# Infant Autonomy Seeking to encourage independence, parents turn to self-sufficient infant tools. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Apr 21, 2014 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/infant-autonomy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Infant Autonomy trend? **Infant Autonomy:** While spoon-feeding infants often provides a sense of satisfaction to those who desire to constantly cater their children, pampering youths often halts the growth of self-sufficiency. Seeking to encourage independence, parents are turning to less parent-controlled playthings and devices to train children for the life ahead of them. This acceleration of independence will ensure not only physical, but emotional growth among kids. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 23, 2012 to Jan 14, 2014 - Published: Apr 21, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Infant Autonomy trend ### Encouraging Infant Independence As parents become more aware of the benefits of nurturing a child's independence, there's the need to develop tools and devices that encourage it without compromising safety. ### Tech-driven Parenting Products There's a trend towards developing tech-driven devices that solve the various challenges that parents face regularly. ### Sensory-focused Baby Foods The growing awareness of the importance of sensory engagement in child growth has brought the development of baby foods that engage all five senses of the baby. ## What the Infant Autonomy trend means for industry ### For Baby Product Manufacturing Industry The development of products that promote infant independence presents a new opportunity for baby product manufacturers to create innovative and functional gadgets. ### For Tech-driven Parenting Industry The surge in tech-driven parenting products has opened up opportunities for startups and established companies to develop innovative solutions that solve everyday parenting problems. ### For Baby Food Industry With increased awareness of the benefits of developing products that engage all five senses of babies, there's a growing need for food manufacturers to create organic sensory-engaging foods that promote healthy eating. ## Trend signals for Infant Autonomy Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 36%, activity 51%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 36% - Activity: 51% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Infant Autonomy trend 4 featured examples from Oct 23, 2012 to Jan 14, 2014. - [Motorized Baby Carriages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mad-max-stroller): The Mad Max Stroller Can Reach Up to 53 Miles Per Hour (Category: Autos) Implication: The baby product industry can explore the development of motorized strollers and extreme baby gear to cater to adventurous and thrill-seeking parents. - [Organic Sensory-Engaging Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ellas-kitchen): Food by Ella's Kitchen is a Fun Way to Get Your Baby Eating Healthy (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Companies in the baby food industry can create new product lines that focus on organic foods and sensory engagement for healthy and enjoyable eating habits for babies. - [Techy Tot Teeth Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orgel-toothbrush): The Orgel Toothbrush Encourages Reluctant Kids with Interactive Elements (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The dental care industry can explore the development of toothbrushes and dental products that incorporate interactive elements to make dental hygiene more enjoyable for children. - [Independence Encouraging Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spready-bear): The Spready Bear Plate Will Let Your Toddler Make their Own Food (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The Spready Bear plate belongs to the children's tableware industry, which can explore more designs and innovations that promote independence and interaction during mealtime. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)