Kind + Jugend 2016: Our opinion on the most important trends and innovations
There were more than 22,000 visitors and 1204 exhibitors on around 100,000 square metres at the Kind + Jugend 2016 trade fair in Cologne. It all sounds like a lot, and it was! But what was really new and what really blew the product managers away?
Together with the product managers from the baby sector, I went to Kind + Jugend 2016 to find out about the latest trends for you. You already know a lot of things and the number of exhibitors doesn't exactly make it easy to prioritise. So the Innovation Award ceremony came at just the right time. Various products from different categories are nominated here. The awards have been presented for 12 years for exceptional products that are presented at the trade fair for the first time and will go on sale in the coming season. We have taken a closer look at this year's winners.
Innovation Award - The winners and what the products are good for
World of Kids Care
The Feeding Bottle from nanobébé heats breast milk three times faster than any other baby bottle and retains all the nutrients that are important for the newborn.
Comment Ümmü Baskin (Product Manager Baby): I don't think the product is that innovative. For example, we have had the Yoomi brand's self-heating bottles in our range for some time now. These heat milk to the natural temperature of breast milk in 60 seconds and are protected against overheating. This preserves the nutrients in the milk.
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World of Kids Furniture
The Familings Rocking Baby Mattress from Finnish manufacturer Familing OY is a mattress that gently rocks the child to sleep with a special up-and-down movement.
Comment Anna Loffreda (Product Manager Baby): We think it's a great product and are looking into adding it to our range. However, the baby should also learn to fall asleep without much stimulation.
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World of Kids Safety at Home
The Motorola brand's Smart Nursery digital product series offers the networking of numerous devices: from a camera and scales to a humidifier and a music box.
Comment from Sina Harms (Leader Product Marketing Non Digital): A trend that we have also observed with the "Miniland" and "babymoov" brands. One app connects and controls several devices. An exciting topic that we have recognised as an important trend for us in the baby sector.
World of Textiles
The Insect Shield Grobag offers optimum protection against insects thanks to its specially developed material as a sleeping bag.
Comment from Anna Loffreda (Product Manager Baby): Great product to add to our range.
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World of Toys
The cuddly Whisbear from the Polish company "Whisbear Sp. zo.o" has an integrated speaker that simulates a humming sound similar to what babies hear in the womb. Its magnetic feet allow it to be attached almost anywhere.
Comment Ümmü Baskin (Product Manager Baby): We are also convinced of this great product and will add it to our range as soon as possible.
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World of Moving Kids
The easy-to-fold Omnio pushchair scored points with its innovative front wheel design, which makes it easier to steer on rough terrain
Comment Ümmü Baskin (Product Manager Baby): Basically, I think the idea of the product is good. The buggy is more suitable for a walk in the countryside. However, it also has a high price for a second pushchair. Nevertheless, I am convinced by this product and would like to add it to the range.
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World of Moving Kids & Travelling Kids Accessories
The BedBox from Norwegian manufacturer JETKIDS LTD is a travelling suitcase for children from 0 to 7 years old, which they can sit on and move around in. It turns into an aeroplane bed in just a few simple steps
Comment from Anna Loffreda (Product Manager Baby): An interesting product especially for frequent travellers.
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World of Travelling Kids
The AxissFix Air child car seat from the Dutch company Dorel Juvenile (Maxi-Cosi/BébéConfort) offers comprehensive protection for the child with its integrated airbags, is i-Size compatible and can be rotated 360 degrees.
Comment Ümmü Baskin (Product Manager Baby): This really is an innovation. I think every new development in the area of safety is exemplary. The product will definitely be added to our range.
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A trend that convinces us: apps that accompany you and your baby from pregnancy to toddlerhood
For example, the app that controls various devices such as baby food cookers and baby monitors from one brand and allows parents to save their own memories in the form of photos and data. The Miniland and babymoov brands have convincing approaches. The Miniland app, for example, can be linked to a device that allows the baby's sounds to be heard when it is still in the mother's womb. The development of size, weight and much more is saved so that all reminders and information are stored in the app. The brand's products are expected to be available to order from November.
Personal highlights of the baby team:
Giuseppe LoGrasso (Category Manager Baby + Toys):
I was most impressed by the changing unit toy from Tiny Love. It was nominated for the "Toys World-Innovation" award. It's 2016 and I'm really surprised that it's only now that someone has come up with the idea of keeping a child occupied with a toy while it's being changed. So simple and yet so "new".
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Anna Loffreda (Product Manager Baby):
I can't decide on one highlight. There were so many beautiful new accessories and decorative items for babies on show that it's hard to decide. One of my highlights is the furniture for babies that grows with them, which can be used until they are very young. The Roba brand, for example, has great concepts here, such as the changing table that becomes a desk:
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Ümmü Baskin (Product Manager Baby):
I was blown away by the new Quinny pushchair range, which was created in collaboration with Rachel Zoe. I think the pram is very stylish, especially the gold details and the colour combination of black with a white frame. It's even more beautiful live than in the photo. The fabrics are soft, almost cosy. A beautiful and practical changing bag rounds off the package. For me, the perfect combination of style and quality.
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Seaside child. Close to nature. Dog lover.