The summer 2011 Baby & Child Best New Product Award judges were: Melody Udell, Baby & Kids; Angela Velasquez, Earnshaw's; Lynda Johnson, KidsStyleSource.com; Jenny Heinzen-York, Kids Today; Elina Furman, Mamaista; Joanna Dreifus, MyMomShops.com; Caroline Kennedy, Playthings; and Leesa Valentino, TheGiggleGuide.com.
Bloggers' Best:
Manny and Simon (San Diego, CA) for its collection of eco-friendly, wooden push toys in vehicle shapes (helicopter, fire truck, dump truck and tow truck). The collection is made from 100%, post-industrial recycled wood residuals and is non-toxic, with ultra-low order paint and zero VOC. www.mannyandsimon.com
Toy:
Kidzaw (Oak Park, IL) for Master Kitz: The Starry Night, an educational artist’s kit with paper, paint and simple tools to inspire children ages 4-8 to create their own interpretations of Van Gogh’s masterpiece. www.kidzaw.com
Décor:
3 Sprouts (Toronto, Canada) for Storage Boxes, with reinforced cardboard sides that allow the box to lay flat when not in use and featuring one of three signature 3 Sprouts eco-spun felt appliqués of a brown dog, orange kangaroo or blue peacock. www.3sprouts.com
Gear:
Finn + Emma (Montclair, NJ) for Stoller Sac, featuring wooden snaps and a sophisticated floral pattern and doubling as a sleepsack when on the go. www.finnandemma.com
Apparel:
Magnificent Baby (New York, NY) for Smart Close Magnetic-Fastening Reversible Cardigan, a 100 percent cotton cardigan featuring magnetic closures to easily dress baby in seconds. www.magnificentbaby.com