Webcasts Deliver Babies, E-Commerce To Parents, Family & Friends

Illinois' Evanston Hospital today becomes the thirtieth hospital-and the only one in the state-to roll out live interactive webcasts of newborns and their parents in a service provided by BabyPressConference.com. The New York-based company, which sets up onsite studios to shoot and deliver streaming video to family and friends over the Internet, has signed up more than 80 hospitals for the free-to-parents service, since it launched in March. The company's Web site also delivers content and shopping geared to new and expectant parents. ToysRUs.com, whose BabiesRUs store is featured on the site along with online offerings from brands such as the Vermont Teddy Bear Co. and the Virtual Florist, is a key investor.