Hot off the heels from the 2016 ABC Kids EXPO, the largest baby and juvenile product showcase in the country, TTPM Baby is reeling from all the new and exciting baby products hitting the stores in the coming months. From a stroller fit for the royals to a smart bed to a self-installing car seat, this year’s show had a lot to offer. The big trend we noticed was design. The modern parent values good design and high art, and baby gear for 2016/2017 reflects that need. Here’s 10 of my favorite picks that stood out from the thousands of products at the 2016 ABC Kids Expo with something extra to offer. Hold on to your baby registries parents,you are in for an exciting ride.
Let’s kick things off with the NOMI chair from EvoMove. This is a work of art that doubles as a high chair to take baby through infancy all the way into the teen years. The NOMI high chair has a minimalist design with curves and contours to keep your baby comfortable. An infant seat attaches to the base of the chair so baby can join in on dinner table chatter right from birth. A toddler seat with tray table fits your growing babe. And for the final stage, all the accessories can be stripped away for a modern high-top chair for kids and teens. The curved ergonomic detail makes this comfortable for your child while details such as its rounded corners keep safety in mind.
The fashion runway meets baby gear with Cybex’s latest collaboration with designer Jeremy Scott. This capsule collection is so hot that it’s flying off the shelves, so you better grab it while you can. Scott has added his signature metallic gold wings to Cybex’s award-winning baby gear and the result is nothing short of head-turning design! From car seats to strollers to baby carriers, you can get all your baby gear outfitted with Jeremy Scott’s look. The slogan, Adults Suck, Then You Are One, sets the tone for this pop-art collection.
The Ami Rocker from Nursery Works is one of my favorite pieces from the 2016 ABC Kids Expo. This gorgeous rocker features a seat with attached bassinet that keeps the design lines right on trend. Parents can place baby in the connected bassinet to rock baby to sleep, use for feedings, or simply for hanging out. Once you have outgrown the baby years, the chair transforms into a double-seated rocker. We love the clean look, the practical details, and the nod to high design.
The maker of the popular DockATot infant and toddler beds, has taken it up a notch with the CloudTot. The CloudTot is an insert that slips right into your DockATot to convert it into a smart bed. The CloudTot monitors baby’s temperature, breathing, and moisture while also giving baby a soft nudge if no motion is detected. The CloudTot connects to an app that alerts parents if needed. Keeping with the clean design of the DockATot, the CloudTot brings tech, comfort and peace of mind right to nursery. It is expected to launch summer 2017.
All the way from across the pond the British stroller brand Silver Cross, is making its U.S. debut with the Wave Pram Stroller. This modern luxury stroller keeps your prince or princess strolling like British royalty. The Wave has a seat that is forward- and rear-facing with a bassinet attachment for baby. What makes it stand out is the One Plus One travel system that keeps your growing family in mind with 16 configurations, including space for a second seat (pictured). Top of the line fabrics with detailed trim and faux leather pops finish off this look.
Parents, relax. Your car seat can now install itself. 4MOMs has taken the guesswork out of car seat installation with the Self-Installing Car Seat. Yes, you read that correctly. Simply connect the latches to your car and the car seat base takes it from there making sure all levels and angles are just right for every ride. https://www.4moms.com/carseat
The team from Project Nursery debuted its highly anticipated Baby Smart Band. The fitness and activity tracker allows moms to track their pregnancy symptoms, such as fetal movements, and once baby is born, it track’s baby’s diaper changes, feeding, naps and so much more. Alerts on the Smart Band send out helpful reminder to parents for all of life’s important details. When the baby years are done, the Baby Smart Band also works as an everyday fitness tracker that tracks hydration, sleep, calories, steps, and everything you’d expect from a standard fitness tracker.
Fisher-Price launched the On-The-Go Baby Dome, and truthfully we need an adult version of this ASAP! This cozy, compact dome folds up so parents can take it along outdoors to a park, when they travel, or just for use in the home. An insect-proof mesh closes up to keep baby safe while the UPF 20-fabric protects from harmful rays from the sun. Detachable toys hang from a bar to keep baby engaged. This is a must-have product that is great for indoor or outdoor use.
Another trend that keeps popping up is color. Color is everywhere and brands are not shying away from being bright and whimsical. The ‘candy’ shades were front and center at ABC Kids Expo and we especially loved the cribs from Suitebebe. These fully convertible cribs bring color to your nursery making a bold color statement. http://www.suitebebe.com
Teepees are the hot trend in nursery décor and the Grow-With-Me Playtime Teepee from Infantino brings the play right to your newborn. This multi-functional activity tent engages baby with lay-and-play tummy-time and converts into a sweet playtime nook for toddlers. A detachable mobile with friendly animals hangs in the center and the entire teepee structure is removable, if needed.
There are lots of choices in the baby gear industry and these trends are just getting started. Designer collaborations, luxury details, color, and products that grow with baby all seem to be exactly what today’s modern parents want. Look for these products to hit the shelves in the very near future.