The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 Innovation Awards Competition. The Innovation Awards highlight some of the most exciting new products in the marketplace today. More than 100 cutting edge products were entered, 10 winners were selected by a panel of industry judges and one company won the Parent Choice Award, voted on by moms and dads from across the country
The 2012 Innovation Award Winners are:
Bitybean is the comfortable, convenient, and thoughtfully engineered ultra-compact child carrier for parents with on-the-go lifestyles. At 8 ounces and smaller than a water bottle the Bitybean cleverly compact child carrier will fit into any bag, backpack, or purse. Available in 4 stylish colors. www.bitybean.com
The NextFit™ 65 is a new convertible car seat from Chicco. The NextFit™ 65 is designed to simplify correct installation. Correct installation achieved with ReclineSure™ 9-position Leveling System, SuperCinch™ LATCH tightener, and dual bubble level guides to verify correct positioning in both rear and forward-facing modes. www.chiccousa.com
Functions as both an infant car seat carrier and a lightweight compact stroller. Extended use. Carrier: canopy, compact fold, “click” ICS attachment. Stroller: full recline, adjustable leg rest, parent cup holder. www.chiccousa.com
Foonf allows for rear-facing to 50 lbs. The anti-rebound bar will stop the seat from rebounding in a collision. Foonf's REACT™ (Rapid Energy-Absorbing Crumple Technology) safety system, significantly reduces forces transmitted to child in the event of an collision. www.clekinc.com
The Maxi Cosi Prezi offers superior safety protection featuring advanced, patented rebounding foam technology developed in conjunction with Bald Spot Sport, a leader in safety innovation design for Indy Racing. www.djgusa.com
The Parent Choice Award! The Monkey Mat™is the only large clean surface easily transported as an accessory in an attached stylish, ultracompact pouch - no more bulky blankets required! Easy buckle strap secures to any bag/stroller. www.monkeymat.com
The Lulla-Vibe™ vibrating mattress pad features innovative patent-pending technology that helps babies fall asleep quickly. Compact and portable for use under crib mattresses or nursing pillows, the Lulla- Vibe™ creates a soothing sensory experience for baby, regardless of the environment. With customizable options like a 30-minute battery-operated timer and two varying vibration speeds, parents are able to personalize their child’s sleep atmosphere at the simple push of a button. www.munchkin.com
Lightest mattress at only 7 pounds with easy to change sheets. Only crib mattress under $200 MSRP. Certified to highest greenguard select standard and recommended by Healthy Child Healthy World. The only foam mattress with edge support that rivals innerspring border rods. www.naturepedic.com
The Zen SwaddleTM is the only infant swaddle that encourages sleep by mimicking a caregiver’s touch. Lightly weighted parts apply gentle pressure, along either side and on the center, to provide the security of being in your arms. 2-in-1 design offers longer use; an interior pouch keeps legs snug up to 23” while sack offers ample room to grow up to 26”. www.nestedbean.com
Side impact protection has been optimized with the Linear Side Impact Protection (LSP) technology. Foldout side protectors reduce space between the Aton and vehicle so a transfer of crash forces happens much earlier; the forces are absorbed and distributed by the shell away from the child, improving safety up to 40%. Aton 2’s base features a height-adjustable load leg, a virtual standard in Europe, which absorbs and distributes energy to the floor of vehicle, reducing forces on the child up to 50% while preventing rebounding of the seat. www.regallager.com
The Boostapak is a portable on the go booster that converts to a backpack to provide on-the-go convenience and safety. Converts from a belt-positioning-booster to backpack for children 40-80lbs and 43”-57” with an easy to wipe clean cover. www.djgusa.com
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:
Paul Banas, Pregnancy Magazine.com
Jen Carofano, Fit Pregnancy
Nanci Gregg, Baby & Children's Product News
Eli Gurock, Magic Beans
Sheri Gurock, Magic Beans
Jane Kitchen, Kids Today
Tanya Meritte, Kids Today
Shannon Choe, International Baby Planner Association
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.
