Monday 20 December 2010

New Steiff Bears Range launched for 2011

Steiff is adding to it's organic cotton range of baby toys with two
new characters - Sniffy Mouse and Hoppel Rabbit. Each character is
available in a range of products; cuddly toys, musical mobiles,
comforters which are available in blue and pink. Sniffy Mouse and
Hoppel Rabbit are specifically aimed at babies with their designs
able o take plenty of wear and tear whilst a baby explores them. Both
toys are available in various sizes from 12cm to 28 cm. Steiff place
an emphasise of using safe, high quality material. The organic cotton
is woven at Steiff's own textile factory this allows them to control
all stages of production. The organic cotton has been certified with
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and are tested by
Landesgewerbeanstalt located at Nurnberg (LGA). The new Steiff toys
will be launched for sale in early 2011.

Sunday 19 December 2010

List of Climbing Frames Considerations

Children love playing outdoors, it is fun and essential for them to get their regular exercise. Climbing frames, wooden or metal can provide kids with a focus point for their activity. When planning to buy a climbing frame there are a number of things to consider.

Choosing the Climbing Frame
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting your frame. With proper care and maintenance a climbing frame will last children for many years. It is therefore important to choose a climbing frames that will grow with kids. Some playcentres are specifically made for toddlers and younger children. These playcentres which are fun for toddlers and younger children are all well and good but they will be outgrown and eventually become pretty much redundant in the garden. Although they will retain some sell on value if they are treated well of course. If you want to the climbing fame to retain it's usefulness as children grow then it is worth looking at more modular design. Many of these types of climbing frames start in quite a basic form but further attachments can be added to them; slides swings, playhouses, and monkey bars to name but a few. It is always good to ask the children that the set is being bought for what they would enjoy playing with. After all it is for their benefit and they might be more inclined to use it if their input is considered.

Metal or Wooden Framed
Depending on the placement, aesthetics can be an important issue. While traditional metal frames cost less, the more modern wooden sets are designed for aesthetic reasons as well as for sustainability and fun. Some of the frames offer ample room to include bridges, tunnels, forts, and other components that can make the unit welcoming to more children, perfect for large groups of kids.

Typically, wooden climbing frames are more costly that their metal cousins, but they are designed to last  a generation, so if you hope to use the centre for a lengthy time, it may be worth the additional cost. If you plan to keep it long enough to entertain older kids, be sure that you choose one that will handle the weight of larger kids. In general, wooden climbing frames can much greater weights and rougher play sessions than metal climbing frames.

Safety Comes First
The most important factor in choosing a climbing frame is safety. Be sure that you assemble it according to the manufacturer's instructions and consider the laws with regards to placing of such products. Also allow plenty of space around the climbing frame to avoid injuries if they fall backwards off the frame. Once you have the frame in place, establish a few rules that will help your children to play safely. Young children should be supervised by an adult at all times, and even older children need to know that if they don't follow the safety rules, they will not be allowed to use the playhouse or climbing frame. They should not be used in stormy or wet weather, and each component should be used only for its intended purpose. The chances of injury increase dramatically when children are allowed to run up and down slides or engage in other behaviours other than what the manufacturer intended.

Maintenance of the Frame
Metal and wooden climbing frames, although built to withstand rough play may require occasional maintenance to keep them safe. Both types of playcentres will need to be checked periodically for any loosened nut and bolts, screws or worn parts that might need fixing or replacing.

Assembly Required
All parents have encountered the dreaded words, "some assembly required," and know that the phrase realistically translates into, "lots of assembly required." Before beginning the project, be sure that you have all of the required tools and supplies. keep in mind that some large activity gyms should be stabilised by inserting the legs into poured concrete. Familiarise yourself with the assembly instructions before you begin. Also, know that in some areas, a building permit may be required.

Be warned if you plan to erect the set particularly wooden climbing frames it might take longer than you think and you may require some help. Many retailers offer delivery and assembly service for these reasons for an additional fee. It is imperative that the centre is constructed in a safe and considered way otherwise a child's safety might be at risk.

Friday 17 December 2010

Asobi Ready to Celebrate Their Second Birthday

In January 2011, Asobi will be celebrating their second birthday. Asobi, who are known for their eco-friendly lines of products have aquired new lines to distribute. Baghera who distribute retro metal pedal cars were taken on in September 2010. Baghera will use Asobi as the exclusive UK and Ireland  distributor. This will enable Baghera to distribute their products around their customer base far more easily. From December Asobi will also distribute Boikido toys in the UK, the Boikido range feature wooden toys which have key educational and fun qualities. And finally Asobi will also distribute Marc Vidal products, which are a range of pocket money toys that have retro styled packaging. The range is already widely appreciated in the US, Australia and Japan.

Fiesta Crafts Release New Cuddles Range of Puppets Squeakers and Pyjama cases

The new Cuddles range by Fiesta Crafts is a range of puppets, squeakers and pyjama cases that are aunching this month. The Fiesta Crafts Cuddle range featuresfarmyard animals including sheep, cow, and duck, toddlers will love to snuggle up to the warmth of the cddle material. Cuddle puppets are ideal for babies and toddlers to interact with and be entertained. The cuddles toys are made from super soft fabric.

Also in the range are squeekaboos which come in the form of a duck, sheep, rabbit and mouse, ideal for playing peek-a-boo with. These too are made from super soft fabric.

The cuddly pyjama cases are a standard pyjama case combined with a soft and cuddly plush toy. Also planned for 2011 is a new range of Doowell magnetic colour-in games and educational charts. Also building on the success of the Tellatale Theatre range will be the Fiesta Crafts Doorway Theatre adding to the hand and finger puppets already produced.

Saturday 11 December 2010

Considering a Wooden Sand Pit for the Garden

Childrens wooden sand pits can be a great toy that will keep kids entertained for hours outside. There are many childrens wooden sand pits available on the market these range greatly in their size and price. However there are a number of thing that should be taken into consideration before buying a sand pit.
Do you want to move the sand pit? Is thee sand pit to be set in a permanent place or does it need to be packed away after usage or move it out of the sun? If you do then you will probably do well to avoid a large wooden sandpit.
What size should the sandpit be? Are you restricted for space, or are there 1,2,3 or more children that need to use the pit. What kind of activities will be taking place in the wooden sand pit. The larger the sand pit the more fun and activities can be enjoyed whilst using it. Try to make sure the sand pit is of an adequate size to accommodate these requirements, this will ensure that the maximum amount of fun will be had.
What age are the children that are going to use the sand pit? Bigger children obviously means they are going to require a bigger one for example, plum large octagonal sandpit which also has seats. Whilst if you are buying for a toddler then you might consider investing in a small plastic sand pit at first. If you plan to use the toy for a number of years then you might want to consider a wooden sand pit to invest in, which tend to be far more durable compared to their plastic counterparts and some have lids and cover to protect them against the worst of the winter weather.
Your Budget? This is probably going to be one of the biggest concerns. Sand pits vary greatly in price, from cheap plastic to bespoke wooden and concrete varieties. Remember buying too cheap might mean an inferior product which might be fragile, have sharp edges or be made from cheap materials, for instance.
Correct Sand? You can buy play pit sand that has been cleaned thorougly and is suitable for children to use. Do not be tempted to use sand from a builders merchants. This type of sand may have been treated chemically and it can have a strong pigment to it that can stain.