European designs push mobility, flexibility
show Biz Kind and Jugend
By Gerri Hunt -- Kids Today, 10/1/2008
From car seats that enable an infant to lie flat and interchangeable pram wheels, to a folding bath tub and a no-power-required baby food warmer, last month’s Kind & Jugend show in Cologne, Germany put the spotlight on parents and children on the move. More than 16,000 visitors from 90 countries were on hand for the four-day show.
“Looking at the international visitors in particular, the fair went very well for us, because the quality of discussions was significantly better than in the past,” said Peter Görgen, executive director of Rotho Babydesign GmbH. “It is clearly evident that the market in Eastern Europe but also in the Arab countries has taken a giant step forward.”
On the exhibitors’ side, 615 companies from abroad and 158 German suppliers ensured that the event was fully booked. And with so many companies requesting enlarged spaces, exhibition space will increase for next year’s show, set for Sept. 17-20.
The Taga, from Taga B.V. (www.taga.nl), is a symbiosis between a bicycle and stroller. In just a few simple steps, the bike can be converted to or from a stroller. This means a parent and child can travel using the bike and then change it into a stroller at their destination. Micki Leksaker’s (www.micki.se) Crocodile Table on Wheels features a wooden top and plastic storage box underneath. Two wheels have locks. The FlexiBath by A Real Cool World (www.arealcoolworld.com) is a bathtub that folds with a touch. The drain plug turns from black to red when bath water reaches a certain temperature. The bottom is non-slip, and it’s available in a range of colors, including transparent.

The Babyni 2 in 1 by Baby Moov (www.babymoov.com) is a pop-up baby bed with detachable toys, a rear window, zipping mosquito net, folding canopy and anti-UV coating.


The Leander Mouse is a four-wheel scooter by Janoschik Holz Spiel und Design (www.janoschik.de). Made of processed wood that is stained, painted and polished.


Gesslein’s (www.gesslein.de) F2 Cocon Pushchair has an oversized cover with several different levels, all the way to the floor. Side slots give ventilation, and a transparent panel lets the child see. The fully-closed cover mutes noise for sleeping

.






















