Best of show

Staff -- Kids Today, 10/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

The 2007 ABC Kids Expo featured more than 900 manufacturers covering two exhibition floors. Buyers had to wear their track shoes to make sure they not only saw their usual vendors, but also had time to visit with prospective suppliers.

We were on the move, too, trying to cover as much ground as possible. And while this is by no means an exhaustive list, here is a sampling of product that caught our eye.

The whimsical flower ottoman from Fantasy Furniture has seven wood-framed pieces that can be pulled apart for different seating configurations, $200.

Hamco launched its collection of Attitudsie bodysuits featuring sassy phrases that get baby's view across, $2.99.

Combi's Pod bouncer has spider-style legs to aid in smoother bouncing, a plug-in for MP3 players and a toy bar with plush and wood toys. Shown here in wasabi, $79.99.

MK & Co.'s brag book and keepsake box set, offered in pink, green and blue gingham, hits the mark as a shower gift, $25.

The La Madre collection by LaJobi is made from sustainable woods and environmentally safe finishes and glues, $699–729.

A whimsical fish has joined Mullins Square's Tubbies collection. The towel is 27″ × 50″ and has a hood.

Amy Michelle's Sweet Pea baby slouch tote is a hit in rich red patent with a deep beige lining, with silver or antique hardware.

Maddie Boo steps out of its bedding genre for this funky, fun line of bibs, $28 each, that features icons like fleur de lis, hearts, stars and more.

City Hopper's new bib design has a Velcro closure in the back as well as at the bottom to fasten a pacifier or sippy cup.

Just flip the back of Summer Infant's Smart Solutions traditional high chair forward, and a baby up to 6 months old has a secure seat at the table. $109

Continental Home's fanciful plush lamp series features characters inspired by French themes and stories, $39.99–49.99.

The Dazzle, by Silver Cross, has clean lines and a minimalist design, giving it a distinctive, modern look. Suitable for birth to toddler, it reclines with one hand, has twin ventilation windows in the hood and ergonomic comfort grip handles.

Peg Perego's Skate transforms from a carriage to a stroller. Its height can be adjusted to three positions and it has a zippered rain cover, a five-point seat belt, a cup holder, telescoping handle and storage basket.

The Peace Lullaby crib set is part of Springs Global's licensed John Lennon collection, I am a Dreamer. The set was inspired by artwork Lennon drew for his son, $189.99.

Dutalier's Matrix glider allows for maximum personalization. It comfortably seats parents from 5′ to 6′3′, and has choices of four arm rests and five seat backs.

Bumble Bags' sweet burp and bib sets, $24, are available in five prints, such as this chocolate and blue floral pattern.

The City Chic collection from Skip Hop has designs such as Park Avenue Tulip (shown) $150, West Side Wave, Flatiron Floral and Columbus Circle. It has a removable clutch, adjustable stroller attachments and is made of matte laminated canvas for easy cleaning.

The Zen collection from Fisher Price is the company's product offering exclusively for independent, specialty retailers. The swinging cradle retails for $199.99.

Child to Cherish offers proud grandmothers a ceramic teapot planter with a saucer and a frame-on-a-stick.

Alyssa Preston by VHC showed its bright and poppy Flower Power (green) and Circles 'N Stripes (pink) twin sets.

Ventianni from Romina is a solid modern looking collection in a cappuccino finish with lighter wood accents. There are 12 SKUs, including the drop side, convertible crib (conversion kit included), $1,100.

Best Chairs' Mantova is a nod to contemporary with wide bentwood arms, contoured back and rolled top. It's available in espresso or golden pecan finishes.

Dunstan Baby Language, distributed by Regal Lager, is a two-disc DVD set, $39.95, that teaches parents of infants 0-3 months how to "read" the verbal cues and facial features of their babies, enabling them to recognize baby's needs of hunger, tiredness, discomfort, etc.

Simplicity for Children takes a modern turn with the asymmetrical Paragon nursery group, designed for specialty stores. The fully assembled pieces, shown in a chocolate finish, include a crib, $499, and a five-drawer chest, armoire and clothing organizer, all $599.

Cudlie Accessories' Grab-N-Go travel set features cases for diapers, a bottle, a pacifier, wipes, plus a changer. The licensed version is $9.50; the generic version is $8.50.

Dad Gear's M-2 diaper bag, $69, is a mid-sized shoulder bag, a cross between its messenger and sport bags. It's available in a two- or three-panel colorways and has many of the popular Dad Gear features like an integrated, quick access wipes case, built-in stroller hangers, changing pad, organizational pockets and more.