Trend cluster
Category

Parental
Play

Maintaining the parental bond beyond the umbilical cord.

Jungle Gym ReclinersBaby-Friendly Rocking ChairsTablet-Integrated Baby SeatsTiny Table TennisToy Track-Printed Shirts

Trend

What is the Parental Play trend?

Parental Play: In the midst of busy schedules, many modern parents find it challenging to maintain a bond with their babies without any added assistance. Thus, a wave of products designed to allow parents and babies to play together can be observed. These multiplayer, often multifunctional toys allow adults to maintain their busy schedules while playing with kids, proving that consumers want products that satisfy their needs while asking minimal sacrifice.

Trend themes

Themes within the Parental Play trend

Three behaviours holding the trend together
01

Multi-functional toys

Products designed to allow parents and babies to play together as a way of maintaining a parental bond amidst busy schedules.

02

Combining baby and adult furniture

Designers are creating hybrid furniture that combines products intended for both parents and their children, giving them more bonding opportunities.

03

Integrating technology with baby products

Gadgets and devices like the iPad Apptivity Chair aim to entertain and teach kids while giving parents the chance to bond with their babies.

Industry implications

What the Parental Play trend means for industry

Where the trend changes the playbook
For

Toy Industry

Companies that create toys can integrate technology with traditional designs to create unique and entertaining products for children.

For

Furniture Industry

Designers can create multi-functional furniture that caters to both babies and adults, optimizing bonding opportunities and space efficiency.

For

Tech Industry

Tech companies can find innovative ways to integrate technology with baby products to create more educational experiences for children and mothers alike.

Trend signals

Trend signals for Parental Play

Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 71%, freshness 8%.

Popularity63%
Activity71%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
  • Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
  • Gen Z (not a primary audience)
  • Millennial
  • Gen X
  • Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific

Evidence

Examples of the Parental Play trend

8 featured examples from Jan 13, 2013 to Mar 6, 2014
Jungle Gym Recliners
CategoryLife-Stages

Jungle Gym Recliners

The Abooba Chair Lets Parents Sit Comfortably While Playing with Their Kids

The Abooba Chair presents an opportunity for the furniture industry to create more innovative and interactive pieces.

Baby-Friendly Rocking Chairs
CategoryArt & Design

Baby-Friendly Rocking Chairs

Scott Morrison Designs Rocking Chairs for Parents and Infants

Innovations in designing baby furniture that is more comfortable and convenient for parents and infants will create new opportunities to differentiate products in the marketplace.

Tablet-Integrated Baby Seats
CategoryLife-Stages

Tablet-Integrated Baby Seats

The iPad Apptivity Chair Replaces the Old Mobile with Mobile Tech

Baby product manufacturers can incorporate mobile technology into their line of products to appeal to tech-savvy parents.

Tiny Table Tennis
CategoryArt & Design

Tiny Table Tennis

The Ping Pong by Huzi Design is a Playful and Flexible Surface for All

Furniture manufacturers can capitalize on the trend of multipurpose and interactive furniture by incorporating new designs and features that cater to the needs of consumers.

Toy Track-Printed Shirts
CategoryLife-Stages

Toy Track-Printed Shirts

The Playmat Railroad Printed Shirt is an Adorable & Fun Piece of Clothing

Disruptive innovation opportunity for clothing brands to create interactive apparel that combines fashion with entertainment.

Sci-Fi Baby Rockers
CategoryLife-Stages

Sci-Fi Baby Rockers

This Star Wars Toy Uses the AT-AT Vehicle Design to Great Effect

Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine traditional and futuristic elements to create unique and engaging toy designs.

Open Concept Baby Beds
CategoryArt & Design

Open Concept Baby Beds

The Culla Belly Co-Sleeper Attaches onto Beds For Easy Access

Baby gear manufacturers can develop innovative products that cater to the preferences of millennial parents who prioritize safety, convenience, and customization in their purchasi…

Playful Toy-Like Utensils
CategoryArt & Design

Playful Toy-Like Utensils

Get Imaginative When Feeding Your Child with the Donkey Baby Spoon

The baby products industry can explore the use of playful utensils to make feeding time more enjoyable and engaging for children.