Mr. Potato Head is such a wonderful toy for a child’s early developmental skills.  Not only does the child get to learn body parts, but also spatial concept and fine motor skills.  Add-ons allow for creativity and individuality for little ones.

The Mr. Potato Head character hit the U.S. market in 1952 when he became the first toy ever advertised on television, paving the way for millions of other toy commercials in the six decades since.  This changeable, yet lovable toy was introduced as a set of plastic components meant to be pushed into an actual vegetable or fruit. The original kit was comprised of 28 pieces, including face parts, hands, hair, hats, glasses, a pipe, shoes and a body. The fruit or vegetable was to serve as the head.  It wasn’t until 1964 when a plastic potato was supplied as part of the kit.

Many changes have been made over the years to ensure the popularity of the Mr. Potato Head toy. In 1953, the Mrs. Potato Head set was introduced. Then came two children: Brother Spud and Sister Yam. Over the years, friends were added to the product line and adjustments were made to Mr. Potato Head.  It wasn’t until the mid 1980′s that the trap door backside was added for the convenient storing of extra parts.  In 1987, as Mr. Potato Head hit thirty-five years old, he joined the all new health craze.  Mr. Potato Head’s signature pipe, that had been with him from the start, was traded in for running shoes. In a publicity extravaganza, Mr. Potato Head turned over his pipe to surgeon general C. Everett Coop and became the poster spud for the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out.

Since the appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head in “Toy Story” in 1995, there’s been no stopping this vegetarian marvel. He’s gone to appear in tire commercials, the Macy’s Parade and even has his own Facebook page.

Currently, Mr. Potato Head is celebrating its milestone 60th year on his Facebook page and enjoying a fun-filled year of adventures with the M rs. Potato Head character.  New product introductions for 2012 include the Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head 60th Anniversary Mashly In Love Set … featuring the couple holding hands as they renew their wedding vows

The MR. POTATO HEAD character recently unveil new spring looks in PLAYSKOOL MR. POTATO HEAD THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN …and Star Wars Mr. Potato Head Darth Tater in conjuction with with the feature film releases of The Amazing Spider-Man and Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D.

PLAYSKOOL – MR. POTATO HEAD – 60th Anniversary CREATE-A …

Are your favorite toys ready for some spudtacular new adventures? These parts and pieces can help you create sunny memories for your MR. and MRS. POTATO HEAD toys – and celebrate sixty years of POTATO HEAD fun! (Potato, arms, mouth, ears and eyes sold separately.)  Set includes Nose with sunscreen, Bare feet, Shorts, Fanny pack, Camera, Umbrella hat.

It doesn’t seem like Mr. Potato Head will be turning into a coach potato any time soon.  At least not for at least another 60+ years.

The Aqueduck Faucet Extender is a clever little plastic tool that you simply slide over the head of your faucet and it allows the water to flow further forward so it can reach small hands and arms.

Aqueduck was invented by a mom in her garage, and she now sells them under her company Peachy LLC. We love mom invented products because who knows children best? We do! These faucet extenders are a big hit, and are great for home, the grandparents house, or you can even carry a spare in your purse for when your little one uses public restrooms. They are sold here for $12.99 and come in three colors: blue, pink or grey. They fit over most faucets, except swan neck faucets.

And then, Hollie emailed me this post. And I was in shock.

If you don’t have time to read the post, blogger Meagan states that children’s product maker Prince Lionheart took the yet-to-be-patented idea of the Aqueduck from this small family run business and copied it. They started making their version, simply called, the Faucet Extender. She lists reasons behind her thoughts, mainly that Prince Lionheart used, what Meagan claims, is Peachy LLC’s photo of the Aqueduck being used:

Then I saw the advertisement image that Prince Lionheart released. The one above. Take a closer look – Not at the product, but at the child’s hands. Do you see what shocked me so much? They are the SAME set of children’s hands that appear in the Aquaduck ad. Same palm filled with bubbles. Same everything. Under a similar shaped faucet, featuring a similar product. And the logo – The put theirs in a white box, and placed it in the same spot. Hmmmm, it’s getting harder to believe that this was just a coincidence.

That photo has disappeared from Meagan’s website and from Prince Lionheart’s advertising of their Faucet Extender, as Meagan was absolutely right- it was a copy of Peachy LLC’s photo that they took in a personal photoshoot. Not cool, Prince Lionheart, not cool. They have since apologized for this.

The Faucet Extender by Prince Lionheart

But the story doesn’t end there. When people started creating a storm on Prince Lionheart’s Facebook page, comments got deleted. What was the public’s first thought? Guilt. So Prince Lionheart’s owner and fellow mom, Kelly McConnell, issued a long statement on their page, which included the following:

We are not perfect, and have made mistakes, but we assume responsibility for those mistakes as accountability is something we expect from others, ourselves included. With that said, I already accepted complete responsibility for the hands image, provided an explanation as to how it happened, apologized for the oversight of approval, learned from the mistake, and have already taken the necessary steps to remedy the situation. There’s not much more I can do or say.

With regard to the patent issue, while I realize this is not a field that is familiar to most, the fact of the matter is that the competitor’s application is pending. An application does not mean that the applicant is the first inventor nor that the applicant is deserving of any patent protection, simply that patent protection is sought. The irony in this situation is that Peachy LLC was not the first to file for a patent. Another individual had already filed a patent application previously for a faucet extender, making the same claims, but that was rejected by the US Patent Office.

With regard to the infringement issue, no rights have been infringed, and should the patent office choose to grant a patent, then Prince Lionheart will certainly respect any rights deemed worthy. In the meantime, we ask that we are able to compete fairly on the merits of our product, which is after all, what gives us moms the freedom of choice when we go to the store. Can you imagine only one choice of bottles, wipes, diapers… really anything?

In the comments section below, a user asks if a personal apology was issued to Peachy LLC for the theft of the photos, to which Ms McConnell replies:

A private apology has already been extended to Ms. Lee and corrective action has already been taken on our side.

Great to hear Prince Lionheart have contacted Peachy LLC personally to apologize.

Any momtrepeneurs should take notes from this very important lesson- if you have a great product that you want to release, try to get the patent as quickly as you can.

BUY the Aqueduck Faucet Extender HERE

Today also marks the release of the movie, The Lorax, based on his book. To date their have been three other movies released based on Dr. Seuss books: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Cat in the Hat, and Horton Hears a Who. While nothing is as good as reading his books aloud to your children, here’s a few Dr. Seuss-themed picks that we just can’t resist…what’s your favorite Dr. Seuss book?

How cute are these new lunch bags and water bottles?! Great for school or summer outings. Dr. Seuss Lunch Bag and Water Bottle, $22.50 and 19.50, at potterybarnkids.com.

This bathmat has stolen my heart…and it’s on SALE! Dr. Seuss Bath Mat, $23, at potterybarnkids.com.

A picture says a thousand words…don’t you think?! Dr. Seuss Framed Prints, $59.98, art.com.

What a cute way to count down time…perhaps it will make the day go by faster?! Trend Lab Dr. Seuss “One Fish, Two Fish” Clock, $25.19, at kohls.com.

For storing all your Dr. Suess books and toys…! Trend Lab Dr. Seuss ABC 3 piece Storage Bin Set, $50.34, at kohls.com.

Take your pick of your favorite Converse shoes decorated with Dr. Seuss characters. The hottest one to the shelves because of the movie release is The Lorax shoes. Converse Chuck Taylor Dr. Seuss, $32, at converse.com.

Aura Weavers Muslin Swaddles was designed just for that reason by Shilpi Desai, a mom that wanted to bring the finest materials, chicest prints and the art and tradition of swaddling to her family and to yours. Giving up her high-profile (and stressful!) job to make swaddling her full time job, Shilpi founded Aura Weavers because she believes that swaddling is an art form and can’t be done without the proper muslin material. Made with the finest lightweight muslin that provides a light stretch for swaddling, Aura Weavers is definitely living up to my own expectations.

The back story here is…I live for muslin blankets and use them for everything. Yes, swaddling but beyond that, covering up the stroller during nap time, a cover for nursing in a pinch and laying out on the ground for impromptu park stops. So really, I never go anywhere without one in my diaper bag and one in my car. I always give them as baby gifts and they are always appreciated.

In fact, my little newborn sits swaddled in the bouncer in her Aura Weavers blanket sleeping as I write this and I can’t help but want to order a dozen more blankets because they are the softest muslin blankets I’ve ever used. Yes, really. Usually when you wash a blanket, it loses its softness immediately. Not so with Aura Weavers and just for that, I highly recommend them.

And if you’re not sure how to swaddle, just look at the instructions on the back of the box or visit the user-friendly Web site, AuraWeavers.com, for instructions, tips and tricks to the art of swaddling. Available in packs of 2 or 3, ranging from $29.99 to $39.99, and in both boy, girl and gender neutral prints, you’ll be happy with your purchase…I promise!

Ergobaby, one of the world’s most popular brand baby carriers, recently released a list of online retailers that they state are selling counterfeit Ergos to innocent parents across the world. They were able to compile the list through emails and calls from people who had bought the fake ergo products. You can read the full list of online counterfeit retailers HERE, and Ergobaby state they will update it monthly.

If you are interested in buying an Ergobaby product, please consider the following:

1. When buying in person, be sure that you have checked you are buying from an Ergobaby authorized retailer. You can search for authorized retailers HERE. Please keep in mind that Ergobaby does not authorize sales through Craigslist.

2. When buying online, always check the online authorized retailers list HERE.

3. The only Ebay Ergobaby authorized retailer is Big Blue Castle. Anyone else on ebay is not an authorized online retailer, so do not risk buying from them!

4. If possible, check the workmanship of the product. Ergobaby’s website states “ We take great pride in providing the highest quality Ergobaby® products.” I have an ergo carrier and this is completely true, they are well crafted, and counterfeits often show poor workmanship.

Real Ergobaby products come with the following promise:

“For our authentic products, we can guarantee attentive & personal Customer Service, a 30-day trial period (for undamaged returns) and stellar warranties, services and protections, as well as the ultimate security and safety that an Ergobaby® Carrier provides.”

Be sure to do your research before buying an Ergobaby product, and I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the real thing. Ergo carriers really are worth the money- they are fantastic!

If you or anyone you know believes they have bought a counterfeit Ergobaby product, email counterfeit@ergobaby.com

Have a spring or summer baby on the way? There are many new products coming soon that we know you’ll be excited about. We are! Here are a few of our favorite upcoming 2012 products.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT

The City Mini GT is probably one of the most anticipated strollers for 2012.  It is the beloved City Mini but souped up with forever-air tires, taller seat back, adjustable handlebar, new handbrake and easier access to the basket. This is one stroller to watch out for!  Woot! Woot!

Sneak Peek Video of Baby Jogger City Mini GT

Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double

Baby Jogger Versa

Baby Jogger didn’t stop with the City Mini GT for 2012.  They are bringing out the Versa as well.  This is a luxury stroller with reversible seat that can be folded easily with the seat attached whether it’s forward or parent facing.

Sneak Peek Video of Baby Jogger City Versa

Baby Jogger City Versa

Orbit Baby Double Helix

Orbit Baby will be debuting their first-ever double stroller – the Orbit Baby Double Helix – in Spring 2012. If you thought the G2 was a head turner, wait until the Double Helix.

Sneak Peek video of the Orbit Baby Double Helix

clek Foonf

It’s the car seat with the funny name and hefty price tag.  The Foonf is clek’s first (and highly anticipated!) convertible car seat. This convertible car seat is suitable from 6+ months, has a rear-facing weight limit of 45 lbs and can accommodate a forward-facing rider up to 65 lbs. The seat sports a rigid LATCH system and features clek’s new REACT safety system.  Will it be a game changer?  We’ll wait and see in summer 2012.

 Valco Baby Spark

What we think might be the Valco’s biggest hit of 2012 is the Spark. The Spark will be Valco’s do-it-all stroller. Plus, it comes in a Twin! The stroller seats will not only reversible but will transform into a bassinet. Is that not enough? The stroller can be folded with the seat forward or rear-facing and the twin stroller will allow you to have one seat reversed and one facing-forward or both facing forward or both parent-facing. It will have rear air-filled tires, adjustable handlebar and easy access to basket from both ends. We knew you would like it! The Spark has a projected arrival of June 2012 and will retail around $450 for the single and between $600-$700 for the twin.

Valco Baby Spark

 Valco Baby Zee

First up in 2012 for Valco Baby will be the Zee. The Zee will be Valco’s “hybrid” stroller that is lightweight but also all-terrain. Weighing in at only 18 lbs, this stroller sports front swivel wheels, rear suspension, compact fold, automatic lock, and large canopy. Plus, the Zee will take a bassinet, snack tray, infant car seat (with the adapter) and turn into a double with a Joey Toddler Seat or Hitchhiker riding board.

 Peg Perego Siesta High Chair

Peg Perego is adding a brand new high chair to their family of baby gear in 2012. It’s called the Siesta and it is stocked with features. If you know the Peg Perego Tatamia, it’s very similar EXCEPT it doesn’t have that manual swing option.

The Siesta has a reclining seat, one-handed removable tray, compact fold, wheels to move it here or there, a t-bar (that is connected to the chair NOT the tray!) and an adjustable footrest. Plus, it will come in four fun colors: orange, brown, cream and lime. The Peg Perego Siesta will be available in early 2012. To see the Siesta in action and to check out more new products from Peg for 2012, check out our Sneak Peek Video HERE.

 bloom Zen

The bloom zen will be the newest luxury stroller for the well-to-do.  This amazing stroller has a one-handed retracting fold that makes it the world’s slimmest and simple to move full size stroller. The Zen will start at $799 and will be available in early 2012.

Quinny Moodd

A new luxury stroller from Quinny that has great features and looks cool. We are talking reversible seat, easy open/close, fabulous push, fun colors…and much more. Expected to hit stores in February 2012.

Sneak Peek Video of the Quinny Moodd

 4Moms Breeze

If you want an easy-to-use playard, 4Moms has you covered starting in early summer 2012. It’s called the Breeze because it is seriously the easiest playard to open and close. Grandma-can-do-it-blindfolded-easy!

Sneak Peek Video of the 4Moms Breeze

Bugaboo Snack Tray

If you are a Bugaboo owner and your little rider has been dying for a snack tray, you are in luck. The Bugaboo Snack Tray is available this month and will satisfy those mid-ride munchies. The Snack Tray (cup holder) will replace the belly bar and snap into one side. It will only fit the Cameleon, Frog, Gecko and the Donkey. Sorry, Bee owners – this one isn’t for you! This “tray” can be a single cup holder or you can snap in the second piece for snacks as well.

BabyHome Emotion

Babyhome is ready to take the US stroller market by storm with their Emotion stroller in March 2012. This new-to-the-US company is bringing all their fabulous baby products to the US but we are most excited about the Emotion Stroller. This lightweight (12 lbs!!) stroller will have an easy book fold, large basket, adjustable seat and footrest, easy push AND will come with accessories such as a rain guard, mosquito net and traveller bag!  Sounds like a winner in our book!

At the ABC Kids Expo in Louisville last week, Graco debuted two sit-n-stand strollers (Graco calls it a “Stand and Ride”).  While we don’t have all the specs on the strollers yet (they were out of press kits!), we thought we would give you a sneak peek.

Graco Room for 2

The first stroller is the “Room for 2″.  It is your typical “sit-n-stand” stroller.  Seat in the front for a younger child with a bench and a stand platform in the rear for an older child to sit or stand. The front seat sports an adjustable 5-point harness and a large baby tray with two cup holders and a snack container. The rear of the stroller features a large parent tray and two handles for your rear standing child to hang onto.  I don’t remember how much the Room for 2 will retail for but it’s Graco so you know it will be reasonable.  The only thing that stood out to me about this Sit n Stand stroller is how small the canopy is.  One canopy is supposed to cover both children and it looks too small to sufficiently cover just one.  I just wish Graco had thought more about the size of this canopy.  Canopy size matters! Oh yeah, the Room for 2 also takes an infant car seat in the front.

Graco Ready2Grow

The Ready2Grow is the more deluxe “ride and stand” of the two new Gracos. While the Room for 2 is your typical sit-n-stand (nothing really special), the Ready2Grow has a unique, stand-out feature.  If you have been with us for a while, you would know that we don’t recommend putting a child under the age of 2 1/2 on the rear bench or standing platform on a sit n stand stroller.  We change our story with this stroller though. The rear of the stroller not only has a bench and standing platform but also a removable ”jump seat” with a harness for a smaller child.  That means you can have a smaller child securely strapped in the rear jump seat close to mom (or dad) while another child sits in front. 

The Ready 2 Grow has a huge basket, double canopies (with pop-out sun visors), a big baby tray and a large parent tray.  If that isn’t enough, it has 12 different riding options.  That includes TWO infant car seats at the same time! Talk about versatility for a sit-n-stand (stand and ride)!

We don’t know the retail price on the Ready2Grow or the release date yet.  We will keep you posted.

The City Select 2012 will now be offered in a dark sand color that they will call “Quartz”.  Oh yeah, that Diamond (white) color is out!  I’m guessing too many people thought a white stroller that would soon be covered in dirt, crumbs, juice, and poo (hey, it will happen to you!) was crazy!  So, the white is out and the quartz is in. 

There you go!  You are up-to-date on the Baby Jogger City Select changes for 2012! If you missed our Baby Jogger 2012 Sneak Peek Video that showcased new Baby Jogger strollers for 2012, you can see it HERE.

Baby Jogger City Select 2012 in Quartz

They are keeping the ever-so-popular City Elite Single though!  They are making a few changes for 2012 to make it even better.

Here are the changes:

1. Removable auto lock feature (this will be available on every Baby Jogger stroller in 2012)!  Auto-lock?!?  Baby Jogger, have you been reading our diary??

2. Hand break

3. Lowered U-bar for easier access to storage basket

4. Magnetized kicker avoids the loud rip of the velcro (this is another access point to the storage basket)

5. Black frame gives a tougher look (We told you black frames were hot for 2012!)

6. No more white racing stripes down the hood.  Really?  We thought the stripe made it look sporty but I guess some people didn’t.

7. Available in red, black and sand.

Maclaren adds to their Objects of Design Collection with the Denim Twin Triumph

Due to popular demand, Maclaren created a denim twin stroller to add to their popular Denim Collection.  The Triumph Twin has been given a hip makeover, featuring a chic new look with durable denim fabric which is great for boys or girls.  Denim Twin Triump retails for $300.

SHOP Maclaren Denim Twin Triumph Here

Stroller Details:

Basic Weight: 10.6kg / 23.4lb

Carrying Capacity: Up to 30kg / 110lb (US)

Appropriate From: Birth

Recline: Multiple independent positions with adjusting straps

Wheel Size: 11.4cm / 4.5in

Hood

Two independent square hoods

UV protective viewing windows