with no tools required. The product also comes complete with a durable outer case, handle and comfortable shoulder strap and is available in a selection of fashionable patterns and colors.

7 A.M. Enfant Debuts New Collection for the Winter 2013 Season

Winter outings with little ones can be an adventure in itself for parents. To protect against harsh weather conditions, 7 A.M. Enfant, the premier outerwear accessory company has your baby essentials covered! Devoted to creating timeless and innovative products in the children's market, 7 A.M. Enfant strives to create smart solution-based products parents can use for their children for years to come.

The new Carseat Cocoon is designed to slip easily onto any car seats, eliminating the need for heavy jackets and layers while on the go. The micro-fleece lining keeps little ones warm while the elasticized base secures the Cocoon over any car seat to ensure safety is not compromised. Designed with convenience in mind, the central and shoulder zippers allow for easy access and ultimate protection from the harsh winter elements.

Day Four of The Official ABC Kids Expo Digital Dailies are Now Available

 

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Day One of The Official 2013 ABC Kids Expo Digital Dailies are Now Available

 

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Check out the video link on the front cover to watch a special message from Larry Schur

 

The September Digital Edition of Baby & Kids Magazine is now Available

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You may view it on any mobile or tablet device - Enjoy!

Baby & Kids Magazine Launches New Site

Come check it out - babyandkidsmagazine.com

The Annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair Returns

The 11th Annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair – the only U.S. fair of its kind open to the public – will be returning to Navy Pier on Saturday, November 23, 2013 and Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Discover top trends in toys and games and preview, play and purchase the hottest games on the market just in time for holiday shopping season. As the number one city in the world for toy and game invention, Chicago is the perfect hub to host this event. The memorable weekend offers contests, live stage entertainment, interactive exhibits, tournaments and more.

The Toy & Game Inventor Awards, (also known as the TAGIE Awards) will take place on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. Celebrating the inventors behind the best playthings through an elegant dinner and awards ceremony for industry leaders, the TAGIE awards are open to the public and the tickets cost $250 each, and require registration found here. Voting will be available to the public from September 15 through November 1 at tagieawards.com/us, where the categories Excellence in Toy Design, Excellence in Game Design, Rising Star Designer, Young Inventor of the Year and Excellence in Electronic Toy or Game Design can be voted on.

Only 13 days left to ABC Kids Expo 2013!

Check out this new exhibitor at ABC in Las Vegas:

NurturMe, the first and only family of certified-organic, dried fruit and veggie meals, introduces new NurturMeals Singles flavors, including a 100 percent quinoa rice cereal alternative. The Protein-Packed Quinoa, the first and only certified-organic pure quinoa meal created especially for children, is made from 100 percent pure super grain. It’s a healthier alternative to rice cereal and supports growth.

For more information visit nurturme.com, or visit them during the ABC Kids Expo at Booth #1431.

NurturMe

Andy Warhol + Bugaboo, New Collection and Book Launch

The second launch of Bugaboo's multi-year collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation ventures into the playful world of the legendary pop artist's design legacy. Andy Warhol + Bugaboo introduce the 'Happy Bugs' and 'So Many Stars' collection based on artwork of the 1950's, displaying vivid and joyful hand drawn illustrations created pre Warhol's Pop Art era as a famed commercial illustrator in New York City.

This season's autumn 2013 collection is original, unexpected and striking, just as the artist intended his whimsical illustrations to be. For this special launch, Mudpuppy teamed up with The Andy Warhol Foundation and Bugaboo to publish the first ever Warhol 'So' book for children, this includes never before published images from Warhol's So Series illustrations. Starting November 2013, the collections will be available in-stores worldwide.

Only 21 days left to ABC Kids Expo 2013!

Check out this new exhibitor at ABC in Las Vegas:

Looking for a unique baby gift idea for a birthday or baby shower? Bottle Pets are stuffed animal baby bottle covers designed to make bottle feeding fun! These plush little animals help babies bottle feed by giving them something soft to hold. Bottle Pets are also fun to play with even when it's not meal time -- they're great absolutely any time. Put the fun into bottle feeding with Bottle Pets today!

Visit them during the ABC Kids Expo at Booth #721 (Level 2 – South Hall)

Bottle Pets

Safari lowers age limit for 60 toys

Safari Ltd, a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of museum-quality, educational toys, has lowered the suggested age for more than 60 figures in its Incredible Creatures collection.

Select figures previously suggested for ages 3 years and older are now suitable for ages 18 months and up, including the bearded dragon, flying fish, panda baby, moray eel, frilled lizard, sea turtle, 2014 piglet and many more.

The new, lower age recommendation breaks Safari Ltd into the baby market for the first time in the company's history.

"We've considered retesting our products for lower age recommendations for quite some time," said Safari Ltd President Alexandre Pariente. "We are confident that Safari Ltd will assume a lasting, impactful presence in this new market."

Only 28 days left to ABC Kids Expo 2013!

Check out this new exhibitor at ABC in Las Vegas:

Preggie Pops and Preggie Pop Drops from Three Lollies are all natural products, developed by heath care professionals, that help ease morning sickness. All natural, drug-free and doctor recommended, Preggie Pops and Preggie Pop Drops can help drive traffic of moms in their first trimester of pregnancy to your store.

Visitors to the Preggie Pops booth (#314) in the Maternity Pavilion will receive three free pieces.

Preggie Pops and Preggie Pop Drops from Three Lollies

New shoe continues autism research commitment

Japanese footwear company Tsukihoshi has brought out a new version of its unique children's shoe, with a jigsaw puzzle piece shape in the sole, as part of its ongoing sponsorship of Autism Speaks, an autism science and advocacy organization. The Child 26 style will join the Child 21 as a symbol of commitment to solving the puzzle of autism. "As a company committed to children, Tsukihoshi is proud to be a sponsor of Autism Speaks." says Tsukihoshi representative Matt Butlet. The Child 21 and 26 shoes are sold at Nordstrom.com, Zappos.com, and specialty children's shoe stores across the country.

Only 35 days left to ABC Kids Expo 2013!

Check out this new exhibitor at ABC in Las Vegas:

PRIMO's "Just Right" Bath Water Level makes bath time safer and more convenient than ever. It has been designed to fit with any standard 1.5-2 inch bath drain and can adjust to ensure that bath water does not exceed 2 or 4 inches. Maintaining this level of water helps to reduce the risk of drowning and leaves plenty of room to safely splash and play during bath time.

To see the Bath Water Level, visit the PRIMO booth (#1811) at The ABC Kids Expo, October 15-18, 2013.

Primo

Safety Month theme: 'Green is the New Pink & Blue'

The theme of Baby Safety Month, sponsored by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), will be ecological consciousness, highlighted by the slogan "Green is the New Pink & Blue."

September has been the JPMA's Baby Safety Month since 1991, but each year it has a different theme. Recent themes have included "Take a Second Look at Second Hand Baby Gear," "Carry With Care" and "Make Every Night a Safe Night."

This year's theme emphasizes educating parents and caregivers about eco-friendly practices in selecting and using items for babies and young children. These include natural alternatives for items like diapers, soap, toys, wipes and bottles; items that can be bought or borrowed secondhand (and items where that's not a good idea, including car seats and cribs); and general guidelines about living an eco-friendlier lifestyle.

"When it comes to raising children these days, many parents are looking for methods and products to help them go green and reduce their family's carbon footprint," says Julie Vallese, JPMA's managing director of government and public affairs. "JPMA hopes our living green guide will help them in their efforts to ensure the first years are happy, healthy and safe."

Only 42 days left to ABC Kids Expo 2013!

Check out this new exhibitor at ABC in Las Vegas:

Baby Buddy introduces an adorable and durable way to keep pacifiers from falling to the ground with the Pacifier Holders Collection. Each Pacifier Holder features a metal clip that attaches securely to baby's clothing, car seat cover or stroller and works with both button and conventional pacifiers. The pacifier is always within reach for the baby. The Baby Buddy Pacifier Holders are available in: the original Bear Pacifier Holder, which features a three-dimensional bear; the American Baby Pacifier Holder, with the U.S. Flag, “God Bless America” or “I (heart) USA”; the Smiley Pacifier Holder, and the Universal Pacifier Holder, which comes with more than 30 choices of ribbon colors.

To see the Nuzzle Nest line, visit the Baby Buddy/Compac Industries booth (#1325) at The ABC Kids Expo, October 15-18, 2013.

Baby Buddy

Toy train is fun and eco-friendly

This sturdy locomotive from Green Toys is ready to chug along from one eco-friendly adventure to the next. Made in the USA from 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs, the brightly-colored steam engine pulls two additional cars that link together to form a long train, or easily unhook for stand-alone play.

The open wagon is perfect for hauling all kinds of sustainable cargo, while the caboose features a spacious interior and removable roof. Two conductor bear figures are included with the set, encouraging open play. With no metal axles or external coatings, the Green Toys Train is safe and versatile for both indoor and outdoor play, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. It is made without BPA, phthalates or PVC, and packaged using recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks.

Only 49 days left to ABC Kids Expo 2013!

Check out this new exhibitor at ABC in Las Vegas: 

Nuzzle Nest by Colgate, a new crib mattress line that does not contain foam, coir, coils or any other traditional components, introduces revolutionary AirWeave to the United States. AirWeave is made of 100 percent natural cellulose, spun into a web that allows ventilation, pressure division and the support a child needs. Highly successful in Europe, the new AirWeave makes a hospital-grade hygienic, hypoallergenic, dust/contaminant/toxic-free mattress. With a 100 percent cellulose cover and an insulation of recycled fabric, the mattress features an innovative, proprietary main component. The Nuzzle Nest Line comes in a variety of colors and designs on the mattress itself, making it appealing for baby showers. 

To see the Nuzzle Nest line, visit the Colgate booth (#6919) at The ABC Kids Expo, October 15-18, 2013. 

Nuzzle Nest by Colgate

Only 56 days left to ABC Kids Expo 2013!

Check out this new exhibitor at ABC in Las Vegas:

AppeTEETHERS from Little Toader bring a light touch to the serious business to teething with shapes and colors that patterned after popular snack foods (as well as broccoli). They are patented teething toys made of food-grade silicone that soothe teething pains by massaging baby's gums with just the right surface texture and degree of resistance. AppeTEETHERS are made from safe, high-quality material that is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and lead. AppeTEETHERS currently come in Baby-Q-Rib, Chompin' Chicken Wing, Nopainapple, Broccoli Bites, Ice Cream U Scream, and LOL! Sucker. All Little Toader products are tested by an independent third party organization to ensure the highest level of safety and exceed Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements.

To see the AppeTEETHERS line, visit the Little Toader booth (#1125) at The ABC Kids Expo, October 15-18, 2013.

AppeTEETHERS from Little Toader bring a light touch to the serious business to teething