# Parent-Mimicking Smart Blankets The 'Hugsy' Blanket Mimics a Parents Presence to Soothe Infants By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-10-20 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hugsy-blanket References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2017/10/19/a-smart-blanket-for-better-baby-development/) & [hugsycomfort](https://hugsycomfort.com/) It's often said that there's nothing quite as soothing and effective for infant development than a mother's (or parent's) touch, so the 'Hugsy' blanket has been designed to offer a way to mimic this when parents aren't present. The [smart blanket](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evenflo-home-collection) works to provide the infant with [warmth, a heartbeat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anan) and even scent that all create the feeling of a parent being with them. This could come in hand for helping children to [fall and stay asleep](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hatch-hatch-baby) or for when a parent simply isn't around to offer support. The 'Hugsy' blanket is the design work of Sylvie Claes and helps to provide an enhanced level of support for children to keep them as healthy as possible. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Babies](https://www.trendhunter.com/babies) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smart Parental Sensors:** Other devices could be developed to offer parents a way to monitor and mimic their presence with even more accuracy. - **Personalized Infant Comfort:** Further personalization of the blanket could provide even more comfort and relaxation for infants and children. - **Virtual Parental Support:** Technology could be developed that simulates the presence of parents to comfort and support children even when they aren't physically present. ### Who This Affects Most - **Baby Products:** The baby products industry could incorporate more smart technology to enhance parental support and infant comfort. - **Healthcare:** Hospitals and healthcare facilities could use similar technology to soothe and comfort young patients during medical procedures. - **Tech and Gadgets:** The tech industry could invest in developing more devices like the 'Hugsy' blanket to offer emotional and physical support for people of all ages. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Swaddling Comfort Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hug-sleep.md) - [Weighted Plush Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hugarounds.md) - [Children's Wearable Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-blanky.md) - [Multi-Use Soothing Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sweat-sheet.md) - [Scent-Infused Weighted Blankets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snuggle-sense.md) - [Anxiety Soothing Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hugimals-antianxiety-plushie.md) - [Comforting Pillow Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comforting-pillow.md) - [Weighted Stuffed Animals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hugz.md) - [Warming Weighted Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heartwarming-hugs.md)