Kind + Jugend 2026 welcomed around 15,000 trade visitors from 114 countries to Cologne, as the international baby and toddler products industry gathered for three days of buying, networking and product discovery.
The trade show, held from 15-17 September, brought together 666 exhibitors from 42 countries. International exhibitors accounted for 92% of the total, with attendance remaining level with the previous edition, despite a challenging economic backdrop.
Oliver Frese, chief operating officer of Koelnmesse, said the event had expanded its international reach year-on-year, adding that its mix of global buyers and high-calibre trade professionals supports both immediate business and long-term partnerships.
AI takes centre stage at Kind + Jugend 2026
For the first time, Kind + Jugend was organised around an overarching theme. ‘Growing with AI – New opportunities for the baby & toddler products industry’ explored how artificial intelligence is influencing product development and business across the sector.
Exhibitors presented products featuring AI-enabled functions, while talks in the Trend Space examined practical applications of emerging technologies. The programme also covered safety without surveillance and circularity in the baby and toddler market.
Jörg Schmale, director of Kind + Jugend, said the fair continued to give the industry an early view of innovation and market trends while creating a reliable platform for international exchange and business.
Innovation Award recognises smart product development
Smart and digitally enabled products also featured prominently in the Innovation Award exhibition. Croozer’s foldable two-seater Kid Lykke, which combines a bicycle trailer and stroller in one system, won both the Moving & Travelling category and the special Midwives’ Choice award.
Andreas Gehlen, managing director of Croozer GmbH, said the two awards recognised the product’s quality and practicality and represented an important vote of confidence for the team.
Elsewhere, the New Product Trail helped buyers identify selected launches, while more than 20 young international businesses exhibited in the Start-up Area. Seven national and regional pavilions represented China, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey, alongside a joint US and Canada showcase.
International reach extends beyond the show floor
A group of 14 content creators from countries including the UK, France and Italy reported live from the event, generating a combined cross-platform reach of more than one million.
Kind + Jugend also continued its donation campaign with Diakonie Michaelshoven. Around 20 exhibitors pledged products from their stands to support social initiatives in the Cologne region.
The next Kind + Jugend will take place in Cologne from 7-9 September 2027. Click here for further information.