Newell Rubbermaid's Graco Brand Launches Industry-First All-in-One Car Seat with Stay-in-Car Base

ATLANTA, March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Newell Rubbermaid (NYSE: NWL) today announced the launch of its Graco® Smart Seat™ All-In-One Car Seat, the first all-in-one car seat to feature a one-time install, stay-in-car Smart Base™. The new Smart Base allows parents to simply install the base one time for use both rear- and forward-facing, or to easily move the car seat to a Smart Base in another car, confident that it is securely positioned each time. Smart Seat also delivers increased value to consumers by seamlessly adjusting to three seating positions – from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster – to accommodate growing children from 5-100 lbs.  

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"One of parents' biggest concerns is making sure their child's car seat is safely installed, especially when transitioning modes or switching vehicles. Based on that insight we committed to developing a solution to help ease the stress associated with car seat installation," said Andrea Freeman, Vice President of Marketing for Newell Rubbermaid's Baby & Parenting Essentials global business unit.  "With its unique Smart Base, the Graco Smart Seat provides longevity, ease-of-use and safety so parents can rest assured that their car seat will stay properly installed as their child grows."

Beyond installation, the Graco Smart Seat also enhances passenger safety by allowing children to ride rear-facing longer. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its recommendations calling on parents to keep children rear-facing until age two, and the Smart Seat allows parents to do this by offering rear-facing weight limits from 5-40 lbs. The seat then transitions to a forward-facing harness seat for toddlers 20-65 lbs., and finally switches to a belt-positioning booster for youth 30-100 lbs.  In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable U.S. safety standards, the Smart Seat has been side impact tested in all three modes. The Smart Seat and Smart Base feature steel-reinforced frames to provide strength and durability.  

The Graco Smart Seat All-in-One Car Seat is the first in the new Graco Signature Series™ line, exclusively at Babies "R" Us stores nationwide in two fashions: Larkin and Jessica. The suggested retail price is $299.99. Additional Smart Bases can be purchased separately to easily transition the Smart Seat to secondary vehicles such as grandparents' or caregivers' cars.

For more information about the Graco Signature Series Smart Seat All-in-One Car Seat visit www.gracobaby.com.

About Newell Rubbermaid

Newell Rubbermaid Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products with 2010 sales of approximately $5.8 billion and a strong portfolio of brands, including Rubbermaid®, Sharpie®, Graco®, Calphalon®, Irwin®, Lenox®, Levolor®, Paper Mate®, Dymo®, Waterman®, Parker®, Goody®, Rubbermaid Commercial Products® and Aprica®.

This press release and additional information about Newell Rubbermaid are available on the company's website, www.newellrubbermaid.com.

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SOURCE Newell Rubbermaid