Kind + Jugend 2026 will return to Cologne from 15-17 September, bringing together around 700 exhibitors from over 40 countries across the baby and toddler products sector.

A key focus will be the Trend Space – Playground for Innovation, Networking & Knowledge. Under the theme ‘Growing with AI – New opportunities for the baby & toddler products industry,’ it will explore AI’s impact on products, services, ecommerce, brand management and consumer behaviour.

Speakers include Tor Ivry of Nanit, who will examine AI and infant sleep monitoring, and Stefan Warner, who will discuss online retail in the age of AI. Other sessions will cover chatbot management, AI-generated visuals and international ecommerce implementation.

The programme will also include insight from Diana Drewes of Haute Innovation on the future of kids’ retail, GIM Gesellschaft für Innovative Marktforschung mbH on the influence of children and teens on the market, and TrendBible on key consumer trends for 2027.

Innovation Award and new product showcases

The show will open with the Innovation Award in the Europasaal, with the Midwives’ Choice award, held in partnership with hebammen-testen.de, also returning for a fourth edition.

Winning and nominated products will feature in the Innovation Award Exhibition within the Trend Space, while the New Product Trail will highlight selected launches. Meanwhile, the Start-up Area will present young companies from around the world.

Networking will include the new After Seven Party at the Gürzenich in Cologne’s Old Town on the evening of the second day.

The full programme and tickets are available here.