Baby Product Trends 2020
The Top 7 Baby Product Trends on 2020
How to spot them and critical questions to ask yourself before buying
The baby market is constantly changing! If you’re entering the market for the first time in a while or for the first time ever, there are going to be some surprises, things to be on the look out for, and trends to evaluate for your own needs.
Here are the 7 biggest trends I’m observing and a few strategic questions you can ask yourself when evaluating if you want to opt-in or press unsubscribe.
Wearable Monitors - The data driven age is here to stay and these monitors track everything from hours slept to breath and heart-rate patterns. Knowledge is power, but how much data on your baby is too much data? If you’re drawn to hight tech products and like to incorporate data into your daily living, these might just be the perfect option for your family.
Question to consider: Are you paying for the trend of are you interested in the added safety features and data storage?
Micro Fold Strollers - These really came on the scene in 2017 with the launch of the BabyZen Yoyo, but there are now many players joining the party with the intent of creating the best stroller with the smallest and most compact fold. While many are using them for daily use, these stroller are intended for travel and they don’t typically offer full features like a full or midsize so depending on your situation, this might need to be a secondary option.
Question to consider: Look at your use case and planned frequency to determine if it’s worth the splurge or better to keep on the more budget friendly side. There are offering in this class at many different price points
Mobile Breast Pumps + Silicone Hand Pumps - Every woman who has breastfed, pumped, built a freezer stash understands the complexity and work required. Innovation in this category is so appreciated because for years everyone was thinking…”there has to be a better way”. With the number of working mother’s in the workplace and on the go, it’s about damn time! Both wearable breast pumps, and silicone hand pumps are becoming more and more popular and lots of brands are emerging or coming out with competitive iterations.
Questions to consider: Will these gadgets improve your mood, and mental wellbeing. None are likely to dramatically increase supply over their double electric counterparts, but they could be great for your mental health and time management. So try to consider yourself and not baby on this one.
Luxury Loungers - The baby lounger is nothing new. Before it’s existence, parents just made pillow nests. These weren’t as safe, but were doing the trick! Now parents are paying $150 or more for a dedicated pillow to place baby down. I personally used a lounger frequently in those early days postpartum, so I’m not at all knocking this trend, but it’s important to keep a check on what these actually are. They are just glorified pillows, but they sure are trending!
Questions to consider: Is the one you selected priced because of it’s trending brand OR does it offer you a value add that a lesser brand can’t.
Smart Sleepers - These polarizing items are reported to be miracle workers or real disappointments. Sorry to say, but this one really comes down to your baby. Popularized by brands like Happiest Baby, the Snoo and other bassinets are incorporating motion to keep your baby sleeping through the night. They also have added claims of lowering the risk of SIDS, but they do come with a hefty price tag which is what make them so divisive amongst parents.
Questions to consider: What will you lose if it doesn’t work for your baby? Is renting or borrowing an option you would consider?
Rise of the DTC Disruptor - If you’re looking to avoid the big boy retailers of the world, these new brands are emerging and producing everything from strollers to mattresses. If you tend to be an earlier adopter in other categories, and prefer to shop online, there are some great option in this growing sector of the baby good market. BONUS these companies usually have lots to prove and amazing customer service!
Questions to consider - Is shipping and delivery challenging where you are located? Is the process or the product innovative? Always be aware of what you’re paying for.
Stroller brands >> portable sleep - This one has been a slow build this year. Starting with Baby Jogger and now with the recent release by Zoe and Bugaboo, stroller brands are jumping into the portable crib and sleep space. It’s apparent that these brands are recognizing the opportunity to serve the on-the-go families. I anticipate seeing more of this through 2021, since these companies are hungry to challenge bigger multi assortment brands like Graco.
Questions to consider - Are you brand loyal or it there something unique and special about this specific on-the-go sleeper that will serve you best?
I like to guide parents and offer them options, a deep dive into pros and cons, and resources to help select which products they end up acquiring, but I never want to force a hand or make a decision for you (unless you’re the tough love type). Hopefully with these trends and questions to consider in-hand, you’re ready to tackle your 2020 baby registry.