BABIES "R" US INVITES EXPECTANT MOMS AND AREA HOSPITALS TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH "FIRST BABY OF THE YEAR" SWEEPSTAKES First Baby of 2007 To Be Awarded $25,000 Savings Bond, While Delivering Hospital Can Expect $10,000 Pre-Natal Education Grant Wayne, NJ - October 2, 2006 - Celebrating the stork's first delivery in 2007, Babies "R" Us, the nation's premier baby products retailer, is calling all expectant New Year's moms and hospitals to register for the "First Baby of the Year" sweepstakes. Courtesy of Babies "R" Us, babies of registered moms-to-be with a due date on or around January 1, will be eligible to win a grand prize savings bond worth $25,000. The hospital that delivers the "First Baby of the Year" will receive a $10,000 pre-natal education grant. In addition to the grand-prize, a $100 Babies "R" Us gift basket will be awarded to each mother who delivers the first baby born at each registered hospital. From now until December 27, expectant moms and hospitals may enter the sweepstakes at www.firstbabyoftheyear.com. According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, an average of 8,000 live births occur in the U.S. on January 1 each year. In 2005, the Babies "R" Us "First Baby of the Year" sweepstakes garnered 1,071 registered moms, while 626 baby gift baskets were delivered to moms at hospitals across the country. "As THE baby authority on everything from baby safety to baby's first Christmas, Babies "R" Us delivers an exciting opportunity for parents expecting a New Year's baby to celebrate their new arrival," said Susan Montecallo, Vice President, Marketing, Babies "R" Us. "With our 'First Baby of the Year' sweepstakes, one lucky family will get a head start on their baby's financial future, while the community benefits from our pre-natal education grant, ensuring healthier babies and safer deliveries." The grand prize will be awarded in early January after birth verification. Gift baskets will be awarded the first day the stork delivers at each registered hospital on or around January 1. There is no purchase necessary to enter. For complete rules and registration visit www.firstbabyoftheyear.com. About Babies "R" Us Babies "R" Us is the nation's premier baby products retailer and specialty store chain and a leader in the juvenile industry. Since opening its first store in Westbury, NY in early 1996, the company has grown to 245 locations nationwide. Babies "R" Us features a wide selection of products for newborns and infants, including cribs and furniture, car seats, strollers, formula, diapers, health and beauty aids, bedding, clothing for preemies through size 48 months, toys, and plenty of gift ideas in store and online at www.babiesrus.com.