This article appeared in Reuters on September 14, 2009
LAS VEGAS – The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Innovation Awards Competition. Internationally recognized, the Innovation Awards highlight some of the most exciting new products in the marketplace today. More than 100 cutting edge products were entered, and 10 winners were
selected.
The 2009 Innovation Award Winners are:
Lock N Block Window Guard
By Cardinal Gates
Invented by 11-year-old, Tharon Trujillo, the Lock N Block Window Guard(TM) (WG) is a patent pending removable safety gate specifically for the window that is safe and easy to operate. The window guard gives that extra security measure that prevents the child from falling through a window screen. To operate, place the LNB Window Guard into the track of the window frame, compress window into the clamping mechanisms, and lock in place. Since the window guard requires no hardware, there is no damage to your wall or frame of your home.
www.cardinalgates.com SRP: $29.95
Dreamtime Comfort Booster Seat
By Harmony Juvenile Products
Full-body side impact protection. Its unique side head support inhibits child’s head from falling forward when sleeping. It features an anti-submarining belt path design. 2008 and 2009 winner of the Australian RTA Best-in-Class award for Safety and Ease-of-Use; Winner 2008 CHOICE Award;Safest and most comfortable booster seat choice under $50. Front, rear and
side-impact tested, it fully protects the head, body and legs tointernationally-recognized safety standards. Ultra-plush foam and
fashion-forward (full-wrap) premium fabrics for comfort; seat-saver design to protect car upholstery. Lightweight for portability; extra seating lengthpromotes better posture; easily converts into a backless booster.
www.harmonyjuvenile.com SRP: $49.99
EnJoye(TM) Electric Breastpump
By Hygeia II Medical Group, Inc.
The Hygeia EnJoye(TM) Battery/Electric Breastpump is offered in several different versions, including a drawstring tote/backpack combo which features everything mom needs to pump and chill her milk. Hygeia breastpumps feature a unique C.A.R.E. recording button so mothers can playback their baby’s voice or other sound to enhance their breastpumping experience. The EnJoye is the first ecologically “green” retail breastpump that can be safely shared between mothers who have their own Personal Accessory Set. This is an economical and environmentally friendly way to recycle breastpumps. You can buy in confidence with Hygeia because our breastpumps are returnable under our Total Compatibility Guarantee.
www.hygeiababy.com SRP: $219-299
Graco Children’s Products(TM) Blossom(TM) 4-in-1 Seating System
By Graco Children’s Products(TM)
The Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating System is the only feeding system that converts from highchair, to infant feeding booster, to toddler booster to youth chair. It provides the opportunity to seat two children at once in two different combinations, great for families with two children or for when other littleones are visiting your home. Graco also incorporated convenient features like
an adjustable footrest. Six-position heights adjust and the trays are dishwasher safe. The Blossom eliminates the need to buy multiple seating unitsand will be with you through the years as your baby and family grow.
www.gracochildrensproducts.com SRP: $189.99
Growing Table
By Kinfine USA, Inc.
Unique patented design that “grows” in size as the child grows creating a
lasting piece of furniture. Legs are in sections which allow 3 stages of growth — Simply add the next section when the child grows! Unique desktop system for accessories that allows child to customize the work surface by
moving around components by the unique dowel base construction. Also includes
removable paper roll storage. Designed in a natural wood finish to match any
juvenile or home room decor. The best selling feature of this desk is that it
is designed for practical use. Wide appeal due to the span of children’s ages.
Simple and easy to use!
SRP: $199-299
Kiddy Guard Avant Child Safety Gate
By Lascal/Regal Lager
The Lascal Kiddy Guard Avant gate takes roll away gates to the next level.
The Kiddy Guard Avant rolls up when not in use. Its innovative delay release
button allows parents time to insure that they have properly secured the mesh
gate to the improved locking bar before it locks, providing a secure
environment. The improved locking bar makes it easier for parents to properly
secure the gate with one hand for enhanced safety. The new silver gray mesh
and brushed aluminum housing are aesthetically appealing to today’s parents.
Safe for use at the top of the stairs.
www.regallager.com SRP: $129
organicKidz Stainless Steel Baby Bottles
By organicKidz
World’s First Stainless Steel Baby Bottles in 4, 7 and 9 oz. sizes. The 9 oz.
bottles are the first insulated baby bottles keeping liquids cold for 5-6
hours! Since hitting stores in January, the bottles are in 10 countries and
Disneyfamily.com’s Top Green Product! The bottles are already influencing
future products, including Sippy Spouts, Sports Spouts, Wide Mouthed bottles
are coming due to customer demand. Hollywood stars like Matthew McConaughey,
Charlie Sheen, and Tim Allen use them for their children. Pregnancy and
Newborn Magazine described them as the “Anti – establishment bottle for
Hipster Moms.” They are the safest baby bottles — won’t break like glass,
are BPA, PVC, Phthalate Free and the only naturally bacteria resistant baby
bottles. www.organickidz.ca SRP: $8.95 – 11.95
RoozKidz! Jacket with Built-in Fold-away Mittens
By RoozKidz!
First Children’s Jacket with Built-In Fold-Away Mittens. Mittens are there
when you need them, hidden when you don’t! Demand for a Spring Line and
requests to include larger sizes for Special Needs Adolescents. Charlie
Sheen’s daughters confirmed to be the first to have RoozKidz! jackets.
Jackets are incredibly soft, luxurious and functional. No more lost mittens.
Perfect for keeping mittens on those children who insist on tearing them off
on icy cold days. Mittens are always there and provide a warm fix for cool
paws — and peace of mind for parents.
SRP: $49.95
The City Select
By Baby Jogger
A unique, multi-functional stroller that allows parents to mix and match
seats, bassinets, and car seats to customize their stroller. The City Select
starts with a single capacity stroller but expands to a double by using a
unique patented attachment method. As your family grows, simply snap on a
second seat and you’re ready to take on the town in stylish convenience. The
City Select presents 17 unique seating combinations from double tiered car
seats to a bassinet and single seat combo. And with a variety of accessory
options, the City Select offers premium versatility to suit every family’s
comfort and needs.
www.babyjogger.com SRP: $499.99
The First Years True Choice Monitors P400
By Learning Curve Brands
The First Years has developed a sleek digital monitor solution for today’s Gen
Y mom. Finally, a monitor that delivers top performance while looking as
streamlined as the mobile phone in mom’s purse. Plus, it offers excellent
digital performance at a value price. Includes rechargeable batteries; soft
glow nightlight; 3-way communication feature between two parent units and baby
unit; Crystal Clear 2.45GHz Digital Technology; secure privacy — digitally
encrypted signal; coverage area: up to 1,000 feet inside/outside; easy to use, auto connects parent unit with baby unit — no channel selection needed;
parent finder- never lose the parent unit. 3X battery life.
www.learningcurve.com SRP: $84.99
Products are evaluated and judged on their innovation, marketability,
trend-setting potential, appeal and usefulness. Special thanks go to the
selection committee of trade media representatives and retail buyers:
Ashlee Allen, Mama Speaks
Nanci Gregg, Baby & Children’s Product News
Sheri Gurock, Magic Beans
Danny Reynolds, Baby World
Christina Vercelletto, Parenting Magazine
Paul Banas, GreatDad.com
Eli Gurock, Magic Beans
Jenny Heinzen York, Kids Today
Robin Reynolds, Baby World
Julie Woods, Once Upon a Child
“This year, we saw even more new products, which goes to show that necessity
is still the mother, and sometimes the father, of invention,” commented
competition judge, Paul Banas of GreatDad.com. “Each year, parents face the
same challenges as they have for generations and still find new ways to
address them. It’s always fun to see these new ideas first hand and determine
which are truly innovative.”
The Innovation Awards Competition started in 1989 as the Most Innovative
Product Contest and has evolved through the years to a highly recognized
competition. It was officially named the “Show Off” Product Competition in
1992, however in 2003 JPMA renamed the contest to the Innovation Awards to
more accurately represent the focus on innovation.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is a national trade
organization of more than 250 companies in the United States, Canada and
Mexico. These companies manufacture and/or import infant products such as
cribs, car seats, strollers, bedding, and a wide range of accessories and
decorative items.