Munchkin, Inc. Unveils Line of Premium Safety Gates Just in Time for Baby Safety Month

NORTH HILLS, Calif., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Munchkin, Inc., leading designer and manufacturer of clever infant and toddler products, today announced the availability of Munchkin Safety Gates, a complete line of high-quality, stylish gates that meet the needs of today's modern parents. Through the company's recent acquisition of Lindam, the United Kingdom's number one baby safety brand, Munchkin has brought the line of top-selling safety gates to the U.S. market just in time for the 19th annual Baby Safety Month, which begins today and is sponsored by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/LA58059)

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100901/LA58059)

The launch of the Munchkin Safety Gates comes at a time when the industry joins parents and caregivers everywhere to focus on increased safety awareness. A national survey of more than 1,900 parents conducted by Munchkin in July 2010 found:

• 96 percent of parents report their child's safety as their number one concern
• 90 percent of parents think about the safety of their child every single day
• However, more than 30% of parents still don't understand that household accidents are a leading cause of death among children under four years of age

With more than 2.3 million children suffering fall-related injuries each year*, Munchkin recognizes that safety gates are an important preventive measure, and it has worked to develop a line that features advanced gate technology, while also offering aesthetically pleasing options that complement the latest home decor styles.

"Ensuring the safety of one's child, especially toddlers, requires vigilance and attentiveness on behalf of parents, as well as appropriate tools and resources," explained internationally recognized child safety and health expert Debra Holtzman, author of The Safe Baby. "Munchkin Safety Gates provide parents with additional protection against household accidents. They meet or exceed the most stringent U.S. and U.K. safety standards. It is for this reason, combined with Lindam's premier reputation in Europe, that I recommend them to parents of small children."

"At Munchkin, we seek to be on the forefront of innovation in baby and toddler products. The Munchkin Safety Gate line allows moms to combine incomparable safety and peace-of-mind with unprecedented style," said Steven Dunn, chairman and CEO, Munchkin, Inc. "Our mission is to alleviate parents' safety concerns while also raising current standards for baby safety products in the U.S."

The new Munchkin Safety Gates boast innovative features including double and optional third lock mechanisms, U-shaped steel "powerframes" and spring-hinges to reduce impact on household walls. Thoughtful design touches make these gates easy to use with extra wide walk-through doorways and convenient self-closing or push-to-shut gates, and are approved for use virtually anywhere in the home. Munchkin Safety Gates incorporate attractive, design aesthetics without compromising safety, and they are available in a range of materials and finishes to meet a variety of parents' preferences.

Munchkin Safety Gates are now available at Babies "R" Us stores nationwide and will be available at additional retailers in January 2011. For more information on retailers and availability dates, please visit www.infantgates.com or www.munchkin.com.

About Munchkin, Inc.

A privately held company headquartered in North Hills, Calif., Munchkin, Inc. creates baby products that excite, delight and make life easier for today's parents. Founded in 1991, Munchkin, Inc. has placed great emphasis on innovation, redefining what baby products can achieve. As a result, Munchkin has reinvigorated the category with improvements such as a 2-in-1 bottle brush design and White Hot® Technology that lets moms know if the bath water or the car interior is too hot. Another recent breakthrough is the ARM & HAMMER™ Diaper Pail by Munchkin, which neutralizes odors in the nursery through a patented odor control system. In January of 2010, Munchkin acquired Lindam, the U.K.'s top baby safety brand and a leading international developer of nursery products. The company has won more than 30 industry awards, including the coveted Target® Corporation Partner Award of Excellence. Endorsed and recommended by lactation consultants, medical professionals, toy specialists and parents, Munchkin products can be found at more than 25,000 retail outlets internationally. For more information, visit www.munchkin.com.    

* According to Safe Kids USA, a nationwide network of organizations working to prevent unintentional childhood injury

SOURCE Munchkin, Inc.