TOMY Makes New Parents Smile With Quality, Purposeful And Functional New Product Introductions At 2014 ABC Kids Expo

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMY, a leading global designer, producer and marketer of a broad range of innovative, high-quality products for parents, infants and toddlers, as well as toys and collectible products for children of all ages, showcases innovative, functional, playful and stylish new products from its portfolio of iconic brands at ABC Kids Expo 2014 (booth #4401).

With a legacy of more than 60 years as a trustworthy and reliable brand for new parents, The First Years is revealing a completely new identity, reinventing itself from the ground up for the new generation of millennial parents. The First Years will make an emotional connection with today's parents, while providing helpful and thoughtfully innovative products for their parenting journey. Also, a visually stunning new logo and completely redesigned product packaging for The First Years will hit retail shelves in 2015.

"The First Years has always been known for quality and reliability. The brand's fresh new look will be supported by unexpected marketing and promotions designed to showcase TOMY's creativity and innovation, and resonate with today's new parents," said Willie Wilkov, Chief Marketing Officer, TOMY International. "In addition, TOMY will continue to deliver safe and thoughtfully designed bath, feeding, potty and play products across all of the iconic brands in our infant and toddler portfolio."

In addition to The First Years rebrand, TOMY debuts new products developed from key consumer insights across all their brands, showcasing innovative introductions from JJ Cole Collections, Bumbo, Boon, Lamaze and TOMY Toddler Toy brands. Highlights include:

The First Years
In 2015 The First Years unveils a fresh voice behind the brand, exciting partnerships, plus fun and engaging social promotions to celebrate new parents as they embark on an amazing parenting journey filled with spills, thrills, joys and everything in between. New item focuses for 2015 include:

• Potty Systems — A Hero In Training 2-in-1 Potty offers fire truck appeal for little heroes and "hot" features for parents to get their families all fired up about training (MSRP: $24.99). Disney Junior 3-in-1 Potty Systems featuring Doc McStuffins (MSRP: $29.99) or Jake and the Never Land Pirates (MSRP: $29.99) are colorful systems that grow with your child, starting as a standalone potty and transitioning to a detachable seat for the family toilet. Plus, the sturdy base converts to a step stool so your little doc can "scrub up" at the sink, or your mini pirate can reach the high seas (aka, the sink).
• Toddler Mealtime — A new Simple Sippy Cup and Straw Cup line (Straw Cup 2-pack MSRP: $5.79 / Sippy Cup 2-pack MSRP: $5.49) features space-saving stackable cups, and One Piece Lids that feature no extra pieces to assemble, clean or store. The innovative Inside Scoop Suction Bowl (MSRP: $5.99 each) and Inside Scoop Sectioned Plate (MSRP: $6.99 each) feature a unique curved rim to help little ones get more food on their spoons (and less on the floor!), plus a suction base keeps the bowl in place. Disney Insulated Sippy Cups (2-pack MSRP: $8.99) feature favorite characters, double layer insulation to keep liquids colder longer, and our One Piece Lid. The new Disney Flip Top Straw Cup (1-pack MSRP: $4.99 - $5.99) is a colorful, spill-proof cup that has a sliding cover to keep the straw clean when not in use.
• The Quiet Expressions Plus™ Double Breast Pump (MSRP: $99.99) is lightweight and super quiet for discreet pumping. It features a unique handle that allows double pumping with just one hand and soft Flexi-fit™ breast shields that create a perfect fit with eight suction level settings. Also includes two 4 oz. GumDrop bottles, a rechargeable battery, a back-lit digital screen and a stylish on-the-go tote.
• GumDrop® Pacifiers — Trusted and distributed by hospitals nationwide, GumDrop Pacifiers (2-pack MSRP: $3.99-$6.99) are now available as a complete product line covering newborn to 18 months. New parents can choose from a full range of bright colors, styles and sizes. GumDrop Pacifiers are constructed of durable silicone that fits baby's face while staying clear of the nose, and completely free of BPA, latex and phthalates. Available in orthodontic or traditional styles, in sizes for newborns, infants 3-6 months, and babies 6-18 months.

JJ Cole Collections
For the past 15 years, JJ Cole has created and designed products for babies and toddlers that epitomize utility and convenience, while embracing fashion and style. JJ Cole looks to the feedback of today's on-the-go parents for inspiration, to create exceptionally convenient and innovative products that make today simpler and tomorrow more memorable. ABC Expo 2015 highlights include:

• little JJ Cole collection — In 2015 JJ Cole will roll out its brand new collection of fashionable and functional on-the-go products designed especially for active toddlers. Anchoring the line is a stylish Kid's Backpack (MSRP: $24.95), available in an array of eight adorable patterns for boys and girls. Large enough to hold all of the supplies that your little one needs to get through their week's activities, it also comes with a folder and accessory clip. Additional items in the new little JJ Cole collection line include a Lunch Pack (MSRP: $14.95), a comfy and cozy Nap Mat (MSRP: $44.95) and a plush Hooded Towel (MSRP: $24.95).
• Diaper Bags — A selection of trendy new prints are available for many of JJ Cole's fashionable and functional diaper bags (MSRP: $59.95 - $79.95). The Heathered Collection provides a classic and understated look, while the Black & Gold Collection offers mom an elegant and sophisticated bag for baby's necessities. Both the Citrus Breeze Collection and Prairie Blossom Collection are floral patterns that give mom an easy breezy retro look all year round. New JJ Cole Diaper Bag designs include the ultra-lightweight Linden (MSRP: $59.95) and the sleek, spacious Parker weekender bag (MSRP: $59.95).
• Bundleme — The JJ Cole Collections Bundleme is an iconic product that helps parents keep their babies and toddlers comfortable during cool weather, for use with strollers, car seats and joggers. Bundleme provides luxurious softness and superior protection from the elements, making it a year round registry essential. New 2015 Bundleme options include the Sporty Bundleme (MSRP: $39.95) perfect for light chill, rain or wind; a Muslin Bundleme designed for warmer climates with the feel and functionality of a blanket (MSRP: $39.95); plus the Original Bundleme in new Aqua or Stone Arbor colors (MSRP: $39.95 / infant size); and the Urban Bundleme in a gorgeous new Ocean print (MSRP: $49.95 / infant, $59.95 / toddler).

Bumbo
This year, the original Bumbo Floor Seat celebrates its 15th anniversary. Building upon its legacy as a registry essential and category leader, Bumbo introduces a new seat that accommodates children at different stages, and can be used on the floor or on a chair. In addition, Bumbo debuts a playful new toy and accessories line featuring a lovable bunch of characters. Highlights include:

• New Seat (Product Name TBD) — The ultimate seat from floor to chair: the only seat parents will need for their child from infant to toddler stages. It can be used as a floor seat or attached to a chair to be used as a booster seat for feeding or playtime. Use it in any room of the house or on-the-go. Accommodates most children with its removable foam pad, and a one-handed tray attachment that conveniently stores on the back of the seat. MSRP: $44.99
• Toys & Accessories — Featuring two sides of play with 9 sensory toys that encourage hand-eye coordination and teach cause and effect, the Adjustable Play Center (MSRP: $34.99) converts from infant to toddler with the turn of a knob. It works perfectly with any Bumbo Seat, or may be used on its own for tummy time, sitting or standing play. The Lion, Giraffe and Elephant Suction Toys (MSRP: $9.99, each sold separately) adhere to the Bumbo tray or any smooth surface, and are loaded with features for motor skill development and teething. Plus, a Suction Tray (MSRP: $14.99) easily suctions to Bumbo trays, highchair trays and tabletops for endless entertainment with its bead maze, mirrored book, elephant toy and spinning ball.

Boon
Boon is all about problem solving and ingenuity, and simple yet effective design of infant and toddler products is their passion. Boon helps parents simplify their lives while retaining their personal style. A decade ago, Boon took a leap and launched the brand with the FROG POD. Boon upped the stakes, yet again, with their reimagined FROG POD; smaller and smarter (and dare we say cuter), this little guy is going to win the hearts of parents a second time around. And in true Boon fashion, they have stepped up the bath and feeding categories yet again with a new bathtub, toys and feeding, cleaning and storage accessories. Highlights include:

• FROG POD Bath Toy Organizer — Kids enjoy chaos. Moms do not. So when it's time to round up the bath toys leave it to this lean, mean gobbling machine. Our new and improved FROG POD includes an extra-large scoop so you can store and organize even more stuff. Adhesive strips make it easy to mount on the wall and air holes allow toys to dry, reducing mold and mildew build-up on toys. Ribbit! MSRP: $24.99
• SOAK 3 Stage Bathtub — There are two kinds of babies: dirty and clean (momentarily). To accomplish the latter, we offer SOAK. With an adjustable bump and contoured back, our compact tub suits reclining newborns through seated toddlers and fits in most double sinks. We know you're drained, so ours has you covered with a color-changing temperature gauge. MSRP: $36.99
• CAST Fishing Pole Toy — Need a little bath-time bait? CAST is so much fun they won't want to leave the tub. The working pole features fishing line that reels in and weighted hooks they can use to snag whatever's floating by. It even comes with three floating sea creatures. Please catch and release. MSRP: $15.99
• MARCO Light-up Bath Toy — Don't call him Bob, although he's pretty darned good at it. MARCO loves to peek at you from just below the water line then take off on deep-sea missions where his water-activated color-changing light can guide the way. And don't even get him started on his favorite game. Did someone say, "polo?" MSRP: $17.99
• PIPES Water Pipes Bath Toy — And you never thought leaky pipes could be fun. But Boon's version makes bath time a scooping and pouring extravaganza. PIPES come in five shapes that can be used individually or put together to make a chain. They suction to the wall so the water goes back in the tub, not on the floor. Real plumbers, take note. MSRP: $17.99
• SUDS Bottle Washer — So you know those nifty glass-washing thing-a-ma-bobs they use in bar sinks? Same general idea here. Just place your bottle on the pump and press it down—water jets and spinning, scrubbing bristles do the rest. MSRP: $22.99

Lamaze
The Lamaze Infant Development System is a comprehensive system of charming and colorful soft toys and activity gyms that encourage precious bonding moments between parents and their babies. Designed in conjunction with child development experts, Lamaze toys engage babies' senses to spark creativity, introduce discovery and support healthy sensory development. Highlights for 2015 include:

• Rattles & Teethers — A Color Bug Shaker (MSRP: $10.99) has a light-up rainbow bug that changes color each time baby shakes the rattle. Easy Grip Rattles (MSRP: $6.49 each) and Cheery Chimers (MSRP: $7.99 each) are available in adorable characters with rattles, textures and sounds to provide tactile and auditory stimulation.  
• Clip 'N' Go Toys — Lamaze Clip 'N' Go toys incorporate signature developmental features with whimsical, cute characters designed to engage and entertain baby with interesting textures, sounds and actions. Pull down on Flip Flap Dragon (MSRP: $15.99), and baby will be delighted as he flaps his wings back and forth. Hear the beads on Click-Clack Lobster (MSRP: $15.99) make fun sounds as he sways from side to side.

TOMY Toddler Toys
The TOMY Toddler Toy line is comprised of innovative products that come alive and engage children in endless hours of play. These magical, interactive toys are family favorites that get toddlers toddling with action, lights, music and sound. Items such as Romper Stomper Dino (MSRP: $12.99) teach cause and effect: shake Stompy to hear him roar, and bash him on the head to hear him stomp. The Sort N Pop Farmyard Friends (MSRP: $29.99) is the classic game that helps children improve their manual dexterity while also learning shape sorting. See Under the Sea Submarine (MSRP: $27.99) is a bath toy that dives underwater, lights up and plays seaside tunes. Press the launcher to see Captain Walrus shoot into the water with a splash.

About TOMY International
TOMY International (www.tomy.com) is a leading global designer, producer and marketer of innovative, high-quality toys sold to children and adults under the TOMY®, Ertl®,  and Battroborg™ brands as well as products for parents, infants and toddlers under The First Years®, Lamaze, JJ Cole® Collections and Boon® brands. TOMY International also markets its products under popular and classic licensed properties such as John Deere, Pokémon, Chuggington, Sonic the Hedgehog, Dinosaur Train, Winnie the Pooh, Princesses, Cars, Fairies and Toy Story, and other well-known properties. TOMY International's mission is to make the world smile. TOMY International reaches its target consumers through multiple channels of distribution supporting more than 25,000 retail outlets throughout North and South America, Europe and Australia. TOMY International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code No. 7867). © TOMY

SOURCE TOMY International