Babies

Implications - Millennial parents are a group that is particularly responsive to social media influencers. Small businesses based in the parenting industry are taking this a step further by basing their beginnings wholly online. This is a model that mimics the cosmetics industry, fashion industry, and more lifestyle categories who've cracked the DTC model; it simultaneously establishes authenticity, and shareability. [More]

Implications - Straightforward packaging on baby food both showcases brands' transparency about their products while simultaneously conveying to parents that they understand their concerns about their baby’s nutrition. Transparent labeling enables the consumer to be sure of their product selection without worrying about harmful additives. [More]

Implications - Now that Millennials have become parents, a rise in technology that helps them to keep track of their children can be seen. In addition to decreasing levels of stress many new parents feel regarding their children, these products can help them improve their parenting skills the way they would develop any other skill. This shows a convergence of digital enhancement with classic parenting skills that accommodates the digital native parent. [More]

Implications - As Millennials enter adulthood, their tendency to prioritize personal health and wellness is reflected onto their children. This manifests specifically with probiotic supplements for developmental reasons. This signifies a new approach toward parenthood and health in general that skews toward age specificity. [More]

Implications - Appealing to parents' desire to limit their children's exposure (and dependence) on technology, toy brands are offering products that teach high-tech skills without a high-tech design. Speaking to two shifts in the world of parenting, this approach offers the best of both worlds: a nostalgic, tech-free approach to toys with benefits that go beyond entertainment. [More]

Implications - The phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" now rings even more true and is even more relevant as a new generation of parents turns to peers online to seek advice. As is the case with Millennials' purchasing decisions, Millennial parents are reviewing, researching, and contributing to their own and others' parenting styles online. This shows that Millennials will adhere to old habits as they age, prompting adaptability, not transformation, from brands they use. [More]

Implications - Making bath time and cleaning after toddlers a whole lot easier, brands are turning to convenient services and mess-free tactics to ease everyday routine. Offering no-rinse bath products and on-demand diaper services, brands are seeking to not only make infant care more convenient, but also more adaptable to busy lifestyles. [More]

Implications - Satiating growing parental concerns over infant health and wellness, brands are turning to premium ingredients to offer more natural solutions. Integrating ingredients like coconut oil and cocoa butter into baby soaps and cleaning products, brands are utilizing ingredients typically associated with more upscale, adult tastes. This speaks to a need for not only for more natural infant care products, but also for goods that are reflective of more premium, high-end specifications. [More]

Implications - Taking a step away from technology, families are turning to cultural activities and event spaces to immerse their kids in more educational experiences. Tailoring content and design to infants and children while showcasing themes around science, art and media, attractions and pop-ups are seeking to not only engage young people, but also expose them to more elevated subject matter from an earlier age. [More]

Implications - As modern parenting is increasingly defined by providing children with well-rounded development though any means necessary, brands are creating toys that specifically look to spark imagination through color theory. Whether in the form of hands-on, educational activities or conceptual packaging that forgoes labels in order to spark imagination, such efforts highlight the importance of cognitive stimulation in later childhood development. This progression speaks to the view of toys as an opportunity to provide the foundation for lifetime learning through play. [More]