European designs on cutting edge
Exhibitors put new spin on juvenile wares
By Lisa Casinger -- Kids Today, 10/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
The Kind & Jugend show in Cologne last month was filled with extravagant booths, innovative product and inviting colors and styles. More than 745 companies from 39 countries exhibited products including strollers, furniture, toys, safety items, bedding, apparel and more; the number of exhibitors was up about 15% from last year. The growth of the show led to it being extended from three to four days this year; next year's Kind & Jugend is schedule for Sept. 11–14.
Many European homes do not have bath tubs and BiBaBath (www.bibabath.com) has a solution. This Dutch product is a folding bathtub that fits in most showers and is suitable for children up to 7 years old. The "tub" attaches easily to the frame and has a drain at the bottom, much like a swimming pool, and is fully washable. It also can be used for camping or traveling.
Hanke for Kids' (www.hankedesign.com) Le Baron is a hip, upholstered chair suitable for kids from 1 to 10. The round shape is based on a comfy cocoon and it comes in red, blue, lime green, orange, black and pink with your choice of two seat cushion and two pillow color options.
Crib maker Graffi (www.graffi.com.tr) has a line of cribs and youth furniture with features not found on U.S. cribs. There's a line of rocking baby cribs as well as a convertible crib system that, when broken down, converts to a toddler bed, night stand and study desk, with some assembly.
Sigikid (www.sigikid.de) offers a full line of products for kids from plush and bedding to developmental toys, feeding, kid-sized furniture and more. Florentine is a whimsical garden fairy theme that crosses all categories.
Aprica (www.aprica-eu.com) offers a car seat for children birth to 4 years. The seat has six positions, from totally flat for newborns to fully upright for 4-year-olds. Though it's not approved for U.S. safety standards, the concept is innovative.
Bebe Jou (www.bebe-jou.com) is a one-stop shopping company based in the Netherlands. The company offers everything from bathing and feeding to bedding and furniture, as shown here in its newest collection, Chamonix.
Cuddledry (www.cuddledry.com) sells an oversized luxurious baby bath towel, made from bamboo and organic cotton mix with a natural antibacterial property.
In the Pocket Baby, distributed by 4P (www.4p.se), offers a portable child seat that works with any chair and is designed for kids who can sit unaided.
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