The 2008 JPMA Innovation Awards Competition was held in conjunction with the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Internationally recognized, the Innovation Awards highlight some of the most exciting new products in the marketplace today. Each exhibiting company at the show is invited to submit new products that have been in the market within the last 12 months. Entries are evaluated by a selection committee of trade media representatives and industry retail buyers, and judged on their innovation, marketability, trend-setting potential, appeal, and usefulness.
More than 130 cutting edge products were entered, but only 10 winners were selected. They include:
Zigo Leader
Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle
The Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle is the first mom- or dad- powered family transportation system. Place one or two children in the ChildPod, put on a helmet, and you’re ready to ride. The LeaderLink System allows the Leader to uncouple in 30 seconds or less, transforming it into the separate elements, Zigo ChildPod and Zigo Cycle. ChildPod can be converted into a Jogger with the Jogger Kit or a traditional bicycle trailer with the Trailer Kit. www.myzigo.com
SRP: $1,349.00
Baby Planet
Eden Convertible Bassinet
The Eden Convertible Bassinet, by Baby Planet, combines bold styling with expanded features to go far beyond any other bassinet. Its dual use as both a bassinet and a toddler chair insures it will be used years beyond traditional units. In addition to this innovative dual use feature, Eden also includes “Easy Release” hand grips to detach from the base; soothing music and vibration; easily accessible storage; and a removable, machine washable liner for easy clean up. www.baby-planet.com
SRP: $149.99
Medela
Medela Freestyle™ Breast Pump
The Freestyle™ is the first rechargeable, hands-free, double-electric breast pump. Not only does Freestyle weigh less than one pound, making it truly portable, but it is powerful with Medela’s exclusive 2-Phase Expression(r) technology. Freestyle's hands-free accessories attach easily to nursing bras and the motor can be worn on the waist, or placed on mom's lap or a table. www.medela.us
SRP: $379.99
teutonia
teutonia® stroller
The teutonia® stroller’s modular design allows for complete stroller customization to suit individual lifestyles and needs. This German engineered stroller can be customized in-store with three seating options like the t-Tario 32 car seat, two wheel options and three stroller chassis for different phases, stages and uses. Every seat snaps into every stroller chassis so they’re easy to change as children grow or parents’ needs change. www.teutoniausa.com
SRP: $400-800
Wishbone Design
Wishbone Bike
Wishbone Bike is an innovative, premium quality, 3-in-1 ride-on toy. Without pedals, it begins at age 1 as a lightweight and stable trike. Later, it converts to a bike that teaches 2 and 3 year olds to balance on two wheels without trainers. Finally the frame flips over to grow with children up to 5 years old. Wishbone Bike is an eco toy made from sustainable-harvested birch wood, recycled plastic wheels, and non-toxic eco-friendly glues and finishes. This bike is a durable heirloom that looks just as gorgeous in the modern living room as out at the park. www.wishbonedesign.com
SRP: $239.00
The Lindsay Loo Co.
Bibbies 4 Babies
Bibbies 4 Babies have no straps, Velcro or snaps; they actually look like they are floating. Bibbies not only stays in place, but because they are strapless a child forgets they’re wearing one. We use 100% cotton, ultra leather, rare earth magnets and an innovative lining that absorbs but does not leak. Bibbies are soak- proof, reversible, easy to use by simply flipping and clipping into the neckline. Bibbies have been tested and are machine washable and dryer safe. We have fun and funky fabrics, functional designs and a product that will give new meaning to “baby bibs.” www.lindsayloo.com
SRP: $16-20
Stroll-Air
Stroll-Air Stroller Handle Sleeve
Stroll-Air Handle sleeve covers come in 3 different sizes (9 inch, 12 inch and 24 inch) and can be mounted on most strollers on the market. The Neoprene stroller handle sleeve protect the hard to replace, ease to damage foam stroller handles. Handle sleeve can also be used on strollers' bumper bars and shopping cart handles and therefore protects babies from unwanted germs. Full zipper allows the sleeve to be easily attached and removed for washing. www.stroll-air.com
SRP: $11.99-19.99
Scandinavian Child
Beaba BabyCook
The Beaba Babycook is a one-of-a-kind, patented compact countertop appliance that functions as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster to prepare fresh, healthy meals for baby. It starts by steam cooking vegetables, fruits, and meats in less than 15 minutes, while preserving their vitamins and flavors. It then purees or blends them to the desired consistency. Parents can also use it to quickly reheat or defrost precooked foods. www.scichild.com
SRP: $139.95
Cardinal Gates
Lock N Block Sliding Door Gate
Invented by a 10-year old, the Lock N Block Sliding Door Gate™ (LNB) is a patent pending safety gate specifically for the sliding patio door. In many homes, doors open directly onto the patio area. In such cases, sliding patio doors should be controlled by security measures. To operate, you simply place the LNB snuggly into the track and clamp the gate onto the functional panel of the sliding door. The clamping mechanisms prevent any slipping once attached and the bumpers pivot to accommodate various tracks. The Lock N Block is not just a gate, it is an obligation. www.cardinalgates.com
SRP: $89.95
4 Moms
Mamaroo
The Mamaroo improves on the bouncy seat and baby swing to provide the latest innovation in soothing motion for babies. By providing for controlled lateral motion in two dimensions, the Mamaroo can mimic the actual soothing movements that mothers make when holding their babies. Through a variety of controls, parents can also alter the speed and type of movement depending on whether it is time for sleep or play. Not only will several soothing songs be included, but there's also an audio dock so parents can personalize the audio experience for their baby. www.4momsonline.com
SRP: $129.95