# Parental Play Maintaining the parental bond beyond the umbilical cord. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Feb 24, 2014 | Category: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/life-stages) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/parental-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.7/10 - Evidence articles: 8 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 8 featured examples - Articles from: Jan 13, 2013 to Mar 6, 2014 - Published: Feb 24, 2014 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Parental Play trend ### Multi-functional toys Products designed to allow parents and babies to play together as a way of maintaining a parental bond amidst busy schedules. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Parental Play trend means for industry ### 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 for Parental Play Trend score 4.7 out of 10, from popularity 63%, activity 71%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 63% - Activity: 71% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Parental Play trend 8 featured examples from Jan 13, 2013 to Mar 6, 2014. - [Jungle Gym Recliners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abooba-chair): The Abooba Chair Lets Parents Sit Comfortably While Playing with Their Kids (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The Abooba Chair presents an opportunity for the furniture industry to create more innovative and interactive pieces. - [Baby-Friendly Rocking Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parents-and-infants): Scott Morrison Designs Rocking Chairs for Parents and Infants (Category: Art & Design) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipad-apptivity-chair): The iPad Apptivity Chair Replaces the Old Mobile with Mobile Tech (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Baby product manufacturers can incorporate mobile technology into their line of products to appeal to tech-savvy parents. - [Tiny Table Tennis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ping-pong-by-huzi-design): The Ping Pong by Huzi Design is a Playful and Flexible Surface for All (Category: Art & Design) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playmat-tshirt-railroad-tshirts): The Playmat Railroad Printed Shirt is an Adorable & Fun Piece of Clothing (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for clothing brands to create interactive apparel that combines fashion with entertainment. - [Sci-Fi Baby Rockers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-toy): This Star Wars Toy Uses the AT-AT Vehicle Design to Great Effect (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combine traditional and futuristic elements to create unique and engaging toy designs. - [Open Concept Baby Beds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/culla-belly): The Culla Belly Co-Sleeper Attaches onto Beds For Easy Access (Category: Art & Design) Implication: 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-spoon): Get Imaginative When Feeding Your Child with the Donkey Baby Spoon (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The baby products industry can explore the use of playful utensils to make feeding time more enjoyable and engaging for children. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Life-Stages - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Thoughtfully Designed Lunchboxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glacier-lunchbox) - [Larger-Format Brainteaser Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kanoodle-party) - [Historical Character Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polly-pocket-x-american-girl) All articles: [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages)