The 2012 ABC Kids Expo is running from October 14-17th in Louisville Kentucky. ABC Kids reported in September that registration for the 2012 show was up 19% over 2011, and in a press release President and Show Manager Larry Schur said "We are very encouraged to see such a positive response in registrations from all retail channels, especially from those located internationally".
So, what can all of these retailers expect to see this year at the show? TDmonthly Magazine wanted to know, so we asked manufacturers to share some of the products they'll be featuring at the show.
Take a look at the baby and kids' products below, then decide which booths you'll be visiting at the 2012 ABC Kids Expo.
Coddlelife PP One-piece Venting Bottle by CODDLE INC.
Coddlelife products are BPA free, contain no potentially toxic ink, are affordable and of high-quality. The bottles are designed with the latest nipple venting technology to reduce colic, ear infections, burping and spit up. While other bottles on the market may reduce colic, Coddlelife’s award-winning, patented system is the only fully-vented nipple system that vents air and contains the fewest parts to clean and sterilize. Launch date: October 2009.
One of most trusted names in cloth diapering is proud to announce the release of the new Planet Wise Diaper Cover. Available in two adjustable sizes, this diaper cover truly offers a great fit from birth through potty training. Inner flaps hold cloth diapers in place and the signature prints match ALL Planet Wise Products. Launch date: 2012.
Philips AVENT Natural Bottle by PHILIPS CONSUMER LIFESTYLE
The Philips AVENT Natural Bottle allows infants to bottle-feed in the most natural way. Featuring a wide breast-shaped nipple, the bottle encourages natural latch on. The bottle also features an advanced anti-colic system, pumping air into the bottle and not baby's tummy. Launch date: June 2012.
The Beansprout Buddies come in different animals like Frogs, Hippos, Monkeys, Sheep, and Giraffes. Super soft and Super cute. All of our products meet or exceed the ASTM 2012 safety standards. Launch date: August 2012.
Caden Lane introduces our brand new collection called IKAT. These stylish baby products make great baby shower gifts. Caden Lane has added new stylish baby products to the line such as hooded towels, reversible coated bibs, flower hair accessories, big sister and big brother tees, and tutu bow holders (just to name a few). Launch date: July 2012.
These cotton layette sets feature the nostalgic Sock Monkey design. Perfect for dressing your little monkey. Other sets also available. Launch date: June 2012.
This adorable cow is made of soft, wide-wale corduroy, accented with soft and colorful cotton knit. It is a "life-sized" toy for most toddlers and provides hours of fun play. Launch date: June 2012.
Cherished Moments now offers sterling silver beaded binky clips for both girls and boys. Our high quality binky clips are all hand-beaded with quality components. These work with all kinds of pacifiers or binkys, including Mam and Nuk pacifiers. The durable clip is silver-plated. Beautiful bling for their little one's binky. Launch date: July 2012.
The BabyBjörn Booster Chair, which is suitable for children ages 3 and up, is perfect for when a child has grown out of his/her high chair. The booster seat, which is small and portable, helps a child sit at the correct table height. The seat features a non-slip strap and mini pads, and a two-stage safety lock to prevent a child from releasing the booster when it is strapped to a chair. The seat is equipped with a practical handle, making it ideal to take along for traveling or to restaurants. The smooth surface also makes clean-up easy. PVC, BPA and phthalate free. Launch date: November 2012.
BABY GROWS UP GIFT SET: Our 'life bottle' set transitions baby from bottle feeding to sippy cup to water bottle by simply attaching the appropriate accessories as baby grows up. It includes an eco-friendly and virtually indestructible stainless steel thermal bottle that will keep liquids warm or cold for over 6 hours - perfect for baby play dates, toddler travel and preschool lunch boxes. Eco-moms will love that it's sustainable and every mom will appreciate the tremendous value the Baby Grows Up set offers versus purchasing separate baby bottles, sippy cups and water bottles. Launch date: October 2012.
Swingin' Smart Bucket Swing Seat Protector by BABY BEEHAVIN
Swingin' Smart bucket swing seat protector has easy Velcro attachment to bucket seats and chains. The washable fabric safeguards against germs. The soft padding warms or cools seat. The rings keep toys close and secure. This product comes in a convenient, re-usable tote for take-along ease and storage. "This is the only swing protector on the market that not only gives you 360 degree protection, but also covers the swing chains which are dirty, hot, and can pinch fingers," Heather Prattas, president / QueenBee at Baby Beehavin, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2012.
My Natural Eco Teether is a perfect choice for teething, as it soothes and stimulates any infant’s sore gums. Its fun animal shape is easy to grip, and will keep babies entertained. This 100 percent toxin-free teether is made in the USA, and features a sustainable, plant-based bio material made from corn. Launch date: October 2012.
Meet the OgoBILD BITs. Part of the OgoBILD construction line, the BITs are flexible, secure and safe to play with. With imagination, the BITs come alive and are seeking adventure. Launch date: 2012.
Whether its roosting in caves or flying in the moonlight, you’ll never lose sight of this NEW Safari Ltd® Glow-in-the-Dark Bat. This hand painted, life size replica measures 9” W x 4” H (23 x 10 cm) and is suitable for ages 3 and up. All Safari Ltd® products are 100% guaranteed and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Visit www.safariltd.com to explore educational information in five languages and to view and purchase Safari Ltd® 2013 introductions and all other products. Launch date: 2013.
Discoveroo Construction Set by BUG IN A RUG / DISCOVEROO
The Construction Set includes nuts and bolts, wheels, pieces of different length and a screwdriver. 84 pieces in all made from Plantation Birch Wood. There is no limit to what kidscan make. Develops mechanical aptitude and stimulates the imagination. Packaged in a durable flat box with a handle for easy storage. Launch date: June 2012.
The FunPod was created by a mother in the UK. The parents enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. The designer/parent Kim wanted her daughter to participate in cooking activities safety and she needed the freedom to move about the kitchen without a child on her hip. Heralded as socially responsible by a leading obesity expert in the UK, the FunPod encourages children to learn all about the whole food experience and can encourage parent and child bonding with quality time spent preparing meals. Children form their habits and opinions between the ages of one and four so this is an essential time to be giving them a healthy food education. There are 5 settings accommodating the average height of a 12 month baby up to a toddler of 6 so at whatever level, the top of the FunPod™ is always at chest height for safety reasons. Manufactured in a durable, high quality FSC MDF (recycled material), selected for high durability. Product exterior is non-toxic commercial laminate chosen for water resistance and easy of cleaning. Launch date: January 2011.
Little imaginations will soar with this adorable bookcase. The FUNctional design revolves for easy access and includes a vintage airplane motif with a control tower storage compartment and two shelves (12" and 10") to keep favorite storybooks up and off of the floor. The bookcase coordinates with our Fly Boy Airplane Rocker (RAB00038) Assembled dimensions: 13" L x 13" W x 37" H. Launch date: September 2012.
Don't tell baby that they are only 1.5 ounces. Edushape's Edu-Weights look like barbells, but are really rattle/shakers designed to stimulate babies and encourage development of their fine/gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, auditory sensory stimulation and visual stimulation. Specifically designed with high contrast colors, pattern and different textures. For ages 3 months and up. Launch date: June 2012.
Angelcare is proud to introduce the new soft touch bath support. Ergonomically designed for baby’s safety and comfort, the bath support is made of durable plastic that keeps it shape. The soft touch material makes for a comfortable and slip free bathing experience. Hygienic, easy to clean, and quick to dry, the bath supports also have a convenient storage hook. The bath support is recommended for babies aged 0-6 months, and up to a maximum weight of 30lbs. No assembly is required. Launch date: August 2012. — As of 09/13/2012 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Stationary (doesn't slip); Supports babies' head; easy to clean and dry.
This great Indoor Play tent comes in 2 burlap and 6 canvas fabrics. Tent poles can be ordered in many colors or stained. Support poles are 57" tall to the top point. The tent is 40" deep and can go from 30 to 36" wide. Easy to assemble, this tent is for indoor play. Made in the USA. Launch date: 2012.
Comotomo Baby Bottles feature innovative and sensible design to most closely mimic natural breastfeeding. Little ones will love to hold onto the skin-like, soft and squeezable body that is like no other bottle in the world. Parents will appreciate the wide-neck design for brushless, stress-free, cleaning. Our bottles are equipped with innovative vents smartly designed to prevent colic, while completely eliminating annoying leaks. Launch date: January 2011.
Wonder Bumpers are the safe sleep solution. Scientifically proven to be safe, the Wonder Bumpers: Increase airflow and reduce CO2 re-breathing; Eliminate suffocation and entanglement risk; Protect baby's head and body; Inhibit toddler from climbing out; Keeps limbs safely inside. Made to fit ANY crib, Wonder Bumpers sleek, vertical design effortlessly zip on cribs in a downward motion ensuring babies do not have access to the pull. With no unsafe ties they are super easy to use and easy to wash. Launch date: September 2008.
SnoozeShade is the on-the-go sleep solution for babies. SnoozeShade is the leading black out blind for strollers, pack 'n plays and car seats blocking out sun, rain and bugs. It blocks 94% of light to create a dark and cozy sleep environment for babies, and protects them from the sun with SPF 50. SnoozeShade is easy to assemble with Velcro straps, which is especially great for traveling! It has becoming the hottest new baby product for moms and dads on-the-go. Launch date: January 2010. — As of 09/13/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews on amazon.com. Pros: Protects babies from sun but lets fresh air in; doesn't make stroller interior too hot. Cons: One user said after time the Velcro detached from the mesh.
These six adorable styles of playful musical Baby Banks coordinate with Bearington’s lovable animal series and make playful noises when kids drop coins in the slots. They make saving money fun for the little one. Launch date: August 2012.
SOZO knitted hat and mittens with soft inner fleece lining. Mittens have attached string that allow wearers to loop through a jacket to prevent loss. Available in 6-24M and 2-6yrs. Launch date: September 2012.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
