Date: December 22nd 2003

Baby Bargains E-News: New 5.1 version debuts, Revised booster seat report, Right Start, Combi, Canalli, Monitors, Kate Spade stroller, 8 RECALLS


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BABY & TODDLER BARGAINS NEWS UPDATE: December 22, 2003
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY BARGAINS and TODDLER BARGAINS
http://www.BabyBargainsBook.com
December 22, 2003
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In this email:
1. New 5.1 version of BABY BARGAINS debuts—updated to include 2004 model info.
2. Revised booster seat report now available.
3. Right Start finds buyer? Sale continues.
4. Combi moving to South Carolina
5. Consumer alert: Canalli troubles result in ratings downgrade
6. Consumer Reports reviews baby monitors in January 2004 issue
7. Maclaren details Kate Spade stroller
8. SAFETY ALERT! RECALLS: New recall site, chalk, Meijer kid’s jackets, Merit bunk beds, Fisher Price scooters/mini-bikes, Target sidewalk chalk, Safeline Sit N Stroll


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Hi folks! Seasons greetings from the folks here at Baby Bargains! As always, our little elves are working around the clock to get you the latest info on baby gear. Here’s the latest updates:

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1. New 5.1 version of BABY BARGAINS debuts—updated to include 2004 model info.

The brand new 5.1 version of BABY BARGAINS is now available! This update includes the latest 2004 model info for strollers, car seats, high chairs and more. We’ve also updated prices, web sites and more throughout the book!

Special deal: order the new 5.1 version of Baby Bargains and our newest best-seller, Baby 411 for just $27.97 and get FREE shipping! Such a deal. You save $5. Order here:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform14.html

Here’s a quick Q&A on the new version:

• What’s the difference between 5.0 and 5.1?

5.0 was released in April 2003 and contains 2003 model info. The new 5.1 version was just printed this month (December 2003) and has 2004 info. The biggest changes are with strollers, car seats and high chairs, but we try to update model and price info throughout the book to reflect what will be the best buys in 2004.

• When will 5.1 be in bookstores? How can I tell the difference between the two books?

5.1 will be in bookstores in January (but we are starting to sell it directly from our web site now). To tell which version you have, check the bottom of the copyright page. Bookstores will sell through their 5.0 stock before they get 5.1—so not all stores will stock 5.1 immediately. FYI: Both books have the same (red) cover, so the only way you can tell the difference is the version number on the bottom of the copyright page.

• Why not come out with an entire new edition?

We update the book with a new edition every two years. Hence, the 6th edition of BABY BARGAINS won’t be out until Spring 2005. However, we realize readers want the very latest and greatest info on baby gear. So, when we go back to press in between editions, we try to keep the book current. A new edition entails a more comprehensive update, while the new “version” (5.1) is designed more as an interim update. Hope that explains it!

To order the 5.1 version of Baby Bargains, go here:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform14.html


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2. Revised booster seat report now available.

As if the new version of our book wasn’t enough, we’ve also updated the Booster Seat Special Report. Read about the latest models, including Britax’s newest booster. We review and rate all the newest booster car seats. This report reflects a change in our recommendations, given the newest models that are now available on the market.

Get the new report one of two ways:

1. Download it as a PDF for $4.95 here:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/boosters.html

2. Order a print copy delivered by mail for $4.95 (including shipping) here:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform14.html

FYI: This report will appear as a chapter in our revised 2nd edition of Toddler Bargains, which will be released in April 2004. We realize that some of you can’t wait (when you need a booster car seat, you need one!), so the report will be available before the actual book comes out.

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3. Right Start finds buyer? Sale continues.


FAO Inc. the parent of Right Start and Zany Brainy, filed for bankruptcy again last month and put its Right Start chain up for sale. News reports say there is a new buyer for 34 of the 38 Right Start stores; a hearing set for today (Dec 23) will determine the chains fate.

Meanwhile, the liquidation sale at Right Start continues. Readers report discounts are now reaching 30% or more.

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4. Combi moving to South Carolina

Stroller maker Combi will be pulling up stakes in Illinois and moving to South Carolina, says a source close to the company. Along with the move is a management change—Combi will soon have a new president and director of marketing.

Combi’s new U.S. management are veterans of Graco. So, you can probably guess what to expect when it comes to new models. Combi plans to release new strollers in the second half of 2004. We’ll pass along those details when we get ‘em!


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5. Consumer alert: Canalli troubles result in ratings downgrade

Canalli, the crib maker reviewed in Chapter 2, is having problems meeting demand—as a result, deliveries are running behind and we’ve received complaints from readers about customer service and more. Given the current situation, we are lowering Canalli’s rating by a letter grade to a “B.” We will continue to monitor the situation, but at this time we do not give this brand (nor its Crib & Teen City retailer) our highest ratings.

If you have already ordered Canalli furniture, we’d suggest you stay in close contact with the company to confirm delivery dates.

If you are considering buying Canalli, we’d suggest only buying floor samples or in stock merchandise (that is, not special ordering furniture) at this point. We want Canalli to work through these problems before we’d suggest special ordering again.

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6. Consumer Reports reviews baby monitors in January issue

In their January 2004 issue, Consumer Reports will review and rate monitors---the first time they’ve done this in quite a while. The surprise: First Years monitors came out on top. Given parent feedback (just look at their reviews on Babies R Us, which mirrors our own internal research), we found that to be surprising. First Years monitors are among the biggest complaint-getters in our monitor research. By contrast, we think the fisher Price and Philips monitors are better. Alas, Consumer Reports didn’t rate Philips (and gave Fisher Price their lowest rating). Go figure.

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7. Maclaren to debut Kate Spade stroller

What will fashionable New Yorkers be pushing down the aisles of Zabar’s next spring? We’d put our money on Maclaren’s newest Kate Spade stroller. We learned details about this new model from a source close to Maclaren, so here’s the scoop.

The Kate Spade stroller will be done on the Quest model frame and sport Spade’s fashion imprint—black with ivory polka dots and a green accent on the inside hood. Price: $299.

Look for it in Zabar’s starting in spring.


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8. SAFETY ALERT! RECALLS: New recall site, chalk, Meijer kid’s jackets, Merit bunk beds, Fisher Price scooters/mini-bikes, Target sidewalk chalk, Safeline Sit N Stroll



This email contains the following information:

1. CPSC Chairman Warns Holiday Shoppers about Hazardous Recalled Toys
-- New Federal Web Site Launched -- www.Recalls.gov
2. CPSC, Toys "R" Us, Inc. Announce Recall of Solid-colored and Multi-
colored Sidewalk Chalk

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2003
Release # 04-037 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Contact: Nychelle Fleming (301) 504-7063
or Kim Dulic (301) 504-7058

CPSC Chairman Warns Holiday Shoppers about Hazardous Recalled Toys
-- New Federal Web Site Launched -- www.Recalls.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Hal Stratton today warned holiday season gift buyers to be on the lookout for recently recalled toys and children's products that pose serious safety threats to youngsters. To provide consumers easier access to all recall announcements, Chairman Stratton also announced the launch of a new federal government inter-agency Web site -- www.Recalls.gov.

"Before purchasing or giving any gift, particularly one intended for a child, double-check to make sure it does not pose a hazard," Stratton said. "Visit CPSC's Web site to determine if it has been recalled. Another option is to go to the easy-to-remember Web address www.Recalls.gov. It's a 'one-stop shop' for the latest information on all federal government recalls."

The new www.Recalls.gov site provides links to all federal agencies with statutory authority to issue recalls, including CPSC, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Visitors can easily find information about all federal government recalls -- regardless of the jurisdiction of the agency or the nature of the recall.

"We're confident visitors will find www.Recalls.gov to be a convenient portal to important safety information covering consumer goods, automobiles, boats, drugs, cosmetics and environmental products," Stratton said. "I want to thank our federal partners, including the General Services Administration, which manages www.firstgov.gov, for their cooperation. I also want to acknowledge many corporate and trade association partners for their efforts to make Americans aware of www.Recalls.gov (list of partners). By working together, we can save countless lives and prevent injuries," Stratton said.

While considering product safety when shopping for new gift items, Stratton also urged Americans to examine older toys and products in their possession that can pose hazards. He urged operators of daycare centers and thrift stores to be especially vigilant in removing previously recalled items such as older baby cribs, baby walkers, and high chairs from their premises.

Consumers can get the list of recalled toys and children's products by going to the CPSC Web site, www.cpsc.gov, or by calling toll-free (800) 638-2772.


The following safety tips will help consumers choose appropriate toys:


* Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.

* For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.

* Look for sturdy construction on plush toys, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.

* Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, especially for children under age 8.

* Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8.

* Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.

* Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.

* Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become deadly playthings. Plastic wrappings can cause suffocation.

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Toy and Child Product Recall Round-Up: November 25, 2003
This is a selected list of recalled toys and children's products.
Visit CPSC's web site for a complete list of recalls: www.cpsc.gov



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For Immediate Release Company Phone Number: (866) 274-6340
November 24, 2003 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Release # 04-038 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Toys "R" Us, Inc. Announce Recall of Solid-colored and Multi-
colored Sidewalk Chalk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced
voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should
stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
(To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's
Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: Multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk.
Units: 50,000 packages
Manufacturer/Importer: Manufactured by Agglo Corporation, Hong Kong
(China), and imported by Toys "R" Us, Inc., Paramus, NJ.
Hazard: The multi-colored and solid-colored sidewalk chalk contains high
levels of lead, posing a risk of poisoning to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: None.
Description: The sidewalk chalk is packaged in a clear-plastic
backpack-type carrying case with these words on the label: "Chalk To
Go...Totally Me!...24 pieces, sidewalk chalk in different colors, fun
chalk shapes." The label on the package also says "Conforms to ASTM-
D4236." The sidewalk chalk comes in several shapes: butterfly, spider,
ice cream cone, bottle, cylinder, and triangular stick. The chalk
pieces are solid-colored or multi-colored, including red, blue, green,
yellow, and purple.
Sold at: The sidewalk chalk was sold at Toys "R" Us stores nationwide
from March 2003 to November 2003 for about $4.99 per package.
Remedy: Return the sidewalk chalk to Toys "R" Us for a refund.
Consumer Contact: Consumers may call toll-free on (866) 274-6340 24-
hours-a-day Monday through Friday or visit the Toys "R" Us Web site:
www.toysrusinc.com.

To see a photo of the recalled item, please use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04038.html




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For Immediate Release Meijer Recall Hotline: (866) 280-8419
November 24, 2003 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800)
638-2772
Release #04-036 CPSC Media Contact: Nychelle Fleming
(301) 504-7063

CPSC, Meijer Inc. Announce Recall of Children's Jackets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is voluntarily
recalling about 7,500 children's jackets. These jackets have hood
drawstrings. Children can get entangled and strangle in the drawstrings

that catch on objects, including playground equipment, fences and tree
branches. CPSC knows of numerous deaths from neck/hood drawstrings. To

help prevent children from strangling by their clothing drawstrings, in
1996 CPSC issued guidelines for drawstrings on children's outerwear,
which were subsequently incorporated into a voluntary standard.
Meijer has not received any reports of incidents. This recall
is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled Falls Creek Army Flight Jackets are for boys size 4
through 7 and 8 through 18, as well as toddlers sizes 2T through 5T.
These jackets are made of blue or olive nylon fabric and are decorated
with assorted patriotic patches on the sleeves, chest and back. The
hood is bordered with synthetic brown and tan fur. These jackets were
manufactured in Korea.

Meijer stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky
sold the jackets from July 2003 through October 2003 for between $26 and
$33.

Consumers should stop their children from wearing the jacket
immediately and contact Meijer toll-free at (866) 280-8419 anytime or
log on to their Web site at www.meijer.com for information on how to
return the jacket for a full refund. Parents also can remove the
drawstring, which will make the jacket safe for children to wear.

To see a picture of the recalled product, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04036.html


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2003
Release # 04-034 Company Phone Number: (800) 233-1778
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Merit Furniture Distributors Announce Recall of Bunk Beds

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Merit Bunk Beds

Units: 524

Importer: Merit Furniture Distributors, Inc., Brooklyn, NY

Hazard: The bunk beds have openings between the guardrails and in the
end structures that are too large. A child's body could slide between
the openings and could become trapped by the head, posing a serious
strangulation hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Merit has not received any reports of incidents.
This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Description: The "twin over twin" bunk beds involve model #DLM550,
#DLM160, and #860. The wooden recalled bunk beds are labeled with the
"Merit" name and specific model numbers on the top front railing system
of the bunk beds.

Sold at: Furniture stores nationwide sold the bunk beds from May 2002
through August 2003 for about $150

Manufactured in: Brazil.

Remedy: Consumers should contact Merit for information on how to return
their bunk bed and receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Merit at (800) 233-1778 between 8 a.m. and 4:30
p.m. PT Monday through Friday or log on the company's Web site at
www.meritfurnituredistributors.com

Media Contact: Brad Sobel at (718) 922-6090

To see a picture of the recalled item, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04034.html


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This email contains the following information:

1. CPSC, Fisher-Price Announce Recall of Scooters and Mini Bikes
2. CPSC, Target Corporation Announce Recall of Multicolored Sidewalk
Chalk

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For Immediate Release Fisher Price Recall Hotline: (800) 528-7153
November 13, 2003 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Release #04-031 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross (301) 504-7076
Fisher-Price Media Contact: Laurie Oravec (716) 687-3395

CPSC, Fisher-Price Announce Recall of Scooters and Mini Bikes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, (CPSC), Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, N.Y., is voluntarily
recalling about 30,000 electric scooters and about 55,000 electric mini
bikes. The motor control circuits can malfunction causing the scooters
and mini bikes to continue to run after the power or throttle button is
released, posing a risk of injury to children.
Fisher-Price has received 56 reports of incidents with the
scooters, including one report of a chipped tooth and one report of a
broken arm. Fisher-Price has received 24 reports of incidents involving
the mini bike, including one report of a leg laceration.

The recalled Lightning PAC Scooters and MX3 Mini Bikes are
battery powered ride-on toys designed for children ages six years and older. The product names are located on the side of the toy. The recalled
scooters and mini bikes have model numbers of 73530 (Lightning PAC) or
73535 and B2222 (MX3 Mini Bike), which can be found inside the battery
compartment. The recalled toys were manufactured in China.

Mass merchants and toy stores nationwide sold scooters between
November 2001 and October 2003 for about $250 and sold mini bikes
between May 2003 and September 2003 for about $200.

Consumers should take the toy vehicle(s) away from children
immediately and contact Fisher-Price at (800) 528-7153 anytime or log on
to www.service.mattel.com to receive information on how to have their
toys serviced for free at a certified Power Wheels Service Center. The
Service Centers will make modifications to the toy vehicles' circuitry.

Use this link to see a picture of the recalled item:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04031.html

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For Immediate Release Target Phone Number: (800)
440-0680
November 13, 2003 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800)
638-2772
Release # 04-032 CPSC Media Contact:
(301) 504-7908

CPSC, Target Corporation Announce Recall of Multicolored Sidewalk Chalk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced
voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should
stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
(To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's
Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: Multicolored Sidewalk Chalk
Units: 26,000 packages
Manufacturer/Importer: Manufactured by Agglo Corporation, Hong Kong and
imported by Target Corporation, Minneapolis, Minn.
Manufactured in: China
Hazard: The multicolored sidewalk chalk contains high levels of lead,
posing a risk of poisoning to young children. The Wisconsin Department
of Health tested the chalk and identified the lead in the chalk.
Incidents/Injuries: none
Description: The sidewalk chalk is packaged in plastic that is molded
to five sticks of chalk and a cardboard backing that is labeled "Double
Dipp'n Fun." Each stick of chalk is triangular shaped and multicolored,
with three colors layered together (green, red, yellow, or blue). This
recall does not affect solid color chalk sold in the same packaging.
Sold from: The sidewalk chalk was sold at Target stores from March 2003
to July 2003 for about $1 per package.
Remedy: Consumers should return the multicolored sidewalk chalk to
Target stores for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Target Corporation at (800) 440-0680 between 7 am
and 6 pm CT, Monday through Friday, or go to the company's Web site at
www.target.com

Use this link to see a picture of the recalled item:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04032.html

####################################

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November 19 , 2003

Safeline Kids Has Recalled Sit‘n’Stroll child restraint

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: November 10, 2003
Contact: Sherri Webb
Telephone: 801-571-6250


Bluffdale, Utah – Safeline Kids, Inc. is performing a voluntary informational recall of approximately 10,495 units of the Sit‘n’Stroll child restraint, model #2003, manufactured between September 1, 2002 and October 21, 2003, for the following reason. When the Sit’n’Stroll model #2003 is secured in the vehicle using the lower forward-facing belt path (previously recommended for children who weigh between 20 and 28 pounds and are less than 33 inches tall) or when the shoulder and buckle pads included with the restraint are used, forces during a crash could cause the child’s head to move forward further than allowed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213. Shoulder and buckle pads may interfere with the ability to adequately snug the harness around the child.

No reports of incidents or injuries have been received. Owners are asked to discontinue using and discard the shoulder and buckle pads provided with the Sit’n’Stroll model #2003. Owners are also instructed to ensure that only the upper forward-facing belt path is used when the Sit’n’Stroll is secured forward-facing in the vehicle with children who weigh between 20 and 40 pounds.

A replacement label and revised instruction manual will be sent to all affected owners who returned a registration card to Safeline Kids, Inc. The revised labels and instruction manuals have a revision date of 10/03. The new label and manual will automatically be sent to the owners within the next two weeks.

Parents should continue to use this product, but must remove and discard the shoulder and buckle pads and use only the upper forward-facing belt path. If you have any questions regarding this informational recall, please contact Safeline Kids toll free at 800-829-1625 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. MST Monday through Thursday or between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. MST Friday, email the Company at service@safelinekids.com or write to 14881 S. Concord Park Drive, Suite 2, Bluffdale, UT 84065, USA. Upon request, replacement labels and instruction manuals will also be available for retailers, child passenger safety organizations, child passenger safety technicians and other interested parties.

===============

That’s the news from here! Have a happy holiday and new year! Thanks again for reading our books,

--
Alan & Denise Fields, authors
BABY BARGAINS * BABY 411 * TODDLER BARGAINS * BRIDAL BARGAINS * CYBERBRIDE * YOUR NEW HOUSE
Web: www.windsorpeak.com.
Email: authors@windsorpeak.com
Phone: 303-442-8792
Address: Windsor Peak Press, 436 Pine Street, Boulder, CO 80302

--
The readers speak! Check out our new message boards for our books at:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php

--
We have a brand new book for parents! It's called Baby 411---think of it as the ultimate FAQ for new moms and dads! Check it out here: http://www.Baby411.com








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