Kind + Jugend surpasses goal, adds day to 2007 show

Kind + Jugend, the international trade fair for children's products held in Cologne, Germany last month, exceeded expectations for number of exhibitors, attendance and international scope.

There were approximately 13,500 attendees from 95 countries this year, compared with 12,000 visitors from 78 countries last year. There were 645 exhibitors (up from 561 last year) from 41 countries including Germany, Belgium, China, Denmark, France, England, Italy, Sweden and the U.S.

Oliver P. Kuhrt, Koelnmesse executive vice president, said attendance was up 12% and the percentage of exhibitors coming from outside Germany was up 5% to 78%. This success has led show management to add another day to the market for 2007, making it a four day show instead of three.

"For our company, it was the best Kind + Jugend ever," Martin Pos of Cybex Industrial, Kulmbach, Germany said in a press release. "This is the event that attracts the entire global sector."

The show debuted its Marketplace of Information, a platform on child safety; because of its success Kind + Jugend is making it a regular feature for future markets.

Products ranged from furniture and strollers to apparel, toys, car seats and more.

I'coo launched its iPico stroller in three designs: classic black, pure white and modern turquoise. There's an iPod docking station built into the stroller's hood (with integrated protection against the elements) and a surround sound speaker system so babies and toddlers can listen to their favorite tunes.

Bloom bowed its European engineered Fresco Bloom high chair, which won an Innovation Award (see sidebar). The high chair has 360-degree swivel with a safety lock; multiple-position reclining seat; five-point harness height-adjustable shoulder straps; microsuede seat pad in a variety of bright colors; dual removable trays and more. It easily converts from an infant highchair to a toddler's seat.

Another Innovation Award winner was Cybex's Zerone car seat. The design is based on the premise that children riding backwards are less likely to suffer neck and spine injuries in an accident. The seat allows for children up to 4 years old to ride backwards and it has an integrated DVD system for entertainment. The seat also has integrated sensors that indicate the correct belt tension and adjustable reclining positions.

Xplorys offered a fun packaging idea for its FreshWear apparel. The 100% cotton one-piece outfits are packed in pint-sized milk cartons and come in colors like cool aqua, pretty pink, lucky lime, hot red and cute cow. Fresh fruit- and vegetable-themed bibs are packed in baby food jars and come in strawberry, orange, carrots and green peas looks.

Aside from these products, exhibitors debuted baby sleeping bags that use aerospace technology to prevent overheating; digital baby wrist phones; water- and dirt-repellent children's clothing; and strollers and travel systems with height-adjustable frames that let you raise the kids up so they aren't exposed to exhaust fumes.

Xplorys' creative packaging is a perfect match for its Fresh Wear apparel line.

High-tech style, safety and comfort won Bloom an innovation award for the Fresco Bloom high chair. It has 360-degree swivel, a microsuede seat pad and more.

Cybex won an innovation award for its multi-feature Zerone car seat that enables kids to ride backwards.

Bon Jovi drummer Tico Torres helped design the iPod-compatible iPico stroller from I'coo.