Zutano Announces Support of Premature Babies Worldwide With Donation of Sales From Popular Itzy Bitzy Online Boutique at Shop.Zutano.com

Zutano, the Vermont-based designer of children's clothing, has announced that 5% of sales from their successful web boutique featuring Itzy Bitzy, its premier line of newborn and preemie clothing specially designed to fit newborn babies in their first days of life, will be earmarked for The March of Dimes.

This month The March of Dimes has released shocking numbers with regard to premature birth. According to figures gathered by the World Health Organization, 13 million infants are born prematurely each year globally. North America trails second behind Africa as a continent with astronomical premature birth rates. In North America alone, 10.6 percent of babies born are pre-term, with more than 480,000 pre-term births.

"These numbers are staggering," says Uli Belenky, founder and designer of Zutano clothing. "Our Itzy Bitzy line is inspired by tiny babies. Their beauty and spirit is reflected in our bright, exuberant colors that sit side by side with outspoken graphics that include images of a child's landscape -- little dogs, tractors, colorful gardens, snails and toys. We are so grateful that the success of this line will allow us to make this commitment to The March of Dimes, which has had such a positive impact worldwide to help pre-term babies."

Zutano's Itzy Bitzy line, launched in March of 2009, has tripled since its inception and now accounts for 10% of the company's overall business. "The Itzy Bitzy line was launched to fulfill a real need for parents of small babies," says Michael Belenky, founder and president of Zutano. "There were very few options for clothing on the market that properly fit smaller infants. A line with such style and detail did not exist. Clearly, the success of this line in a few short months proves that it is meeting a vital need."

Most of Zutano's Itzy Bitzy pieces have 'easy access' points, as many premature babies may have various medical devices or IVs attached. Each piece of clothing has a loving message printed on its tag to welcome a newborn into the world. Each garment is made of 100% cotton Interlock.

Shop.zutano.com showcases the Itzy Bitzy collection, which is available in two sizes to fit preemies (4-8 lbs) and newborns (9-13 lbs). Featuring Zutano's fun, colorful prints, the Itzy Bitzy collection is organized according to a print family. The pieces are designed to ease the task of dressing newborn babies and include kimono wrap-tops and wrap onesies in both long and short-sleeve. The Itzy Bitzy line also features popular layette items including receiving gowns, footie sleepers, newborn hats and socks.

Zutano, one of the most influential brands in children's fashion, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2009. Zutano is a category leader for design innovation and is a solid example of a sustainable global business based in the hills of Cabot, Vermont. Zutano was founded by Uli and Michael Belenky in 1989. Zutano is now available at more than 1,500 gift and specialty boutiques and retailers worldwide as well as on the web at select e-tailers and the Zutano e-boutique. New York's famed FAO Schwarz houses a 500-sq ft. Zutano boutique which carries the entire line of sweet and sophisticated designs.