Despite the sunshine this week, there's a chill in the air. Trust that's not what's happening in the nursery industry!

This summer seems to have gone very quickly for me – and I didn't even have a holiday to speed up the passing of time. It must be a sign I'm getting old!! With the arrival of September, the kids going back to school, it's inevitable that we start thinking about the autumn.

The autumn is a busy time for all of us. Suppliers are putting the finishing touches to their latest designs, being excited to see their ideas finally put into a product, occasionally panicking that the samples won't be around in time for the shows.

Exhibitors at all the Autumn shows work extremely hard. Their aim is to launch a product that will sell like hot cakes and make them a fortune. Well, for most of them it won't be quite that straightforward – they've got to invest in marketing and promotions to get the message out there, but however good the product is, it won't be making anyone a fortune if it's not in the shops.

And how does it get into the shops? By retailers ordering and stocking it. Before they do that, they have to know about the product. And how do retailers know about it? The simplest and most efficient way for all concerned is for suppliers to exhibit at a trade fair and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, for the retailers to come to those fairs and see the product, recognise its worth and order it.

In all the years I've worked in this industry, I've always been amazed at the number of retailers who, on the one hand, complain that sales are falling and there's never anything new on the market. On the other hand, these same retailers don't bother to come to the shows, saying they can't leave the shop. Some retailers surprisingly, come to the show but only spend a few hours there and spend those precious few hours gossiping with their favourite suppliers. Coming to a trade show is a vital part of being a retailer.

So register yourselves for the various shows by clicking on the following:

Kind + Jugend

Baby Show for Trade

Harrogate Nursery Fair

As usual, Nursery Online will be producing previews to each of the shows. There's just enough time to get in the Kind + Jugend one by contacting Cathy now. Copydate for the Baby Show for Trade Preview is September 21st and for Harrogate September 30th.

As usual, for more information on these and indeed, on anything to do with the most read newsletter, I can be reached on 0151 203 6301 or cathy@nursery-online.com

- Cathy

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Graco and Recaro are the latest major companies to announce they will be exhibiting at Harrogate’s new Autumn event, supporting their trade association and ultimately the industry.

Recaro will be further supporting the event by sponsoring the lanyards. They join the industry’s other major brands at the industry’s favourite trade show which is increasing in size each week, following on from the success of the March fair with 266 brands and over 2600 visitors.

The Launchpad area is now full with over thirty companies but as demand increases, Harrogate’s organisers are considering expanding the area.

Please visit the website to register for your free ticket: www.nurseryfair.com

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Dreamgenii®, the established international nursery brand and leader in innovation is set to sparkle with their launch of another fabulous new product – the dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog.

The concept of the unique dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog came from research which showed that for many parents with toddlers lack of sleep was still a major issue and the current products on the market didn’t always deliver what parents really needed. The choice of sleep solutions for parents was either quilts – that are easily kicked off by active toddlers who then wake up due to being cold, and sleeping bags. Although perfect for children under one who love the cocoon effect of the sleeping bag, parents with active toddlers found that the restrictions of the sleeping bag became a big issue with toddlers falling over as they got out of bed, or simply refusing to sleep in them, getting frustrated, worked up and crying to be let out. Many parents were suffering with sleepless nights, and crying out for a product that offered a solution to these problems.

Dreamgenii® set about finding a way to resolve this and after many months of research and testing are proud to announce the launch of the innovative dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog. The dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog is a wearable bedtime quilt that keeps toddlers warm and snug during the night. Drawing upon all of the benefits of a traditional sleeping bag, the dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog allows toddlers to move around freely, naturally and unrestricted in their bed. With a quilted outer and a soft jersey lining, the dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog allows toddlers to change into their night time covers before they go to bed. When travelling in the car during the evening, the dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog can be used to allow a toddler to be unstrapped easily from their car seat and transferred to bed without unnecessary disturbance, or having to purchase a specific ’travel’ sleeping bag. The dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog will ensure that a toddler has a comfortable, undisturbed and cosy night – quite simply A Magical Night’s Sleep.

The dreamgenii® Twinkle Tog proved hugely popular in research with 100% of testers rating the performance of the Twinkle Tog as Very Good or Good, commenting that they were very likely to buy or would definitely buy if it were available, and that they would recommend a Twinkle Tog to a friend. Parents noticed a big difference in their toddler’s sleep as they didn’t have to keep recovering them, and commented that the product was definitely more suitable for toddlers than a sleeping bag as children were able to move freely and sleep in comfort. Parents clearly recognised the need for the product and its unique point of difference with comments such as “Fantastic product – can’t believe it’s not already out there”. The Twinkle Tog launch will be supported by a high profile press advertising and PR campaign in the key parenting media titles, as well as on the major parenting websites online.

Vanessa Blake, director of dreamgenii® said: “We are really excited about the Twinkle Tog launch and know the Twinkle Tog is going to make a significant difference to many parents lives by addressing a genuine issue for them. The Twinkle Tog makes an excellent addition to our range of innovative, market leading nursery products that are all born out of genuine consumer needs and designed to make pregnancies, births and children more comfortable all over the world."

For more information, head over to www.dreamgenii.com or call 01235 832175

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Starchild the UK manufacturer of cute soft leather baby shoes announces a new exclusive distribution partner for Israel.

Steven Bryant, Export Sales Director at Starchild "We are really excited to be entering this new and important market within the Middle East, I am hoping to establish the Starchild brand in the top end and specialist stores in Israel"

Alexandra Teboul, Owner of Sweet Boutique "We have now started the promotion of Starchild to the Israeli stores and public and they all love the product.

For more information, head over to www.sweetboutique.co.il

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New from Tiny Love, and distributed by East Coast Nursery is the fully portable Take Along Mobile designed to entertain baby and help sensory development, whether at home, in the pushchair or in the car.

Suitable for use from birth through to around five months the Take Along Mobile is designed to be fitted to cots, bassinets, car seats, pushchairs and even travel cots, ensuring that baby is entertained wherever they may be.

A range of connectors make it easy to install and the three colourful and soft animal characters will slowly turn while accompanied by up to 30 minutes of music consisting of five different melodies.

East Coast Nursery can be contacted on 01692 408802, by email nursery@east-coast.co.uk or on the web at www.eastcoastnursery.co.uk

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Baby Florence Cameron will be receiving a gift of real nappies in a range of bright colours, including tiger stripes, from online retailer Olivers Babycare.

The award-winning baby products retailer has sent the present for baby Florence to Number 10 Downing Street, a gift for the Prime Minister’s new baby.

“We wanted to send our congratulations to David and Samantha Cameron on the birth of baby Florence, which is such wonderful news after the sad death earlier this year of their oldest child Ivan,” explained Julie Baughan, co-owner of Olivers Babycare.

“We’ve chosen to send some rather special limited edition ‘Itti Bitti’ real nappies as a present. These All-in-One Bitti D’lish cloth nappies were not available in the UK when Samantha had her last child, and we thought she might appreciate them. The designs, including tiger stripes, are such fun and the colours are great. These nappies are so practical to use and they have a gorgeous soft outer cover.

The design, quality and range of real nappies has developed enormously during the past few years and we are delighted to introduce this particular brand ‘Itti Bitti’ to Samantha. We sell a wide selection of real nappies at Olivers Babycare and the ‘Itti Bitti’ designs stand out from the crowd.

"We love the names that the Prime Minister and his wife have chosen for their new baby, Florence Rose Endellion, and we were thrilled to hear that the baby made her arrival in the West Country. With our Head Office in Devon we have something of a soft spot for the South West ourselves.

"The birth of every baby is a special event, and we send our very best wishes to little Florence and hope that the whole family with enjoy and treasure the early weeks with the new baby."

Olivers Babycare is a family company, set up in 1993. Its website www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk sells everything that babies need, from nappies to cots, buggies and highchairs, with a particular expertise in child car seats. Olivers also offers advice on numerous issues to do with baby care and baby equipment.

For more information, head over to www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk

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Reusable nappy experts and market leaders Bambino Mio recently commissioned an internet survey to understand the usage and attitudes of UK nappy buyers.

The survey of 600 pre- and postnatal mums confirmed that the reusable nappy market continues to grow and the reason mums are turning to reusable nappies is because they are better for the environment, baby and also better on the pocket.

Bambino Mio conducted the online survey on BabyCentre® the UK’s number one parenting website. When the survey sample were asked the question ‘Why are you using or considering using reusable nappies? 65% of mums gave the environment as the main reason for using or considering using reusable nappies, 49% said it was because of the substantial cost savings, and 48% of mums said they were using or considering reusables as they are better for their baby.

The latest report, published by the Environment Agency in 2008 confirms that reusable nappies, if used and laundered according to manufacturer’s guidelines, can reduce the global warming impact of using reusable nappies over disposables by an incredible 40%. In addition, eight thousand reusable nappies are thrown into the bin in the UK every day. It is estimated that disposable nappies take approximately 200-300 years to decompose in landfill, releasing methane gasses as they do so.

Parents can save up to £700 by using reusable nappies for their children and even more if the nappies are passed on to subsequent children. To add to this fantastic saving some councils across the UK offer incentives to parents looking to purchase reusable nappies. Why? Because reducing the number of disposable nappies sent to landfill, decreases the amount of landfill tax local councils have to pay. The incentives by local councils to parents range from up to £75 cashback to free trial packs. Find out more about council incentives and logon to www.bambino.co.uk/incentives

Bambino Mio’s reusable nappies are made from 100% cotton. As well as being completely natural, cotton is supersoft and breathable allowing baby to maintain a healthy temperature. Since disposable nappies appeared in the UK, the average potty training age has now risen to nearly three years old. When wearing reusable nappies toddlers actually experience and can relate to the wetting sensation, making it much easier when it comes to potty training.

35% of parents now use reusable nappies at some stage in their child’s nappy wearing years. As the environment remains high on the social agenda and the insecure economic climate continues to prevail, it is clear parents will continue to look to reusable nappies as a sustainable, natural and affordable way of caring for their baby.

For further information on products in the Bambino Mio range visit www.bambino.co.uk

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Global cloth diaper manufacturer Winc Design Ltd. today announces the Charlie Banana^TM 2-in-1 Eco Diapering System has been awarded the influential Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval for excellence in family products.

Consumers looking for practical, high-quality products and services can rest assured knowing that products bearing the PTPA Media “Winner” Seal are all Parent Tested, Parent Approved^TM and now Charlie Banana^TM products have been honored the prestigious award.

Charlie Banana^TM Eco Diapering System was among many entries from across North America competing to earn the Parent Tested Parent Approved^TM Seal for the Fall 2010 campaign. Because independent parent volunteers evaluate these products in their own homes, PTPA winners are chosen based on merit and consumer experience – not on commercial considerations. As a result, the Parent Tested Parent Approved^TM Seal has quickly gained recognition as an international leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value.

“We are thrilled and honoured to have our products awarded the Seal of Approval from PTPA Media Inc., it could not have come at a better time,” said Gaelle Wizenberg, CEO of Winc Design Ltd. “Parents value and trust the PTPA Seal of Approval and they will know Charlie Banana^TM is a trustworthy, high-performing brand. A brand designed with care.”

Being honoured with the influential Seal of Approval from PTPA Media Inc. is a huge achievement for a product geared to families, children or parents.

“At PTPA Media, we are proud to play a role in certifying innovative new products that families can trust,” says Sharon Vinderine, president and founder of PTPA Media Inc. “It’s win-win. By improving communication between manufacturers and consumers, we are helping companies serve their market better, and helping families identify products that have been tested and recommended by their peers.”

Established in 2010, Charlie Banana^TM is the international luxury brand of cloth diapers and organic baby products. Charlie Banana^TM was created out of love for eco friendliness, quality and design by cloth diaper industry experts with more than 12 years combined experience.

The Winc Design Ltd family and children are the inspiration behind Charlie Banana^TM – with the desire to design products that individuals feel confident to use on their babies and themselves.

For more information, contact www.charliebanana.com

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Dreamgenii® are delighted to announce that their sales have continued to forge ahead in the first half of 2010, with sales up 51% year on year, well ahead of expectations.

The introduction of the new dreamgenii® Breastfeeding Pillow & Baby Nest has been a great success, with excellent press coverage in the key UK Parenting magazines including a Tried & Tested feature for Pregnancy & Birth magazine which the pillow was awarded a top rating. Their marketing plan continues to drive demand from customers with the introduction of educational tools such as the demonstration video and consistent consumer advertising programme in key magazines.

The introduction of special edition patterned covers for the award-winning dreamgenii® Pregnancy Pillow earlier this year proved very successful and patterned covers will now be integrated into the dreamgenii® range on an ongoing basis. Bright covers such as the Bowl of Cherries and Candy Spot designs will offer a splash of colour, and the fleece and quilted covers will offer extra comfort and support when required. Customers will be able to purchase the plain white dreamgenii® pregnancy pillow and then spare pillow covers as they require. Spare covers will also now be made available for the dreamgenii® Breastfeeding Pillow & Baby Nest. This new, extended product range offers both retailers and customers the best possible choice at the best possible value.

Vanessa Blake, director of dreamgenii® said “We would like to thank our retailers for all their support in what has been an exceptional 2010 for us so far. With the launch of further innovative dreamgenii® products we look forward to a hugely successful 2011.”

For more information, head over to www.dreamgenii.com or call 01235 832175

Dreamgenii® is available to independent retailers in the UK through exclusive wholesaler Baby Brands Direct via www.babybrandsdirect.co.uk or on 0845 3708370

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The BPA are delighted with the industry's support for the UK Pavilion this year. Over thirty companies are exhibiting on the UK Pavilion, which is three times larger than last year.

Be sure to visit the UK Pavilion in Hall 11.1, D-030/F-039 and visit innovative companies such as Trunki by Magmatic, Tippitoes, Babaslings, Konfidence, Hippychick, Wean Machine and many more.

We would like to thank Koelnmesse for providing the BPA with every available resource to ensure it is a success for many years to come.

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Introducing Il Tutto’s newest addition to its already much-loved and coveted collection, the divine Platinum Nico parenting bag.

Made from 100% genuine metallic leather, this gleaming Nico has been sent down from nappy-bag heaven, being one of the most stylish and practical nursing bags on the market.

Recently featured in Grazia Magazine and rumoured to soon be flaunted by a few celebrity yummy mummies-to-be, this chic designer tote has all the necessary features any fashion-savvy mum will need to keep organised.

The new Platinum Nico has all the usual features we’ve come to know and love from Il Tutto’s fabulous baby bags such as:

• Insulated bottle holder
• Waterproof changing mat with easy Velcro closure
• Clear plastic zip pocket case for wet items
• A zip-out black & white spotted lining for washing
• Large back zip pocket and roomy end pockets
• Removable and adjustable shoulder strap
• Unique hardware embellishments
• Signature hand-stitched monster teddy, this time in patent black leather

Il Tutto’s stunning new Platinum Nico tote is an absolute must-have for all new mums who need practicality, versatility and a little bit of BLING to brighten up their day!

This limited edition bag is priced at around £299.00rrp.

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September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. This September, JPMA is helping educate North American parents and caregivers on the importance of creating a safe sleep environment from naptime to night time.

Each year hundreds of deaths occur when children are placed in a sleep environment that is not specifically designed for children. The safest place for a baby or child is in a fully functional, properly assembled, JPMA Certified crib, cradle, bassinet, portable play yard, or toddler bed.

All new cribs on the market today must meet minimum government requirements. In addition, there are consensus performance standards, which are established by ASTM International with involvement of the government and recognized experts, to which JPMA certifies cribs, cradles/bassinets, portable play yards, toddler beds, bed rails and other durable infant products – more than 2,000 products in 21 categories.

Recent recalls of juvenile products highlight the importance of proper assembly and use of cribs. Cribs are intended to last for years (or multiple births) when properly cared for. So, with some careful planning, naptime and nighttime can be a pleasant and safe experience for parents and baby.

There is an abundance of material available today for parents looking for babygear safety information. Parents are encouraged to through the safety tips at www.babysafetymonth.org and gain powerful insight into safe sleep practices. A special section just for retailers provides ideas and helpful hints for promoting Baby Safety Month in-store. We invite you to celebrate Baby Safety Month 2010 and Make Every Night a Safe Night.

In an effort to further educate parents on creating a safe sleep environment, JPMA has developed a comprehensive safe sleep campaign. Together, with related industry partners, JPMA is committed to educating parents and caregivers nationwide on the best safe sleep practices to make every night with baby a good, safe night. For more information on this initiative, visit www.cribsafety.org.

Baby Safety Month exists to increase consumer awareness of safety issues surrounding the safe use and selection of juvenile products. Baby Safety Month started in 1983 when JPMA initiated Expectant Mother’s Day. In 1986, it was extended to a week long celebration, until 1991, when JPMA sponsored the first Baby Safety Awareness Month.

Learn more about JPMA at www.jpma.org. Follow JPMA on Twitter @JPMA and connect with us on Facebook to learn about additional safety tips and JPMA initiatives.

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MadeFor Mums has just released its review of the Recaro Akuna Travel System and given it an almost unprecedented five stars!

The website described the Recaro Akuna Travel System “a brand new product that, as its racing car seat manufacturer’s name suggests, will leave all its counterparts in the dust. Seriously, this is one top product.

“German engineered and just released in 2010, what makes the Recaro Akuna different to other travel systems on the market is the car seat. The car seat is the Recaro Young Profi Plus Infant Safety Carrier, which scored four out of five stars when MFM reviewed it earlier this year. It’s the only infant carrier that ‘grows’ with your baby. Its unique selling point is that the backrest can be adjusted five times to suit the size of your child, from birth to 13kg. It also features extra high side wings for side impact safety, and weighs 4.3kg.”

MadeFor Mums summary was “here is a travel system that is totally functional, with everything it offers performing well. Flexible, great value and brilliantly manufactured, the Recaro Akuna Travel System is a product built to last.”

Recaro can be contacted on 0845 2608950

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The semi-finalists for the BPA’s Concept & Innovation Awards recently presented their ideas to a panel of industry judges.

The judges were impressed by the high level of innovation, which so surpassed previous year’s entries, that they invited an additional finalist to Harrogate Nursery Fair in October.

The UK’s leading carrier management firm Global Freight Solutions (GFS) has cemented its presence in the nursery sector by partnering with the Baby Products Association. GFS are sponsoring the BPA’s sixth Concept and Innovation Awards at the Harrogate Nursery Fair in October and the registration area of Harrogate’s March event.

The firm already work with some of Europe’s best-known manufacturers and retailers of baby and maternity clothing, bedding and accessories including Mamas and Papas, Babywise, Cheeky Rascals and Kid Rapt among others.

GFS Managing Director, Neil Cotty, said the number of leading baby brands which the company now include on its client roster made allying with the Association a logical step. He remarked:

“We would like to think that we understand the baby products sector and the premium which those in the industry place on efficient service of customers. Bearing in mind that GFS itself is known for innovation, joining forces with an organisation such as the BPA which places a similar degree of emphasis on creativity among its members seems something of a natural process.”

“This will enable us to learn more about how we can serve the sector even better and allow other manufacturers – both large and small –to grasp more about the difference which we might be able to make to their businesses.”

Since being founded in 2001, GFS has developed unparalleled links with some of the world's major carriers and has become recognised for creating industry-leading delivery management, track and trace, and claims handling software platforms.

The BPA’s Managing Director, Robert Anslow, has welcomed the recruitment of GFS as its latest supporter. Mr Anslow added: “The backing of GFS is fresh endorsement for the work of our association and its members. GFS is already a firm presence in our sector and offers the sort of fresh energy and ideas which I’m sure will be of interest to other manufacturers.”

For more information on GFS, visit www.justshoutgfs.com or call 0845 044011.

To find out more details about the Baby Products Association, visit www.theBPA.eu or call 0845 456 9570.

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