Blog Archives - Page 14 of 25

June 26, 2019 by

Traveling with a baby or toddler is a lot of fun and makes great memories, but there is just so much stuff to take with you. That’s why we’re super excited for these latest NAPPA Award winners. These baby gear essentials from UPPABaby are lightweight, easy to transport and stylish. Better start packing for a fun summer adventure!

UPPAbaby MINU

Go places, big and small. Weighing in at under 15 lbs., the MINU by UPPAbaby offers modern conveniences in a compact, lightweight stroller designed for daily adventures and exciting excursions. One hand and one smooth motion is all it takes to fold this stylish stroller, making it perfect for travel. Features large, easy-access basket, extendable UPF 50+ sunshade, spring-action, all-wheel suspension, multi-position recline and 100% full-grain leather handlebar. Add-on features include From Birth Kit accessory. Ages: From birth (with Accessory Kit or MESA infant car seat adapters) otherwise 3 months to 50 lbs. $399.99.

UPPAbaby G-LITE

The portable G-LITE stroller by UPPAbaby is one of the lightest full-size umbrella strollers available. A mesh sling seat adds comfort without adding weight. While this stylish stroller is super light and portable, it still includes all the essential features to make life a little easier. Extendable UPF 50+ sunshade allows you and your child to enjoy the sunniest of days together. The seat fabric is removable and machine washable. Includes cupholder and large basket with easy access. Ages: 6 months to 55 lbs. $179.99.

UPPAbaby MESA

The MESA Infant Car Seat by UPPAbaby remains top-rated in safety by maximizing ease of use to minimize error, allowing parents to move forward with confidence and security. The SMARTSecure System combines auto-retracting connectors and a visual indicator that turns from red to green, providing an installation that is both simple and accurate. Awarded the NHTSA 5-Star Rating. Ages: 4 lbs to 35 lbs and up to 32” in height, $239.99.

For more baby and travel gear product reviews, visit nappaawards.com

June 26, 2019 by

Kids are out of school, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Check out these latest NAPPA Award winners that keep the fun and learning going all summer long.

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy by Age of Learning, Inc.

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is the leading and most comprehensive online early learning resource for children ages 2–8. It offers an expert-designed curriculum for preschool, pre-k, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. With more than 9,000 individual learning activities and 800+ complete lessons along their Step-by-Step Learning Path™, ABCmouse.com encompasses reading and language arts, math, science, social studies, art, and music. It is available on computer, tablet, or smartphone. Ages 2-8, 9.95/monthly or $59.95/annually.

Smithsonian Mega Science Lab

Learn about volcanos, weather, outer space and more. The Smithsonian Mega Science Lab is six different STEM kits in one. Observe the process of crystal formation; assemble and paint a model of the earth and moon; and erect and erupt your very own volcano. Create an Eco Dome Habitat where you can catch, collect and study bugs. Assemble and install your own weather station and start logging temperature, wind direction and speed, barometric pressure, humidity, clouds and precipitation. Put on your safety goggles and chisel away at your sand block as you excavate bones that you can assemble into a model dinosaur. This kit is a science sampler that offers six amazing adventures that are safe and easy to do. Detailed instructions are included. Ages 10+, $34.99.

Smithsonian Planetarium Projector

The Smithsonian Planetarium Projector brings the nighttime sky into your room. Just aim the projector at a light-colored wall or ceiling, and project a rotating star pattern of the northern sky. Three disks also feature 24 high-definition space images that you can project alongside the stars: planets, nebulae, moons, asteroids and other celestial bodies, as well as a satellite, space station, astronaut, space shuttle and more. Project more than 50 different image combinations. The Smithsonian Planetarium Projector features a 15-minute auto-shut-off, so you can fall asleep under a magical night sky. It comes with STEM educational content and requires 3 AA batteries (not included). Ages 8+, $39.99.

For more educational toys, apps and products, visit nappaawards.com

June 26, 2019 by Elena Epstein

We have been very busy testing and evaluating lots and lots of products to bring you this special Summer Fun Guide filled with inspiration for outdoor fun, game nights, summer reading and learning and so much more! Check it out.

June 26, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Summer is here and that means pool parties, barbecues, picnic at the park and beach days. To get the party started, we have these terrific portable speakers and NAPPA Award winners that are great for anytime, anywhere. Great for travel too. Dance party anyone?

My Audio Pet Splash

My Audio Pet Splash are adorable, portable and waterproof bluetooth speakers with a powerful 5 watt driver. Features a ridiculously long-lasting 1000 mAH rechargeable battery (up to 8 hours of play time), a selfie remote and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Technology. The Hide & Speak App – The Crazy Fun Family Friendly App is included with purchase. $39.99

Jooki

Let the musical fun begin with Jooki! An adorable and smart player that lets kids choose and listen to music and stories with ToyTouch™ Technology. Kids are in control to listen, dance, imagine while music or stories play. Uploaded from a phone using the Jooki app or drag-and-drop from iTunes on a laptop. You can also choose Spotify to create the playlist. Link the Jooki characters, who will play to the playlist when placed on the Jooki speaker. $199

JBL JR POP

Kid-proof durability combined with epic sound. The JBL JR POP will be an instant favorite with kids and parents alike. With five hours of playtime, a waterproof design and JBL’s Signature Sound, the JR POP will have kids rocking out to their favorite “parent-approved” playlists from the school bus all the way through after-school activities. The best part is that this speaker is made just for kids – small enough to fit in their hands with a built-in strap for on-the-go listening. $29.95

Lullabuddy

The Lullabuddy is a lullaby player & speaker that comes pre-loaded with 2 hours of Mae Robertson’s award winning lullabies and love songs — music that both parents and babies will enjoy. The super compact music player comes with a shuffle button, a one-hour timer and a mini USB cable for charging. When fully charged, it will play for up to 18 hours. The music was remastered specifically for the Lullabuddy with wonderful sound quality. The speaker is also Bluetooth enabled so that other music can be played from a mobile device. $60.

For more reviews, visit nappaawards.com

June 11, 2019 by

These NAPPA Award winners are wonderful additions to creating a cozy and whimsical nursery.

Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

The timeless and vintage-inspired Jenny Lind Crib is one of DaVinci’s best-selling and award-winning cribs. It is GREENGUARD Gold certified and screened for 360 VOCs and over 10,000 chemicals. Signature heirloom style and solid wood spindle posts are paired with easy assembly and convertibility for use beyond the nursery years. Crib converts to toddler bed and daybed, with optional wheels included for mobility. $199 for crib only. Toddler conversion kit is sold separately for $79.
Maximum weight capacity for toddler bed: 50 lb. ; Slats support weight up to 135 lb.

Olive Glider and Ottoman

DaVinci’s gliders are thoughtfully designed to meet mom and baby feeding time needs then transition into the home in the later years. Mom can rest easy in this soft and durable 100% polyester glider that glides forwards and backwards as well as swivels 360 degrees. Bonus upholstered ottoman included to rest those tired feet. The Olive features a high back for head and neck support and includes a matching lumbar pillow to offer extra comfort. $299.

Kids n’ Such Bassinet Sheet Set

Kids n’ Such Bassinet Sheet Set features super soft jersey cotton designed to fit up to 3 inch thick rectangular, oval and hourglass shape mattresses. Come in adorable designs and fun patterns. $19.95, ages birth-24 months.

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

June 11, 2019 by Elena Epstein

These NAPPA Award winning products are great for your new baby!

Lovevery Play Kits

The Lovevery Play Kits are an innovative early childhood subscription learning program delivering staged-based developmental toys to your door. Each Kit offers parents a wonderful opportunity to introduce their little one to toys specifically designed for early childhood development. Through the subscription, Play Kits are delivered every 2-3 months depending on your child’s age (2 months for baby, 3 months for toddler). Each one contains just the right playthings at just the right time. Each product in the kit is thoughtfully crafted using organic cotton, sustainably forested wood and baby-safe materials. From $36/per month, Ages 0-24 months.

aMACEing ZERO LEAK® Leak Proof Baby Bottle

The aMACEing Zero Leak Baby Bottle allows your baby to be in control. When baby is feeding on the nipple, the milk flows. When baby stops, so does the flow. No more spills, wasted milk or over-feeding. Anti-colic design helps reduce burping, gas, and reflux. The MACE collar makes opening and securing the baby bottle easier. BPA free, lead free and phthalate free. $14.99 & Free Shipping. ages birth+

Newborn 101: Secrets from Expert Nurses on Preparing and Caring for Your Baby at Home

Newborn 101 is a terrific book written by Carol Kramer Arsenault, RN, IBCLC, an experienced Labor & Delivery nurse and lactation consultant. The comprehensive book offers reliable and useful information to assist new parents through the early months of parenthood. It covers topics such as preparing your home for baby, including safety tips and must-have supplies; breastfeeding how-tos and flexible feeding schedules; baby’s essential first days and weeks and the milestones in between; welcoming multiples; caring for preterm babies; techniques for soothing baby to sleep; postpartum self-care and getting back to your routine. The book is easy to read and mixed with narratives, charts, bullet points, illustrations and text boxes to maintain the attention of the reader. The question and answer portions of each topic segment is also very insightful. $15.95.

Infineni by nenikanopi

The Infineni by nenikanopi is a nursing cover game changer designed for both mom & baby — It’s a 4-1 multi-use cover grown and sewn in America. Breastfeed baby without holding up fabric to see, latch, bond, and switch sides. Hands-free line of sight, 360 coverage, more air circulation, no fabric between you & baby. Converts from Scarf to Canopy in seconds. Wear as scarf or stow in bag. It’s all 4: Scarf + Canopy + Car seat Cover + Poncho. $59.99.

Lovevery Play Gym

Thoughtfully designed by child development experts, The Lovevery Play Gym provides years of learning fun. This debut product from Lovevery has a patent-pending design and comes with stage-based play guide providing a full year of play and activities for you and your baby. It features sustainably sourced wooden legs, an organic cotton high-contrast Montessori ball, a sustainably sourced wooden batting ring and an organic cotton teether with a BPA-free silicone ring. $140. Ages birth-2 years.

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

June 5, 2019 by Elena Epstein

YULU is a winner of multiple NAPPA Awards and an up-and-coming family and kids entertainment company that burst onto the international toy scene less than 4 years ago. Since then, their success has been spectacular.

In 2017, only a few years after attending University in The Netherlands, YULU partners Jochem van Rijn and Thijmen de Schipper arrived at the International Toy Fair with their own main floor Javits Center booth — a great start for two not-even-30-something-year-olds. We enjoyed learning more about YULU and co-founder Thijmen de Shipper.

Thijmen de Shipper (left) and Jochem van Rijn

Congratulations on the success of YULU. What would you say is the guiding mission of YULU?

We have a very simple mission: “More Play, More Fun!” But at the core of what we do is storytelling with all of our kids and entertainment properties. It’s all about making fresh, innovative toys and games that deliver creative, imaginative and active play experiences that recognize how today’s kids play and communicate. Bringing smiles to kids of all ages is always our top priority!

We would like our readers to get to know you better. Tell us a little about yourself growing up. What were your favorite activities as a child? What did you enjoy playing the most?

When I was very young I actually played a lot with Playmobil toys. I specifically remember going into the woods with my playset that had a teepee and covering it in mulch to hide it from the cowboy cart that was racing by with six horses and some nasty gunslingers! I loved creating my own stories; I even wrote them down in a little booklet that I still have to this day.

Actually thinking about it, a lot of my experiences when I was younger have had an influence on the toys we create today at YULU. My partner Jochem and I first met when we were in University in the Netherlands. During those days, we bought a huge world map, sand stripped the table and glued it on top of our coffee table as a massive Risk board. A weekly battlefield was organized! Looking back, it really was a start of my fascination with and love of games.

I’ve also loved all things James Bond and I’ve been watching those movies for years as a kid. These spy-themed films have been a great source of inspiration for our brand of Spy Code games. And our first outdoor item was a product called Helix, which was based on a game I played while I was as an exchange student in China.

It was also at University that Jochem and I became entrepreneurs as we developed an app for the rules of soccer, which was sold to the Dutch government just before the London Olympics. That definitely opened several doors for us with many people supporting and encouraging us to start something new. And YULU was born!

The YULU team at the 2019 International Toy Fair in New York

What do you hope kids experience when they are playing with a YULU toy?

We want our toys and games to really nurture creativity in kids, ultimately encouraging them to become more inquisitive about their surroundings and as a result, more interactive with people around them. We’re passionate about trying to create new play experiences that people have never seen before. One of our newest introductions, our #SNAPSTAR fashion doll brand of “social influencer” dolls, does just that by connecting with ‘tween girls in a way they can relate to in today’s world of YouTube and social engagement. We’re really proud of this brand.

Where do you envision YULU in the next five years?

Our growth over the last few years since we launched the company has been almost unbelievable.

This year, in addition to taking a giant leap into the world of fashion dolls with #SNAPSTAR, we’re launching a really fun line called Pop Pop Pets and Pop Pop Snotz, which combine the hottest trends in toys – collectibles, slime and fun reveals! New games include King of the Ring, an ice crème-themed stacking game called Oops Scoops, and our new Survival Skillz brand which includes both an obstacle course game called Torch Run and an action game Fish For Fish. New in our YULU Sports category is Double Juggle, in which we put a fresh spin on the traditional game of paddle ball.

Today, we’re an international creator and maker of a full line toy and games in over 40 countries. Pretty exciting. As we continue our journey, we hope to be able to expand the breath of our toys into new areas and new entertainment, and continuing having fun.

For more product reviews, articles and interviews, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

June 3, 2019 by Elena Epstein

We have new award-winning apps that bring fun and learning together!

KidloLand Educational App

KidloLand is a comprehensive learning program for kids. Discover 1000+ songs, nursery rhymes, games, stories, and activities focusing on early learning, English, Math, coding, arts and more. The app also helps develop skills such as logical thinking, fine motor skills and creativity. KidloLand is regularly updated with new content and is also completely ad-free. $4.99/monthly, $39.99/annually, ages 1-7.

Tynker: Coding Games for Kids

Get creative and learn about coding with Tynker’s innovative computing platform. A great way to help children develop computational thinking and programming skills in a fun and intuitive way. As they’re guided through interactive game-based courses, children quickly learn fundamental programming concepts. With Tynker, a child can apply their coding skills as they build games, tell stories, mod Minecraft, create apps, control drones and robots, and more. Parents can follow their child’s success and share their creations through a parent dashboard. $20/monthly, $120/annually, $240/lifetime, ages 5-15.

Dr. Panda Learn & Play

Dr. Panda & Toto are back in the brand new learning app “Dr. Panda Learn & Play”! Kids can play and learn numbers, letters, phonics and more through playing 30+ activities along with Dr. Panda, with more added all the time! Beyond games, books and videos, kids will also explore Dr. Panda & Toto’s world, play dress up, unlock new costumes, and discover all sorts of hidden activities around Dr. Panda’s home. $4.99/monthly, $29.99/annually, ages 2-5.

Toca Kitchen Sushi

With Toca Kitchen Sushi, your child becomes the chef of a busy seaside restaurant. Slice up squid, asparagus, and candy canes, and roll it all up into a cone of seaweed! Or make stars and hearts of watermelon and mix them with fish and hot peppers! Want to make the roundest rice ball? You’ve got great tools for that right at your fingertips. Then see what your customers think. $3.99, ages 6-9.

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

June 3, 2019 by

Watching babies discover and explore new sounds and textures is so rewarding. These NAPPA-Award winning toys are perfect for enhancing your babies development and they are super fun!

Lights & Stripes Zebra

Lights & Stripes Zebra

Dance all day with the Lights & Stripes Zebra™. Upbeat music and playful sing-along songs encourage your baby to move and groove. This zippy plush zebra features bold black and white stripes, colorful patterned fabric and a variety of textures to enhance tactile awareness. The friendly zebra’s tummy plays endearing phrases and introduces colors through catchy songs while glowing in five different colors. The plush zebra has a washable surface with removable electronics. This snuggly striped sidekick is perfectly sized for your little one to hug and bring on-the-go! $14.99, ages birth+

My First Farm

My First Farm

My First Farm is a farm set for toddlers, which playfully introduces them into the BRIO wooden railway system. This frustration-free play set will give small children hours of fun and help teach them about farmyard animals. The five wooden animals fit into the animal wagon ready to be transported by train to the farm. Each animal also comes with three distinct sounds, which are activated automatically when placed in the farm meadow. Learning about animals has never been so much fun! $59.99, ages 18 + months

Butterfly Counting Pal

Butterfly Counting Pal

Enjoy a flutter of color with the Butterfly Counting Pal™ plush learning toy. Five colorful number buttons play a variety of songs to teach colors and numbers. A kaleidoscope of color, Butterfly’s light-up wing shows the colors of the rainbow. She also helps your baby fall asleep with soft, classical melodies. Each segment of this on-the-go toy features a dangling toy that rattles, squeaks, turns or crinkles to help develop fine motor skills. Learn at home or on the fly by using the included straps to secure the butterfly to infant carriers and strollers. $17.99, ages birth+

Lalaboom Educational Beads

Lalaboom Educational Beads

Lalaboom Educational Beads are designed for exploration and learning. Featuring vivid colors, unisex patters and soft texture. These beads are designed to guide children through their developmental learning curve based on the Montessori educational approach. Children will be able to explore five developmental functions by manipulating the beads at their own pace. All beads can be easily washed and cleaned.
10-15 months: Explore Colors, textures & shapes with basic POP IT action.
15-18 months: TWIST IT.
18-24 month: MIX IT.
24-36+: STACK IT!
36+: LACE IT! $5.99 to 29.99, ages 10 to 36+ months

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Capture baby’s attention with the spinning wheels, cascading beads and bright colors of the Whimsical Wheel! The spinning wheels encourage baby to reach, tug, and bat, strengthening hand-eye coordination. Trapped within the clear structure are colorful beads, which help baby connect the sound to sight. One wheel features a mirror, which is perfect for self-discovery. Plus, the suction cup base attaches to flat surfaces such as high chairs and table tops for frustration-free play. $9.99, ages 6+ months

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

Learning is important business with My Peek-a-Boo LapPup™! Open the toy laptop and say hello to Scout or Violet before getting to work on learning about rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers. Press Scout’s or Violet’s name tag button to move their paws in front of their eyes and hear cute peek-a-boo phrases. Five crayon buttons light up while playing phrases and songs about colors. Shape buttons play rhymes about shapes, colors and numbers. Slide the clicking mouse up and down for additional imitative play. Close the lid and say goodbye! Available in Scout or Violet. $14.99, ages 6+ months

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Dance along to three fun melodies on the Do-Re-Mi Musical Toy, teaching baby cause-and-effect by pushing the buttons to hear each song. At the bottom are soft, textured surfaces that encourage mouthing, aiding in the development of communication skills. The easy-to-grasp handle has a black & white pattern and click-clack rings to stimulate baby’s vision and auditory awareness. A great toy for playtime on-the-go! $9.99, ages Birth- 24 months

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Learning is on every channel with Scout’s Learning Lights Remote™ role-play toy. Explore all 17 buttons on the learning remote to hear more than 100 phrases, sounds and music while building fine motor skills. Flip between modes for role-play excitement or learning activities that introduce numbers and letters. Silly pretend channels inspire imaginative play. Switch to the Spanish channel to hear common Spanish phrases, listen and dance to three different music styles on the music channel and hear rain, snow and wind sound effects on the weather channel.$12.99, ages 6+ months

Spin & Chew Ring Rattle

Whether at home or on-the-go, keep your little one entertained with the Sassy Spin & Chew Flexible Ring Rattle. Perfectly-sized for little hands, this rattle is easy to grab and features a spinning ring and ball to stimulate senses. $6.99For Ages: Birth to 24 months

Bend & Twist Rattle

Sassy Baby’s Bend & Twist Rattle is soft and squishy — perfect for baby. The bright colors, different materials and variety of surfaces help stimulate baby. Rattle beads and click-clack rings stimulate baby’s developing vision and awaken auditory awareness. The soft, squishy material is perfect for baby’s environment. Dishwasher safe. $6.99, ages birth-24 months.

For more all things baby, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

June 3, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Check out our latest NAPPA-Award winning baby products. They make great gifts too!

MyTime Highchair

Bring style and comfort to mealtime with Inglesina’s MyTime premium highchair. There are many things to love about this highchair — both the ergonomic backrest and the footrest can be reclined in 3 positions, ensuring the highest comfort for your baby. Also features easy-to-adjust height settings in four positions. MyTime is practical and stylish for parents to enjoy as well. The leatherette seat can be easily cleaned with a sponge, and the serving tray is dishwasher safe. Once folded, MyTime is extra compact and can even stand by itself. $199, ages birth to 36 months.

Tiny Love Magical Tales Black & White Gymini Deluxe

The Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe from the Magical Tales Collection is an infant play mat that encourages baby development from day one. A chic black & white fashion means parents no longer need to choose between style and development, while adjustable arches and musical melodies support the 7 developmental wonders – a comprehensive set of guidelines to measure developmental milestones. The Gymini enhances baby cognition and motor skills while helping parents bond with their littlest love. $47.99, ages birth-12 months.

The New Rules of Pregnancy: What to Eat, Do, Think About, and Let Go Of While Your Body Is Making a Baby

The New Rules of Pregnancy is a beautiful tribute and celebration of moms-to-be. In this lovely book, two leading OB-GYNs guide you, the modern pregnant woman, through all aspects of pregnant life in an easy-to-digest, compassionate and motivating way. Instead of a detailed week-by-week look at your baby’s development, it’s all about you, and how to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. $19.95.

The Peanutshell 23 Piece Newborn Essentials Layette Gift Set

As a collection of essentials and accessories for baby, this 23-piece Layette Set from The Peanutshell gives you all the best newborn must-haves. Available in pink, blue, or a gender-neutral grey. Each set includes basic white options as well, which are perfect for mixing and matching. With so many options, this set goes beyond the basics to create countless mix-and-match combinations for a girl, boy or both. $49.99, for newborns.

Nanobébé Breastmilk Bottle

The Nanobébé’s bottle is specifically designed for breastmilk. With its concaved surface area, breast milk is spread into a thin layer, allowing it to cool quickly and warm quickly at safe temperatures. Provides familiar shape and feeding position for nursing babies. Multiple bottles can be stacked in the fridge and easy to clean. $10.99, ages birth-24 months.

For more baby must-haves, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect