NiNews Circular toy calendar scoops fourth award


Circa, the wooden educational calendar, scooped its fourth award in six months with a Highly Commended award for “Toys that Help Communication” at the Talking Tots Toy Awards 2011. Talking Tots is a national provider of fun, interactive classes in the UK that help encourage preschool children’s communication and social skills. The Talking Tots Toy Awards were designed to help parents and carers find toys that spark children’s imaginations and encourage them to make new discoveries. Consisting of a panel of child development experts, the


Talking Tots Toy Awards panel looked for toys that excelled in developing skills in the following categories: Communication, Motor Skills, Creativity, Social Skills, and Pre-Literacy. In the Communication category in which Circa received its


award, the panel looked for toys that promote language skills, nurturing social confidence. Commenting on the Circa, the panel said: "This is a beautifully crafted fully interactive calendar helping to teach children the days of the week, months of the year and days of the month. There are fun nursery rhymes on the reverse side of the disc to help children remember the days of the week and months of the year. Time concept and sequencing is an essential part of language development." Circa inventor and director of eleventyone, Melinda Holohan said: “It’s fantastic that Circa continues to


receive such accolades from experts and testers alike, as it validates its appeal as both a toy and a learning tool. Circa is all about learning through play." www.circacalendar.com


Baby Products Association warns against bling dummies


Recent news reports have highlighted the sales of potentially dangerous ‘bling’ baby soothers and other baby products such as feeding bottles and the Baby Products Association (BPA) warns parents not to put their children at risk by purchasing such items, which are often sold on websites, independent shops and market stalls. Robert Anslow, Managing Director of the BPA comments: “These baby soothers and sometimes baby feeding bottles are manufactured by legitimate companies in accordance with the highest safety standards, but are then being adorned with glued on gems and beads by third party companies. The addition of ‘bling’ makes these products unsafe as the decorative pieces can easily fall off and cause choking if lodged in a child’s throat.


“While it may be tempting to purchase these products, particularly as they appeal to babies and toddlers as they sparkle and look fun, there are strict safety standards which prevent labels and decorations being stuck onto dummies for very good reason. The addition of such decorations causes grave concern for the safety of the babies and young children for whom they are intended.” Anyone caught selling ‘bling’ dummies or bottles could face fines of up to £20,000 and parents who come across such items are urged to call Consumer Direct on 0845 040506. www.thebpa.eu


New showroom in the heart of trendy South London


Passionate about beautiful products made from nature’s finest fabrics, Merino Kids now has a showroom on Northcote Road to make visiting them easier. Set in the heart of South London, the showroom is easily accessible by public transport and is only a short walk from Clapham Junction. Merino Kids’ fabulous range includes award- winning baby sleeping bags and sleepwear made from 100% natural merino wool. Carefully designed by a mother who understands the need for innovative, yet functional products, the merino is silky and soft - keeping baby cool in summer and warm in winter. With the success of the merino products, the company has expanded their organic skincare range for mother and baby. The just launched Cocooi organic range is now available. The products have no parabens or additives and are all made in the UK from sustainable and organic sources. For more information on stocking the collection or to arrange an appointment at the London showroom, contact Emilie Chambers: emilie@merinokids.com or phone: +44 (0) 7 870 445 340. www.merinokids.com


Confidence and safety


As first time entrants in last year’s Mother & Baby Awards, Konfidence was thrilled to beat off stiff competition and scoop Gold in the Best Safety Product category for its best-selling Babywarma wetsuit. The 100 per cent UV protective wetsuit is


made from a flexible 2mm-thick soft neoprene, which helps to keep babies warmer in the swimming pool for much longer than would be possible without it. The material also enables parents to hold their baby more easily as compared to bare skin.


The judges in the Mother & Baby Awards


agreed that these key safety concerns, which also include clever design techniques that ensure a snug, “huggable” fit, for maximum safety, comfort and performance, merited the highest marks in this safety category. www.konfidence.co.uk


www.nursery-industry.co.uk • JANUARY 2012 • NURSERY INDUSTRY • 5 Editor’s Choice


Promoting sustainability BecoThings, the creators of the award winning BecoPotty have


expanded their range to include the BecoFeeding Set. The feeding set is made from the natural plant fibres found in bamboo and rice husks, making them both BPA and Phthalate free. These materials are sustainable to produce and biodegradable once finished with. Amazingly the feeding set is dishwasher


friendly, durable and looks great. Each set includes a BecoBeaker, BecoPlate and


BecoBowl, they come in 3 vibrant colours, and are incredibly


functional. The cup has an easy grip design, and a curved rim to reduce spills, whilst the high sided plate helps to stop any food escapeas!


So whilst little ones might be making a mess of the kitchen they won’t be messing up the environment! The BecoFeeding Set retails at £11.99. www.becothings.com


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