Online4baby’s Managing Director Christy Foster is looking ahead to the upcoming Kind + Jugend in September and why this is such an important event in their yearly calender.
Pramland’s John Barker is feeling con dent that the economy is showing signs of improvement. Here he gives his thoughts on ‘discount codes’ online and his current headaches and the valuable time spent so far battling a current consumer court claim.
editor’s letter
Welcome to the August issue where we place focus on products which are available to order across a variety of categories including gifts and compact folds whilst we also shine the spotlight on feeding products.
This month features our regular columnists Pramland’s John Barker (Barking Mad page 22) and Online4baby’s Christy Foster (Retail Matters page 21). John is getting his head round ‘discount codes’ and also the recent headaches caused by an ongoing consumer complaint to Trading Standards, while Christy is firmly focussing on the upcoming Kind + Jugend event in Cologne.
Talking of Kind + Jugend, this year is looking good, with nearly 1,000 companies from 45 countries booked to showcase a variety of products on display and from recent news the show is definitely looking poised for success.
Established brands, aspiring newcomers and hidden champions from around the world will present their latest and best-selling products for babies, toddlers and parents to an international audience within the halls of Koelnmesse. The diverse range includes everything from clothing and toys to furniture and products for transporting and keeping little ones safe.
“With just a few weeks to go before the fair, all signs are pointing towards a successful event,” said Jörg Schmale, Director of Kind + Jugend. “We are very pleased with the current roster of
Check out our Cover Story starting on page 12.
exhibitors and excited to welcome back top brands like Artsana/Chicco, Cybex, Done by Deer, Jané, Luvion and Puky. Their return underscores Kind + Jugend’s position as the industry’s premier business and networking platform. No other event offers such a comprehensive snapshot of the latest trends and innovations – all under one
finalists and the winners will be announced at a special award ceremony held at 11 a.m. on the first day of the trade fair in the Trend Forum. The additional Midwives’ Choice award will also be presented again in partnership with hebammen-testen.de. Three products nominated for the Innovation Award are eligible to receive this
roof at the same time,”
Also, for the very first time, this year’s trade fair will be held during the week, from Tuesday to Thursday.
Furthermore, visitors will be among the first to see the winners of the coveted Innovation Awards. These awards recognise outstanding new products across eight categories. The award is highly regarded among both industry professionals and consumers, often contributing to the success of the winning products in the market. This year, there were 116 entries from 22 countries. An international panel of independent experts (including myself representing Nursery Today as the UK member of the BCMI) have chosen the
distinction based on properties and benefits that meet the requirements set by the jury of midwives.
All of the award-winning as well as nominated products will be exhibited in a dedicated area during the trade fair You can read more by simply turning to page 24 where we also had the pleasure to catch up with Jörg Schmale, Director of Kind + Jugend.
For full information of exhibitors and general show information, visit www.kindundjugend.com
You will also notice among the pages this month we feature the winners of the Organic & Sustainable Baby Awards. These awards are a prestigious annual event that recognises excellence in the
organic baby product sector celebrating brands and products that demonstrate outstanding quality, safety, and innovation while adhering to organic principles, The Organic Baby Awards cover a wide range of categories, including organic baby food, skincare, clothing, toys, and accessories, highlighting the diversity and innovation present in the industry. You can check out the winners by heading over to page 42.
Finally, you will have noticed that Joie adorns the front cover this month. Why not turn to our Cover Story starting on page 12 where you can find out more on the Encore collection from Joie Signature which allows your customers to tailor their infants travel needs from birth to four years. Now featuring the new sprint, Joie’s baseless ISOFIX infant carrier, the Encore range has a solution for every member of baby’s team.
Looking ahead to Kind + Jugend 2024.
The importance of giving your customers the best service possible
Green Sheep Group’s Customer Service Team
Leader Demi-Leigh
Chin talks about the power of great Customer Service
There is no denying that happy customers are the most powerful advertPeople always want to share great experiences and divulge about the awful ones – so make sure you are one of the positives.
Reviews are a valuable tool to see growth in your customer service team and it is really important to recognise when a great one comes through – but never shy away from the bad ones, they can always be seen as a potential learning process.
I always believe that knowledge is key, so by ensuring your customer service team is intricately linked with your operations team, for example, will ensure they have a deeper understanding of the customer purchasing process, aiding with their communication along the journey and problem-solving skills - therefore increasing customer satisfaction.
Customers’ needs and expectations are developing every day, and brands must adapt with them. The rise of social media has created more hands-on communication and there is an expectation that an open line will be available to get hold of a brand – so support this demand as best you can.
GSG’s customer service team are the voice of the company - they talk to the customers who buy our products every single day. This gives them priceless knowledge about the market and the buyers perspective - it’s therefore vital to weave this into our strategies throughout the business to see continued success.
We also work closely with our retail partners to understand the Customer Service they provide on our behalf – it’s great to know our retailers offer fantastic face to face customer service as well, constantly impressing us with their dedication to each prospective parent that walks through their doors!
The customer’s happiness is a customer service teams mark of success – so investing in this part of the business so they can provide the best support to your customer base is vital.
Put simply, a satisfied customer is the most powerful way to improve confidence in your brand.
www.greensheepgroup.com
Hippychick more than doubles its target
Hippychick beat its fundraising target of £1k and raised £2.3k for Musgrove Park Hospital’s Paediatric Department on a 25km walk last week to celebrate its 25th year in business.
The walk from Spaxton to Nether Stowey across the Quantocks on the hottest day of the year so far, took 8 hours with 3 pit stops for refreshments and ice cream along the way. Pictured, from left to right, is an exhausted but triumphant Hippychick team at the finishing post – Scott Bateman, Jeremy Minchin, Mandy Young, Rose Slocombe, Mike Bird, Aquille Pociute, Annaliese Deakin, Julia Minchin and Alan Houghton. www.hippychick.com
RHS and Roma bring natural design flair
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced a partnership with Roma Prams, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of a wide range of nursery products ranging from strollers and travel systems to children’s toys and ride on boards. For this collaboration, Roma will develop a collection of baby products and toys using the RHS logo on both the products and packaging as well as RHS-supplied designs for the colour fabric elements of the products.
The fabrics, all made with sustainable material, will use two designs based on artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art; an expanded range of designs will be developed after the initial launch. Supplying colour packs is an important way of optimising choice and avoiding waste; it means that the basic pram can be reused for future additions to a family but accessorised with fresh fabric designs.
Molly Francis Coleman, Managing Director, Roma Prams says: “This collaboration is about giving families a range of nursery products that is not only practical, affordable and sustainable but looks wonderful – and thanks to superb RHS-inspired designs that highlight nature and the natural world we’ve done just that. We’re delighted to be partnering with the UK’s favourite gardening charity on such an inspirational and appealing range.” Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “We have long believed that a nursery products partnership would be an ideal venture if we could find exactly the right partner. Now we have. The Roma x RHS collection will appeal to eco-conscious, nature-loving families, families that are looking for brilliantly crafted nursery products – or just families who like getting their young kids out and about in smart prams and pushchairs!”
www.romaprams.co.uk
Nuna and BMW Announce Exclusive Design Collaboration
Nuna – the world-renowned authority in premium baby gear innovation – and BMW are delighted to announce an exclusive design collaboration launching at the end of this year. This partnership brings together two brands recognised for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional lifestyle solutions.
Nuna and BMW are celebrated for their unwavering dedication to premier industry expertise. The result is a collection that marks a new chapter in the world of sophistication and precision, tailored to families seeking the best quality and design for their everyday adventures.
The collaboration focuses on elevating the user experience through thoughtful design. Each product in the collection showcases both brands’ commitment to detail and is a testament to the exceptional safety and durability standards and luxe aesthetics synonymous with Nuna and BMW. “Our collaboration with BMW is a natural fit, with a passion for premium quality and innovative design,” said Austin Hodges, Chief Marketing Officer at Nuna. “We are excited to combine our expertise to create premium products that will enhance the everyday lives of our selective buyers who think carefully about their purchases and value remarkable design and premium quality for themselves and their families.”
This new Nuna x BMW collection fuses premium design with innovative features. It includes three pushchairs, the MIXX next, TRIV next, and TRVL lx, each featuring design details inspired by BMW, such as wheels with a BMW pattern, rims resembling BMW tires, and subtle BMW logo applications and patterns.
The Nuna x BMW collection will be available from end of 2024. www.nunababy.eu/uk
Jazz Carlin joins Splash About as Brand Ambassador
Baby and children’s swimwear innovator, Splash About announced today that double Olympic silver medallist Jazz Carlin will partner with the company as a Brand Ambassador.
Carlin’s passion for making swimming accessible and a safe, positive experience especially for babies and young children, is a perfect fit for Splash About. The brand has been at the forefront of early years swimming for two decades, creating products that are innovative, safe and fun to enhance the water experience of families everywhere. www.splashabout.com
Introducing Reef 2 Special Edition –the ultimate fashion statement
Unique. Bold. Exceptional
The new Reef 2 Special Edition collection from Silver Cross fuses fashion and function in the ultimate pushchair package.
Intuitive craftsmanship and luxury tailoring combine to create a pushchair that not only looks stylish, but glides e ortlessly from city streets to countryside escapes.
With silky-soft recycled jersey fabrics inspired by luxury athleisure-wear and subtle metallic details, Reef 2 Special Edition is perfect for parents looking for a stand-out pushchair.
It’s available in two trend-led colours - Ganache, with rich, dark chocolate tones and bronzed copper accents, and Frappé, with calming oatmeal notes, golden metallics and pecan nishes.
All-Terrain Style
Taking inspiration from all-terrain innovations and
details of the Silver Cross Reef 2 pushchair, Reef 2 Special Edition lives up to the adventures of everyday life whether you’re a suburban dweller or countryside explorer.
Expertly engineered and designed, Reef 2 Special Edition pushes e ortlessly wherever you’re strolling. The large multi-terrain wheels can handle any surface from town to country, while upgraded suspension and sumptuous fabrics provide the utmost in comfort for babies.
The package includes a premium accessory pack, providing everything a parent needs for style on every stroll - from newborn to toddler.
The accessory pack includes an overnight sleeping approved foldable carrycot, luxury coordinating backpack-style changing bag and eece-lined footmu , plus a handy phone holder, cup holder and universal car seat adaptors.
Newborn to 22kg
Newborns will travel in style in the Reef 2 Special Edition overnight sleeping approved folding carrycot. Perfect for the dreamiest sleep at home, on the go or nights away, the carrycot is lined in a soft natural bamboo fabric with heat-regulating, hypoallergenic and antibacterial qualities, a hardshell ventilated base and mesh air ow panel. When not in use, the carrycot folds at onto its base to save space at home or away.
Also included is a lie- at pushchair seat suitable up to 22kg (approximately 4 years) with an ergonomic curved head support for comfort. The seat has an easy-to-use magnetic Genius™ buckle and auto adjust harness which can be altered with one hand using a sliding mechanism to adapt as your little one grows.
One-hand fold
For convenience at home or on the go, Reef 2 Special Edition has a one-hand fold, with the pushchair seat in either parent or world-facing modes. The butter-soft vegan leather handlebar and luxury fabrics will stay pristine on every stroll thanks to the one-hand, self-standing fold preventing them from ever touching the ground.
Travel System Bundles
Reef 2 Special Edition is compatible with the Silver Cross Dream i-Size infant carrier, with a coordinating Dream accessory pack available in a travel system bundle. It’s also compatible with infant carriers from other brands, using the adaptors included in the box. Silvercrossbaby.com
New name for the industry’s trade association
The UK’s trade association representing the baby products industry has announced a new name and complete rebranding.
The former Baby Products Association will now be known as the Baby Products Industry Association (BPIA).
Marc Hardenberg, chair of the organisation, explains: “The industry has evolved signi cantly in the 79 years since the association was formed in 1945, and following the recent restructuring and appointment of a new management team, a refreshed and updated outlook was high on our agenda. We believe that the new logo is modern and represents the aspirations of the BPIA going forward. In coming months we will be launching new literature and a new website too.”
The BPIA now presents membership packages available to both manufacturers, suppliers and retailers and also associates such as PR companies, industry consumer and trade shows, publications and much more. Marc adds: “From 2024, we believe that all industry players have an important role to play in supporting the industry and in promoting safer products and services for babies and young children. We intend for the BPIA to be more inclusive than ever before.”
Members of the BPIA will be issued membership logos and certi cates incorporating the rebranding in the next few months.
For further information or queries contact Christine Scippo –christine@b-p-a.org
Panther Logistics nurtures online sales for Boori
Natural Baby Shower Celebrates 17th Birthday
Natural Baby Shower was founded by Victoria Hampson and Clifton Vaughan, born from inspiration during their travels in New Zealand, which is where they welcomed their rst child. They had a dream to create a place where parents could get the very best natural, sustainable and premium baby products all under one roof, something that at the time, wasn’t available in the UK nursery retail industry.
They started their business from their kitchen table, a team of two passionate parents and a commitment to providing products that are always best for baby, best for parent and best for planet. 17 years on, Natural Baby Shower has grown to a team of over 70, stocks over 140+ eco-friendly baby brands, and has moved into a state-of-the-art, 43,000 sq ft HQ in Bracknell that has an onsite warehouse and complies with the BREEAM standard in sustainable building design.
Natural Baby Shower have so much to be proud of from the last 17 years. From receiving a visit from The Mayor of Bracknell earlier this year, to reaching 100k Instagram followers, to achieving 20,000 5* Trustpilot reviews and winning various awards including Parenting Brand of the Year, Best Independent Retailer of the Year and Best Online Retailer in the 2024 Absolutely Mama Awards 2024.
When re ecting on Natural Baby Shower’s 17th birthday, founder Victoria Hampson commented: “I am beyond proud of what the NBS family has achieved in the last 17 years. In many ways, our children and our businesses have a lot in common. They both came from nothing but love, they both consume all our energy, they lead to sleepless nights, they demand every scrap of our attention and focus, and they sometimes make us want to scream or give up. But then we get to watch them grow, and we get to watch them thrive, and one day we get to take a step back and feel an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration for what they’ve become.”
Happy Birthday Natural Baby Shower and here’s to the many more years to come.
AIT Worldwide Logistics company Panther
Logistics has added a global nursery furniture brand trusted by over a million parents to its customer portfolio.
The UK’s two-person delivery specialist, is now managing nal mile deliveries for Boori, which grew from an independent nursery store in Sydney, Australia, more than 30 years ago.
James Langer, Business Development Manager at Panther, said:
“Customers have become more at ease with turning to online retailers for large lifestyle items such as nursery furniture and now expect a premium delivery experience. We strive to provide that for Boori. Our colleagues are always polite and respectful, which is especially important when dealing with new parents and those expecting.
“Delivering furniture is rife with complications and only a specialist two-person delivery service can give the customer the high levels of service they will remember and recommend.” www.boori.co.uk www.aithomedelivery.co.uk
Baby Central bolsters team
Baby Central, an independent provider of essential pregnancy and baby products, through their own website, plus a network of major retailers, has expanded its sales and marketing team, with three new appointments.
The new additions bring a wealth of experience and expertise, further strengthening the company’s position as the UK’s exclusive distributor of the Dr. Brown’s, WonderFold, and dreamgenii brands.
Industry veteran Phil Bosher, joins as Sales Director, bringing 12-years’ experience and a proven track record of driving growth and elevating brand presence in the consumer goods sector. His strategic vision and innovative approach will be instrumental in expanding Baby Central’s market reach and enhancing customer engagement.
Expanding the marketing team, new Marketing Associate, Terri Lowe brings with her more than 11-years of knowledge across a range of sectors, both in-house and agency side, while Mollie Spooner is Baby Central’s new Social Media Content Creator.
Baby Central’s Owner, Philip Champ commented: “We are thrilled to welcome Phil, Terri and Mollie to the Baby Central family. Their combined expertise and passion for excellence will be invaluable, as we continue to grow and innovate. This expansion marks a signi cant milestone for Baby Central, and we are excited about the positive impact it will have on our products, services, and customer relationships.”
Do you want to be visible on foreign markets? We recommend those with whom you can talk business. Get in touch with the representatives of the best nursery trade magazines.
CHINA NURSERY CHINA
ENGLAND NURSERY TODAY
GERMANY BABY & JUNIOR
NETHERLANDS BABYWERELD
NORWAY BABY, HOBBY & LEKETØY
POLAND BRANŻA DZIECIĘCA
SPAIN PUERICULTURA MARKET
SWEDEN LEK & BABYREVYN
BCMI Presidents: Urszula Kaszubowska u.kaszubowska@branzadziecieca.pl Hans Henrik de Glasenapp post@presstelegraph.no bcmi@babycaremagazines.com www.babycaremagazines.com
Enjoy the Finer Things
With Joie Signature Encore Collection
With an option to suit every little one’s needs, and every parent’s desires, the Encore collection from Joie Signature allows you to tailor their travel from birth to four years. Now featuring the new sprint, Joie’s baseless ISOFIX infant carrier, the Encore range has a solution for every member of baby’s team.
i-Level Recline
The i-Level Recline looks every inch the fashion statement with its plush and luxurious fabrics, cosy quilted details and vegan leather accents –but it’s not just a pretty face. Partner the i-Level Recline with the i-Base Encore for a spinning system with laid back luxury. Parents can rest assured that their precious cargo is in safe hands with the exclusive Tri-Protect headrest featuring Intelli-FitTmemory foam that has been specially engineered for optimal head and neck security. Alterations on the go are e ortless with the i-Level Recline, thanks to the headrest and harness that adjust simultaneously, while the easy to remove, full body insert keeps tiny travellers nestled in safety.
i-Base Encore Sold Separately.
Sprint
Ride in luxury and install with ease, whether on the go with the built in ISOFIX points, or paired with the i-Base Encore to add a 90o spin - this seat is ready any time anywhere. Sprint meets the highest ECE R129/03 safety standard with mandatory side impact testing. The Tri-Protect headrest o ers security with three layers of protection inside the wings including patented Intelli-Fit memory foam. The three-point harness, with its shoulder and lower buckle covers, easily tightens with one pull motion, to keep little one safe and snug.
i-Harbour
I-Harbour will keep little one snug and safe from birth to four years, thanks to the Tri-Protect headrest, padded with Intelli-Fit memory foam for optimal head and neck security. Tiny travellers can snooze soundly thanks to the 5-position recline for comfort that’s both luxurious and fuss free, while the Grow-Together headrest and harness system adjust simultaneously making those on-the-go alterations a breeze. I-Harbour has a lightweight shell, making it easy to transfer from vehicle to vehicle, but with reinforced steel at its core, this is a super strong seat
i-Harbour
crafted for utmost resilience. I-harbour pairs with the i-Base Encore to create a spinning solution that will make loading and unloading a breeze.
i-Base Encore sold separately.
Calmi
Calmi R129 is a luxurious lie flat car cot from Joie will let little ones’ travel in the height of safety and sophistication. Tested against the tough R129 standards, the calmi R129 provides increased side impact protection by positioning baby’s head at the safest point in the vehicle. Calmi R129 keeps baby in the safest, 180o ‘lie flat’ position and has a cosy insert to keep newborns properly positioned at all times, supporting little necks and spines so you can journey for longer whether you are in the car or out for a stroll. Calmi R129 pairs easily with Joie’s aeria and finite pushchairs using adapters. Just pop calmi R129 off the base and on to your pushchair frame and off you stroll. Calmi R129 pairs with Joie’s i-Base Encore, sold separately.
i-Base Encore
Joie’s i-Base Encore is a clever spinning base that transforms seats from the Encore system into rotating seats.
Pairing with the calmi R129 car cot, i-Level Recline infant carrier and i-Harbour toddler seat, the i-Base Encore allows parents to customise their little one’s comfort from birth up to four-years-old. Effortless ISOFIX connectors on the base, lock to the vehicle’s anchor points instantly, allowing you to simply click each Encore system seat on and off as the child grows – no reinstation necessary.
Expanding the range further, Joie has made the i-Base Encore compatible some favourite Joie infant carriers, including the i-Juva, i-Gemm 3 and the i-Snug 2. uksales@joiebaby.com www.joiebaby.com
calmi
Sprint
i-Base Encore
i-Level
Recline
Timeless gifts and keepsakes
Flagship Widdop & Co. brand, Bambino by Juliana, o ers a beautiful collection of timeless gifts and keepsakes, celebrating each precious moment in a baby’s life.
Designed to last a lifetime, the collection is perfect for rst scans, baby showers, gender reveal parties, births, christenings, rst birthdays, Christmas and more. The gifting ranges sit alongside functional and fashionable dinnerware, toys for six months and up, partyware, nursery accessories, and furniture.
Choose Bambino by Juliana for all your wholesale baby gifting needs. Unbeatable, contemporary and stylish, 100% designed in the UK.
sales@widdop.co.uk | www.widdop.co.uk
Gift of giving
Gifts for babies are often purchased to celebrate signi cant milestones, such as baby showers, births, christenings, rst birthdays, or holidays like Christmas. These gifts are typically bought by close family members, friends, and colleagues of the parents, who wish to express their joy and welcome the new addition.
Popular baby gifts can include practical items like clothing and blankets, as well as toys designed for early development, such as rattles, teething rings, and soft books. Keepsake items, as an example, personalised blankets, engraved silverware, or handprint kits, are also often sought after as they o er sentimental value and serve as lasting mementos of baby’s early years.
Trends in the nursery product sector have seen a rise in eco-friendly and sustainable gifts, such as organic cotton clothing and traditional wooden toys. Personalised gifts also remain popular, with custom-made items providing a unique touch that resonates with both the giver and the recipient.
COFFEE BREAK
Evolving baby gifts: thoughtfulness, functionality and perfect packaging
We spoke to Katie Neal, Design Manager at Widdop & Co. to uncover the hottest trends in baby gifting this summer season.
Do you have any insights that you can share with our readers on the type of items that gift givers are currently looking for?
Thoughtful, functional gifts and keepsakes that are value for money is huge for gift givers. Packaging is also becoming increasingly important too, people want to give a gift they are proud of, and attractive packaging plays a signi cant role in this.
Would you say that items that feature a recognisable licensed character have gained in popularity and if so, why?
Absolutely! Core licensed characters have always been popular, and their appeal is growing year on year. For example, Winnie the Pooh is an ever green in baby gifting, with its emotive quotes and character relationships resonating deeply with customers.
This range of popular licenses for babies is growing with new lm releases and marketing activations from the license companies. Gift givers often choose baby gifts based on the parents’ tastes or favourite franchises. The generation that grew up surrounded by Disney, Marvel, Harry Potter is now starting their own families, making these licenses resonate with the parents. Are gift givers seeking products that hold perhaps a level of nostalgia and also to be kept as a keepsake as a child grows?
Yes. There is a growing focus on sustainability across retail, with consumers increasingly seeking products and gifts that stand the test of time. Not throw away items that tarnish or break after a month.
As a gift giver, especially for babies, people want to show they care and this is re ected in a thoughtful considered gift, remembering the babies rst memories and moments. Have you any insights into current consumer trends when we take a look at baby gifts?
We’re seeing trends in functional and keepsake gifts that o er great value for money or have a high perceived value. And giftsets are really growing in popularity too!
Is there growth in this particular sector?
Absolutely. Baby gifting is an occasion that consumers continue to give a lot of consideration to. It is such a special moment in people’s lives that the gift giver wants to give something truly special. There is nothing more emotive than the birth, christening or rst birthday of a loved one’s baby. Does packaging give a higher perceived value to a gifted item?
Absolutely. Packaging plays a crucial role in baby gifting. Even simple functional items, like teethers and wooden toys can be elevated with thoughtful, attractive packaging.
People want to give baby gifts to people that feel special and they are proud of, and the packaging is a key part of the gift-giving experience.
Beautiful Christening Gifts from Rainbow Designs
Rainbow Designs o er a wonderful collection of beautiful and thoughtful Christening gifts for babies and infants.
With a prestigious portfolio featuring many of the most-loved classic story time characters, including Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, and new for this year, Disney Baby Lion King and Harry Potter Wizarding World collections, Rainbow brings these characters to life, in classic yet contemporary, soft and playful infant toys, to make treasured gifts for new arrivals.
The exquisite Peter Rabbit Signature Collection is a beautiful range of forever toys, created to be shared across generations. This adorable collection includes soft toys, comforters and ring rattles and features two of the most traditional and much-loved children’s literacy characters, Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny. Joining this popular gifting range this autumn are Signature Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Gift Sets. The baby soft plush toy and knitted blanket, featuring a white bunny silhouette with a cute bobble tail, comes beautifully packaged in an illustrated keepsake box.
The beautiful Disney Classic Pooh Always and Forever range is a collection of truly special Winnie the Pooh soft toys and baby gifts, including gift boxed soft toys, comforters and ring rattles. Designed with high quality fabrics and featuring a beautiful bespoke print, these lines have been created with a vision for these adorable toys to be treasured for many years to come - Always and Forever.
Rainbow’s best-selling collection of adorable Guess How Much I Love You soft toys and gifts make the perfect Christening gift or present for any special occasion. Featuring the much-loved Nutbrown Hares, these beautiful forever toys have been crafted from the highest quality super-soft fabrics and make a heart-felt and thoughtful way to express just how much you love them.
01329 277300
www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk
Gifts for unforgettable moments
Family-run business, FROM YOU TO ME, create high-quality, beautiful, and emotive baby gifts for capturing memories and preserving moments. Making each keepsake truly meaningful.
Publishing gifts for all occasions: from pregnancy journals to important events such as a rst birthday; from early years to their 18th year together. They are highlighting two great selling products:
Welcome To the World is an award-winning, hardback gift book that celebrates the arrival of a newborn. The story journeys through a world full of wonder and messages of wellbeing, with space for a personalised message, it makes a thoughtful heartfelt gift.
Their range of WOW! birthday books, which can be posted as a card, feature 28 illustrated pages of fun facts and quirky information about the special day. james@fromyoutome.com | www.fromyoutome.com
New Luxury Sleep Sets
Silver Cross has joined forces with sleepwear experts Rosa & Blue to launch a beautiful new collection.
Rosa & Blue from Silver Cross features two premium sleep sets, both of which make the perfect gift to welcome new arrivals.
The range combines the softest bamboo and organic cotton, making it kind to sensitive baby skin and naturally hypoallergenic. Each set is available in two exquisite prints, Bunny and Duckling, with both designs hand-painted exclusively for Silver Cross.
The Rosa & Blue for Silver Cross collection includes a New Arrival gift set and Cot Bed Starter gift set. www.silvercrossbaby.com
Exquisite Peter Rabbit Silver Baby/Christening Gift Collection
Enesco is thrilled to introduce its latest collection of licensed Beatrix Potter products; silver-plated baby and christening gifts. This stylish range blends timeless elegance with Peter Rabbit’s cheeky charm, creating a perfect collection for commemorating the most precious moments in a child’s life.
The Beatrix Potter portfolio additions by Enesco Limited encompasses a variety of items, including Tooth and Curl boxes, Certi cate Holder, Photo Frame, Peter Rabbit Money Bank, Keepsake Rattle, Music Box, Cutlery Set, and an adorable Cup. Each piece is meticulously crafted with silver plating, featuring beautiful designs from Beatrix Potter’s timeless tales.
Whether celebrating the arrival of a newborn or marking the joyous occasion of a christening, this range o ers a delightful array of choices. The Tooth and Curl boxes provide a secure and stylish storage solution for treasured rst locks, while the Certi cate Holder and Photo Frame allow families to capture and showcase cherished memories.
The Peter Rabbit Money Bank adds a touch of enchantment to nursery decor, and the Keepsake Rattle delights with its charming, traditional design and gentle sounds. The Music Box plays a soothing melody, creating a serene ambiance for bedtime rituals. The Cutlery Set and Cup, adorned with beloved characters, make for delightful and practical additions to a child’s mealtime.
Enesco is proud to present this exquisite collection, re ecting its dedication to quality and the enduring magic of Beatrix Potter’s creations. Elevate the joy of gifting with these silverplated baby and christening treasures, designed to be cherished for generations.
Mary Meyer’s new line of recycled plush toys that are not only cute and cuddly, but also sustainable.
Giving the wow factor
Voted Platinum in the LBP Best Innovative Gift category and Best Teething Product in the Mother & Baby Awards, Dotty The Dinosaur covers all bases when it comes to a unique gift that wows and works.
Loved by experts and dentist-approved, Dotty provides a full mouth muscle workout for babies from 3+ months, strengthening mouth muscles in preparation for starting solids safely. Five key features have been designed to nurture and develop essential skills such as moving food around the mouth, sucking, biting, chewing and safe swallowing.
Dotty is available in Bibado’s three signature Scandi hues; mist, blush and fawn, perfect for mixing and matching with their No. 1 Coverall Weaning Bibs and complete mealtime solutions.
Available as a single boxed SKU at a suggested £9.95 RRP, Dotty o ers retailers an attractive entry-level basket- ller and gift-givers a distinctive developmental baby shower or newborn present. www.bibado.co.uk
All aboard Noah’s Ark
This autumn sees Hello Baby by CELEBRATIONS, stock a silver-plated charming Noah’s Ark tooth and curl set.
With two miniature Noah’s Arks on the lids, preserve cherished moments in your baby’s journey.
sales@widdop.co.uk
www.widdop.co.uk
Gifts all round
Infantino, the brand that supports parents 24/7, is leading the way in creating products for happy parenting, designing a range of innovative toys and carriers, as well as a number of key items such as clever booster seats and multi-functional play mats.
Proudly the #1 carrier in the US and with good reason, the brands iconic Flip Carrier is a rm favourite with parents loving its durability, quality, versatility, and ergonomic design - available in a range of prints from leopard print and rainbows, to classic plain black and grey, for every style.
For playtime, babies go wild for the collection of playful and curious characters across the toy and gear categories, with sensory textures and interesting sounds that encourage rst grasps. Let the exploration begin! To check out the range at this year’s K&J, head to Hall 11.2, Stand F018.
www.infantino.com
The world’s most compact trike
The Liki Trike is a compact trike with big bene ts! From its innovative construction to its many product stages, Liki has so many interesting and useful features.
Liki is the perfect rst birthday gift and is suitable from 10 months up to 3 years. Its unique design allows parents to transform it into 4 di erent modes of use as their little one grows and becomes more independent.
Parents will love how the trike comes fully assembled and ready for play. Plus, as the most compact trike on the market, Liki makes it practical to take it with you wherever you go. sales@cuddleco.co.uk
As we bid farewell to what little summer we had, the early change of seasons brings a sense of renewal and anticipation. September always holds a unique charm: children are back at school, and people’s thoughts begin to turn to Christmas. Of course, we’ll see the toy category change with the seasons—from
Online4baby, the coming month is all about the Kind + Jugend event in Cologne.
Having attended Kind + Jugend many times, this year is particularly special as I will be accompanied by two of our senior buyers, Jenny and Zaira. Their expertise and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our experience. What we love about
The international scope of Kind + Jugend is one of its greatest assets. It provides a platform to witness cutting-edge products and trends from all over the world, offering insights that can significantly influence our offerings back home.
outdoor, which has been a robust sub-category for us this year, to more giftable products. However, for us at
Kind + Jugend is its truly international feel. While the Harrogate trade show remains a cornerstone of the UK baby
Retail matters
Online4baby’s Managing Director
Christy Foster is looking ahead to the upcoming Kind + Jugend in September and why this is such an important event in their yearly calender.
products industry, Kind + Jugend offers a remarkable opportunity to explore innovations from global suppliers and partners.
The international scope of Kind + Jugend is one of its greatest assets. It provides a platform to witness cutting-edge products and trends from all over the world, offering insights that can significantly influence our offerings back home. The event is not just about discovering new products; it is also about the invaluable networking opportunities. We look forward to sharing learnings with fellow retailers and brands, and meeting with trusted suppliers.
In preparation for the event, we have been diligently making appointments and crafting a full itinerary to maximize our time. However, one of the aspects I greatly enjoy about trade shows is the element of surprise. Walking through the aisles, there is always the thrill of stumbling upon something new and exciting or an innovation that could redefine our product line-up.
This year, while our focus remains on furniture - a category that continues to evolve with the latest design and safety standards - we are particularly keen on exploring innovations in the
wheeled goods category. The advancements in strollers, car seats, and other mobile baby products have been remarkable, and we are excited to see what new developments will be showcased.
Kind + Jugend is more than just an industry event; it is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in baby products. As we gear up for the show, our team at Online4baby is filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. We are eager to bring back not only the latest products but also fresh ideas and insights that will help us continue to offer the best to our customers.
It’s remarkable to think about how we will be looking Q4 in the face when we next write. We’ve spoken many times about our focus on profitable growth at Online4baby, emphasizing exclusive products with our brand partners. We hope to see the benefits of this longer-term focus as we progress into Q4. The upcoming quarter promises to be pivotal as we shift from outdoor products to more giftable ones, aligning with the seasonal demands and festive spirit.
Christy Foster, Managing Director
Barking Mad
Pramland’s John Barker is feeling con dent that the economy is showing signs of improvement. Here he gives his thoughts on ‘discount codes’ online and his current headaches and the valuable time spent so far battling a current consumer court claim.
Hello one and all!
Summer has nally arrived, and things are really hotting up in the market, but we should all start to breath a little easier as the economy is starting to show signs it’s moving in the right direction. With a reduction in the interest rate comes more money in consumers pockets and this can only be a good thing. Ok, so it’s only a quarter percent but it’s a reduction and some customers are simply looking for a little reassurance that things are getting better for them, this could be that indication.
Over here in Hull the school holidays are in full swing, and we’ve seen good levels of footfall along with customers parting with their money. All in all, I remain con dent that the worst is behind us and that the year can only continue to improve for all of us. I’m not expecting tomorrow to be back to normal, I believe the market is going to take a slow and steady approach, but come new year, and with fair winds we should have managed to weather the storm.
Pricing online has maintained its usual yoyo’ing with some online retailers choosing to o load stock over
earning a margin. I can only assume this is the case given some of the recent price matches we’ve been asked about. I keep envisaging teams of people huddled around computers hosting swanky all singing, all dancing websites, algorithms ying here and there to ensure click through rates hit a pre-determined level. Social media teams springing into action to promote the latest “must have” pram, and over in the buying department a lone gure sat scratching their head wondering, for the hundredth time –“how do I work out a margin on a product?” only to get it catastrophically wrong. The phrase, all the gear and no idea comes to mind. I would normally pre-empt the next thing I’m about to say with the phrase “I don’t mean to teach grandma how to suck eggs”, but I genuinely feel that given some of the frankly, barmy prices we’ve all seen this year some stores do indeed need educating on margins and how to maintain them across the range.
If it’s not direct pricing issues that’s been causing us all headaches, it’s the ongoing “Enter Discount Code – ‘we don’t want to earn money10’ at the checkout for an extra 10% o your order”. Or my personal favourite, “sign
Pricing online has maintained its usual yoyo’ing with some online retailers choosing to off load stock over earning a margin. I can only assume this is the case given some of the recent price matches we’ve been asked about.
up to our mailing list for 10% o your rst order” - please tell me that those of you that o er this do know that people just keep shopping with you and are using a new email address every time? All it means is you’re repeatedly giving 10% o to EVERYONE and more importantly costing the rest of us 10%!
This month I’ve mostly been spending my time completely with court forms led against me by a customer with a 4 year old stroller that they feel is not t for purpose, and that they now want their money back for.
Convenient isn’t it that it takes 4 years for them to determine that it’s no longer suitable and that the quality is “sub-par”. I say it’s taken them 4 years; it actually took them 3 years, but the 4th year was consumed by them avoiding my requests to have the item back for service and repair. They have even acknowledged and chosen to explain why it has taken them almost a year after the item nally became unusable on the claim form. I am positive these people genuinely feel that they are entitled to ALL their money back. They’ve used and destroyed a perfectly
good product over a 2/3-year period yet they feel that it’s not “fit for purpose”. I can only assume they think this is the first time that someone has tried this. The trouble is that when someone calls Trading Standards (this is certainly the case here in Hull) they don’t actually end up speaking to them. Instead Trading Standards simply push them on to Consumer Direct and they work of a very simple script which basically says “you’re entitled to a refund, for everything!”. But the item isn’t a satisfactory quality the customer says, it was up to the point where you allowed your eldest child to use the leg rest as a second seat unit! My solicitor tells me I’m in the right and that the customer has zero chance of winning if it ends up in small claims court. From my very limited experience of the process this isn’t the case. Small claims court tends to award the claimant what they want despite them being unable to put together a legitimate or coherent case. Time will tell I guess.
Since my last article a few of you have been in touch to express your opinions on what was obviously a hot potato of a topic. Many retailers have expressed their support for my thoughts on brands closing accounts. Many comments centred around the point that you, as a store support a brand whole heartedly with a HUGE display,
yet you are losing sales to a “stockist” down the road with next nothing on display, because they simply undercut your price. Even brands contacted me to say that it was refreshing to see that a retailer felt this way. Not every person that contacted me agreed, in fact a few people told me that a brand shouldn’t be able to dictate what they stock and how they stock it. I completely welcome this level of feedback; I don’t expect anyone to share my opinion but if it encourages healthy debate and makes a retailer think about their offering in store then that’s a positive outcome to me.
Before I leave you, I would just like to give me little shout out to the Harrogate powers that be. I’m led to believe that this October marks the end of the current agreement to hold the nursery show in Harrogate. I sincerely hope, and I’m positive it will, continue for years to come but I’m looking forward to seeing an announcement soon to confirm this. Of the retailers I’ve spoken to, it would appear that there is a demand to move the show back to its previous slot of March. It will be interesting to see what develops and regardless of what happens, any Harrogate is better than no Harrogate.
Until next time, I hope your summer holidays are full of busy days and long nights sipping cool beers in the garden.
The call of Cologne
Kind + Jugend 2024 is one of the world’s leading trade fairs for premium baby and toddler products, set to take place in Cologne, Germany, from September 3rd to 5th, 2024.
This year, once again the show is set to gather together top manufacturers, leading brands, innovative startups, and key industry players from around the globe, o ering a comprehensive showcase of the latest trends, designs, and innovations in the juvenile products sector.
Visitors can explore a diverse range of o erings, from safety and mobility solutions to toys, fashion, and furniture, all tailored to the needs of young families. In addition to product displays, Kind + Jugend 2024 will feature insightful seminars, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing valuable knowledge and connections for professionals in the industry. One of the key events to take place will be the coveted Innovation Awards with the winners being announced on the rst day of the show.
As a premier platform for business and innovation, Kind + Jugend 2024 promises to shape the future of the juvenile products market and set new benchmarks in quality and design.
Expansion for Infantino
Hall 11.2, Stand: F018
Followings its highly anticipated deal to acquire BooginHead, Infantino will be exhibiting its newly expanded category of products at K&J this year. With its line of stylish, universal, and a ordable baby feeding products, there is so much to see.
During its 45-year tenure, Infantino has grown to become a household name, known for its commitment to quality products that prioritise the safety, comfort and happiness of babies and their parents. BooginHead, established in 2007, which had specialised in Feeding Essential products, has also quickly established itself as a staple in the parenting community, with an emphasis on inclusion and fostering meaningful relationships through quality products and thoughtful educational content. Infantino’s acquisition of BooginHead serves as an extension of those priorities as both brands nd alignment in core values and business goals, expanding the product portfolio of Infantino’s categories. www.infantino.co.uk
Nursery Today caught up with Jörg Schmale, Director of Kind + Jugend to nd out more.
How does Kind + Jugend 2024 compare to last year’s event in terms of the number and types of exhibitors?
We are very pleased with the current registration gures and mix of exhibitors for Kind + Jugend 2024. Numerous leading, key companies as well as many small and medium-sized providers con rmed their participation early on. In terms of number of exhibitors, we’re looking at around 1,000, which is very similar to the level we saw last year. For us, it’s not just about the quantity, but above all the quality of our exhibitors. We are also excited to welcome back several leading brands that had not participated in recent years. Their return is a clear indication of Kind + Jugend’s enduring appeal. In addition, we will also have a slightly bigger exhibition space compared to 2023. What steps have you taken to bring major brands on board as exhibitors this year?
We actually didn’t have to do very much. Kind + Jugend 2023 made it very clear that it is the only event of its kind bringing together the top global retailers in Cologne each year. It is a must-attend event for anyone with their sights set on the international market. That said, we didn’t wait. Immediately following the trade fair we reached out to the major brands rst and had very positive results.
And what kind of support have you provided for innovative startups and new companies to exhibit?
Supporting young companies in the industry is a top priority for us. That is why we have developed special o ers and dedicated areas to make it easier for these companies to participate in Kind + Jugend. This support includes targeted advice from our team. Our international start-up area and pavilions for Young Innovators from Germany, who receive nancial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic A airs and Climate Action (BMWK), were fully booked well in advance. This shows that Kind + Jugend is an indispensable marketing tool and relevant business platform not only for established companies but also for those that are up-and-coming. We are very happy about this as it re ects the diversity of our industry. Moreover, our EASY ENTRY package speci cally designed for small and medium-sized exhibitors also makes it easier for them to participate in Kind + Jugend. For visitors, the combination of established brands and young companies at our industry’s leading trade fair promises exciting insights. As for start-ups and newcomers, the event provides an unrivaled stage to showcase their ideas to an expert, international audience and chart the course for the future development of their business.
What exciting new features and themes should visitors look out for at this year’s event to maximise their experience? A highlight this year is our Novelties Trail. We are excited to be premiering this new area in Hall 11.1, which we are reopening for the rst time since 2019. The Novelties Trail provides our exhibitors a special platform to prominently showcase their most important new o erings in addition to their regular trade fair stand. Only products that have been on the market for less than a year are eligible in order to ensure that they were not shown at the previous Kind + Jugend. Retailers will get a concise overview of the most exciting and promising product innovations. It’s a de nite must-see for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry.
Kind + Jugend thrives on face-to-face interactions and lively exchanges. This is what I especially look forward to every year. Our upcoming edition will feature a new networking area that will provide exhibitors and visitors
more space and opportunities to discuss industry developments and forge business connections in a relaxed setting.
This year, the Trend Forum will once again take the spotlight as a platform for knowledge exchange on current topics and challenges facing both industry and retailers. There will be informative presentations on trends and developments in the industry, alongside engaging panel discussions exploring key topics such as sustainability, social media and marketing strategies. For those who want to dive even deeper, we will be o ering personalised trend consulting services through our partner TrendBible. What challenges have you and the team encountered in organising this year‘s event, and how have they been addressed?
This year, Kind + Jugend will take place midweek, from Tuesday to Thursday. We made this scheduling change in order to better accommodate the preferences of our retail partners, which also meant making adjustments to the organisation and planning of the trade fair. For example, due to a prior booking, we will not be able to host the exhibitor evening at the originally planned location. However, we have found a very interesting and attractive alternative. Lastly, we would also be delighted to welcome more exhibitors from England back to Kind + Jugend. Discussions with the BPIA (formerly known as BPA) are currently underway.
What would you say has been the biggest success in planning this year’s event so far and what are you most proud of?
Kind + Jugend is powered by the companies that come to showcase their products and services at the trade fair. This year, we’re particularly proud of our success in bringing top brands back to Kind + Jugend, including Artsana/ Chicco, Cybex, Done by Deer, Luvion Jané and Puky. Their presence at this year’s Kind + Jugend clearly highlights the fair‘s role as the leading platform for showcasing innovations and promoting industry exchange. This is tremendously important for our visitors, who travel from all corners of the globe to be part of this unparalleled event.
Kind + Jugend is widely regarded as an excellent platform for spotting industry trends. Do you expect this to be the case this year as well?
Absolutely! Alongside the array of outstanding brands, a major highlight at Kind + Jugend is the presentation of the Innovation Award on the rst day. This prestigious award honours exceptional new products across eight categories. Our dedicated exhibition area gives visitors a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations in the industry and is de nitely worth a visit. It will showcase the nominees and winners from this year’s Kind + Jugend Innovation Award as well as a photo gallery of the winning products from the Kind + Jugend ASEAN Innovation Award (Bangkok) and Pueri Trends Award from FIT 0/16 and Pueri Expo (São Paulo). In addition, all Innovation Award applicants have the chance to receive an additional distinction. We are once again partnering with hebammen-testen.de to introduce the Midwives’ Choice award. As part of the Kind + Jugend Innovation Award competition, three products selected by the midwives from our pool of nominees will receive this special accolade. For all those seeking new ideas, Kind + Jugend is the place to be. Why is Kind + Jugend a must-attend event for industry professionals this year, and what distinguishes it from other trade fairs in the baby and toddler sector?
responsibility within the baby and toddler industry? Koelnmesse is rmly committed to becoming energy-neutral by 2030. Our tra c management system, eSlot, the largest of its kind in the world, plays a crucial role in promoting more sustainable trade fair participation by reducing congestion and emissions. In addition, we have completely switched over to green electricity. This year, we are also participating in a social project in partnership with Diakonie Michaelshoven to host a charitable donation drive. This initiative allows our exhibitors to donate their products to charity at the end of the nal trade fair day, which also helps them reduce their transport and storage costs. To further promote sustainability within the baby industry, we introduced a sustainability category to our Innovation Award in 2022 with the aim of signi cantly increasing awareness within the industry.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and vision for the future of Kind + Jugend, and how do you plan to drive its growth and impact on the industry?
For 2025, we have set our sights on attracting even more national and international brands. We’re highly con dent that in the coming year we will be able to add even more top-tier names to the exhibitor lineup and further expand our presence in Hall 11.1. Our ongoing discussions about the future are very promising. Our ultimate goal remains unchanged – for Kind + Jugend to continue to be the premier business platform for the international baby and toddler industry – and we’re working closely with Koelnmesse’s entire global network to make this happen.
www.kindundjugend.com
As a business and trendsetting platform, Kind + Jugend is the annual highlight for the global baby and toddler industry. The leading international trade fair stands out as an unparalleled event bringing together industry and retail in Cologne. Kind + Jugend serves as the premier networking platform and hub for the industry, where major players from around the world gather to unveil their latest products, trends and innovations to a broad audience and key in uencers. For anyone who wants to be pro table in the industry, Kind + Jugend is a must. Do you anticipate a strong international presence this year? If so, which countries do you expect to see the most visitors coming from?
It is already evident that the international share of visitors will again exceed 75%, as was the case in previous years. Europe traditionally has a strong presence, but we are also seeing visitors from Latin America, North America, Asia and Australia, as well as a signi cant number from the Middle East. At our last event, we welcomed visitors from 114 di erent countries and I’m con dent that this number will be signi cantly higher this year. The calibre of these visitors is exceptionally high. Those who travel such long distances rarely do so on a shoestring budget.
How is Kind + Jugend promoting sustainability and social
A warm welcome
HALL 10.2, Stand: C031
Venicci‘s core principles of safety, functionality, and design drive then to create products that support families from day one.
The team at Venicci warmly invite you to visit their stand at the Kind + Jugend trade fair this September in Hall 10.2, stand C031.
They look forward to meeting you, discussing their products, and sharing their future development plans for the brand.
The team will be available to answer any questions and provide detailed information about their o erings. They are excited to connect with you and show how their products can make a positive impact on every family‘s life.
www.venicci.co.uk
Complete Weaning Solutions from No.1 Bibado
The No.1 Coverall Bib brand, Bibado, continues to dominate the UK and international weaning market with its complete award-winning range of developmentally led baby and toddler mealtime products.
At the centre of the range remains the hero Coverall Weaning Bib—a market-leading bestseller ten years after its initial launch. The Bibado Coverall makes mealtime mess more manageable for busy, time-poor parents, saving them 30 minutes daily on post-meal clean-ups. It also promotes a sustainable approach to mealtimes by protecting clothes from damage and reducing laundry chores and washing cycles.
New Prints, New Fabric - Same Great Price
AW24/25 is another key phase of launch activity for Bibado, with the hotly anticipated follow-up to last year’s Scandi-inspired Coverall Weaning Bib prints. Characterised by comfort and con dence, our best-selling Coverall Bibs move to a new, improved soft matte PU fabric. The superior material brings a pop to new prints and retains the ‘built to last’ ethos that supports Bibado’s unique 30-month weaning guarantee.
Dan Laxton, CEO, says of the product upgrade, “Keeping kids comfortable at mealtimes means they’ll stay seated for longer. The more time spent engaged in food discovery, the greater the opportunities for learning and development. That ethos lies at the heart of all of our product innovation.” The brand has absorbed investment in product upgrades, o ering enhanced performance at no additional cost - a compelling proposition in tougher economic climates.
The Coverall Bib’s patented strap is updated to a robust, streamlined, integral one-piece for improved usability and to t a wider range of high chairs. It remains fully adjustable for a custom t and to create the signature Bibado well to catch food and spills.
Peppa Pig Joins The Dinner Party
Two new friends join the Bibado developmental dinner party. Bibado introduces Peppa Pig and George prints to the new Coverall Bib collection as part of a new multi-territory licensing partnership with Hasbro.
A natural synergy between the two brands makes Peppa the perfect choice. A best friend, supporter, and guide through life’s rst experiences, big and small, Peppa embodies the endlessly curious spirit that Bibado products aim to nurture and encourage.
Hands-up for All-Improved Handi Cutlery
Bestselling Handi Cutlery has been redesigned for enhanced performance. The handles are elongated for a better, ergonomic hold and grip, while fork prongs have been re-engineered to signi cantly improve the pick-up of small, tricky-to-retrieve foods, ensuring a more secure journey from plate to mouth. The cutlery straps now come in solid plain hues of fawn, blush, and mist, providing a better contrast with a growing portfolio of Bibado Bib prints. Finally,
a deeper scoop has been added to both the fork and spoon for easier preloading and accelerated feeding independence.
Range Expansion
Silicone suction bowls and divider plates join the Bibado Bamboo tableware for an extended suite of dinnerware options. Presented in three complementary two-tone shades, they o er the same steep inclines and curves as the brand’s FSC-certi ed bamboo collection, designed to aid scooping and scraping motions to encourage independent feeding.
Merchandising Matters
An upgrade to a more premium fabric for the No.1 Coverall Weaning Bib is matched by an update to retail packaging. Taking cues from the fashion retail sector, Bibado has responded to feedback from key retailers and now presents the latest 2024/25 collection on ready-to-hang header cards. Global Retail Manager, Kirk McVeigh, comments “Retailers play a crucial role in demonstrating the much-lauded bene ts of our market-leading Bib to the end customer. This is now made possible with an ‘open-package’ approach, allowing customers to feel the enhanced quality of the supersoft matte PU fabric for themselves.’ A new and innovative approach to packaging o ers more opportunities to interact with the Bibado range and explore the brand’s unique USPs. For example, customers can now attach matching Handi Cutlery to the No. 1 Coverall Bib in-store, discovering the power of the developmental duo.
Better sleep, bigger dreams
Hall 10.1, Stand: F040
Love To Dream, the renowned Australian baby sleepwear brand, is excited to showcase its multi-award-winning 3-Stage Sleep System at the 2024 Kind + Jugend Trade Fair.
Central to the brand’s global success is the best-selling SWADDLE UP, an innovative solution that helps babies settle into a peaceful sleep routine. Its unique ARMS UP design mimics babies’ natural womb position, enabling hands-to-mouth SELF-SOOTHING.
With patented features and high-quality materials, Love To Dream emphasises safety, comfort, and ease of use, o ering families the promise of Better Sleep, Bigger Dreams, and a Brighter World. www.lovetodream.com.au
Newness with Joie unveiled
Hall 10.2, Stand: D031
K&J will be the prime opportunity to see some of Joie’s newest arrivals. Not only does the brand plan to unveil a complete overhaul of its premium Signature collection, but it also has some fresh new products to reveal in its main range.
Within the Signature collection, there will be updates to the much-loved niti pushchair, parcel stroller as well as the introduction of the i-Level Pro and the all-new Estrella – the rst premium twin stroller to enter the range. Within Joie’s main collection there will be a refresh to the in-home range as well as the arrival of the new chestnut highchair, savvy aire, savvy lite air and the whimsey wind up swing. With so much to look forward to, there are plenty of reasons to stop by the Joie stand and nd out more.
uksales@joiebaby.com | www.joiebaby.com
Fantastic Bibado showcase
Hall 11.2, Stand: G036
The No.1 Developmental Weaning Brand, Bibado, unveils its eagerly awaited new Coverall Bib Collection, with four new core prints and two licensed character prints.
The AW24/25 Collection builds on 2023’s successful move to a style-led aesthetic with an on-trend palette of muted pastels, earthy naturals, and some familiar household mealtime companions. The team will also showcase their tableware range expansion, now o ering retailers and consumers a choice of FSC-certi ed bamboo and medical-grade silicone across its super-suction divider plates and bowls.
Product upgrades feature prominently in the complete weaning and feeding collection, with the move to an improved, premium matte PU for the Coverall Weaning Bib. The brand has absorbed the investment in this pivotal update to support retailers. Packaging moves to a hanger-style header card to enhance the customer experience and allow tactile exploration of the Bib in line with the brand’s exploratory ethos. Matching attachable Handi Cutlery also gets a design upgrade for enhanced performance to support and expedite cutlery and utensil control.
www.bibado.co.uk
Mix and match
Hall 10.1, Stand: B031
With Trixie’s broad range of collections, you can create a cozy, enchanting nest to welcome your newborn.
Carefully selected colours and textures result in collections that combine beautifully, appealing to both parents and children. Each piece is designed to charm and comfort, featuring delightful animal friends, like Mr. Lion, Mr. Dino, Mrs. Rabbit and more. Choose your favourite set of collections de ned by Trixie, or mix and match until they perfectly match your dreams and wishes.
www.trixie-baby.com
Visit Clippasafe for New Innovations in Safety
Hall 10.2: Stand D-051
Child safety experts Clippasafe have led the way with their innovations for protecting children since the 1950s and will once again be showcasing their range at Kind und Jugend.
The latest additions to their growing range include a set of two Stroller Lights for visibility when walking in the dark, and their Door Hinge Guard, protecting ngers from being trapped and crushed in dangerous door hinges.
Managing Director Roger Cheetham expects the Stroller Lights to be particularly popular: “They are bright and waterproof LEDs that are easily attachable to most strollers. They feature three settings for spotlight style illumination and ashing modes and can be used on bikes and other mobility systems too, making them really handy and adaptable. We nd a lot of our products are being used for di erent applications and scenarios, making them a great investment.”
The British heritage brand has made it a priority to listen to parents and deliver quality, convenience and great customer service that keeps generations coming back for their trusted products that keep babies and young children safe in the home and out and about.
Tel. +44 115 9211 899 | www.clippasafe.co.uk
Ready, set, fold with Ickle Bubba
With the lightweight and compact Aries stroller, parents and their little ones will be oating on air.
Ickle Bubba has everyday trips to the shop and getaways sorted with its Aries Auto-Fold Stroller. Suitable from birth and weighing just 6.1kg, it features a modern, fresh stroller design that’s sure to stand out.
What’s more, the auto-fold function takes the hassle out of folding, so parents can store the Aries away when they’re done or stick it in the car boot for those spontaneous trips out. Available in four on-trend colourways and a matte black chassis, this stylish lightweight stroller is both functional and stylish.
sales@icklebubba.com www.icklebubba.com
COFFEE BREAK
Compact Living
Compact folding pushchairs and strollers have seen a signi cant rise in popularity among consumers, driven by the need for convenience, versatility, and e cient use of space.
Modern parents, especially those living in urban areas, are increasingly opting for compact strollers that are easy to manoeuvre, store, and transport. These products often feature lightweight designs, one-hand folding mechanisms, and the ability to t into small car boots or overhead aeroplane compartments. This convenience is particularly appealing to parents who are constantly on the go or have limited storage space at home.
The growing demand for these products has spurred continuous innovation in the industry. Brands are constantly enhancing the functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal of compact strollers, integrating features like all-terrain wheels, adjustable seating, and advanced safety mechanisms without compromising on portability. These innovations cater to the modern parent’s need for a
Nursery Today caught up with Joie’s Head of Product Development, Damon Marriott, to gain his thoughts on Compact Folds.
Why have Compact Folds become increasingly popular with parents in recent years?
Compact products generally come in at a lower price point so are ideally placed as a second option or one that will be used less frequently than a main pushchair – either for holidays or to leave at the grandparent’s house. These products are a big hit with those who live in towns and cities as they make travelling through built up, busy areas and on public transport, much easier.
What type of growth has the Compact Fold category experienced? There has been an explosion of growth in this sector, with many brands now o ering at least one compact folding stroller and many like Joie o ering a variety of di ering speci cations for the decerning parent or caregiver. Do you have any insights you can share with Nursery Today readers?
We have further updates to the parcel stroller in our Signature range, planned for launch in 2025. This will follow signi cant changes made to the design asthenic of the entire signature range, with parcel having an increase to the wheel size, creating a more versatile product whilst maintaining the one hand fold and small compact footprint the consumer desires for their stroller.
What are the latest innovations in compact fold pushchair design?
product that is both practical and stylish.
For nursery retailers, stocking compact folding pushchairs and strollers can o er a strategic advantage. As more consumers seek out these convenient and innovative options, having a diverse selection available can attract a broader customer base. Additionally, these products often come with higher margins compared to traditional strollers. Retailers can also bene t from repeat business, as satis ed customers may return for related accessories or upgrades. Ultimately, o ering these in-demand products can enhance a retailer’s reputation for providing modern, customer-focused solutions, driving sales and fostering brand loyalty.
We feature a variety of products across the following pages which are all available now to order.
Additional features such as easy to use buckle systems have been a recent innovative update to this category. It’s hard to reinvent the wheel completely, so brands are striving to nesse their designs with added features such as compact folds and versatility. Why are Compact Folds now often purchased as a complete travel system?
Whilst many have the travel system options via adaptors and even carrycot tment like with the Joie Tourist, most consumers still favour the full 2in1 pushchair as the basis for their initial travel system, with compacts o ering the perfect travel companion.
How have these become a staple product for nursery retailers? What bene ts do you feel retailers will gain by stocking these?
The savvy retailer can gain the compact stroller sale at the initial pre-birth purchase stage, selling in the fact that some carrycots and car seats that are compatible with main pram, are also compatible with the compact stroller. This o ers the consumer future proof purchasing, with the option to initially loan the stroller to family members or child minders, with an easier hand over if the main car seat also ts the compact option as well. For example, if the tourist is given to grandparents for use when the baby goes to visit, then the main user doesn’t need to transport the niti 2in1 pushchair each time when dropping baby o , as they already have their wheels ready to go allowing tment of the Ramble carrycot or Joie infant carrier onto both wheeled units with ease. www.joiebaby.com
Lightweight, sleek, stylish
Introducing the amazing new ultimate compact stroller.
Showcasing a lightweight, sleek, and stylish frame that delivers on all fronts. A deep padded seat featuring a luxury quilted nish allows plenty of room to take this stroller from birth to around 4 years of age.
Fully adjustable full recline means the Push Me Koko can be adjusted into several seat positions. Easy one hand fold to make travelling easier and compact folding means the Push Me Koko can be folded and stored with ease. Includes luxury PU leather bumper bar and handlebar. A large extendable hood with viewing panel allows you to check on baby. sales@redkitebaby.com www.redkitebaby.co.uk
Three
New innovation
Maxi-Cosi’s new Fame stroller merges luxurious sophistication with modern innovation.
This stroller features LED lighting, a height adjustable Close2Me carrycot, a power bank, and a reversible memory foam mattress. Designed for children from new-born to four years old, it ensures comfort with HD memory foam and ClimaFlow mesh.
The Fame stroller includes puncture-proof wheels, CosiCruise suspension, and an easy-fold mechanism. It integrates seamlessly with the Pebble 360 Pro car seat and o ers additional accessories like a footmu , changing bag, and rain cover. Available in three colours, Fame revolutionises family travel with safety, convenience, and cutting-edge design. www.maxi-cosi.com
strollers in one
Meet pact pro, the newest compact fold to join the Joie portfolio.
Designed for every journey from birth to big kids, the pact pro is three strollers in one, compatible with Joie infant carriers and carry cot (sold separately).
Whether little one wants to sit up and take in the sights or lie back and snooze, there is an option to suit, thanks to the multiple recline positions. Light as a feather, at just 6.3kg, the pact pro is super easy to fold with a quick one hand action, to create a compact, freestanding fold.
uksales@joiebaby.com | www.joiebaby.com
Why have Compact Folds become increasingly popular with parents in recent years?
The popularity of compact folds is all down to convenience. It’s no surprise that parents are looking for strollers that make getting from A to B with their littles ones as easy as possible. A stroller that folds compactly makes journeys simpler, as well as taking up less space when travelling or storing at home. But compact folds can also o er a wider range of bene ts. This includes being lightweight, quick and simple to fold with one hand and curb appeal. In addition, continued convenience such as travel system capabilities, improved suspension, roomy seats, and comfortable lie at from birth functionality are all great features for families who might not be interested in purchasing a carrycot and separate seat unit in the early days.
What are the latest innovations in compact fold pushchair design?
The method and speed of fold is an area of continued innovation with compact folds. Consumers want to be able to fold the stroller quickly, simply and with one hand and for the stroller to stand-alone for convenience.
Another important factor is weight. Compact strollers are getting lighter, without compromising on features. And, of course, style. A huge amount of the appeal of compact folds is their look. We’re now seeing a wider range of on-trend colourways and design features such as quilted seat fabrics, which is
a popular feature of Graco’s Myavo.
It’s important to note though, that as consumers continue to feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, value for money is key. Parents continue to demand quality products, that have a range of convenient and popular features, for a competitive price.
Why are Compact Folds now often purchased as a complete travel system?
It all comes down to convenience with compact folds. Being able to use the stroller as a complete travel system makes these lightweight, compact, simple and quick to fold strollers even more convenient and therefore even more appealing.
How have these become a staple product for nursery retailers?
It’s easy to see why compact folds have become so popular among parents and this is only set to increase as we continue to lead busy lives where convenience is key and travel continues to boom. Stocking these products has therefore become a staple for nursery retailers as they continually evolve their o er to meet the needs of today’s consumer.
What bene ts do you feel retailers will gain by stocking these?
Retailers will attract a broader range of consumers by stocking compact folds. These in demand strollers are highly versatile, appealing to parents with a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Some parents may be looking to purchase for travel reasons, others for day to day use and some because it’s the option they can best store at home. These are just some of the reasons for purchase. There’s undoubtedly a trend for this type of stroller and many parents are drawn to its aesthetic.
FOLDA BLE + COMPAC T
Experience ultimate ease with Doona X
Doona X e ortlessly transitions from car seat to stroller in seconds, making it a compact and practical choice for life on-the-go.
It’s innovative design features three adjustable recline positions – Sit, Relax, and Lay Back. It smoothly transitions from an upright sitting position to a near lay at (or full recline) mode. This adaptable design serves as an all-in-one solution, streamlining the parenting journey.
Doona X meets stringent safety standards and is R129 certi ed. Along with
Folds like a dream
The Push Me Astro by Red Kite is a super auto fold stroller that is suitable from birth up to toddler age with a well-proportioned seat.
Stylish and eye catching the Push Me Astro ticks all the boxes for value, practicality, and functionality. A multi position lie back seat to suit all ages or if baby drops o for a nap. The Push Me Astro folds down like a dream and can self-stand when folded.
The Push Me Astro is available in both Sage, black and sand colour options. sales@redkitebaby.com www.redkitebaby.co.uk
three recline positions, Doona X boasts a new shock absorbent mechanism for a smoother ride, and a soft release system when moving from car seat to stroller.
sales@cuddleco.co.uk
Time to go pro
It’s time to go pro with the new litetrax pro from Joie, a lightweight, easy-fold stroller that is ready to roll on any adventure thanks to the luxe suspension and PunctureProof tyres.
Packing up is easy even when your hands are full – one quick tug of strap and the litetrax pro easily folds into a free-standing compact fold that’s perfect for tucking into small spaces or carrying on public transport.
Transfer your sleeping baby or adventure with your busy toddler – with carry cot, infant carrier and pushchair modes, you can create a versatile 3in1 travel system that meets your child’s needs from birth to big kid. uksales@joiebaby.com www.joiebaby.com
Perfect travel companion
The nitro from Joie is a handy travel mate enabling strolling with ease. The lightweight chassis and compact umbrella fold make every stroll a breeze – there’s even a convenient carry handle to make this one less
The soft-grip handles, SoftTouch harness and plush covers make this as comfortable to use as it is to sit in, while the multiposition, at reclining seat and UPF 40+ sun canopy give tired out travellers a place snooze on those bust adventures.
uksales@joiebaby.com www.joiebaby.com
Compact with comfort
The Ergobaby Metro+ and Metro+ Deluxe strollers have all the comfort of a full-size stroller in an ultra-compact design (weighing just 7.8 kg/8.3kg respectively and folding with one hand to just 54 cm x 44 cm x 25 cm), making it the ideal t for customers who don’t want to sacri ce comfort for convenience.
The ergonomic and well-padded bucket seat with 175 degree near- at recline makes it useable from newborn to 22kgs/4yo with no tools or separate pieces needed. The adjustable handlebar gives a custom t for parents while ample storage and a host of available accessories make everyday life easier. The Metro+ Deluxe has all the fan-favourite features of the Metro+ but with upgraded materials, more storage, and includes a vegan leather support bar and generously sized cup holder alongside the weather shield included with all Metro+ strollers. For more information, please contact Claire Morris on the below.
cmorris@ergobaby.co.uk
Fashion meets function
CYBEX believes modern parenthood is full of adventure whilst looking cool in the process!
Each compact stroller from CYBEX has di erent features depending on your lifestyle, with the ORFEO and LIBELLE being hand luggage compatible, the EEZY S TWIST+2 having a rotating seat, and the BEEZY with all terrain wheels! All of course still have the iconic CYBEX design features, and the handy one-pull harness. The colours of the compact strollers have been updated in line with current trends and are perfect for summer; they are available in Almond Beige, Stormy Blue, Magic Black, Canvas White, Candy Pink, Dark Blue and Fog Grey. www.cybex-online.com
Best wheel
forward
This month we had the pleasure of catching up with Jolly Tots owner, Lorretta Owen to gain her insights on how Compact Folds and Strollers are viewed by their customers, including trends and popularity of this continually growing product category.
Have you experienced Compact Folds becoming increasingly popular with your customers in recent years and if so, what do you feel is driving this?
We feel that consumers are looking for a stroller that folds smaller and smaller. They are almost looking for something that doesn’t exist. The days of selling the customer a kick up McLaren stroller are gone!
We currently stock around four umbrella fold strollers and are nding that this is not what the customer is looking for. We feel this is down to the size and shape of modern boots often not being able to accommodate such a fold and them being viewed as a little “dated”.
During the summer months we nd that “stroller season” explodes. With the booking of summer holidays and babies not needing all the extras of the heavier travel systems.
Are you nding that Compact Folds are now also growing in popularity when we look at a complete Travel System?
We nd that the customer who are looking for a compact stroller is not usually looking for the ability to use it as a travel system. The purchase of a compact stroller is usually in addition to the travel system purchase, which works in our favour as it means they are two potential sales. The addition of car seat adapters can be seen as an added bonus but not the driving force behind the purchase. Do Compact Folds enable you to engage more with your customers and showcase your knowledge when we consider instore demonstration of product?
We love to demonstrate compact strollers as often
the customer is impressed with the quick fold. Posting them folding on socials is always a great interaction tool. Especially the ones with the gravity fold - it’s almost like magic.
We nd that the customer is o er xated with the words “cabin approved” or “cabin friendly” . We often have to explain that very few strollers are approved to go in the cabin in airlines. We always advise them to check with their airline if it’s important for it to go in the cabin.
Is this a category that you feel we have ample innovation and new product launches throughout the year?
I think that the compact stroller market has exploded in recent years! So much so that I nd that we have to limit the number of models we have on display as we nd it bombards the customer with too much choice and often presents confusion and they don’t purchase.
We are nding that more customers are looking for the compact strollers from birth-22kg. The Nuna Trvl is a great luxury option. As is the new edition the Joie Pact pro. Both of these are very popular instore. I’m also impressed with the Red Kite Astro in the beautiful safe green and the Kinderkraft Apino. The black and gold colour is a personal favourite. Have Compact Folds become a staple product within your business?
We call it stroller season. We nd that it runs from around June until October. We sell so many strollers during this time. We also o er a much bigger selection than most other stores. I would say currently we have around 30 di erent models on display at the Evesham and Birmingham store. We
could easily display more too!
Do you feel that your customers are aware of what they are looking for prior to entering your stores?
Some customers come in and know exactly what they want. Others need lots of help and guidance. This is especially true if they have speci c requirements such as “cabin friendly”.
We are nding more and more customers are also asking for the weight limit on strollers than we have experienced in the past. We feel that this is due to often having another child that they would like to use the stroller for when on holiday if the older child becomes tired. We are also experiencing customers list of wants from the compact stroller growing ever longer but their budgets becoming less. When I look at what the customer can get for £120 now compared to the past it’s quite astounding.
We nd that they are particularly fond of a travel bag and given the amazing British weather a raincover included is a must.
How do you monitor trends?
We keep a constant watch on social media. What brand or models celebrities are pushing. We also get opinions from the younger members of sta as to what they would purchase and what the “vibe” is currently as they are the age group that are purchasing our goods.
Sage green has been HUGE this year along with beiges. We are nding this is the best selling colour in the compact stroller market. The Silver Cross Clic in Cobble has been a fantastic seller in our Evesham store.
Luxe strolls, compact freedom
Designed to never weigh you down, the TRVL lx is a compact, lightweight stroller for everyday adventures and the newest addition to the TRVL range.
Its Shadow reel recline allows for customisable seat adjustments, whilst all-wheel suspension, one-touch brake, and levelled-up wheel profile ensure a smooth ride. Additional features including extendable canopy with sunshield and airy mesh windows become a must-have accessory for sunny day strolling.
The lightweight and compact TRVL lx pushchair weighs in at just 7.1kgs, making luxe strolls stress-free wherever the journey.
www.nunababy.eu/uk
Welterweight wonder
Parcel is the newest stroller on the block, from Joie Signature, and means no more heaving and hefting – weighing in at just 6.9kg, this welterweight wonder is designed to roll for years and is effortless to lift and store. Made for when your hands are full and your storage is limited, parcel will quickly fold making it perfect for tucking in small spaces or carrying on public transport. The extended usage lets you think long term, giving growing travellers a comfy seat all the way up to 22kg. With 3 ways to roll in one, incorporating carry cot, infant carrier and world facing modes, this is the only stroller you’ll need for the years of adventures ahead.
With 4 recline options, parcel has the perfect position for little one, whether they want to lie flat and sleep, kick back and relax or sit up and take in the sights, you can fine tune the seat to meet their needs.
uksales@joiebaby.com www.joiebaby.com
In safe hands
Getting your news out into the world can sometimes prove quite a tricky business with an endless list of pressing things to do. Fear not, as a trade sector Nursery has the perfect PR companies at your disposal. They know and understand our industry and take the pressure o and can do all your promotion for you.
From contacting the necessary press to marketing online, here is a selection of good PR companies who know exactly who and how to get your news, deals, o ers and promotions read by the right people, something that will only help you and your sales succeed.
All Your Marketing Support Under One Roof
Azaria is a gold-awardwinning family specialist PR and digital marketing agency, celebrating its 20th Birthday this year. With a proven track record, Azaria helps build brands and drives sales through targeted multi-platform campaigns.
Well known amongst the media, in uencers and celebrities, Azaria is the go-to agency for all-things family. Its client portfolio spans big and small including VTech & Leapfrog, Cosatto, Vital Baby, Baby Central to name but a few. From strategy to content to execution, Azaria handles it all. With years of experience its expertise includes:
• Media relations
• Product launches
• Celebrities & in uencers
• Social creative content and advertising
• Digital media content & advertising
• Awards
• Sampling
• Brand & expert partnerships
• Product placements
…and much more.
Clients can take advantage of Azaria’s comprehensive in uencer database, which combines data-driven insights and innovative tactics to produce meaningful relationships between brands and creators. Whilst its digital marketing service includes Facebook Retargeting, Google Shopping, Search and SEO, to deliver fully-rounded campaigns that drive web tra c and product sales.
Their annual Family Report reveals current UK trends and market insight, con rming Azaria has the knowledge behind its expertise to deliver truly excellent results. hello@azariapr.co.uk | www.azariapr.co.uk
Bursting with passion
bumpPR’s down to earth, friendly, and enthusiastic approach to PR ensures they remain one of the leading PR agencies in the nursery and children’s sector, working with some truly iconic family brands.
Having supported brands to ourish for nearly 15 years’, the awardwinning agency, with its vibrant team of 7, is continuing to evolve its services, covering traditional PR, in uencer and celebrity outreach, events, social media, copywriting and much more!
Priding itself on having long-standing relationships with many of its clients (some for over a decade!) bumpPR represents a number of iconic brands including Medela, Snüz, The Little Green Sheep, Joolz, Ladybird Books, and Polarn O. Pyret, to name a few. However, the team, who have more than 45 years PR experience between them, are equally wellversed supporting starts ups in the sector too.
The small, dedicated team ensures each client is made to feel important, with bespoke planners being thoughtfully created to seamlessly support individual brand’s marketing objectives. Whether it’s a long-term, integrated PR strategy, a one o product launch including an event, or a cheeky social post, bumpPR will ensure that your company, product or service gets credible exposure in all the relevant places. In other words, we’ll get the right people talking about you. lisa@bumppr.co.uk www.bumppr.co.uk
Creativity, Strategy, Passion and Experience
Meet the expert Consultant who drives nursery brands to success.
Heidi Steel at Ink & Pixel is a freelance Marketing and PR Consultant who specialises in the nursery industry. She has over fifteen years of hands-on experience creating truly exciting marketing campaigns, eye-catching PR stunts and creative brand strategies in the UK and globally.
Heidi’s recent clients include Water Babies, Fraupow, Purflo, Folk & Thread and Bear Grylls’ Gone Wild Festival. She has also worked in-house as Brand Manager at Tommee Tippee and Head of Marketing at Naturalmat and The Gro Company.
In just the past month Heidi’s clients have enjoyed positive coverage on ITV news, BBC News Online and Mother & Baby, marketing partnerships with Mamas & Papas and the Lullaby Trust and increased sales through both major and independent retailers as a result of engaging new campaigns.
Working with Heidi gets you all the experience of a Head of Marketing & PR without the commitment and all the fire of an agency without the steep agency fees! Get in touch if you need a bit of oomph to reach parents, turn followers into customers and turn Marketing into sales in the nursery industry.
heidi@inkpixel.co.uk www.inkpixel.co.uk
For a specialist view of the family market
Vista urges the nursery industry to stop competing on noise, and start competing on impact.
The team at Vista call themselves ‘Brand Defenders’ and say their What3Words location would be Honesty, Integrity, Action.
With a proliferation of platforms, so much competing noise and just the same number of hours in the day, Vista’s greatest fear is that brands in the nursery industry will find themselves overwhelmed, becoming slaves to algorithms and ultimately merging into one diluted group of indistinguishable blandness.
Steered by Jane, with 28 years of experience in consumer brand communications, Vista helps nursery brands find a purpose, prioritise platforms, join-up content and speak with a resonant, authentic voice to impact media and consumers.
“We are under no illusion of the part Vista has played in our growth. We work with an open and honest dialogue, and absolute trust.”
Welcome to the award-winning agency The Media Snug, where PR meets personality in the vibrant world of the baby industry!
The Media Snug are not your average PR agency – they're a fun and dynamic team dedicated to getting your brand noticed in all the right places.
With their nger rmly on the pulse of the industry, they've got the contacts, the creativity, and the charisma to make magic happen. From one-to-one chats with journalists to in uencer partnerships, they've got your back.
The dynamic team don't just wait for opportunities; they go out and grab them with both hands! Whether it's with proactive PR pitches or scoring those coveted spots on online review sites, they're all about making waves.
But that's not all! They also o er top-notch marketing services to complement their PR e orts, ensuring your brand shines across all channels. So, if you're ready to inject some energy and excitement into your brand's PR and marketing strategy, have a chat with the friendly team at The Media Snug! adeline@mediasnug.com www.mediasnug.com
ideas that get you noticed
For over 25 years, Ideas Network has built up an unrivalled reputation for outstanding consumer PR. They have all the skills of a larger agency while being small, fast and exible.
Ideas Network is a boutique PR agency with a unique o er – they’re happy to achieve mutually agreed PR targets across all media channels or give their fees back. This gives their clients peace of mind that they’ll deliver what they’ve promised and in these uncertain times that’s worth its weight in gold.
Their core strength is in press o ce media relations – they know how to achieve coverage in all the right places after 25 years working across the parenting and lifestyle sectors.
If you’d like to nd out more please contact Victoria Reynolds on 07957 431 771.
www.Ideasnetwork.co.uk
Weaning wonders
Nursery Today’s Editor, Penny Franks, had the pleasure to catch up with Bibado’s CEO & Founder Dan Laxton to garner insights into the feeding and weaning sector.
Are we currently experiencing any trends in infant feeding and weaning products, and if so, how are these trends in uencing purchasing decisions among new parents?
I believe we are. Parents are becoming increasingly aware of the important role that feeding/weaning can play outside of simply what foods their child consumes. This is an incredibly rich developmental stage because of two key factors - all of a child’s senses are being engaged simultaneously during mealtimes, and they will engage with the process for an extended period of time, several times every day. This opens up fantastic physical and cognitive development opportunities, all with just two important steps: creating an environment in which the child can explore their food freely and successfully and enjoying as many meals as you can together as a unit. Feeding products that facilitate relaxed, family meals and open up opportunities for children to explore food without limitation are becoming increasingly popular. I believe that is a trend that will only gather momentum in the coming years.
How important are the materials used in infant feeding and weaning products to parents, and what materials are most preferred due to safety, sustainability, or health concerns?
Using the safest materials possible has always been a high priority for parents. However, it is becoming increasingly challenging for consumers to identify genuine products from reputable brands vs. cheaper imports, which haven’t been subjected to the same level of testing and are often made from substandard materials.
Consumers are rightly becoming more and more interested in the provenance and sustainability of their purchases. Naturally, these are core priorities for Bibado, and it’s great to see that re ected in our customers’ choices - leading to our FSC-certi ed Bamboo Collection selling out twice since launch in October 2023
What do you feel are the primary anxieties parents face during the transition from bottle-feeding to spoonfed feeding, and how can manufacturers address these concerns through product innovation?
As a dad of three young kids, I still remember how nervous this stage can make you as a parent. If you’ve been lucky enough to breastfeed up until 6
months, then this is the rst time you’re really having to make distance choices about your child’s nutritional intake, and that can feel like a huge amount of pressure!
Feeding independence is still massively undervalued, so it’s not just the product innovation; it’s the supplementary information that brands impart to support parents. That’s why we invest heavily in content and experts. Even with the best developmental credentials, a spoon is just the vehicle. Parents need to be guided into relinquishing some control and resisting the urge to literally spoon-feed. Tools like Dippit help transition from early parental assistance to independence and self-feeding. All of our products are designed to lower the barriers to children being able to engage successfully with food, making it more likely that they and their parents will want to embrace this phase and all the myriad bene ts it can bring. Do you hold any insights you can share from recent studies or consumer feedback about the e ectiveness of di erent types of weaning products in aiding the transition from milk to solid foods? Absolutely. We’re constantly being told that getting the tools right really matters. Whether that’s having a bib which e ectively keeps the child completely clean even when causing total chaos in their food explorations - making it easier for parents to relax and let their child loose on their food; or ergonomically designed utensils like the Dippit and Handi Cutlery which make it easier for the child to take control of their meals. It makes an enormous di erence in how quickly they can get the hang of these tricky skills and in their enjoyment of mealtimes, too.
To what extent do parents research infant feeding and weaning products online prior to purchase, and what factors do you feel most in uence their buying decisions during this research?
From our own experience and research, we know that parents research products extensively before purchasing. Word of mouth and recommendations from other parents, in uencers, and content creators are key. Testimonials play a huge role here in building trust and encouraging trial, and as an established player, we are lucky to have heritage, trust, and credibility on our side; plus a healthy bank of 5-star reviews running into the tens of thousands! Value for money is also an important consideration, but not at the cost of quality and peace of mind. Durability and longevity come into
play here. That’s why we developed our 30-month weaning warranty. It’s a very con dent outward expression of our own con dence and belief in our products. We acknowledge that we are not the cheapest brand in the sector, but that’s pretty hard to achieve if you’re using the best materials and testing stringently.
Is the infant feeding and weaning product category known for innovation, and what recent advancements have been made in terms of design, functionality, or materials?
Increasingly, so. We like to think that at Bibado, we’re at the forefront of research and design, helping to push this category forward. In recent years, there has de nitely been a shift to weaning products being functionally designed rather than just miniaturising adult tools, while materials and designs have always constantly evolved.
We are continually reviewing and improving our existing ranges and breaking new ground with innovative products entering new categories. You can see this in the vast improvements we’ve made to the materials and designs of our Coveralls this year, the functional improvements made to the Handi Cutlery, which now picks up even tricky foods incredibly easily, and the introduction of a Silicone tableware range to increase customer choice. What do you feel are the bene ts that nursery retailers can achieve by stocking a diverse range of infant feeding and weaning products, and do you have any advice you can o er on how can they e ectively market these products to new and expecting parents?
The innovations in the weaning category towards more functional and ergonomic products are still relatively new and are most often driven by small innovative brands like Bibado. So, in order to stock the very best products and support the incredible developmental opportunity that weaning o ers, retailers will need to reach outside of the traditional big players.
This is also where education is key. Where shopping for plates and spoons used to be a relatively straightforward experience, there can now be a sense of information overload. The very best retailers have always played an invaluable role in guiding new parents through some of these di cult choices. Here at Bibado, we encourage retailers to lean on us for product training and access to assets to help narrate and tell the story for the customer. www.bibado.co.uk
Food for thought
Feeding infants is a daily routine and as such products within this category can lead to additional sales both in-store or online.
Nursery Today this month shines the spotlight on feeding products which are all available to order now.
Keeping dribbles at bay
Bibblyboo specialise in award winning dribble bibs for teething babies.
Their unique anti-dribble rash shape is designed to stop skin irritation, whilst the waterproof backing and thirsty bamboo core absorb all day to truly protecting clothing from getting wet. With 25 awards, they provide reassurance that you will not only reduce your laundry pile by keeping baby dry, but most babies also don’t require a bib change all day thanks to the superior quality of the bamboo core; which is naturally antibacterial and full of micro-holes acting like a sponge and locking dribble into the core and away from skin. www.bibblyboo.co.uk
The perfect nursing chair
The CuddleCo Etta Nursing Chair o ers parents both style and function.
Featuring on-trend, boucle detailing, this chic nursing chair will become the focal point of any room. Along with being a standout interior piece, parents will love the comfort Etta provides while nursing their little one. With deep padding, wide armrests, and a soft surface, Etta is the perfect spot for parents to bond with their new arrival. Plus, the gentle rocking motion is ideal for soothing baby to sleep. sales@cuddleco.co.uk
Good Square Meal tableware
range
Nuby, a leading UK and global baby brand, believes every child deserves a good square meal so they have partnered with FareShare, the UK’s biggest food waste charity, to fund 250,000 meals from the sales of their Good Square Meal tableware range.
For every item from the range sold Nuby will fund a meal for a child. The Good Square Meal tableware range will equip you with all the tools needed for your baby’s weaning journey including baby bowls, weaning plates, toddler tumblers, nesting pots and baby cutlery. uk.nuby.com
Game-changing ranges
Bibado’s premium, award-winning weaning accessories continue to o er retailers a suite of expert-backed products to support parents in their mealtime adventures.
In particular, Bibado’s quartet of evolutionary gamechangers provide a plotted progression across key weaning milestones. The story starts with dentistapproved Dotty The Dinosaur - the only Multi-Sensory Teether designed speci cally to prepare and strengthen little mouths for starting solids. Next is Dippit, the revolutionary two-handed spoon-and-dipper in-one, declared ‘the ultimate innovation in baby feeding I’ve ever seen’ by Paediatric Occupational Therapist Claire Pidgeon. No-drop Handi Cutlery o ers follow-on utensils that attach only to the Bibado Coverall Weaning Bib. They are designed to minimise frustration and maximise learning by keeping cutlery close at all times. The Sippit open training cup, voted best transition cup in the LBP 2024 awards, can be used for 4+ months and nurtures crucial motor skills and supports feeding independence. All are sold separately and retail at an impulse price below the £10 threshold. www.bibado.co.uk
Sustainable bamboo
Mealtimes just got more interesting for little ones whilst also helping the environment.
The Bambino by Juliana animal base plates are made from sustainable bamboo, as Widdop & Co. continue to evolve their agship baby gifts and nursery brand.
An adorable bunny, loveable elephant, and cute bear are all featured in beautifully designed plates that have exceptional functionality. Each has three compartments with a wooden base, surrounded by natural coloured silicone for added stability and security on any tabletop surface. A must in making mealtimes enjoyable and providing peace of mind for parents. sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk
Silicone feeding sets,
sippy cups and collapsible snack cups
From Bambino by Juliana a perfect addition for new parents is the silicone feeding sets and collapsible snack cups.
Functional and stylish is the order of the day. These feeding sets and collapsible snack cups available from Widdop are safe, durable, and easy to clean, all designed with tiny hands in mind.
sales@widdop.co.uk www.widdop.co.uk
Trixie creates more imagination at the table
Trixie tableware is all about creating joyful family moments at the table with our animal friends. With the expansion of the Trixie mealtime range, they’re fully embracing that.
Following the success of the Trixie water bottle (already 1 million sold!) and the growing popularity of the sippy cup, Trixie are enriching their tableware range with new must- have items. This way, Trixie creates a complete mealtime experience that captivates children’s imagination and brings fun to the table while they enjoy a nutritious meal.
The already popular sippy cup is now also available in new bestselling animal designs such as Mr. Fox, Mrs. Cat, and Mr. Dino. Some new must-have items have been added to the collection, including a cheerful cutlery set with a spoon, fork, and knife. Also, super handy are their playful divided plate and unspillable bowl for yummy meals, both featuring a handy suction feature to stay rmly on the table.
www.trixie-baby.com
EASY
Our innovative vented base supports a steady and smooth drinking flow. The bottles also self-sterilise in just 3 mins, to help take care of little tummies.
Going for ‘green’
The wait is nally over… the winning brands of The Organic & Sustainable Baby Awards 2024 have been announced!
The Organic & Sustainable Baby Awards is a prestigious annual event that recognises excellence in the organic baby product sector.
Celebrating brands and products that demonstrate outstanding quality, safety, and innovation while adhering to organic principles, these awards cover a wide range of categories, including organic baby food, skincare, clothing, toys, and accessories, highlighting the diversity and innovation present in the industry.
The Organic & Sustainable Baby Awards are particularly signi cant due to the growing demand for organic products among environmentally conscious parents. With increasing awareness of the potential health and environmental impacts of conventional products, many parents are turning to organic options that prioritise natural ingredients and sustainable practices. The awards provide a platform for companies to showcase their commitment to these values and gain recognition for their e orts in creating products
that are safe for babies and gentle on the planet.
The judging process for these awards is rigorous and thorough, involving a panel of experts who evaluate entries based on criteria such as ingredient quality, sustainability, packaging, and overall product performance. Winners of the awards gain signi cant recognition, enhancing their brand reputation and credibility in a competitive market.
Moreover, these awards play a crucial role in promoting the organic movement within the baby product industry. By spotlighting innovative and sustainable products, the UK Organic Baby Awards encourage more companies to adopt organic practices and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for children. This, in turn, drives industrywide change and sets higher standards for product safety and environmental responsibility.
For further information on the Organic & Sustainable Baby Awards please visit: www.organicbabyawards.co.uk Congratulations to all the winners!
The winners of the 2024 Organic & Sustainable Baby Awards 2024 are: Organic & Sustainable Baby Awards
& BODYCARE
Best Multipurpose Balm
Gold - Vivilino ‘The Everything Baby Balm’
Silver - La Roche Posay B5 Repairing Balm
Broze - Honey Organics Natures Wonder Balm
FASHION & FOOTWEAR
Best Baby Clothing Loop
Gold - Superlooper
Silver - Babu Lux Rental
Best Toddler Clothing Loop
Gold - Superlooper
Silver - Babu Lux Rental
Best Clothing Innovation
Platinum - ILO
Gold - Superlooper
Best Bib
Gold - ILO Bandana Bib
Silver - Petit Bebe, Pochet Multi-bib
Best Organic Clothing Brand
Platinum - Isla & Fraser
Gold - Ducky Zebra
Silver - ILO
Bronze - Gooseberry Fool
Best Sleepsuit
Platinum - Cozy Crew Club Organic Cotton & Bamboo Sleepsuits
Gold - Ducky Zebra Organic Unisex Zip Up Sleepsuits
Gold - The Baby Gifting Company, Personalised Baby
Blanket & Teddy Gift Set
Silver - Bumbleberry Park Safari Friends Letterbox Gift Set
Bronze - Eco Able ‘Oceans Away’ Book
Best Gift Innovation -
Platinum - Bumbleberry Park, My First Year Gift Set
Best Gift
Platinum - Bumbleberry Park ‘My First Year’ Bodysuit Gift Set
Gold - Alexandra Kay ‘Time to sleep’ Aroma Bracelet
Silver - Little Moon Organic Cotton Swaddles
Weaning / Food & Drink
Best Supplement
Gold - Wildology Vegan D3 Drops For Babies
Silver - Wild Nutrition Children’s Vitamin D Gummies
Bronze - Fruits of nature bebe, Vitamin D drops
Best Formula Brand
Gold - HiPP Organic
Silver - Holle Bio
Best Follow-On Milk
Gold - HiPP Organic Follow-on Milk
Silver - Holle Bio - Organic Goat Milk
Best Weaning Range
Gold - HiPP Organic
Silver - Moon Snow
Bronze - Holle Bio
Best Swim Accessory
Platinum - Splash About Snippets
Gold - Kon dence, The Splashy Aqua Nappy
Silver - Pure Earth Collection Kids Organic Cotton
Swimwear
Bronze - Vivilino, Nazar ‘Home & Go’ waterproof pod
Best Swim Innovation
Platinum - Splash About ‘The Silver Lining’ Nappy wrap
Best Towel
Gold - Vivilino Luxury Bamboo Hooded Baby Towel
Silver - Baby Mori Hooded Bear Baby Towel
Bronze Flossi & Winter Hooded Towel and Wash-cloth
set
Best Book
Gold - Eco Able ‘Away’ Book by Dani Seatter
BRAND AWARDS 2024
Best Sustainable Initiative
Platinum - Kon dence; for their use of E ex as an alternative to Neoprene
Best Feeding Innovation
Gold - Moon Snow Pouch Spout
Silver - HiPP Toddler Tray Meals
Bronze - Organic Baba Travel Plate Set
Best Drinking cup
Gold - Moon Snow Sip, Slurp, Snack 3-in-1 cup
Silver - Jacko Juno Bubble Eco Cup
Bronze - Mushi Silicone Training Cup
TRAVEL & PRAMS
Best Baby Carrier
Gold - Kahu Baby Carrier, Flocking Birds
Silver - Hold Me Close Baby USA, Baby Cuddle & Care
Baby Wrap
Best Sling
Gold - Kahu Baby Carrier, Flocking Birds
Silver - Hold Me Close Baby USA, Baby Cuddle & Care
Baby Wrap
Gifts that keep on giving
As featured in British Vogue, Bumbleberry Park is a magical place to nd baby and children’s Gifts That Gift Back.
Bumbleberry Park is a luxury brand founded by mum of two, Amanda, after experiencing amazing care with her little girl in lockdown and are pleased to announce they secured a host of awards across a number of categories at this year’s Organic Baby Awards.
Proud to support Tommy’s baby charity, they donate for every order, all designs are illustrated in their Manchester studio and a luxury gift wrapping service is available too. As a family business, they hope to create beautiful, sustainable & timeless gifts for the next generation, that spread joy and magic with a bit of extra sparkle donating to a wonderful charity. www.bumbleberrypark.com
Gold for Clair de Lune
The team at Clair de Lune are so excited to have picked up 4 awards at this years Organic and Sustainable Baby Award including Best Overall Nursery Range.
The team picked up Gold for their Organic Natural Wicker Moses Basket, Gold for their Organic Folding Crib, Silver for their Organic Noah Pod and Platinum for having the Best Nursery Range overall. Created in GOTs certi ed cotton, the Organic Collection is crafted to be kind to babies and kind to the planet. The range from Clair de Lune is going from strength to strength with their Organic Palm Moses Basket picking up a Gold Made for Mums Award earlier this year.
To learn more about the range get in touch with Jess at sales@ clair-de-lune.co.uk www.clair-de-lune.co.uk
ILO is a Bristol-made baby and children’s clothing brand with a focus on GOTS certi ed organic textiles printed in the most fun exclusive patterns.
ILO’s designs won the Organic Baby Awards 2024 in 4 categories, including Platinum for the Expandable rompers in the ‘Best Clothing Innovation’ and Gold for ‘Best Bib’. ILO is the sustainable baby and kid’s brand loved by grandparents for durability and quality, by parents for their pattern designs, and by kids for playfulness and comfort. www.iloclothing.co.uk
Platinum products
Golden Sleep
The team at Kabode were incredibly proud to be honoured with Gold awards in two categories: ‘Best Bedding’ and ‘Best Nursery Range’.
Recognition of their commitment to producing high-quality, design-led organic bedding impressed judges and earned praise from real parent panel members who tested their products.
“Kabode has set a new standard in the baby bedding market. Their attention to detail, commitment to sustainability, and stylish designs make them a deserving winner of this year’s ‘Best Bedding’ and ‘Best Nursery Range’ awards. Truely outstanding.”Jodie Sanderson, Fabrics Expert & OBA Judge TEL: 020 8017 1346 info@kabode.co.uk www.kabode.co.uk
Sustainable fashion
MORI is a sustainable baby and toddler clothing and lifestyle brand, adored by families in the UK and across the world.
The brand is renowned for its supersoft organic cotton and bamboo collections, designed to empower families to sleep better. Their bestselling sleepwear has earned MORI a cult-like following, with celebrity fans including Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Molly-Mae Hague and Sam Faiers. MORI’s multi-award-winning Clever Zip Sleepsuit and Clever Sleeping Bag, are the brand’s best selling products and are must-have items for new parents. Made from MORI’s signature thermoregulating fabric - which is kind to babies’ skin and the planet - the ranges are innovatively designed to make bedtimes simpler (and calmer) with easy two-way zips and adjustable lengths. Designed in-house, MORI releases exclusive new designs and prints throughout the year, including MORI-original prints and exclusive licensed collaborations with family favourites including Peppa Pig and Peter Rabbit. www.babymori.com
Platinum for Splash About at Organic Baby green awards!
Splash About’s eco-friendly credentials were celebrated with four wins for its baby and toddler swimwear at the Organic Baby Awards.
The brand’s swim-school approved 2-in-1 Happy Nappy DUO which negates the need for disposables, scooped platinum for Best Swim Nappy. While the Silver Lining pant, a bacteriabusting alternative to disposables took platinum for Best Swim Innovation.
The judges were impressed that the products helped ‘reduce the massive waste associated with disposable swim nappies, saving money for consumers and contributing to environmental conservation.’
The new Splash Jammer DUO, which bridges the gap between swimwear and swim nappies, was awarded best in category gold for Best Potty-Training product. And the brand’s new eco-friendly Snippet water toys made from end of roll fabric won Best Swim Accessory, cited as simple, e ective and a ‘fabulous zero-waste innovation.’ www.splashabout.com
E-Flex awarded best sustainable initative
Konfidence’s eco-friendly baby and children’s swimwear range made from e-FLEX triumphed for a third-year in a row at the 2024 Organic Baby Awards. This year the parent testers and judges presented the Splashy range with a special Platinum award for ‘Best Sustainable Initiative (for use of e-FLEX as an alternative to neoprene)’.
Konfidence’s Splashy Swim Nappy also received a Platinum award for ‘Best Reusable Swim Nappy’ and Gold for ‘Best Swim Nappy’ for a third time. The new mark II Splashy Aqua Nappy, which is also now made from e-FLEX, was awarded Gold for ‘Best Swim Accessory’.
The Judges said: “Konfidence are trailblazing in sustainable swimwear, their innovative designs and materials result in swimsuits and swim nappies that care for the planet as well as babies and toddlers. We are always impressed by their innovative thinking and their brand values.” www.konfidence.co.uk
Award winning carriers and slings
Carry baby comfortably and safely in KahuBaby’s soft organic cotton baby carriers.
KahuBaby Carrier is simple, lightweight, and designed to complement the modern parents’ busy lifestyle. With its unique cinching system, Kahubaby is perfect for carrying baby from birth through to the toddler years.
Easy adjustability, plus a choice of carrying positions, enables you and your baby to go places and get things done, together. KahuBaby is tested according to European safety standards. It’s ergonomically designed to support baby’s optimum hip development, and for your comfort too. Their organic cotton is ethically and sustainably sourced, friendlier for the planet and kinder to the farmers who grow the cotton. www.kahubaby.com
If your company is a member of the Baby Products Association and you are not currently receiving members’ e-bulletins with industry updates, but would like to, please email julie@b-p-a.org who will add you to the database.
www.b-p-a.org
Future plans for the BPIA
The UK’s trade association representing the baby products industry has announced a new name and complete rebranding.
The former Baby Products Association will now be known as the Baby Products Industry Association (BPIA).
Marc Hardenberg, chair of the organisation, explains: “The industry has evolved signi cantly in the 79 years since the association was formed in 1945, and following the recent restructuring and appointment of a new management team, a refreshed and updated outlook was high on our agenda. We believe that the new logo is modern and represents the aspirations of the BPIA going forward. In coming months we will be launching new literature and a new website too.”
The BPIA now presents membership packages available to both manufacturers, suppliers and retailers and also associates such as PR companies, industry consumer and trade shows, publications and much more. Marc adds: “From 2024, we believe that all industry players have an important role to play in supporting the industry and in promoting safer products and services for babies and young children. We intend for the BPIA to be more inclusive than ever.
Introducing new Associate Members
For the rst time, the BPIA is delighted to welcome Associate Members and is pleased to introduce the following: Targi Kielce (Kids Time Poland), CBME Turkiye, Kind + Jugend, CBME Shanghai, Nursery Today magazine and ACID (Anti Copying In Design).
All of these organisations are o ering great bene ts to members. For example, Kids Time Poland, which takes place from 25th to 27th February 2025 is o ering 20% discount on exhibition space plus a waiver of Kielce Trade Fairs’ handling charges connected with participation in the fair and between two and seven free banquet invitations plus free parking (depending on stand size). More information regarding these Associates and bene ts to members will follow in coming months.
Protect your IP
ACID and the Baby Products Industry Association (BPIA) are delighted to join forces in partnership to ensure their members receive the right Intellectual Property (IP) advice and support and also enjoy reduced membership rates. We are excited to move forward together and anticipate a mutually bene cial relationship and a bright future.
The Baby Products Industry covers a wide range of goods from clothing to toys; food to toiletries. All these products need to adhere to strict testing standards, and achieving this is a true re ection of a great brand and product design. Sadly, the risk from copycats is ever present. Protecting your trademarks, designs, copyright and sometimes even patents, along with keeping your hard earned trade secrets safe, is paramount to protecting your creations, brand and business from any corner-cutting copyists.
Marc Hardenberg, BPIA said, “The baby products industry is no stranger to copycat products and protecting intellectual property is always high on the agenda for our members. Our partnership with ACID will help us to protect brands and ultimately ensure the sale of safe products.”
Laura Newbold Breen, CEO of ACID, said, “My experience with the Trunki brand taught me so much about the challenges of copycats in the toy and baby industry; both in terms of product safety and Intellectual Property. Working in partnership with the BPIA will provide a complete suite of support and advice to ensure our members have all the tools they need to ensure their product and brand compliance”.
Concept & Innovation Awards open for entry
The Association is keen to promote excellence and innovation in the nursery sector and these annual awards encourage this. Over the years, the judges have been presented with numerous interesting and innovative ideas; many of which have proceeded to market.
Julie Milne, General Manager of the Baby Products Industry Association, comments: “The Concept & Innovation Awards highlight the ethos of our industry trade association. It encourages innovative thinking to produce new product ideas which are effective and safe and make the lives of parents and their babies a little easier. Each year, we are overwhelmed by the creativity and often groundbreaking designs of many entries.”
The winner of the 2023 Concept & Innovation Award was Designability, with an accessible pushchair suitable for manual wheelchair users, developed with mass manufacture in mind. The award was presented to Dario Canini of the company by the then Baby Products Association chair Marc Hardenberg.
The entry form for the 2024 Concept & Innovation Awards can be downloaded from the website at the link below and the only clause is that the product must not be for sale prior to Harrogate international Nursery Fair which takes place from 13th to 15th October 2024.
BPIA welcomes new members
The Baby Products Industry Association is delighted to welcome the following new members:
Mabel and Me
www.mabelandme.co.uk
Mabel & Me partners with clients to deliver customer-driven business success. The company performs a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of a company’s marketing and branding materials. It focuses on ensuring consistency of imagery and voice in a company messaging, or on fostering a unique voice or image for a company to make it attract attention away from competitors.
Nursery Connections
(Raskelf Ltd)
www.nurseryconnections.co.uk
Manufacturers of a broad range of cot and pram mattresses and also supply a range of undressed moses baskets together with a bespoke dressing and packing service using customers own dressings.
Solution EU
info@solutioneu.com
Solution EU has worked with retailers in the supply and category management of children’s products for over 13 years – in Europe since 2008 and the USA from 2019. The sales, design, product development and operations teams work closely to deliver the highest quality products with exceptional customer service. The company’s industry knowledge and technical expertise means it is an industry leader in the design, sourcing and supply of baby and kids licensed and private label product.
Apramo Limited
www.apramo.co.uk
With car seats from 0 to 12 years, and a comprehensive range of travel accessories, all manufactured in our own facilities, Apramo are a one stop solution for child travel items. Our ethos is to make life easier, for consumers and stockists alike, we look forward to working with you!
We are in the process of creating a unique buggy/stroller accessory to support the cognitive development of babies. We are still in the prototype phase.
The Nest
www.lookinthenest.uk.com
In essence, THE NEST acts as a hub of support, knowledge, and empowerment for individuals and businesses in the retail industry. It aims to facilitate growth, innovation, and positive change while fostering a sense of community and collaboration. We provide 360 degree business advice, support and guidance for brands, retailers and manufacturers of maternity, baby and children’s products, so you can start up or scale up your business, consciously and profitably.
new!
Bébécar Multi-Fold Car Seat
Discover the new Multi-Fold Car Seat from Bébécar. Specially designed for babies to travel in maximum safety.
The depth-adjustable base can be used with the Isofix anchoring system to allow the backrest to be tilted to the safest position in the car.
The height adjustable chair grows with your child (from 4-12 years or 100-150cm).
The folding seat is easy to store and is so compact that you can fit up to 3 chairs in the back of the car without compromising on safety and comfort!
Available in two colour combinations. Bébécar UK is part of the East Coast Group. TEL: 1692 408801 | sales@bebecar.co.uk | www.bebecar.co.uk
The brand that parents trust sales@clippasafe.co.uk
New Jet 5 Launches
The new, cabin approved Jet 5 stroller from Silver Cross is the perfect travel companion.
Light and compact, with a lie-flat seat that’s now suitable from birth to 22kg, Jet 5 has a self-standing pull-along fold and protective travel cover, making it perfect for holidays at home and away.
Featuring bigger wheels and premium suspension, Jet 5 is super easy to manoeuvre. It can also be used with the Silver Cross Dream i-Size infant carrier, or a car seat from another leading brand, to create the ultimate newborn travel system.
Jet 5 is available in 3 new colours – Space, Cinnamon and Mineral. www.silvercrossbaby.com
All-New Reef and Dune
Silver Cross has launched its all-new Reef 2 and Dune 2 pushchairs. Lighter in weight with an improved and simplified fold, both Reef 2 and Dune 2 make family outings a breeze, no matter where you stroll.
Reef 2 is the smart choice for all-terrain comfort. It has bigger wheels to handle multiple surfaces, while new, improved softer suspension provides the smoothest of rides for babies. Dune 2 is made for urban lifestyles. With smaller ergonomic wheels and flexible suspension, it nimbly navigates busy streets and tight corners.
Reef 2 and Dune 2 are available in two new colours, Mocha and Space. www.silvercrossbaby.com
Clever additions to Bibado feeding range
Newness characterises the AW24/25 collection at Bibado with additions to the complete mealtime solutions brand, plus product upgrades and improvements on core lines.
Silicone tableware joins the bestselling Bamboo dinnerware with the same winning inclines and curves designed to support, develop and maximise scooping and feeding independence. A new Silicone Tableware Set joins the boxed gift and ready-made weaning solutions o ering.
The brand’s flagship Coverall Weaning Bib is treated to its annual design update with four trend-led bespoke prints designed by Kate Simcoe, the in-house Soft Lines Designer. The brand also joins forces with Hasbro for two eagerly awaited character prints featuring Peppa and George Pig.
Finally the innovative ‘no-drop’ attachable Handi Cutlery gets a complete design and function overhaul for enhanced performance. www.bibado.co.uk
The ultimate modern pushchair with gamechanging 360° swivel wheels
Discover new directions with the NEW Nuna SWIV stroller with game-changing 360° swivel wheels, sleek carbon bre reinforced aluminium frame, and a height-adjustable handle for customisable strolls.
The SWIV’s innovative side-to-side motion powered by its four 360° swivel wheels instantly pivot without the constraints of traditional pushchair steering. Spring suspension technology is built into the seat to provide smooth rides by absorbing energy caused by uneven terrain like cobblestones, sidewalks, and every bumpy thing in between.
The SWIV comes with every accessory you need for the journey, including a cup holder, a rain cover, a carry bag, and an adjustable tilt post adaptor to be travel system ready. www.nunababy.eu/uk
