WHAT’S HOT

What ’ s hot Pushchairs

As one of the biggest items new parents will buy when they are expecting, a pushchair is a key purchase and needs to fit into the lifestyle and needs of a family. The market sees constant innovation with new features and fashions, so PPS took a look at the latest trends.

Much more than just a way to get a child from A to B, pushchairs need to fit seamlessly into the lives and environment of a family, as well as being easy to use and stylish. It’s a lot to ask of one product, but there are some key selling points in recent additions to the market which help meet those needs. The fold: An easy to operate fold is crucial for busy parents. One that can be operated single handedly while holding the baby in the other arm is ideal, as is one that locks closed itself to enable it to be lifted into a car easily. Lightweight: With trips into town, school runs, family visits and more, it’s important for pushchairs to be easy to put in and out of the car boot, on and off a train or bus, or to be lifted upstairs. Suspension: Since lockdown, many more families are taking regular walks and trips to the countryside, so manufacturers are now ensuring that many models can manage on different terrains. Luxury fabrics: Quilted fabrics are very on-trend for the pushchairs market, as well as more padded and comfortable seat units for babies and toddlers. Pop-out harnesses: Harnesses which stand out from the seat unit, making it easier for parents to get children in and out, and safely secure them are becoming more and more popular. Accessories: Add-on items which make life easier for parents are a great selling point for wheeled goods. Features such as cup holders and removeable pouches are ideal to fit in with everyday life. Sustainability: Pushchairs are large items which can be potentially harmful to the environment so many suppliers are now working to use recycled and recyclable materials on the products as well as more eco-friendly packaging. Colours: More muted tones are the order on the day at the moment, with lots of green and grey designs proving popular. Adrian Sneyd, show organiser at Harrogate International Nursery Show, commented: “Obviously, fashions and trends are constantly changing, but it was noticeable that the colourways and trims for 2022 seem to be similar to vehicle trends with sleek lines, classy dark shades such as black, grey and dark blues and lots of chrome and leather trims. Maybe the fact that more dads are working from home and spending time with their children has influenced this? Co-ordinating products also seemed to be popular with pushchairs incorporating matching accessories such as changing bags and foot muffs.”

What’s hot Car seats

Car seats can be a confusing area with regularly changing safety recommendations and laws. Turn to page 16 for more from the Baby Products Association on how to keep abreast of these changes. In terms of features and style, there’s a great deal of innovation appearing in the category to help make parents lives easier, and children safer and more comfortable on their journeys. Swivel: Without a doubt the most popular new feature among parents and retailers is a rotating car seat. Many now offer this option to make it easier to get children in and out of the seat. i-Size: Laws for car seats are changing in many EU countries from 2023 to ensure they are i-Size compliant. While this regulation won’t be enforced in the UK, there are many i-Size compliant options on the market. I-Size is a European car seat safety standard launched in 2013 and is the most up-todate for car seats. Extended rearward facing: Over recent years, advice has changed to recommend that children remain in rearward facing in car seats up to the age of four. In fact in some European countries, it is now law that children remain rear facing until this age. As a result, many suppliers are now offering seats which provide this option. Growing with the child: A number of manufacturers are now offering seats which adapt as the child grows and some will remain suitable from birth, right up to 12 years, removing the need to change the seat as children grow, helping to reduce both cost, and impact on the environment. Reclining: The option to fully recline a seat is now a key feature on many models. A reclining seat allows children to sleep more comfortably while traveling, and also allows babies to breathe optimally and inhale all the oxygen they need, while also encouraging healthy development of spine and hips.

Side impact protection:

Safety is key, and with one in four car accidents caused by side-on collisions, side impact protection is an added safety feature. While the i-Size regulation does test for safety in a side-impact collision, the older ECE R44/04 doesn’t. The added protection offers reinforced materials in the head cradle to absorb impact. Sustainability: With suppliers, retailers and consumers now more aware of their impact on the environment, car seats using recycled and recyclable materials are emerging. Some companies also offer recycling services for car seats once the consumer has finished using them.

Safety is the first consideration for new parents when buying a car seat, but suppliers are continuously evolving to create new features and selling points for car seats for all ages. PPS outlines what’s hot in the car seat market.

See them at the show

Harrogate International Nursery Fair returned in October 2021 and will retain its October date for this year. A great opportunity for retailers to see the latest car seat designs, show organiser, Adrian Sneyd, comments: “Indications suggest a sold-out show for 2022. We already have 80% of last year’s exhibitors rebooked. The 2022 show has also had a ‘face-lift’ with new halls creating a better flow and atmosphere. Plus, with the event now moved permanently to October, it provides perfect timing for product launches and particularly for wheeled goods and car seats.”