Anyone with babies on the brain might want to head over to the 10th annual Chicago American Baby Faire next weekend.
Given that wee infants require a large amount of gear, the question of how to avoid tripping over it has manufacturers coming up with answers. Fisher-Price–one of more than 100 exhibitors–hopes to solve cramped-kitchen issues with the new Space Saver highchair (below), which will be displayed at the fair. It takes up half the space of a traditional high chair and costs $50.
Space-saving items “make it easier to hold on to your items for all of your kids,” said Jessica Hartshorn, senior lifestyle editor at American Baby magazine.
Another trend in baby items is the move toward gender-specific colors such as pink car seats. “Parents seem to be all girl or all boy. Pink for girl. Blue or red for boys,” said Hartshorn.
Already have little ones in tow? Check out the kid-friendly stage performances, magic demonstrations and an inflatable slide.
The Chicago American Baby Faire runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 5 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Admission is $8; children under 12 and grandparents get in free; $3 discount tickets available at area Babies R Us stores. Call 877-959-BABY (2229) or visit americanbabyfaire.com.