The Smaller line by See Kai Run has arrived into stores. Check out the link to the See Kai Run website and be sure to check back at ellabellakids.com to purchase.

 These tiny shoes are incredible. Soft, flexible and so cute! http://www.seekairun.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=SMLR&keywords=Latest%20Styles

We just love these shoes!!!!

The inline Dash stroller has finally arrived! Here at Ellabella Kids, we have been anxiously awaiting this new stroller. If you are familiar with the Phil and Teds line up, than you know that this stroller is so cool. It morphs from a single to a double and back again with the addition of the doubles kit. The Phil and Teds stroller line currently includes the budget friendly Classic buggy, Sport buggy, Vibe buggy and now the Dash buggy.

 So many people ask us "what is the difference between the Dash and the Sport?" The fabric for one is a "no rip" nylon fabric which is more durable as well as being more cushiony and comfortable for the child. The Dash looks very similar to the Sport but the break is on the handle for ease of use, the handle is adjustable, the doubles kit reclines and the fold is high on the handle. The Dash and the doubles kit can fold together, so no need to snap the kit off the back when loading into your car. The Dash also has a rubber footwell for easy cleaning and better durability compared to the Sports fabric foot rest.

What is the difference between the Dash and the Vibe? The high end Vibe frame is aluminum tubing shaving off a pound. Compare this to the Dash whose frame is a powder coated steel. The fold mechanism is also very different compared to the Dash. Not necessarily easier or better, just different.  Other than this, the Dash is very similar in features to the Vibe and very similar in looks to the Sport. Price is right in the middle at $549.95 for the stroller and another $99.00 for the doubles kit.

The Dash is offered in red/black or grey/black. For more info or to purchase the Dash Buggy ellabellakids.com at  http://www.ellabellakids.com/phil-teds-dash-buggy.html

 http://www.chiccocarseatrecall.com/

 Click the link below for the complete list

http://www.iihs.org/laws/ChildRestraint.aspx

The Vibe stroller was released to market a couple of months ago and since then has been a very popular seller. The Vibe stroller is top of the line for the Phil & Teds line up. Their ever popular e3 stroller was replaced by the Sport last year and in addition, Phil and Teds added three new strollers. I for one liked this idea because it offered a great stroller concept to people with different budgets. The Classic stroller is at a very moderate price point of 299.00. The Sport sells for 399.00, the dash for 499.00, and the Vibe tops the line at 599.00. All doubles kits are sold seperatly to carry a second child and is priced like the strollers. The price of the doubles kits increase as the stroller prices increase.

The Vibe is very snazzy in apperance. It comes in two colors, red/black or black/grey. It is 1 pound lighter than the other Phil & Teds strollers, made of eleptic aluminum and welded to be very smooth and rounded. The major difference between this stroller and the others, is that the doubles kit can be folded on the stroller instead of having to take it off. The break is on the handlebar as is the folding mechanism. The bumper bar for the child has a snack pack for drinks and goodies. Beyond this, the Vibe is just really cool and with the additon of the doubles kit works for 2 kids.

All in all the Phil & Teds strollers, which ever one you lean towards, are awesome for two children. I for one think you have the best of both stroller worlds, a narrow, streamlined, compact double stroller and the choice to morph it back to a narrow, stream line, single, all-terrain stroller.

http://www.ellabellakids.com/vibe-buggy-red.html

We have recently heard of some mechanical issues regarding the Vibe, but seem to be concentrated to just a few strollers. I will keep this post updated if more issues arise. If you have questions or concerns prior to ordering please give us a call or shoot us an email.

Mountain Buggy has finally put out their new 2008 models. Most items with the exception of some 2008 accessories are available for shipment now. Mountain Buggy made  some minor changes compared to the 2007 models. The new 2008 models come equipped with new labeling, a new global warranty, brake covers, cup holders, and some new colors have been added...charcoal and Khaki in the Urban Standard line up.

Mountain Buggy has always provided a very rugged, well done all-terrain stroller. Bad news is their prices have jumped dramatically from 2007. Yes, the prices of commodities have spiked, but the Mountain Buggy stroller is not as affordable as it once was and it will be very hard to compete with other strollers in its class such as BOB and Baby Jogger. For example, the single Urban Elite double stroller for 2007 was a whopping $799.00 and now for 2008 a double whopping $899.00!!!

 I for one can not afford this stroller. I also believe the upgrades can not justify the price hike, but you can come to your own conclusions. In my opinion find the 2007 strolles while they are still available.

Polycarbonate Baby Bottles Accepted as Safe for Use Worldwide

The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), which represents the leading manufacturers of baby bottles in the United States, stands by the scientific research indicating that plastic baby bottles are safe.

Sound and respected scientific research has consistently shown there is no danger to consumers when products are used as intended. Trace levels of bisphenol A (BPA) from consumer products are well below any level that could cause harm to adults or to our children. Other scientific studies have shown that BPA has NO effect on the reproductive system, NO effect on the developmental system, and NO cancer-causing effects. Recent reports indicating otherwise are both sensational and biased, and they have not received any validation from the scientific community.

Found in a wide variety of products, lightweight and shatter-resistant polycarbonate plastic has been the material of choice in baby bottles for more than 25 years. The potential for exposure to bisphenol A from bottles has been extensively examined and the results have been reviewed worldwide by agencies having responsibility for assessing the safety of consumer products. The scientists who conducted these safety studies on BPA come from across the globe, and include scientists from the U.S. National Academy of Science, the U.S. National Toxicology Program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission Scientific Committee on Food, the European Food Safety Authority, and the Japanese National Institute of Health Sciences.

The FDA has just announced the formation of an agency-wide task force to review the safety of BPA.  The FDA task force will evaluate the recent risk assessment report by Health Canada as well the recent draft report by the National Toxicology Program. FDA continues to recommend that consumers refrain from discontinuing use of BPA-containing products.

JPMA relies upon the FDA to set standards for the safety of food storage materials including the safety and suitability of polycarbonate for baby bottles as temporary storage for liquid nourishment. As long as scientifically valid health and risk assessments demonstrate the safe use of such products, consumers should continue to have a choice to use them.

JPMA members make a wide range of baby bottles with a variety of alternative materials that are also available. Ultimately, consumers have and should continue to have a wide range of choices of products on the marketplace. Please be assured that JPMA members comply with all safety standards in effect and will continue to do so.

There is significant data available on the safety of BPA. From baby bottles and food packaging, to bicycle helmets and eyeglass lenses, as well as incubators and components of many life-saving medical devices, polycarbonate plastic makes everyday lives better and safer.

For more information on BPA in juvenile products, visit:

www.babybottle.org

www.CoalitionForConsumerChoice.org

www.bisphenol-A.org

www.stats.org

www.acsh.org

Last week the Federal government National Toxicology department expressed concerns over BPA posing health risks to our baby's and children. BPA is found in plastic bottles, water bottles, sippy cups and other food containers. The risk is neural and behaviral abnormalites in fetusus, infants and children.

Ok, so why is this continuing to happen in the United States? It seems like nothing is safe for our kids anymore. We surely can not trust products just because they are on the shelves of our stores. BPA has been banned in Canada, and many bottle manufacturers are now scrambling to voice their concerns, vowing to elimiante BPA from their products.

What are we as parents to do? Well for one, toss the BPA laden bottles and pacifiers, and find an alternative. Below is a link to BPA free alternatives. There is always someone doing it better and safer, even though it is usually more expensive. Honestly, when it comes to our kids health who cares about spending a few extra bucks? I surely don't.

Some great products that are BPA free are the Baby Bjorn bibs and tableware as well as Skip Hop tableware. Click here to review or purchase these products.  http://www.ellabellakids.com/plates-cups-utensils.html 

Below is a link to a great site called Z Recommends. It offers a complete review of this issue and plentiy of alternatives that are BPA free.

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/02/z-report-on-bpa-in-infant-care-products.html

For a quick list of BPA FREE bottles, pacifiers and tableware click the link below.

http://zrecs.blogspot.com/2008/03/bpa-wallet-card.html

Sunshine Kids has just realeased their booster seat the "Monterey". This seat works from 30-120 pounds and from 38"-63". This is one of the only, if not the only seat on the market that can accomodate this high weight. If you have a very large and tall child this seat will be a great choice.

The headpiece is very convenient because it moves up and down with a single hand. It turns from a full back booster into a backless booster with little effort. Though a full back booster offers more protection, this is a nice feature if Grandma needs it for a day. Taking the back off can make the seat less combursum. When the back is on it is lined with EPS and EPE foam for added protection in a crash. The back reclines in 2 positions making long rides more comforable for the kids. Retractable cup holder, soft, easy to clean micro suede fabrics and side impact headpiece are great features that should be on EVERY booster seat available today.

Available in Grey Mesh, Red/Black, and Grey/Pink

No complaints, here at Ellabella. We have been very happy with the Sunshine Kids products as a whole. This booster just adds another dimension to their line. For more specific info on this booster and other Sunshine Kids seats visit the link below.

Visti http://www.ellabellakids.com/sunshine-kids-carseats.html to purchase or just for more info on the Sunshine Kids car seats.

I just discovered a fun bedding line that is fresh, whimsical and unique. With so many bedding companies on the market today it is hard for me to believe there can be anything else that can really catch my eye, and be worth the usual expensive price tag. Well I found it! A unique bedding and gift company called Lima Bean Baby has set itself apart from the plethora of baby bedding products on the market. They not only produce crib bedding, but unique accessories and gifts to coordinate with each collection. I like this idea because so many moms like to coordinate their home decor for baby around the nursery theme. Even more than that, the gifts and acessories by Lima Bean Baby really serve a purpose and are still cute!

Lima Bean Baby produces everything from the very fun and very practical baby coze, tote diaper bags, blankets, upscale crib bedding and swaddlers. There are many prints and patterns to choose from with sweet names like Twinkle, Giggle, and Snuggle. Each print is whimsical and 100% cotton. Blankets reverse to the softest, luxe fabrics for a cozy feel. Crib bedding is highly custom with thick, block inserts for safety and satin ribbon ties for the prettiest look.

Check out their website for more information. Be checking soon at www.ellabellakids.com for more Lima Bean Baby products available for purchase. We hope you will be excited as we are about Lima Bean Baby bedding and gifts. www.limabeanbaby.com

The new Anka Highchair will be released to the public June 2008 and will be available in 3 different wood finishes, espresso, honey and natural. At a price tag of 169.00 the Anka is a very attractive highchair option. Value seekers will love the sleek, chic design, high quality and affordable price.

The same designers of the popular SVAN highchair designed a low key, urban style highchair that encompasses style and function.

The Anka is highly anticipated and sure to be a hit among consumers of all types. Comparing other wood highchairs on the market, Anka is such a great value and the style is very cool.

 ABOUT THE DESIGNERS

 The innovative designs of Anders Fällman and Kjell Hagström (pronounced Shell) made it possible for parents to choose safety and functionality without sacrificing style with their Svan^® product line. Parents raved about the Svan High Chair in particular for its elegant lines and versatile functionality.

Brenda Berg's company, Scandinavian Child, was founded on the principles of the Svan brand, and adopted Svan as its flagship product line. However, Brenda sought a way to offer parents high style at a more economical price point. She commissioned Anders and Kjell to create a more affordable product line that is still in keeping with Scandinavian Child's "designs without compromise" philosophy - providing a unique combination of functionality, style and safety.

Anders and Kjell took up the challenge and went to work. In less than a year, they presented a prototype high chair to Brenda. She and her team at Scandinavian Child evaluated the new design, giving it its first real-world test. After some retooling, testing and tweaking of this innovative high chair, the first offering in the new Anka™ by Svan^® line was born!

Now parents watching their budget can afford top style with the safety and functionality that everyday life with a child demands.

The unveiling of the much anticipated Smaller line by See Kai Run is almost here! Smaller will be hitting shelves in August of 2008. The line offers tiny, soft shoes for baby's 0-18 months.  Smaller styles are all offered in the same soft leather as the See Kai Run line. The soles are suede, with rubber pads for grip and very flexible to promote good foot health. 

We just recieved the Fall 2008 Smaller catalog in the mail and WOW! we are so excited about the styles and concept. To me, the styles resemble Stride Rite Stage 1 shoes, but are so much cuter and stylish. The closure will be velcro and they have quite a variety of colors and prints for girls and boys. We hope to have them up and online for pre-ordering by the First of August, or earlier if at all possible so keep checking out the See Kai Run page at http://www.ellabellakids.com/see-kai-run.html.

Click on link below to view the ratings.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.9f8c7d6359e0e9bbbf30811060008a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=4427b997caacf504a8bdba101891ef9a_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_4427b997caacf504a8bdba101891ef9a_viewID=detail_view&itemID=c57b24b3b0d55110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&viewType=standard&detailViewURL=/portal/site/nhtsa/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.9f8c7d6359e0e9bbbf30811060008a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=4427b997caacf504a8

The NEW Britax Frontier Car Seat has arrived! This seat will likely replace the enourmous Regent youth seat. It will work as a forward facing seat with 5 point harness system from 2 years old and 25-80 pounds and a belt positioning booster from 40-100 pounds. This will be the last seat you will have to buy when your tot is able to turn forward.

The Britax Frontier will initially be offered in four different color options, Canyon, Red Rock, Rushmore and Pink Sky and will retail for $279.99. To purchase or Pre-Order the Britax Frontier visit http://www.ellabellakids.com/britax-frontier.html 

Let me stress that this seat can NOT be used until the child has reached his/her 2nd birthday and 25 pounds. This seat will not be appropriate if you are looking for the next seat up from the infant car seat! For something more appropriate for this age group visit

Overall Product Weight: 24 lbs
Product Dimensions (W x H x D):

• Seat Dimensions - 19.5 x 22 x 26.5
• Harnessed ,headrest extended - 19.5 x 27.75 x 27
• Booster - 19.5 x 22 x 20
• Booster, headrest extended - 19.5 x 25.25 x 20

Interior Product Dimensions:

• Seating Compartment Height - 21.5"
• Seat Area Depth / Width - 13.5" / 12"
• Shoulder Width - 15.25"
• Harness Slot Heights - 12.25" / 13.1" / 14" / 14.9" / 15.75" / 16.5" / 17.4" / 18.25"
• Buckle Strap Depth - 5" / 6.5"/ 8.25"
  

 

Finally, for all of us who have been on pins and needles waiting for the Pediped Flex shoes, they have arrived. The response has been great. Moms are loving how they can now transition from the baby peds into the larger sizes without loosing the flexibility. The name is pretty cool too. Below are some of the benefits of the Pediped Flex shoes.