How many times have you seen a baby or parenting product and wondered to yourself “why didn’t I think of that?” One of the reasons why I love working for Tinybeans as Senior National Editor is that I’m privy to the latest and greatest product releases for families. This year marks the first year since 2019 that the ABC Kids Expo was held in person, and I was able to get a glimpse of game-changing gear that I not only wish I had when my kids were younger but that everyone will be talking about this summer and fall. From travel gear (it’s back!) to companies that are all about making parenting (way) easier, here are some things that stood out this year.
Best Baby and Parenting Products: Travel Gear
Stokke made waves with its JetKids™ BedBox a few years back, and they’ve added more to their travel collection with the Cloudsleeper™JetKids™ inflatable bed. It has side bumpers, comes with a breathable mesh sheet and fits into a packing cube. Even better, it fits perfectly into the BedBox.
BabytoLove is a French brand (coming soon to the US), and we loved their Easy Up Baby Booster Seat. Easy to clean, easy to carry and available in three chic patterns, parents don’t have to worry about finding a way to feed a baby or toddler if they have one of these on hand.
Best Baby and Parenting Products: Creative Collaborations
Wonderfold Wagon x Volkswagon This fun collab was revealed at the ABCKids Expo. Designed with the same care and all the same perks as other Wonderfold Wagons, this stunner has real working lights and boasts the VW design on the sides. Look for it to hit the market in September 2022.
Baby Jogger Summit X3 and Robin Arzon We already love Baby Jogger for their light four-wheel modular strollers, but their new collaboration with Peleton’s VP of Fitness, Robin Arzon, excites us even more. The new Summit X3 jogging stroller will be available later this year.
Products Making Parenting Easier
If there’s a product that will help parents survive and thrive, we’re all for it. Morepeas and Baby Brew are making the feeding game easier with cups that go from snacking to drinking in flash. GoBe has a unique rotating snacking tray that’s perfect for on the go (they’ll get more than one option, and you’ll have less mess). Later this year, Zoli will launch silicone bowls and spoons designed for the youngest eaters (the spoons are meant to be held vertically and dipped in food) and Zip Top has a new line of silicon milk storage bags that can be frozen without fear of burn and washed in the dishwasher.
Busy Baby, known for their silicone place mat, has released a line of bottle and toy bungees, which means your toddler can toss their gear all they want and it’ll never touch the ground.
Qdos is releasing kid-safety locks that can be locked and unlocked via a phone app, and Jogger Baby’s City Turn™ convertible car seat makes getting your little one in and out of the car a breeze, and the Mammaease Lumama lactation massager is something every breastfeeding mom needs in her arsenal.
Thoughtful Play
We saw lots of toys and playthings, and one trend we noticed was an emphasis on simple, thoughtful play. Beautiful wood toys from Wonder & Wise and Coco Village, engaging combinations of lovies and books from Slumberkins, and delightful coloring books from The Quality Education.
