Chicco

Introducing The NEW Cortina Together Double Stroller

After years of research and development, Chicco is thrilled to introduce the new Cortina Together double stroller. For the first time, Chicco is offering a front-to-back double stroller that accepts one OR two KeyFit/KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seats.

Chicco's double stroller will be available in stores this April (Babies “R” Us and BuyBuyBaby) in the fashionable Fuego, Romantic and Cubes patterns. For more information, check out www.cortinatogether.com

Kidde

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws Result from Family Tragedies
By Kidde R&C

To date, 25 U.S. states, as well as several large municipalities, have laws passed or pending to require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in residences. Yet, look beyond the numbers, and you’ll find heartache and bravery. You’ll hear from families spurred by tragedy to make a difference.

People like Cheryl Burt, Tom Julia, Maria Dempsey and Barbara Bertot. They come from different cities, different areas, but all are on the same personal quest to stop a Silent Killer.

Each has experienced firsthand the tragic result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Minnesota resident Cheryl Burt lost two sons to CO poisoning, while Maria Dempsey’s sister, Caroline, died while on a ski trip in Aspen with her family. Caroline Lofgren’s husband and two children died as well. When an off-campus Virginia Tech apartment building filled with carbon monoxide, Tom Julia’s daughter, Kristin, died, and 19 others were injured. Florida resident Barbara Bertot lost her teenage daughter, Janelle, to CO poisoning as well.

Each will tell you that a simple device – a CO alarm – may have saved their loved ones from death or severe illness, so all are demanding change. Their voices, along with advocates from fire departments, public health and safety organizations, have asked lawmakers to make their communities safer.

Federal and State lawmakers are listening. In addition to half of the U.S. states either requiring or considering a CO alarm requirement, the International Residential Code (IRC) Council voted in March 2009 in favor of adopting a code that requires the installation of CO alarms in newly constructed one- and two-family dwellings. In December, a subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee heard testimony for Senate Bill 1216, the “Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act.” Sponsored by Senator Amy Klobachar (D-MN), S 1216 would require all carbon monoxide alarms sold in the U.S. to comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034, the third-party independent standard to which manufacturers test and list their alarms. Currently, listing a CO alarm to this standard is voluntary, although most states with laws requiring residential CO alarms mandate that they meet UL 2034.

Safe Kids coalitions and chapters have been influential in pre- and post-legislative awareness efforts, particularly in North Carolina, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and New York. While many of these states help with education to get bills passed, New York coalitions and chapters are currently engaging in a multi-faceted awareness campaign about the new law by encouraging families to purchase carbon monoxide alarms and take steps to prevent CO poisoning.

Recent industry and independent surveys show that CO alarm usage in homes has almost doubled in the past six years, from 27% in 2003 to 50% in 2009. Yet, carbon monoxide remains the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This odorless, invisible gas claims 500 lives and sends another 20,000 to emergency departments each year, according to the CDC.

Cheryl, Tom, Maria, Barbara and so many others remain on a quest to ensure every home has at least one CO alarm. It’s a quest to remind lawmakers and officials how simple prevention can save lives, and one that they hope will keep others from suffering senseless tragedies.

Toys"R"Us

TOYS"R"US, U.S. LAUNCHES FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN TO HELP AUTISM SPEAKS SOLVE THE AUTISM PUZZLE

Company Identifies "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism" and Introduces Safe Play Tips for Children on the Autism Spectrum


WAYNE, NJ (February 25, 2010)– Toys"R"Us, U.S. today announced that its fundraising campaign to benefit Autism Speaks will begin Sunday, February 28 and continue through Friday, April 30. Throughout the campaign, monetary donations will be collected at all Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. Autism Speaks is the nation's leading organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

"Autism impacts countless families, including those of our customers and employees," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "As a company that loves kids, we are proud to lend our support once again to help Autism Speaks find the missing pieces of the autism puzzle by raising money and awareness for this disorder."

Skill-Building Toys and Safe Play Tips
As part of this philanthropic initiative, Toys"R"Us has created several programs to help parents and caregivers of children with autism. The company collaborated with Autism Speaks and the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making play accessible for children with disabilities, to identify toys that can help little ones with autism develop language, creativity and social skills, among others, while playing alongside siblings and friends. The "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism," a special subset of the annual Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, provides toy suggestions specifically for families and friends of children with autism.

Research shows that children with cognitive, emotional or social limitations, including those with autism, are more prone to accidental injuries. With guidance from leading safety organizations and Autism Speaks, the Safe Play Tips are relevant for children with autism. These tips include:
• Avoid Trigger Toys: Opt for toys that have volume control for children who are adversely affected by loud noises.
• Read Labels for Ability: Choose toys that correspond with a child's learning level rather than merely matching a toy with his/her actual age.
• Never Leave a Child Unsupervised: It is especially critical that a child with special needs is properly supervised by an adult or trusted caregiver at all times.
"The "R"Us family and its customers have continually opened their hearts to support Autism Speaks in its mission to advocate for the nearly 750,000 children on the autism spectrum in this country," said Mark Roithmayr, President of Autism Speaks. "Toys"R"Us, Inc. is such a valued partner, and we are excited about the fundraising potential of this year's program."

Comprehensive information about the 2010 campaign is available on the company's dedicated website, Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. The "Ten Toys That Speak To Autism" and a full list of Safe Play Tips can be found here, as well as a blog titled "Speaking About Autism," which offers updates and information throughout the nine-week fundraising effort. The website, as well as campaign signage in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores, features the "Faces of Autism," a striking series of portraits highlighting children with autism taken by photographer Thomas Balsamo.

Walking the Walk for Autism Speaks
In addition to the fundraising campaign, Toys"R"Us is kicking off its national sponsorship of Walk Now for Autism Speaks, a year-long series of more than 80 walk events in communities throughout North America. Teams of regional employees will walk alongside the company's iconic mascot Geoffrey the Giraffe and individuals with autism, their families and friends to raise money and awareness.

All funds raised in Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores, online and through the Walk Now for Autism Speaks events will go directly to Autism Speaks to support research and advocacy efforts. Earlier this month, the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund kicked off the 2010 campaign by providing a $400,000 grant to Autism Speaks. Customers who donate $10 or more to Autism Speaks at any Toys"R"Us or Babies"R"Us store in the U.S. will receive a colorful floral-themed reusable shopping bag designed by a talented artist with autism, James Hogarth, while supplies last.

Since the partnership launched in 2007, Toys"R"Us, Inc., the Toys"R"Us Children's Fund and customer contributions have combined to provide Autism Speaks with more than $5.5 million. Last year's in-store and online fundraising campaign raised more than $1.9 million for Autism Speaks. This year, for the first time, Toys"R"Us, Canada will lend its support to the cause by collecting donations in its nearly 70 stores and online at Toysrus.ca.

About Autism
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. It currently sells merchandise in more than 1,550 stores, including 849 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States, and more than 700 international stores in 33 countries, consisting of both licensed and franchised stores. In addition, it owns and operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com, FAO.com and babyuniverse.com, it provides shoppers with an unparalleled online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception only five short years ago, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $131 million to research and developing innovative new resources for families through 2014. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks also supports the Autism Treatment Network, Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 and an award-winning "Learn the Signs" campaign with the Ad Council which has received over $200 million in donated media. Autism Speaks' family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a community grant program and much more. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government's response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.