Preschool suppliers have been honoured in the annual Kind + Jugend Innovation Awards and Midwives’ Choice award.
An international, independent jury of experts selected their favourite products from 116 submissions spanning 22 countries. At the opening ceremony of the trade fair on 3 September, the following companies received the Innovation Award for their products in these categories:
Moving & Travelling – Axkid UP, Axkid (Sweden)
Axkid UP was designed with the vision of making the most of a car’s safety features by improving the seat belt guide and raising the child to the same sitting height as an adult. This ensures that children can also benefit from all the built-in safety systems, such as the seat belt and airbag. The seat is foldable, provides ergonomic back support and the side panels can be removed to accommodate three child seats in the rear.
Furniture & Facility – Arketa Family, hauck (Germany)
Made from FSC-certified wood, the Arketa Family includes the Arketa wooden highchair, Highchair Bouncer Eco and Play Cockpit activity table. The wooden highchair is suitable for children from birth to 130kg and offers versatile functionality when paired with the additional bouncer (suitable up to 15kg) and swing frame. Created for children aged ten months and up, the Play Cockpit attaches with a single click and helps develop motor and visual skills.
Home Textiles & Decoration – Baby-Mäxchen with dual ventilation system, ALVI (Germany)
The breathable membrane at the front of the sleeping bag promotes continuous airflow and prevents overheating. A second ventilation system, specifically developed for children with a fever, ensures optimal temperature regulation without having to remove the child from the sleeping bag. The sleeping bag meets the highest safety standards and features a snug neck opening to prevent CO2 rebreathing.
Toys & Education – Turtle Green Stacking Toy, Lässig (Germany)
The stacking toy offers endless play in sand or water while promoting early childhood development. Its turtle design sparks children’s imagination and the shape and size of the pieces make it easy for little hands to grasp and stack. This helps build fine motor skills and stimulate sensory development. The turtle is BPA-free and made from eco-friendly materials.
Maternity & Kids Fashion – Hopfrög Kids KidzQuaRd, Hopfrög Mag. (Turkey)
KidzQuaRd shoes blend sustainability, technology and innovation. Made from upcycled sailcloth and 100% recycled cotton, the shoes feature a recycled Orthoflex insole and biodegradable outsole made from TP rubber. The integrated QR code system provides instant access to crucial information in the event of an emergency. The smart velcro system (WingVelcros) and hop-click tongue make the shoes easy to put on, while the 3F (Feel, Fit, Flex) Barefoot Design supports the natural development and contributes to lifelong foot health.
Mom & Kids Care – Hegen Mealtime Starter Kit with Foldable Placemat, Hegen (Singapore)
Designed to make feeding easy, the Hegen Mealtime Starter Kit for infants aged six months and up ensures that mealtimes are convenient, efficient and enjoyable at home or on-the-go. The kit comes with two 60 ml/2 oz PPSU containers, featuring Hegen’s Press-to-Close, Twist-to-Open (PCTO) system, perfect for storing breast milk, purees or small food portions. Made from durable PPSU, these containers can withstand temperatures from -20°C to 180°C, making them suitable for warming, baking or frying. The Hegen PPSU Multi-Stage Fork and Spoon Set features a removable silicone handle for better grip, a safety stopper to prevent choking and an adaptable design that grows with the child. The utensil case also doubles as a small plate and the foldable silicone placemat keeps mealtimes tidy.
Safety & Monitoring – ClicknSeeYoo Video Door Phone, MCD (Hong Kong)
The ClicknSeeYoo Video Door Phone, a new patented device from the baby monitor developer, combines a baby monitor and door intercom system.
Sustainability & Nature – Magic Heka and Thoth GREEN 4 in 1, CTP Innovations (Netherlands)
The odourless diaper pail offers multiple advantages in one design. The expandable pail features compact packaging, allows more units to be shipped at once and requires less storage space in stores, thereby contributing to a smaller ecological footprint. A patented airtight seal with three extra-flexible wavy ridges ensures complete odour containment. Made from traceable recycled plastic with no metal parts, the new product is eco-friendly and can be easily disassembled for recycling. Once the diaper pail is no longer needed, it can be converted into a potty trainer and later repurposed as a trash bin. No refills or cartridges are required.
Additional Midwives’ Choice award
The additional Midwives’ Choice award was presented again this year in partnership with Hebammen-testen.de. A jury of midwives selected three winners from all the nominated products.
First place: Thule Chariot Air Purifier Canopy, Thule (Sweden)
The Thule Chariot Air Purifier Canopy is an accessory for the Thule Chariot child bike trailer, making it ideal for commuters and active families. Designed for urban parents, it effectively protects children against the harmful effects of exhaust emissions. Developed by medical professionals, the technology refreshes the air in the trailer multiple times per minute, ensuring the child breathes in clean air with every breath. The air purifier features three settings and is powered by a power bank. The filters are replaceable and available as accessories.
Second place: ConverTABLE, Buba Tasarim – Mamatoyz (Turkey)
While changing tables for babies are essential in many households, their usefulness is short-lived and usually limited to the first six months of a baby’s life. Specifically designed to address this issue, the ConverTABLE can be transformed into a table and chair without additional parts or screws, ensuring no pieces are left over.
Third place: Axkid UP, Axkid (Sweden)
Axkid UP was designed with the vision of making the most of a car’s safety features by improving the seat belt guide and raising the child to the same sitting height as an adult. This ensures that children can also benefit from all the built-in safety systems, such as the seat belt and airbag. The seat is foldable, provides ergonomic back support and the side panels can be removed to accommodate three child seats in the rear.
The product earned both the Innovation Award and additional Midwives’ Choice award.
