Preview: ABC Kids Expo Celebrates 10th Anniversary

ABC Kids Expo celebrates its 10th anniversary, October 14-17, 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky. According to President and Show Manager Larry Schur, “We are very encouraged to see such a positive response in registrations from all retail channels, especially from those located internationally.” The ABC Kids Expo is the opportunity to meet face-to-face with domestic and international buyers, media, and manufacturers at the premier juvenile products show in the world. Here is just a small sampling of products to see at the event: Curious George and Suzy’s Zoo by Fun Rugs, Gummi Teething Jewelry from KidKusion, strollers by guzzie+Guss, and Ubabub’s unique cribs.

Curious George Lies Like a Rug

From the largest manufacturer of children’s rugs in the word, Fun Rugs by LA Rug, Inc. comes the new Curious George collection, based on the best-selling series about the adventures of a much-loved monkey. Six different designs, each offered in 19” x 29”, 39” x 58” and 51” x 78”, show George in different situations. One rug depicts George fishing; another shows him having a blast at a birthday party complete with balloons and a cake; while a third features him under a large yellow hat with the caption “Peek-A-Boo!” Curious George rugs are one hundred percent nylon pile and one hundred percent fun.

Little Suzy’s Zoo rugs show Suzy romping in a field with a friendly giraffe, bear and bunny and another design with the same animals cavorting on a grassy slope underneath a blue sky with puffy white clouds.

For shoppers seeking a bold statement for a special child’s floor, offer Fun Time rugs in shapes including a basketball, car, bright red STOP sign or ladybug. For dog lovers, the new Wags and Whiskers group displays a plethora of pink-tongued pooches ready to be friends. Feline fanciers will meow with pleasure over a rug with three cool kitties riding a scooter, set against a background of yellow flowers atop green stems.

Fun and rugged rugs: www.funrugs.com

Gummi Teething Jewelry is a Savvy Soother

Teething babies chew on anything, as any customer looking for ways to soothe a baby’s gums can attest. KidKusion introduces a new line of Gummi Teething Jewelry that stylish moms can hand over to a gnawing little growler. Teething bracelets are made from a chewy type of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) material that is free of BPA and latex so it is safe for teething. Gummi Teething Jewelry bracelets are not only functional, but are also fashionable in bold polka dot and paisley patterns.

The Earth collection features great fall and winter colors like Tangerine Tango, Rhapsody Purple and French Roast, while the Sky collection leans towards spring and summer with hues including Pink Flambé, Snow White and Baby Blue.

KidKusion puts safety first as it has since 1991 when the founder’s toddler fell against a fireplace hearth. Back then there were no hearth safety products so the Fireplace Bumper Pad was born. The success of the original product led to the development of many other items, including Retractable Driveway Guards, clear plastic Banister Guards, Gummi Crib Rail Covers and the Gummi Mat for beginning diners.

Discover more child safety solutions at www.kidkusion.com

guzzie+Guss is in Gear for Saunters and Strolls

For a great getaway stroller, shoppers should look to the Sandpiper stroller from guzzie+Guss. Thanks to aluminum framing, the Sandpiper weighs in at a mere ten pounds so toting it is a cinch. Designed with an easy recline and footrest adjustment, the Sandpiper, available in light green, light or navy blue and ruby red, offers little ones an easy way to get cozy on an all day family trip to park, a walk around the block, or a quick dash to the beach. Sandpiper features a no-pinch folding mechanism, auto-fold lock, built-in back supports and a large storage basket.

The Sparrow umbrella stroller in green and aqua has a zippered, pleated extendable canopy and is car seat-compatible straight out of the box, eliminating the need to buy an adapter. This easy-to-use, lightweight stroller comes with a zippered, color-matched rain cover and safety strap.

The Caribou is another fine stroller choice to ensure that a baby will travel in comfort and style. In a host of colors including Steel, Teal, Burgundy and Green, Caribou has innovative features including a high-density, fully suspended aluminum frame and is compact for easy storage. The telescoping, adjustable handle makes the Caribou work for adults of any height, and the one-touch brake system ensures a trouble-free, high-quality experience. The comfortable seat has a 3-position recline, five-point harness and a front bar. Topping the list of features, the cozy seat turns into a newborn nest and can be reversed so this ride works for kids from newborn to toddler.

The people behind guzzie+Guss products are drawn from every aspect of the industry. This manufacturer is in touch with the consumer from the ground level up, while working directly with leading designers from around the world.

Light on the scale and the pocketbook: www.guzzieandguss.com

Ubabub’s Sleek Berths for Small Ones

For shoppers in the market for a non-traditional crib, see Ubabub. Already a hit overseas and newly introduced in the USA, Ubabub (think “über-bub”), is a group of super-cool, ultra-safe and ecologically-friendly cribs, baby and children’s furniture. Items in the line are sleek and streamlined to bring a clean, modern aesthetic to the nursery.

The Pod Crib is cocoon-shaped with smooth, rounded edges and clear acrylic sides that allow for greater visibility than traditional cribs, making it easier to check on a sleeping baby. Pod has a low profile and includes a custom-fitted mattress that can be positioned either high, for a very little one, or lower for an older baby. In addition, the design is easy to assemble and clean. The body is made of timber plywood sourced from renewable plantations, while the mattress puts health at the forefront as it is hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-dust mite, anti-mold and anti-mildew.

For a look that incorporates both the mid-century look and Ubabub’s signature acrylic sides, check out the Nifty Clear Crib, that enables baby to see the world around her while caregivers observe the inside. To accommodate a baby from infancy up, this model features four adjustable mattress positions.

The Nifty Changing Table, designed to complement the Nifty Clear Crib, is strong and stable with two capacious shelves to hold baby’s paraphernalia. The Nifty Timber Crib in Walnut is also stylish and contemporary design.

All high-end Ubabub products are Australian-designed and are now part of the MDB family of products.

Streamlined baby furniture: www.ubabub.us