The 2009 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.
More than 100 cutting edge products were entered, 52 finalists were invited to on-site judging and 10 winners were selected. They include:
Innovative Products of 2009
The City Select
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.
SRP: $499.99
Lock N Block Window Guard
Cardinal Gates
Invented by 11-year-old, Tharon Trujillo, the Lock N Block Window Guard™ (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.
SRP: $29.95
Graco Children's Products™ Blossom™ 4-in-1 Seating System
Graco Children's Products™
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 little ones 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 units and will be with you through the years as your baby and family grow.
SRP: $189.99
Dreamtime Comfort Booster Seat
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 to internationally-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 length promotes better posture; easily converts into a backless booster.
SRP: $49.99
EnJoye™ Electric Breastpump
Hygeia II Medical Group, Inc.
The Hygeia EnJoye™ 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.
SRP: $219-299
Growing Table
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 décor. 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
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.
SRP: $129
The First Years True Choice Monitors P400
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.
SRP: $84.99
organicKidz Stainless Steel Baby Bottles
organicKidz
World's First Stainless Steel Baby Bottles in 4, 7 and 9oz. sizes. The 9oz. 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.
SRP: $8.95 – 11.95
RoozKidz! Jacket with Built-in Fold-away Mittens
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
How Innovative Products Are Chosen
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.