Buggy and car seat trends 2014/2015 revealed

Here’s a peek at some of the most exciting innovations and new looks…

Instant flash fold buggies

The biggest trend of the show was undoubtedly the instant fold pushchair. Buggy makers have spent years trying to make folding and unfolding pushchairs as easy as possible – but it still usually takes a few clicks and pulls.

Now one-hand instant flash folding is being rolled out by a number of buggy makers.

Flash folding involves a clever little strap tucked in the middle of the seat unit. When you pull it up, it simply folds the buggy in half.

Coloured buggy chassis

The days of only having two colour choices (black or silver) for your buggy chassis is likely to be a thing of the past.

It’s been possible to spot the occasional white chassis (Quinny Moodd, Babyzen YoYo), it wasn’t until earlier this year that Cosatto Ooba brought some chassis colour to UK buggies.

This has now turned into a trend as manufacturers have realised that frames are all part of the stylishness of a pushchair.

Rose gold, space silver, blue and lime green are a few of the eye-catching colours. Examples include Mothercare Xpedior (£350, pictured above), the Silver Cross reflex (£250) and Hauck King Air (£500).

All-stage car seats - from birth to 11 years

Currently parents have to choose whether to buy three different car seats as their child grows, or buy two including a multi-stage (Group 0+/1 or Group 1/2/3).

One trend revealed at Cologne is the increasing popularity of multi-stage car seats (Britax, Cybex, Cosatto, Graco, Maxi Cosi).

But now there’s a new kid on the block - a single seat that will last parents from birth to 11 years.

Diono revealed the Radian V, which is an all-Group (0+/1/2/3) car seat, suitable all the way through from birth to 11/12 years. Watch this space to see if this innovation will become a big seller.

Tweed fabric

Oh yes, traditional tweed is the future of pushchair chic. Not only is Scottish cloth making a comeback on catwalks, the moisture-resistant and durable woollen fabric is going to be adorning the seats and hoods of many of the high-end pushchairs including Cybex’s first luxury travel system the Priam.

Matching blankets and buggy linen

Got the buggy and the matching changing bag? Now you’ll have even more choice as an increasing number of pushchairs will be offered with matching blankets and baby linen. Gorgeous pram accessories from Babystyle, Mamas & Papas and iCandy certainly made an impact at Cologne..

Coming soon

Keep an eye out for the following buggies and car seats, due for release in 2015. We’ll be reviewing them as soon as the first samples hit the UK.

• Babystyle Egg pushchair
• UPPAbaby Vista double buggy
• iCandy Strawberry pram
• Cybex Priam travel system
• Joie Aire lightweight stroller
• Britax King II ATS car seat
• Diono Radian V car seat