10 top parenting trends for 2013

Tablets for children

One of the biggest Christmas toys this year has been the LeapFrog Leap Pad, allowing parents to reclaim their iPads from their tots. In fact, technology is no longer just for children, it’s now for babies too. Watch helplessly as your own toddler or pre-schooler becomes more adept on a tablet than you. And expect a stream of precocious child app designers to emerge before long…

Children on bikes

Give praise to Sir Bradley Wiggins who has inspired an army of cycling children and families, with his Tour de France and Olympic triumphs. Set to become the nation’s favourite British sport, cycling is healthy, fun and even useful. Runners-up in sport popularity likely to be swimming and archery, following the success of last year’s Hunger Games.

Sip & See parties

Baby showers and dadchelor parties are so last year, expect Sip & See parties to be the latest parenting craze to come from the US. These are post-baby celebrations, where a few days after giving birth, you invite friends round to ooh and aah over your newborn, sipping some fizzy while you pass the baby round a circle of cooing admirers.

Shorter gaps between babies

With many trends led by celebrities, will new mums be influenced by the rush of celeb mums (Lily Allen, Peaches Geldof and Jessica Simpson) who’ve announced second pregnancies a few months after giving birth to their first.

Funky rainwear

If 2012 was the UK’s wettest year for 100 years, then let’s face it, 2013 is likely to be even rainier. So, we’re expecting a shower of rainy day fashion, from gorgeous raincoats, toddler splash suits and an array of fun wellies to cheer us up on those drizzly days.

Vintage nurseries

Kourtney Kardashian brought the blossoming vintage trend into the spotlight with her nursery for daughter Penelope. Meanwhile, new mums and mums-to-be have been making the most of style-sharing opportunities on Pinterest with retro toys, bunting, homemade quilts and DIY wall decorations all trending high.