MFM went to Germany last week – no, we’re not boasting about a late summer getaway, we’re talking about our time at Kind + Jugend, the world’s largest baby and child fair. For 50 years, K+J is the place where brands reveal what the next year has in store for them. About 800 companies from 40 nations take their new products and give us a sneak peak.
Here’s what’s hot in car seats and home safety, but don’t miss our 2011 buggy sneak preview and nursery and feeding kit report.
Phil and Teds
Phil and Teds has a new multi-group car seat in development. Known as the Optimum, it’s said to go from birth to 4 years. There are a few other new car seats we spotted too, that we can’t wait to test.
Recaro
Recaro is also creating a multi-group from birth offering, called the Idero car seat.
Concord
Concord has two new car seats due out, a Group 0+ and a Group 1. As we’ve come to expect from Concord, both ooze style and safety. The Group 0+ is the Air, and one of its big claims to fame is that it weighs under 3kg. Something to be in awe of! We should see the Air next year some time. The Group 1 offering, the Absorber XT, we could see by the end of 2010, if we’re very, very lucky.
Jane
Jane, as per usual, is at the top of the list when it comes to car safety innovation. This time, it’s an ISOFIX base that can work for a lie-flat car seat and a rear facing car seat. It is possibly the world’s first. Seeing this, it’s clear why Jane is a leader and not a follower.
Britax
Britax is another big name in car safety, and 2011 will see the trusted name roll out innovative Group 2/3 car seats with side impact technology that’s a bit like mini cushions of air on the sides of the seats. These gems could be seen in cars around the UK as early as January 2011.
Maxi-Cosi
Maxi-Cosi won’t be left out though, and will add two new Group 2/3 car seats to the range next year.
Lindam
Lindam has had a makeover, and the new packaging looks fresh and oh-so-2011. Lindam has developed new home safety products that look parent-friendly and a step above what’s currently available elsewhere. As soon as samples roll off that production line, we’ll be demanding some to test out!
