BabyDan has appointed Treasure Trove Nursery division as its exclusive distributor partner for Independents and Key Accounts. From this month, Treasure Trove Nursery will handle the sales, trade marketing and distribution of the full BabyDan range, including Home Safety, Nursery Furniture and Bedding across England, Wales and Scotland.

Tommee Tippee has been launched in the United States. The full award-winning Closer to Nature newborn feeding range is available in Babies R Us stores throughout America and in spring in Toys R Us.

Online baby retailer Hello Baby has kicked off 2010 by more than doubling the size of its office, for what promises to be a hectic year.

East London based online baby shop Hello Baby is moving to a new office to cope with growing sales. The new office remains in trendy Brick Lane and is more than twice the size of the previous premises.

An amazing Dad from Birmingham, David Dutton, is getting some well deserved recognition this month, after winning the Cuddledry sponsored Mother & Baby Big Heart Award, for being an ‘Amazing Dad’.

My Buggy Buddy has appointed Hippychick as its exclusive UK distribution partner. The My Buggy Buddy Clip is said to be the best way to attach any bag to pram and buggy handles. It's as easy as 123 - Clip.... Attach... Unclip! An essential piece of kit for when you are out and about AND there is also a lockable version.

John Lewis is to start selling Kiddy car seats from this month at six of its largest retail stores including Oxford Street and Bluewater. The retail giant has decided to put its full support behind the Group 1/2/3 ‘kiddy comfort pro’ design, which has excellent safety features including the kiddy ‘impact shield’ for use up to 18kg.

As Nursery Industry went to press, the 57th annual UK Toy Fair had sold out. 180 toy companies were set to exhibit in the fully booked Grand and West Halls at Olympia from 26-28 January 2010. Visitor registrations for the event were up a massive 35 per cent ahead of this time last year. We bring you all the latest news and views from the Toy Fair in the next issue.

The Tidy Books Bookcase has picked up two Gold Awards at the recently announced Right Start Toy Awards.

The Bookcase won “Gold” in the “Best Investment Buy” category as a product that has great, long term play and usage value, and also “Gold” in the Nursery and Baby Accessories Category.

Trusted children's toy retailer, Early Learning Centre has appointed integrated agency Milton Bayer to create a range of point of sale (POS) material for 2010. Early Learning Centre has 215 stores across the UK and 80 worldwide, selling toys that encourage children from birth to six years to explore, learn and create. Milton Bayer has extensive youth marketing experience, developing both strategic and tactical campaigns for brands such as Disney, Topps and Mookie Toys.

Halilit has appointed Donna Read as its Agent for Scotland. “We have been impressed by Donna’s enthusiasm and professional approach,” said Richard Greaves, Business Development Manager for Halilit. “We are confident that, with the launch of the TAF Nursery Toy range at Toy Fair and Spring Fair, Donna is the right person to be looking after all existing and new Halilit customers.”

Chicco is sponsoring all 25 x 10 minute programmes of ‘The Baby Breakfast Club’ on GMTV. Viewers will have seen minute-long tasters of the series on GMTV during the launch week (11th – 15th January). The entire series is now being shown on GMTV’s digital platform on ITV4 and simulcast on the CITV Channel, Monday-Friday 9.10am-9.20am.

As Nursery Industry went to press, KIDS II had confirmed its appointment of Treasure Trove Nursery as exclusive distributor partner for its specialty toy and nursery range across England, Wales and Scotland. In more good news for the company, it will now handle the sales, trade marketing and distribution of the exciting ‘BRIGHT STARTS’ & ‘BABY EINSTEIN’ brands across teethers, rattles, baby toys and baby gear, such as bouncers and swings.

Lindam, the UK’s number one child safety brand and leading international developer of nursery products, has become part of Munchkin, the Californian based designer and manufacturer of innovative infant and toddler products.

The Bright Consultancy has been appointed by Bandai UK to handle a trade and consumer PR campaign for the company’s extensive portfolio of children’s toy and entertainment brands.

Baby Oliver Withers beat off stiff competition from over 5,000 of the country’s cutest babies to be named as this year’s Face of The Baby Show 2010. Parents across the UK entered their baby for the competition, after attending The Baby Show or visiting the Prima Baby website (www.babyexpert.com).

Baby Brands Direct is delighted to announce its move to a bespoke distribution unit boasting custom racking, state of the art order integrated dispatch systems and most importantly, a 50% increase in stock holding per product line.

The star of BBC1's new futuristic police thriller ‘Paradox’ Tamzin Outhwaite has professed herself a fan of Kiddy car seats. Glamorous Tamzin, who has an 18 month old daughter Florence with her husband actor Tom Ellis, is the proud owner of a 'kiddy infinity pro’group 1 car seat. She says: 'I really love my Kiddy car seat. I use it daily and find it really easy to fit each time. The Hanami fabric is also ultra-chic and stands out from the rest.'

Jackson Reece based in Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland has won a Gold accolade, awarded by the UK’s leading parenting magazine Mother & Baby.  Their Kinder by Nature soothing herbal wipes were voted 2009/10 Best Baby Wipe at a recent awards ceremony held at the Park Lane Hilton, London. Readers of the publication reported that they ‘loved the texture, scent and quality of these environmentally friendly wipes and felt they were excellent value for money.’ 

Rachel Jones, Totseat’s Inventor, features in this month’s Red magazine having been recognized as one of Britain’s most inspiring working women, winning the International Category in the Red Hot Women Awards. Judged by Sarah Brown and other senior business leaders, the award recognised Totseat’s development from the kitchen table to an international brand in less than five years. The excitement adds to a great year for Totseat which has seen 140% growth and winning Gift of the Year.

With a fresh start to 2010, Weybury Hildreth is stepping up the marketing activity for Samsonite Nursery Collection and Koo-di by appointing Kaleidoscope Communications to handle the PR for both brands.

The Toy Industry Awards, which are set to take place at The Banqueting House, London on 26 January 2010, are now sold out.

Demand for tickets has been exceptionally high this year and, as a result, the BTHA has now opened a waiting list for those still hoping to attend. Applicants are requested to return a completed booking form as soon as possible and, if places do become available, will be limited to two places each.

Nuby, a leading baby and infant feeding brand owned by Luv n Care USA, is set to launch into the UK market early 2010. This comes after an 8 year exclusive distribution agreement held with Tommee Tippee expires at the end of March 2010.

London’s uber cool Westfield shopping centre saw the opening of the first UK Ed Hardy store last month.

Coveted in the US and around the world by a long list of film, music, sport and fashion celebrities, Ed Hardy is the fashion lifestyle label taking the world by storm and from this week, Londoner arbiters of style can join the entourage!

At November's awards dinner, Stokke came away with two prestigious Mother & Baby awards - Bronze in the Best Cot Category for Stokke Sleepi and a second bronze in the Best Highchair category Tripp Trapp.

The Magmatic sales team is expanding. This winter has seen the start of Marie Campho as Administrator Extraordinaire. Marie previously worked as an Assistant Buyer for Somerfield PLC where she was involved with the purchasing of seasonal products. Marie is now taking care of Magmatic’s UK and International orders.

A potty idea has helped an eco-friendly firm to be crowned the UK's best Green Start-Up Business of the year and win £10,000.

Becothings, from Clapham in London, which makes a Biodegradable Beco-Potty for toddlers, amongst its growing range of products, has been crowned Winner of the 2009 HSBC Start-Up Stars Green Awards - the UK's premier showcase for the most promising start-up businesses and the inspirational entrepreneurs behind them.

Join the BPA on the UK Pavilion at K+J, 16th to 19th September 2010. The UK Pavilion was hailed a great success last year and all participating companies have signed up again for 2010.  Space is limited so reserve your place today. 

Baby Brands Direct has just launched a new quick order form to save retailers time when placing an order on-line. Simply log in and click on the Quick Order tab. You can either search products by brand or from a list of items you have previously bought. Simply enter the quantity and check out! Simple!

The Tidy Books Bookcase has picked up two Gold Awards at the recently announced Right Start Toy Awards.

Cheeky Rascals have been awarded exclusive distribution in the UK and Ireland for the innovative Wishbone Bike.

The ultimate pre-bike and winner of several design and innovation awards, the environmentally friendly Wishbone bike adapts to meet the needs of a growing child. It converts from a trike for children who are just walking to a two-wheeled bike that teaches balance. The frame can then be flipped and the seat adjusted to accommodate children up to the age of five.

At a glittering awards ceremony on 19th November at the Park Lane Hilton, Hippychick were delighted to pick up not one, not two, but three awards!  Already shortlisted in 9 categories the team had high hopes for the night and weren’t disappointed.  The Wheelybugs won Silver in Best Toddler Toy - 12 months +, the Mattress Protectors won Silver in Best Nursery Product and the Dusky Moon Dream Tubes scooped Gold in Most Innovative Product.  I think it is safe to say that Hippychick had the noisiest table!

In the news recently the birth of Kai Rooney, son to Coleen and Wayne Rooney was announced and a picture of them carrying Kai in a popular infant car seat was splashed all over the national press. They were all smiles as they left the hospital and so was Maxi-Cosi.

The Mother & Baby awards, supported by Tesco, took place at a black-tie ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel in London on Thursday 19th November. Leading baby manufacturers and brands attended what is widely seen as one of the biggest events in the industry’s calendar. All products at the independent awards were tested and rated by mums before their feedback decided which brands won the Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.

Following great success with its new stylish range of Okeidog Changing Bags at the recent BPA Baby & Child Show, Great Gizmos is to launch itself fully into the nursery sector with a new nursery trade catalogue.

Having recently announced Weybury Hildreth as its sole UK distributor, PurFlo is stepping up the PR and marketing activity for its healthy, anti-allergenic SleepSystem by teaming up with Bedfordshire-based Kaleidoscope Communications.

Sunshine Kids has announced the appointment of established nursery industry agent Donna Read, who will cover Scotland for the company.

With the well known brand adding more products for 2010 and the extraordinary success of the Monterey child safety seat, Sunshine Kids felt that now was the right time to offer a more personal contact with customers in Scotland.

Content&Calm is celebrating its first six months in business.  The Cot Canopy (a lightweight portable canopy that fits over standard cots & travel cots allowing a baby to sleep well even when the lights are on or the sun is shining) launched in May and has collected two Bacra awards, a Practical Parenting Award, Baby Hampshire and Baby Surrey Editor's Choice Award and a place on the highly contested shortlist for the Mother & Baby Awards Most Innovative Product.

2012 Ltd has been appointed the exclusive European distributor for the Cinch Tummy Wrap by Anew. The Cinch is specially crafted to motivate new mums to get back their healthy shapes with a single wrap by focusing on the stomach with its function and added support.

Abdominal binding has been used for many years around the world to help reposition the womb, increase weight loss, and enhance waistlines. Separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy and childbirth can make it hard to regain the pre-pregnancy belly. By binding the abdomen, the muscles are allowed to come back together helping for a tight and toned midsection.

A potty idea has helped an eco-friendly firm to be crowned the UK's best Green Start-Up Business of the year and win £10,000.

Coveted in the US and around the world by a long list of film, music, sport and fashion celebrities, Ed Hardy is the fashion lifestyle label taking the world by storm and from this week Londoner arbiters of style can join the entourage! The Ed Hardy label is already a cultural phenomenon abroad, adorning the likes of David Beckham, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Peter Andre, Paris Hilton, and Heidi Klum

At November's awards dinner, Stokke came away with two prestigious Mother & Baby awards - Bronze in the Best Cot Category for Stokke Sleepi and a second bronze in the Best Highchair category Tripp Trapp.

Nuby, a leading baby and infant feeding brand owned by Luv n Care USA, is set to launch into the UK market early 2010.

The Mother & Baby awards, supported by Tesco, took place at a black-tie ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton Hotel in London on Thursday 19th November.

In the news recently the birth of Kai Rooney, son to Coleen and Wayne Rooney was announced and this picture was splashed all over the national press.

2012 Ltd has been appointed as exclusive European distributor for the Cinch Tummy Wrap by Anew. Generations of tradition, wrapped with modern technology, the Cinch Tummy Wrap is the newest sensation. The Cinch is specially crafted to motivate new mums to get back their healthy shapes with a single wrap by focusing on the stomach with its function and added support.

Tidy Books has won "Gold" in the "Best Investment Buy" category as a product that has great long term play and usage value, and also a "Gold" in the Nursery and Baby Accessories Category......

As the doors closed on BPA Baby & Child 2009 the general consensus from both exhibitors and visitors was that the move back to London was a good one. BPA Baby & Child offered a huge variety of products which was fantastic for retailers and many of the show's regular exhibitors reported their best show ever. As sponsors of the Launchpad, Nursery Industry talked with a number of new and established companies whose stories we bring you in our show review.

Baby Brands Direct has just announced that it has been given exclusive wholesale distribution rights for the Floppeze Nursing Pillow and the Botty Buddy Change Mat.

Now that K+J and Baby & Child have been and gone, Harrogate is the next major trade show in the exhibition calendar of the Nursery Industry so although March may seem a long way away, preparations are very advanced.

Tigex has won the coveted Kind + Jugend Innovation Award for its new Evolution Baby Bath with Removable Bath Ring in the baby care category. Key features include detachable arms so that it can be safely installed onto an adult bath; two ‘evolution' bathing spaces, each with a comfortable, anti-slip surface (one for newborn to 6 months, the other for older babies); and an innovative detachable bath ring.

Performance Brands is pleased to announce that it will represent the licensing rights of the Build-A-Bear Workshop. The Build-A-Bear Workshop offers the opportunity for children to build themselves a custom-made stuffed animal. The toys are fashioned in workshops and customers can choose from over 30 different animals and a variety of outfits and accessories.

Skibz is celebrating a record year when it comes to coveted industry awards. It won the prestigious Practical Pre-School Gold award 2009 for product innovation in September and in the same month was named as a finalist for the 2009 Practical Parenting awards and awarded Top Gear status by dad's magazine FQ.

Tippitoes is delighted to announce it has been awarded two accolades in the 2009/2010 Practical Parenting Awards. With a high volume of products entered, Tippitoes was up against stiff competition from the cream of the industry and ultimately scooped the top Gold Award in the Cot/Cotbed Category for its Littondale Cot and Silver in the Safety Gate Category for the Swing Shut Safety Gate.

Launched earlier this year, The Wean Machine picked up not one, but two BACRA awards at the BPA awards dinner. The Wean Machine was overall winner in the best Sucking & Feeding category and also won the highly coveted ‘Must Have' award 2009. With two more awards under its belt, The Wean Machine has certainly taken the UK by storm. Selina Russell, owner and director of Cheeky Rascals commented: "This has been our most successful launch ever and we're delighted, but not surprised, with how fast they are selling through stores".

John Crane Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Thorpe in the position of Managing Director. He will take overall control of the general running and direction of the business in conjunction with the current management.

Becothings, the company producing ecofriendly alternatives to every-day products, is thrilled to announce the launch of the BECOPOTTY into nationwide John Lewis stores in 2010. The BECOPOTTY is currently stocked in JoJo Maman Bebe stores and other independent retailers.

babyboomboom has scooped another award, winning the 2009 Practical Pre-School Modern Foreign Language Award, for its fun and participative multi-lingual music CDs.

John Crane Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Thorpe, in the position of Managing Director.  He will take overall control of the general running and direction of the business in conjunction with the current management.

As the doors closed on BPA Baby & Child 2009, a buzz continued to resound through the halls of ExCeL and the general consensus from both exhibitors and visitors was that the move back to London was a good one.

The Baby Products Association (BPA) is delighted to announce the winners of its Concept & Innovation Awards for 2009. 

Taking place on Sunday 11th October, the BPA Party and Awards at the Tower Guoman Hotel was an evening of anticipation and excitement, as the companies whose products had been shortlisted at the show learned the judge's final decisions. 

Baby Brands Direct has just announced that they have been given exclusive wholesale distribution rights for the Floppeze Nursing Pillow and the Botty Buddy Change Mat.

The BPA is urging visitors and exhibitors of BPA Baby and Child to book soon for the annual awards and party night.

Petite Star will launch Ed Hardy Baby Products in the UK at the BPA’s Baby & Child at London ExCel from 11th ^- 13th October, where the first lines of baby hardware products will be introduced to retailers.

Tickets are now on sale for the Baby Products Association's annual Awards Dinner and Party night - a firm date for your calendar on Sunday 11th October 2009.Taking place at the prestigious Tower Guoman Hotel on the banks of the River Thames, exhibitors and retailers will gather together in anticipation to hear the judges' decision as winners of the Baby & Child Recognition Awards (BACRAs) and Nursery Retailer of the Year are announced. This year will prove particularly challenging for the judges, with over 100 fabulous new products already nominated.

The team at Little Helper is celebrating after its new sleepwear range ‘Baby Boum' won its first award in the UK. Popular parenting website www.madeformums.com has given Baby Boum its five star seal of approval. A panel of mums tested two different variations of the product - the patchwork Cotty and the cute Wendy design and concluded that Baby Boum products have - "Beautiful and original designs, good quality sleep-safely fabrics, built in convenience features for different sleep set-ups and a long life span making the Baby Boum sleeping bag a great investment buy."

The Kurvi from Petite Star picked up Best Buy awards from Mother & Baby, Prima Baby and Pregnancy & Birth last month.

Gopak has recently achieved certification to ISO 14001:2004 - the standard for Environmental Management. "This has been achieved through the company's dedication to eco-friendly manufacture and distribution of its market leading lightweight furniture," said a spokesperson.

Hippychick has scooped 3 Golds, 2 Silvers and 1 Bronze in the Practical Pre-School Awards 2009. Each product entered was tested in at least two separate settings by children and practitioners.

A three day International Interdisciplinary Conference, The Nutrition & Nurture in Infancy & Childhood will be held on 8th - 10th September at Uclan, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria.

Cuddledry featured in the first episode of ‘Dragons Den on Tour' last month - a new series which looks at how entrepreneurs who have faced the dragons are faring. Having turned down three offers of investment from the dragons in 2006, Cuddledry is one business which has gone on to prove that you can do it by yourself. With one in every 20 babies in the UK now being bathed with a Cuddledry apron-style baby bath towel, and the ever-expanding range of Cuddledry towelling, bath, beach and swim time products being sold in 30 countries, it seems the dragons are missing out.

Graco is proud to support the registered charity Mothers4Children to help give children a better start in life. The baby and parenting essentials brand has donated a one-off custom design of its new premium stroller, Symbio, to be auctioned in a special online event run by the charity.

The Baby Products Association (BPA) is proud to unveil a new look website for its premier autumn trade show, BPA Baby & Child.

Natural Colour cotton is organically grown without pesticides in shades of red, brown, green and natural eliminating the use of harsh chemicals and dyes to process the cotton. This cotton has been grown in countries such as China, Peru and the US for over 5000 years but has only recently become commercially available.

Nuby has decided to terminate its exclusive distribution agreement with Jackel International to concentrate on launching and building the Nuby & Natural Touch brands direct to the UK trade.

Halilit is delighted to announce that it will be distributing the superb TAF range of developmental nursery toys from January 2010.

Tippitoes is pleased to announce its latest accolade, which is sure to put them in poll position. The Move and Max Viz Strollers have been honoured with a Top Gear award from the essential Dad consumer mag, FQ Magazine.

A new study by Trinity College Dublin has found that using a Clevamama Memory Foam Baby Pillow can reduce the risk of 'flat head syndrome' in young babies by up to 50%.

Cuddledry featured in the first episode of ‘Dragons Den on Tour’ last night – a new series which looks at how entrepreneurs who have faced the dragons are faring.

The Clair De Lune team has been celebrating the 60th Birthday of its Factory Manageress Carol Elwick. Carol started working as a trainee sewing machinist for Dawson Rodgers & Co after she left school, and since then has been helping Clair De Lune to become the thriving business it is today. Guy Rodgers, son of John Rodgers, Managing Director said: "The company was established by my great grand father in 1943 and today is one of the only Nursery bedding manufacturers still surviving in the UK."

BPA Baby & Child will be held from 11-13th October at ExCel London, providing an ideal platform to showcase baby products and toys. Last year, over 2000 visitors arrived from the UK, Europe and as far as China, with research showing that 73% of visitors placed an order with either an existing or new supplier.  This year buyers from retailers including Mothercare, Boots, John Lewis, Tesco, Asda, Kiddicare, Toys R Us and Asda have registered to attend, as well as nearly every independent nursery retailer in the UK.

Magmatic, makers of Trunki - the infamous wheeled case for kids - has become the latest company to affirm its status as a leading nursery supplier by becoming a full member of the Baby Products Association (BPA). 

Tomy Europe is delighted to announce that it has signed an agreement with Perry Innovation Limited to distribute the BabyDam Bathwater Barrier in Europe. BabyDam is the bathwater barrier that turns a normal sized bath into a smaller bathing space suitable for babies and toddlers.

Rusmail Conveyor Systems has supplied a powered belt conveyor to Avanta UK as part of a mezzanine floor installation for nursery retailer Mamas & Papas.

The Baby Show is pleased to announce that a number of key brands will be taking part this October, for the first time. New brands include Britax, Vital Baby, Samsonite, Microlite, Summer Infant, Cariboo, Leapfrog Toys, Palmers, Next, Nurofen For Children, Vicks and Tesco Baby & Toddler Club.

Totseat, the washable squashable highchair, has announced the appointment of David Lowe Distribution, the leading supplier of baby and nursery equipment, as its exclusive distributor in Ireland.

Bulldog Licensing has announced that three more licensees have been signed for innovative pre-school property Super WHY.

The NATLL Good Toy Awards has announced its winners and PlayMais is delighted to accept a Gold Award in the creative toys category.

Difrax, the Dutch market leading baby products company is pleased to announce a new partnership with NScessity, a manufacturer and distributor in the UK baby industry.

Alan McElligott, inventor of what is said to be the world's first electronic powdered baby formula dispenser, faced the ruthless Dragons in the latest series of BBC2's Dragons Den.

Performance Brands has announced that it is now working with top pre-school property Numberjacks to help develop the brand in the Middle East and the UK.

Mamas & Papas has been shortlisted for the prestigious Kind & Jugend Innovation Award 09 for infant entertainment system Magic Cards and its launch vehicle for the system, the Astro cradle.

This autumn sees the launch of Naturalmat Story Time, with Random House Children's Books providing stories from their newest and loveliest collections.

Celebrity Mum and singer, Javine Hylton, and her 18 month old daughter, Angel Mai Hylton Harvey hosted a musical tea party in Battersea Park to launch a collection of badges for the children's charity Jeans for Genes. Special guest at the party was the popular pre-school favourite, Fifi and the Flowertots, who features on the glow-in-the-dark collection and local nursery children. 

The BPA is delighted to announce the recruitment of a new Associate Member- John Trinci of Consumer Product Safety Advice Ltd (CPSA).

Difrax, the Dutch market leading baby products company is pleased to announce a new partnership with NScessity, a manufacturer and distributor in the UK baby industry. Difrax was founded in 1967 and is believed to be the largest and leading brand for baby products in the Netherlands, with a range that includes bottles, soothers and accessories. In the Netherlands, Difrax is market leader in the area of bottles, with a market share of 49%.

Bulldog Licensing has announced that three more licensees have been signed for innovative pre-school property Super WHY.

Registrations for the UK's premier nursery trade event - BPA Baby & Child - is now live on the website at www.babyandchildfair.co.uk. The show, which has exhibitors from all sectors of the nursery industry, is to take place at London's Excel Centre on the 11th, 12th and 13th October and provides a wealth of new business opportunities, valuable networking channels and professional industry related business forums.

Frugi's recent Sample Sale raised over £2000 as parents flocked to gain organic and ethical clothing bargains.  All proceeds will ensure schooling for Navbharat Orphanage children who otherwise live in desperate slum conditions in Mumbai, India.  Frugi is now able to provide sponsorship for thirteen children of all ages, to a life changing education.

Graco is pleased to announce that its Logico S HP car seat has recently received an outstanding product review from independent industry organisation, The Consumers Association of Ireland (CAI).

HABA has won a Gold Award in the Good Toy Awards construction category for its new Coloured Building Blocks Maxi.

The latest car seat from CONCORD - the TRANSFORMER - has been voted the best child seat in Group 2/3 with a sit and recline inclination and the only one in the Eurotest group II/III that can be adjusted in the shoulder area according to size.

The Aquasolari bed pad has just been awarded a Clever Idea Award by TIPS who carry out independent market research into carefully sourced products within the parenting sector.  

Skibz, makers of the funky bandana dribble bib, recently announced the recruitment of a new agent for Scotland. Joseline Leishman brings a huge amount of enthusiasm to the Skibz team and will be using her skills and vast experience to market the super absorbent and high quality range of dribble bibs to the Scottish baby industry.

More than a third of parents underestimate the age or height at which a child can travel without a child car seat, said Which? in a recent report.

The organization for the 2010 Harrogate Nursery Fair is well under way and the demand for space is as high as ever. In just eight weeks selling just over 100 companies have booked their space for the 2010 exhibition.

Best for Baby Ltd has been appointed distributor and retailer for The Woombie in the UK and Ireland, originally designed by Karen Barski Momprenuer and owner of KB designs LLC in the USA.

John Crane is now the distributor for Tidy Books in the UK education market, focussing its attention on the Tidy Books ‘award winning' bookcase.

Last month saw over 2000 Cubs and Beavers set up camp at Overstone Park in Northampton for the weekend, as part of the annual national Giant Sleep Over.

BRIO AB has appointed Treasure Trove Holdings as its exclusive distributor partner for BRIO Nursery. From July 1st Treasure Trove Nursery Division will handle the sales, marketing and distribution of BRIO Nursery in the UK & Ireland.

UK Sales Director Daniel Kobryner and kiddy (UK) PR Emma Peters enjoyed a wonderful birthday celebration last month at kiddy's very special 30 year anniversary in Hof, Germany, the company's home town. Distributors, agents and employees from all over the world attended a special day of presentations and discussions followed by a Bavarian evening in traditional dress.

Darius Januskevicius, who runs the evening shift at Dorel's Thetford distribution centre, has been announced as ‘Warehouse Person of the Year'.

Magmatic, creators of Trunki are delighted to announce Toby Davies has joined their rapidly growing team to head up the UK sales division.

Bookstart has announced details for National Bookstart Day 2009 which will be held this year on Friday 9 October, the Friday of Children's Book Week.

Darius Januskevicius, who runs the evening shift at Dorel’s Thetford distribution centre, has been announced as ‘Warehouse Person of the Year’.

Nursery Industry is delighted to announce that it has once again been chosen as official publication partner for the Launchpad area of BPA Baby & Child.

Hippychick is pleased to announce that the Dusky Moon Dream Tubes has won the M&B Choice award in July's Mother & Baby magazine.  Four products that claim to ‘keep your toddler secure in her bed at night' were tested.  Dream Tubes was the only product in the test to score 5/5!

FunToSee has signed a licensing deal with Infant and Preschool brand Fisher-Price, to produce room sticker sets for its Precious Planets and Animals of the Rainforest range. These colourful and imaginative wall stickers complement other Fisher-Price baby and toddler nursery and home furnishing products. The room stickers will be hitting the shelves in June and September 2009 respectively.  

The Spanish Manufacturers Association of Children's Products (ASEPRI ) last month presented the ‘españa' trademark at FIMI, the most prestigious International Children's Fashion Fair in Spain. The initiative represents the value and essence of Spanish companies in the children's fashion and childcare product sector.

PJP has been appointed to launch the Aquasolari bed pad, said to be suitable for dealing with wet beds for toddlers and children, as well as mums-to-be.

German toy manufacturer HABA has launched a UK website allowing retailers to view its entire product range, including toys, games and children's furniture online.

In response to the British Medical Journal's (BMJ) study about the use of rear facing car seats until the age of four, the Baby Products Association (BPA) raises a number of issues relating to their use in the UK.

The British Standards Institute (BSI) has published a new standard specification BS 8510:2009 aimed specifically at the Child Care market.

Dear Becci

As a retailer with an internet site, I was interested in your feature focus on online retail, highlighting two sites. We have seen and enjoyed an increase in sales, due to the internet interest for nursery products, but have seen sites and companies disappear due to suicidal pricing/profits.

A new survey conducted by Maclaren Buggys and BackCare - ‘The Charity for Healthier Backs' - has revealed that 83% of Mums suffering from back pain believe it has been caused or exacerbated by their children. Mums cite pregnancy as well as the day-to-day lifting and carrying of their children as the main reasons, but the survey highlighted a significant proportion of these mums (73%) also link back pain to pushing, folding or lifting pushchairs.

Hippychick is delighted to have been chosen as one of 10 finalists for the Small to Medium Sized Business of the Year Award, in the National Business Awards South of England Regional Programme 2009.

Since its launch at BPA Baby & Child 2008, Janet Theodore is stepping up the PR and marketing activity for its innovative Breast Feeding Pouch, by teaming up with Bedfordshire-based Kaleidoscope Communications.

Newly appointed sales agent, Natasha Dudnik will take over the London, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey and Sussex area for John Crane Ltd with immediate effect. 

Little Helper was reflecting on a great week as Nursery Industry went to press, after having a knock-out weekend exhibiting its Baby Boum sleepwear range at the recent Exeter Bump2Baby consumer show.

Skibz, makers of the funky bandana dribble bib, recently announced the recruitment of a new agent for Scotland. Joseline Leishman brings a huge amount of enthusiasm to the Skibz team and will be using her skills and vast experience to market the super absorbent and high quality range of dribble bibs to the Scottish baby industry.

BRIO AB has appointed Treasure Trove Holdings Ltd as its Exclusive Distributor partner for BRIO Nursery. Treasure Trove Nursery Division will handle the sales, marketing and distribution of BRIO Nursery in the UK & Ireland.

More than a third of parents underestimate the age or height at which a child can travel without a child car seat, reveals Which? today, as Child Safety Week begins.

Award-winning company Cuddledry, as seen on Dragon's Den, is introducing a new limited edition ‘Kangaroo care' Cuddledry towel in support of Bliss, the special care baby charity. The idea for the charity towel came about when one of the Cuddledry team had her little girl prematurely at just 24 weeks gestation. Three pounds from the sale of every towel will be donated to the charity, with the aim being to raise money and increase awareness of the importance of Kangaroo Care.

The latest car seat from CONCORD - the TRANSFORMER - has been voted the best child seat in Group 2/3 with a sit and recline inclination and the only one in the Eurotest group II/III that can be adjusted in the shoulder area according to size. It combines the ultimate in comfort with safety.

The absorbent Aquasolari bed pad has just been awarded a Clever Idea Award by TIPS who carry out independent market research into carefully sourced products within the parenting sector.     http://www.tipslimited.com/AwardAquasolari.html

Lindam has chosen baby and parenting specialist Azaria to head-up its PR. After winning a three-way pitch, Azaria will be working with Lindam's new Marketing Manager Claire Rayner to implement its extensive integrated PR and marketing plan, which has been designed to take the company's success to the next level. 

The Baby Products Association (BPA) is delighted to announce that after three years of absence Silver Cross is to join other nursery suppliers and exhibit at BPA Baby & Child in the autumn.

With still four months to go before the start of Kind + Jugend 2009, all the signs are pointing to another successful trade fair. The Who's Who of the sector, as well as new exhibitors, will once again come together in Cologne in September for the world's leading event for baby and toddler outfitting products.

Hippychick is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new product; the Wallaboo Wrapper.  A petal shape with an inner leaf print, there is a specially designed pocket to pop the baby securely in and wrap up snugly, and options to create a hood. 

The use of digital photos and video can provide young children with a powerful medium to express their voice, as well as facilitating valuable three-way interactions between a child, their home and their early years setting, says education innovator Futurelab. A new video exploring the early development of Dream Catcher, a prototype project which aims to build these communications bridges was launched last month at www.futurelab.org.uk/projects/dream-catcher.

Parenting PR & Marketing consultants PJP has been appointed to work with Parisian made perfume brand Mon Bébé, hypoallergenic, alcohol-free scented water created especially for babies.

Boori Nursery Furniture has appointed Alex Soultana (ex Tomy) and Scott Carruthers (ex Bugaboo) as sales representatives for its Southern and Northern areas respectively. Their roles will include staff training and product advice/updates for retailers.

This year, for the first time, The Childcare and Nursery Show has organised a schedule of seminars which will take place over the show's two day stay at Olympia. The Childcare and Nursery Show 2009, which takes place on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June, is being billed as `the biggest and best event for everyone in the childcare business'.

Following its success at the 2007 and 2008 Harrogate Nursery Fair, X-Adventure UK importers of stylish prams and strollers from the Netherlands, has announced its new association with Amazon, the online retail giant. The product has also been selected by Mothercare.

Brand Licensing Europe is launching the ultimate advice point for retailers attending the event in 2009: the Retail Buyers Centre.

Kiddicare has expanded its options for online payments by teaming up with alternative online payment provider Paysafecard Group. The move comes following high demand from customers looking for an alternative to using credit cards on the Internet. With the prepaid voucher Cash-Ticket, Kiddicare customers now have access to a solution which is as simple, fast and safe as paying by cash.

A real-life garden shed, stuffed to the rafters with all the paraphernalia of family life, is touring the country to let dads have their say about fatherhood. To encourage the ‘dad debate' Donal MacIntyre, runner up from ITV1's Dancing on Ice and Father of two girls, attended the London leg of the tour to ask the question: "What does fatherhood mean to you?"

Footballer Michael Duberry and his wife Natasha have launched funky new baby products website www.mummysonlinebabyshop.com

Bambino Merino's 100% pure merino sleeping bag has been voted a ‘hot' product by NCT parents in the Cheltenham & North Cotswolds area. Bambino Merino's sleeping bag was given the thumbs up for its ability to keep babies warm when it's cold or cool when it's hot.

Cuddledry's cow print apron towel has been shortlisted by the Gift Association for the prestigious ‘Gift of the Year Award', in the best baby gift category.

German based craft phenomenon, PlayMais has appointed toy industry public relations specialists Aspen PR, to work alongside its UK supplier Top Banana Toys in order to raise awareness of the product across the UK. The initial strategy is to build brand awareness with both parents and children and a timetable of exciting consumer based events is planned - including child centred activity days, working with strategic partners and a full media tour.

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Baby hygiene expert Milton is to sponsor a new guide for parents who are taking their premature babies home from hospital.

The Baby Products Association (BPA) is delighted to announce an industry victory regarding child car seat base VAT reduction - securing the only VAT reduction in this year's Budget.

Cheeky Rascals has been appointed as UK distributor for ‘The Wean Machine', a new solution to the problem of preparing small portions of nutritious baby food.

Jerome Davies, 32, from Daventry, whose 3 year old daughter Holly was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy last year, is running the London Marathon for the first time to help the Stars Foundation for Cerebral Palsy purchase a new Liberator - a communication aid that can transform lives.  Already Jerome has been pledged £1000 from Maclaren - the Northamptonshire based parenting company.

Toddle Time has appointed MPIreland as its new sales and distribution team in Northern and Southern Ireland. The team comprising Steven and Ian Minford, and David and Denise Prentice, have over 18 years experience in the Irish Toy market and are looking forward to expanding their business into the Nursery Industry with Toddle Time.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is concerned that the 2009 Budget has failed to address the main issues threatening the UK's struggling small businesses. Proposals to improve access to finance, ease the burden of costs and stimulate economic activity were absent from the announcement, it insists. In addition, although the Government has unveiled a new £1.7 billion job creation fund, the Forum believes nothing has been done to help smaller employers hold on to their key staff.

A recent drive to increase BPA Retail membership by the Baby Products Association (BPA) is paying dividends with two new retailers signing up.

Pre-School Expo is set to provide parents with the tools and ideas for raising happy and healthy children through their very important preschool years. It is free to attend so you can take advantage of the great advice on all aspects of parenting from the childcare professionals present over the two days of the show. Showcasing the latest products and services from the leading UK suppliers to the Pre-School market, Pre-school expo is divided into four main areas, making it easy to navigate around all the different products on show. It will take place at Central Hall Westminster, from Friday 6th November to Saturday 7th November 2009.

Parenting PR & marketing consultants PJP have been appointed to work with Freya Design on a trade and consumer awareness campaign.

With a modern take on a traditional favourite, Kidstoyworld.uk.com is said to be a new website for a new, prudent era.  Its range of 1200 toys is made from reforested wood and fully CE tested and certified safe for children.  Sourced from Germany, they meet all required European standards.  Founder Julianne Balai commented: "Our guiding principle is to sell only ethically produced toys that are fun, educational and durable offering exceptional value for money."

British design company Micralite, which specialises in the innovation, design and manufacture of baby products, has just appointed marketing and PR consultants to support the development of the brand.

As Little Helper continues to grow sales both in the UK and overseas, it has announced the appointment of two new sales agents in the UK. Donna Read has been appointed as Sales Agent for Scotland, while Colin Pattison has been appointed as Sales Agent for the South of England.

Online nursery retailer Kiddicare.com, has signed up as the broadcast sponsor of the new Katie and Peter series: Katie and Peter: The Next Chapter Stateside on ITV2. This is the nursery retailer's first ever TV sponsorship deal and forms a key part of the retailer's marketing strategy to firmly cement the Kiddicare brand in family households across the UK.

Pop sensation, reality TV superstar and proud mum of one Lisa Scott-Lee is the latest celebrity to opt for the ‘totally' trendy, yet practical Maxi-Cosi Axiss.  "The revolutionary Maxi-Cosi Axiss is comfortable and safe for my little one and practical for busy mums like me. It's made my life much easier, I love it!" she said.

Cuddledry's cow print apron towel has been shortlisted for the prestigious Gift of the Year Award by the Giftware Association in the best baby gift category. These awards seek out the very best gifts in the UK each year - and this funky cow print baby bath towel has been selected as one of the very best presents for new babies.

Bambino Merino’s 100% pure merino sleeping bag has been voted a ‘Hot’ product by NCT parents in the Cheltenham & North Cotswolds area. Bambino Merino’s sleeping bag was given the thumbs up for its ability to keep babies warm when it’s cold or cool when it’s hot. www.bambinomerino.com

Parenting PR & Marketing consultants PJP www.pjpartnership.co.uk has been appointed to work with Parisian made perfume brand Mon Bébé, hypoallergenic, alcohol-free scented water created especially for babies.

Child safety manufacturer Clippasafe is lobbying the Government to introduce tighter laws following the release of the latest figures showing 2,671 children killed or seriously injured on England's roads in 2007. 

Kicsi, the new funky baby wear range has been given a financial boost to help its launch with a business start-up grant from The Prince's Trust. Elaine Player, founder of Kicsi, has been awarded this grant having signed up to The Prince's Trust's Business programme.

The chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), widely used in the manufacture of baby bottles and other food and drink containers, has been the subject of fierce debate in recent weeks. The United States has banned its use in the manufacture of baby bottles following growing concerns about the link with heart disease and diabetes. Six American manufacturers made the decision to remove BPA from their bottles ahead of the ban, but will continue selling bottles containing BPA in the UK - prompting anger among campaigners.

The Practical Pre-School Awards 2009, the definitive awards scheme for pre-school and early year's products which identifies and rewards excellence, is now open for entries. 

Whether you're a Dancing Queen or a Rock Star, Silly Souls make an ideal gift & keepsake for a baby's first pair of shoes.  They come with their own collector's tin, which can be used as a money box or lunch box.

Hippychick has signed an exclusive deal with Dusky Moon to bring its brand new Dream Tubes product to market.  An easy to use and completely portable double-sided bed guard, Dream Tubes consists of a fitted sheet with two integral pockets and two sturdy inflatable tubes. You simply place the specially designed soft cotton fitted sheet onto the bed, inflate the tubes and zip them into the pockets.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and fdf (Foundation Degree Forward) have joined forces to offer more support to smaller businesses facing skills gap issues. In particular, they are promoting the kind of support available through Foundation degree programmes provided by universities and colleges across the UK.

The baby products testing organization TIPS has awarded Yes! SuperBaby with the prestigious Clever Idea Award for both the Miracle Scarf and Miracle Band. Founded by Midwife and Mother & Baby Consultant, Sharon Trotter, the TIPS Award scheme uses parents to independently and impartially test products.

John Crane Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Pilkington as Managing Director.  Simon left his position as Managing Director of John Adams and Toy Brokers Limited, to take up his new post at the beginning of this month.

Early Years & Primary Teaching and Special Needs North 2009 is taking place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April at Manchester Central (www.teachingexhibitions.co.uk).  The show will bring together over 6,000 teaching professionals, parents and carers and offer a hub of advice and resources for early years and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Taga - the innovative and stylish three-wheeled vehicle which combines a pushchair and child carrying bicycle is set to launch in the UK this month and has already exploded into the world of design by winning the ‘Red Dot Product Design Award 2009'; its third award in seven months.

Newbury based CN Sales and Marketing appointed kids and parenting specialist PR Agency Norton & Company to help launch their latest product, the Original BabyDam Bathwater Barrier, to consumer audiences at the beginning of this year.

Six months before it opens, all the indications once again point to a successful Kind + Jugend. Established brands along with numerous first-time exhibitors have already registered for the event, which will be held from 17th to 20th September in Cologne. Compared to the same period last year, more registrations have been received and more exhibition space booked.

Medela, producer of technologically advanced breast pumps and The BabaSlingTM have teamed up with Babybase, wholesaler of baby products to the independent nursery trade, to help bolster their position within the nursery sector.

The multi-award winning manufacturer Little Helper has announced the appointment of Dutch nursery distributor Bacookie to distribute its products exclusively in Holland.

The date and venue for Christmas in July 2009, the toy industry's premier long-lead press event, is now confirmed. After huge success in 2008, the organisers, Evolution PR Ltd, are to keep the venue the same, the Hellenic Centre in Marylebone - whilst the date has been confirmed as Friday 10th of July 2009.

The world's leading construction toy brand has secured the rights to develop toy lines based on three Disney properties for 2010 The LEGO Group and Disney Consumer Products has just brokered a multi-year licensing agreement that gives the construction toy brand access to an extensive portfolio of renowned Disney and Disney•Pixar properties. LEGO® and LEGO DUPLO® products are currently in development for three franchises - Disney•Pixar's Toy Story and Cars, and Prince of Persia, all of which are scheduled to launch in 2010.

Soundari the Amur Tiger, one of Longleat Safari Park's most famous residents, took a liking to a distinctly similar new occupant today.At a trial event ahead of the park's opening on Valentine's Day, the three year old big cat displayed rather amorous intentions to ‘Tipu', the latest ride-on kids' suitcase Trunki, one of the most popular Dragon's Den rejects.

The sticker company, FunToSee, is thrilled that Funberry Farm, its latest Room Make-Over design finished runner-up in this year's ‘Best Home Product' in the Spring Fair Awards. Finishing second with their farmyard themed sticker kit confirms that they are the stickers of choice for childrens' bedrooms.

Online voting is now open for a national award scheme that celebrates the best activities for young children in the UK. The 2009 What's On 4 Little Ones Awards which has been sponsored by Organix Savoury Pots for Babies on the Move, are now in their third year.

Hippychick is about to supply the children's charity Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence or ERIC, with its Mattress Protector range. The charity has given the products their coveted seal of approval.

2009 is the 40th birthday year of the famous Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eric Carle's classic storybook was first published in 1969 charming children and parents worldwide. Licensed gift company Rainbow Designs is launching a collection of new gifts featuring the distinctive characters from Carle's timeless tale. The colourful new arrivals include a selection of Plush, Hand Puppets, a Developmental Lion and Elephant and wooden gifts set coming out later in the year.

A new approach to online shopping is about to be launched called Fudoso, where the shopping experience is made as close to real-life as possible. In a hybrid supermarket and shopping mall setting browsers will be able to ‘pop in' to virtual stores.

Medela producer of technologically advanced breast pumps, and BabaSlings Ltd have teamed up with Babybase, wholesaler of baby products to the independent nursery trade, to help bolster their position within the nursery sector.

(American Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal played VIP at Central Park Zoo in New York recently, when she unveiled the new Fisher-Price Precious Planet collection. Gyllenhaal also announced the company's $250,000 donation to the Wildlife Conservation Society, dedicated to helping animals from across the world.

At Babytec we specialise in producing those ingenious devices that make everyday life more comfortable for babies, toddlers and parents alike.