(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — May 6, 2009 — Let the outdoor fun begin! As more families keep close to home this spring and summer, America’s largest toy manufacturer is turning up the heat on creative play with new products designed for fun in the sun. With new outdoor toy introductions like the Sand & Water Transportation Station™, Nature Station Playhouse™ and Water Rush Quarry™, Step2® is helping turn the backyard or patio into the new destination for family fun.

“We have stepped up our offering of outdoor toys this year to help families have hours of fun right in their own backyard,” said Scott Levin CEO of the Step2 Company. “Because many are putting travel plans on hold this year, parents told us they wanted more ways to promote creative play in their own homes and we are fitting the bill with fun, safe toys designed for everything from big backyards to apartment building patios.”

The Step2 Company is known for durable and stylish children’s toys that promote role playing, motor skills, creative play development and most importantly, fun for children. Best loved for its high-quality outdoor toys, playhouses, play kitchens, sand and water play, ride on toys, and swing sets, Step2 is an American toy company, and 90 percent of Step2 toys are made in the U.S.A. and headquartered in Streetsboro, Ohio.

Take It Outside for a Welcome Change of Pace

Here are new toys from Step2 designed to promote creative, self-directed play for kids:

Sand & Water Transportation Station™ — Jump on board the transportation station of fun! Set comes complete with toy train and rake. The sturdy table contains two compartments for both sand and water with drain plugs for easy clean-up. Funnels atop table legs act as “loading stations” for creative play and the raised table helps keep feet and the home clean and dry. 15-piece accessory set includes 3 train cards, 2 boats, 3 funnels, 1 spinner, 1 paddle wheel, 1 see-saw scoop, 3 track pieces, and removable cover with elastic straps. The cart also comes equipped to hold a 42″ umbrella (sold separately) to provide shade during hours of outdoor enjoyment. Durable poly construction. Ages 2

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Known for its signature playhouses, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons, The Step2 Company is heating up summertime fun with new toys to foster hours of imaginative, active and safe play for your backyard or patio.

With a year-round commitment to safety, Step2 lets parents feel confident that they are not only buying fun toys, but smart toys for their family. The majority of Step2 toys (90%) are made in the USA and all are free of phthalates. Built to last with sturdy construction, Step2 puts all of their toys through rigorous safety testing to produce the highest quality products for families that will last year after year.

Check out The Step2 Company’s summer 2008 product introductions that make the backyards the cool place to go to enjoy the summer sun:

New From the Step2 Company:

781800 – All Star Sports Climber (MSRP: $99.99)

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Top Toy Retailer Reveals “Fabulous 15″ Representing the Best of the Season

(STREETSBORO, OHIO) — October 1, 2008 — With the official start of the holiday shopping season just a few short weeks away, Toys”R”Us has announced their “Fabulous 15″ hot toys for 2008 and Step2®’s 50′s Diner play kitchen tops the list.

This highly anticipated shopping cheat-sheet for families represents the definitive selection of toys for kids’ wish lists this holiday season. Carefully selected after a comprehensive review process, the Step2 50′s Diner play kitchen was chosen as a top choice for children 13 months to two years of age.

“After a thorough evaluation of all new toy introductions throughout the year, and consultations with our global merchandising team in 34 countries, Toys”R”Us has the unique ability to provide our guests with THE ultimate list of items certain to bring big smiles to kids’ faces — the Toys”R”Us Hot Toy list,” said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys”R”Us, U.S.

The new retro style 50′s Diner from Step2 lets toddlers step back to yesteryear with a classically styled play kitchen that features everything needed to prepare an imaginary meal and serve customers &emdash; just like a real diner. The 50′s Diner comes packed with fun activities and accessories including an oven, grill, dishware, spatula, ice cream scoop, sundae dishes, deep fryer, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a sink to clean the dishes. To help kids turn up the heat, a griddle pan and coffee pot activate electronic sizzling and bubbling sounds when placed on the stove’s front burner. A tabletop seating area for pretend customers includes a working jukebox that lets kids rock around the clock with three 50′s-style tunes. The 50′s Diner is appropriate for children ages 2 years and up and retails for $149.99.

“We appreciate this recognition from such an important retail industry leader.” said Step2 CEO Scott Levin. “We pride ourselves on creating toys that are safe, fun, and provide hours of imaginative play for kids. The Step2 50′s Diner is fun because it’s a fresh take on our fun play kitchens and play houses but it harkens back to a time when parents and grandparents were kids.”

The 50′s Diner is part of the Step2 lineup of high-quality, imaginative toys for kids, including its signature play kitchens, sand and water toys, ride on vehicles, swing sets and wagons. For more information visit www.step2.com, or view all items featured on Toys”R”Us’ Hot Toys List at www.Toysrus.com/HotToys.

About Step2
The Step2® Company is a family company with brands including Step2®, Infantino®, and Thinkativity® that foster learning and development through creative play in children from birth to school-age years. Step2, based in Streetsboro, Ohio, is the largest American manufacturer of preschool and toddler toys and the world’s largest rotational molder of children’s and home products, including children’s play kitchens, playhouses, outdoor toys and ride on toys, as well as home products such as mailboxes, outdoor furniture and trash cans. Infantino, headquartered in San Diego, Calif. is a leading designer and international distributor of innovative and original infant, toddler, and preschool products. Featuring fashion-forward designs, the popular product lines include classic creative baby toys and puzzles, innovative soft baby carriers, and simple, no-fuss baby travel systems. New Jersey-based Thinkativity is a leading innovator of
electronic and early learning toys promoting inventive play patterns through original musical compositions and stories that inspire children to explore, play and learn. Visit www.step2.com, www.infantino.com and www.thinkativity.com to learn more about the Step2 Company brands

About Toys”R”Us, Inc.
Toys”R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys”R”Us stores and 262 Babies”R”Us stores in the U.S., more than 693 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com.

CONTACT:
Dotti Franks, Vice President Marketing Communications
dfranks

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America’s Largest Toy Manufacturer Is Honored by the British Toy & Hobby Association’s UK Toy Fair

STREETSBORO, OHIO — February 10, 2009 — The Step2 Company®, the nation’s largest preschool and toddler toy manufacturer, famous for its signature play kitchens, houses, ride on toys and outdoor toys, has earned yet another prestigious award — this time from outside the United States. At last month’s UK Toy Fair, the British Toy & Hobby Association recognized Step2′s Skyward Summit as the Best New Toy of 2009 in the Outdoor/Sports category.

The British Toy & Hobby Association considers its most important duty to promote the highest possible standards of safety in design and manufacture of toys. The Association also runs the only dedicated toy trade event in the UK — its Toy Fair — which takes place each year in January. The 33rd annual toy fair showcased Step2 as well as other top toy brands such as Hasbro and Lego.

Step2′s Skyward Summit allows little adventurers to explore and discover from the peak of the summit. Its authentic design reaches 80 inches in height, creating the appearance of a real rock climbing wall and giving children over 100 square feet of outer climbing area.

“We value the feedback of our industry peers and truly appreciate the recognition that comes with this award,” said The Step2 Company CEO Scott Levin. “The British Toy & Hobby Association Award represents the standards of innovation, safety and quality that we uphold at Step2, so receiving this acknowledgement from them confirms that we are doing our job well.”

Step2 makes durable, well-made, stylish children’s toys that promote role-modeling, motor skills, creative play development and, most importantly, fun for children. Step2 puts all of their toys through rigorous safety testing and produces the highest quality products for families.

With around 200 exhibitors launching thousands of new toys at the UK Toy Fair this year, the Best New Toy Awards were introduced by organizers of the British Toy & Hobby Association to pinpoint those considered most likely to top children’s wish lists in the forthcoming year.

For more information, visit step2.com or btha.co.uk.

Written by Andy on February 11th, 2009

« Step2 Toy Brands Win Record Number of Top Awards in 2008 Step2 Toys Named #1 in “Buzzillions Reviewers’ Choice Awards” » 2 Responses to ” Subscribe to comments with RSS or TrackBack to ”.

As a grandmother (Nana) I love the Skyward Summit. The age group is appropriate for the Summit. It took a little bit of time to assemble, but not hard just read directions and have a helper. If you are project oriented it goes pretty quick. We are building our grandson’s playground around the summit. We love it, good purchase.

Anonymous

25 May 09 at 4:38 pm

Congratulations Step2. The skyward summit is a superb product and deserves the award. Keep it up.

Climbing Frames Expert

7 Sep 09 at 10:59 am

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A diaper rash can be caused from numerous reasons and has numerous types. A diaper rash could be mild and last a day or two or additional severe and result in your baby itching or discomfort. Parents tend to feel responsible as they believe that the diaper rash has formed since they didnít take very good care in the child.

Nevertheless, factors usually are not so straightforward. A diaper rash is often a contact dermatitis and might be formed on any pores and skin that comes in contact with diapers. Adults can kind it as properly. The babyís skin color is a lot more delicate and simply because it comes in contact with the diaper, it can be a lot more prone to form some sort of irritation. This doesnít mean you usually are not taking care of the little one. On the other hand, you will find straightforward ways you can prevent that from happening.

Try to alter the diaper usually. Wash the babyís skin between changes. Put a cream that contains zinc that varieties a barrier on the skin color and helps the skin stay healthy. Constantly make sure the babyís skin color is dry as moist can lead to numerous forms of irritation and can also create a friendly environment for germs. It can be possible to also change various brands as the babyís epidermis may be irritated from an aroma or some thing else the diaper brand uses. If the diaper rash develops, you really should wash the location with plain water and a mild soap and apply the zinc cream.  Avoid newborn wipes to clean the child as they have lotions and scents which could have the opposite effect.

If the trouble is severe plus the rash has blisters or causes your baby pain, you should ask your doctor for an additional treatment. You will discover many types of medication you can use, mainly creams that have antibiotics and will make the diaper rash disappear. The issue must be gone after some days. Till then make certain the baby is cared for and stays clean and dry. If you do not take care from the diaper rash it may spread to other parts of the body, so donít neglect it.

The most popular age for the little one to kind a diaper rash is around 9 months of age. A diaper rash may be formed from an early age or not kind at all until later when the baby is older and it’s time to stop wearing diapers. Numerous issues play a role in this. The diaper rash might be prevented by changing diapers often, washing the child and letting the region dry properly. You should also make sure your baby wears diapers according towards the weight and age. Tight diapers or diapers which are small can trigger the skin to form a diaper rash quickly.

Audrey Carhart is the loving mother of twins.  She loves writing about situations that parents are faced with regularly. She would like for you to take a look at her Glenna Jean Crib Bedding and other Baby Crib Bedding Sets at her Baby Bedding Boutique.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib helps parents to have pleasant trip with babies.. It is portable and lightweight, ideal for making your baby feel comfortable and safe while sleeping away from home.

Baby Bjorn Travel Crib sets up in seconds and offers a plush, cozy mattress and a sturdy base that doesn’t wobble. Becoming one the most qualify baby crib turns Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light as The Most Recommended Travel Crib for parents.

BabyBjorn Travel Crib measures about 45 x 31.5 x 23.5 inches (L x W x H). It has a uniquely rectangular design that is equipped with a base with slipping off edges. It keeps the crib to stand firmly and doesn’t wobble, even if babies are standing up or if older ones are leaning against it. Further more, it is designed with the see-through mesh panels on the sides which enable mommy and daddy to watch on babies while playing or sleeping.

The Travel Crib is consisting soft, thick cotton to make sure cozy and homy feels for the baby. It provides a cozy environment for your baby to sleep in the travel crib. BabyBjorn Travel Crib is equipped with a waterproof and removable cover that is durable against wet and leaky diapers.

The whole fabrics and materials of BabyBjornTravel Crib Light are ensured to be safe and harmful free from dangerous substances. For the exterior, the cotton mattress cover and fabric of the crib are easily removable, machine washable, and smooth on your baby’s skin.

It is easy to set up the Bjorn Travel Crib Light. Parents would be much thankful especially after a long day of travel. It’s only take seconds to set up or take down BabyBjorn Travel Crib. Easily remove the Travel Crib Light from its travel case, then unfold the frame. There is no need to push or pull, or even locking of rails.  The legs will automatically set and lock in place. After set up the frame, you can set the mattress at the bottom. It’s as simple like that!

Having weigh less than 11 pounds (including the case) make it light enough and ease any adults to carry around the house, pack into a car, or carry through an airport

In traveling by car, it is smaill enough to take along in the trunk. For airport travel, you can pack it into a larger suitcase or carry it like a bag using its handy carrying case.
Each Babybjorn Travel Crib set contains: Babybjorn Travel Crib Light, mattress with cover, carrying case, and setting up instructions.

As it has narrow gauge, this stroller for two can fits through standard doors. Dual swivel front wheels are a bit smaller than some other competitor models, but it will certainly hold for a smooth ride. Like jogger stroller, there are no shock absorbers on this model. But in my opinion, that’s not what they are directly trying to compete against.

They have trademarked, that clicks into three positions from upright, mid level, and down to flat position – Ezy seat also include in the Twin. Of course there are two seats which are independently-adjustable for the double stroller. Canopies to shield the kids’ faces are present and an adjustable handle for different heights is there too. The standard five-point safety harness in nearly all products now is here as well.

It’s a modern, clean look. I have only one color available so far – a very bright candy apple red. Some of the older models may also come in black. Thirty six pounds, fairly heavy model though. Especially considering it doesn’t have a lot of compartments and features. The frame can hold a total of eighty eight pounds and the seat pads are also washable. For a couple of toddlers, the closer to 100 lbs model should be fine without any issue.

To round out the features, it also appears that this stroller has a long distance between the seat and the top of the canopy. This can give a longer life to the stroller as a taller child not has his or her face so near the top and could sit comfortably.

Definitely this New Zealand company is an up and coming one. They have achieved tremendous growth in the last decade from their stroller line. They have their own style and attitude and are winning over a lot of parents with their models. The price of the Phil and Teds stroller is around $600.

On the other end of the spectrum, the hard-wearing capability and full sturdy that other double strollers in this price point have may not have in this minimalist look. This is not speaking from experience however, as I’m unaware of anyone using this for an extended time to check out the longevity of the product. Shop around and test these in person too. When you can’t quickly know which stroller is the absolute one, it’s always a smart decision. Phil And Teds stroller is always a smart choice.

Are you often afraid of leaving your baby alone ? Now it won’t happen again! Summer Infant Monitor can supervise it for you~Summer Infant Monitor can visually watch it for you}~Summer Infant Monitor can supervise it for you~Summer Infant Monitor can visually watch it for you}!

Summer Infant Monitor will allow parents to keep watching on Baby any time of the day without waking him or her. You can also visually show baby’s level of activity featured by unique sound lights. Taking advantages of using Summer infant Monitor, it will help parents to do another household chores around the house without have to stuck with the baby for 24 hours~It will be very useful to have Summer infant Monitor, it ease parents to do another household chores around the house without have to stuck with the baby for 24 hours~Summer infant Monitor helps parents to do another household chores around th}~Find benefit in using Summer infant Monitor, it will help parents to do another household chores around the house without have to stuck with the baby for 24 hours~Finding it becomes very useful to have Summer infant Monitor as it allows parents to do another household chores around the house without have to stuck with the baby for 24 hours~Summer infant Monitor helps parents to do another household chores around th}.

Summer Infant Video Monitor is equipped with a 1.8″ color using TFT screen~8″ color of TFT screen~8″ color using TFT screen}. It is light and easy to carry, making it simple for parents to bring it anywhere in the house. It also designed with night vision which allows parent to monitor baby in the darkened room.

It has also LED Sound lights which allow you to view baby’s level of activity even when monitor screen is turned off. When the battery is decreasing, simply recharge. The battery will last up to 10 hours.

For added convenience, Summer Infant Monitor has belt clip and flip stand, that helps parents to go mobile in the house without losing chance to monitor the baby. You can go anywhere in the house up to 350ft range from the baby,it will help you to do watch baby while doing tasks around the house.

Summer Infant Monitor has been equipped with 900 MHz technology for extra clarity and range. Should you have another wireless system in the house, it’s ok! It  is proven to work simultaneously with another wireless system without interference to each other.

Speaking about sound quality, It produce clear sound and catch even the softest sound in the room. Parents can be sure that your baby still breathing without have to make sure everytime to their room.

Summer Infant Monitor turns into a useful tools which can serve for many different purposes. It is highly recommended to parents with babies, pets. It can also watch for pets or disabled persons to care for. Its a must have video monitor for family!

An organic crib mattress has twice the coils of a normal artificial mattress. The springs are oval-shaped to reduce the deterioration on the coils. The filling is made from flame retardant plus organically grown cotton or wool plus exceeds the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for needs to meet the standards of the National Association of Organic Mattress Industry to be qualified as organic. The mattress materials need to be certified organic and free of artificial materials plus toxic chemicals such as lead, arsenic and formaldehyde. Several organic crib mattresses on the market aren’t made with 100 percent natural organic materials. Makers are permitted to include up to sixty % of artificial materials to a mattress plus still label the product as “organic.”  Discover more about organic crib bedding here.

Nearly all certified organic mattresses are twice the cost of a synthetic mattress. Blended mattresses that are labeled as organic may be sold at a lower price than those which are 100 percent organic.  

According to an article printed in Parenting Magazine, several household goods, together with synthetic crib mattresses, can contain chemicals which have been shown to affect children’s health. Organic crib mattresses are free of the chemicals and toxins which a baby can breathe in when sleeping.  

We all need the best for our babies, and the mattress which we select for them to sleep on is an crucial choice. As awareness is raised about the advantages of purchasing organic and natural goods, several folks are selecting as lots of of these products as possible.  

Choosing organic crib mattresses must be no exception. There are several things to look for when buying an eco friendly mattress for your new baby, we will go over the why and the most important concerns when purchasing organic crib mattresses within this article. Nearly all mattresses are coated in cotton. Cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop within the world. The pesticides that are used on cotton contain numerous chemicals, a number of which are known human carcinogens. As well, the fire barrier that’s required in all often contains harmful chemicals which aren’t brilliant for people or the environment. Choosing things that are created with organic and recycled materials is better for your baby and best for the atmosphere.

Nothing matches to Melissa and Doug Easel to inspire your little artist! This Melissa and Doug easel will engine kid’s creativity and imagination. Kids can explore creativity using an extra-large chalkboard, easy to load paper roller, and dry-erase board. The easel will trigger free-form expression, it find kids to be able to enjoy spending hours sketching, drawing, and painting.

The Melissa and Doug Standing Easel is ideal for kids ages 4 through 10. It will act as an excellent educational tool especially for kid whom loves playing school can use chalkboard side. The work station is equipped with adjustable height to accommodate the kids as they grow and delivers years of use.

The work station provides double-sided which gives both chalk and dry erase-boards. It provides extra large size that makes children can complete projects either big or small. It won’t be enough? Yes, The easel also supply Paper Roller to express wider freedom and creativity. Childrean can explore for their most lovable imagination through mediums.

Finding Parent’s assistance is only just needed at removing and loading paper, since kid may have difficulties to do it on their own. Comes with solid wood figures, the easel ensure that it won’t easily tip off. When the projects are finished, simply fold it up for convenient storage.

For added convenience. The easel has also include a locking paper roll holder, cup holders, paper cutter which safe-designed for kids, four clips, and a plastic tray on each side. Finding with the tray, Kids can easily get into art supplies (not included) and also act as easy-clean storage.

The Tool container is Brightly-Colored, making it huge enough to hold lots of drawing items. Every piece in the drawing items is designed to accommodates for tiny fingers to hold and safely usage.
Melissa and Doug will develop little artist inside every kids. Let kids to explore imagination through shapes, media, and colors, it turns Melissa and Doug such as good investment that lasts for years!