Top Baby Gear Trends For 2016

Just like in fashion, the trends, colors and prints in the world of baby gear come and go each season. After rounding up the best products for 2016, I'm sharing some of the hottest trends for the near year. Some are timeless classics that we see season over season, while others are trendy and fun for 2016 (hello, hedgehogs!). Here are eight of my favorites.

(cute animal containers above are from 3 Sprouts )

Prints + Patterns

Block Printing

Block printing is an art that uses hand carved stamps and paint to create a pattern. Specialty baby brands are rocking this trend. From swaddles to quilts to sleepwear, the block printing technique was everywhere. 

A few brands using the trend: Naaya by Moonlight & Petite Namaste

Clouds

Adorning everything from sweet swaddlers (like this one from Nuroo) to adorable leggings, Clouds are making a mark on both fashion and apparel for the little ones.

Hedgehogs 

Last year was all about the fox, and this year the animal trend seems to be hedgehogs. They're popping up in the form of cute nursery decor (like this sweet pillow or this fun storage box ). Expect to see this spiky creature frequently in 2016!

Colors

Metallics

Metallics have been hot for the past couple of years and they are not shying away in 2016. From pretty golds, to shiny silvers, to cheerful rose golds, metallic details were everywhere. One of the flashiest uses of metallics is Mama & Papa's limited edition rose gold Urbo2 stroller being released next year.

Cognac

This rich, orangey-brown leather color is making a comeback as the perfect complement to strollers, diaper bags and accessories. From handles on strollers and car seats, to diaper bags, expect Cognac to overtake the leather details in 2016.

Black + White

The ever popular black + white color scheme will be staying strong through the next year. Brands like Ju-Ju-Be are continuing to embrace the modern color combo in a wide variety of diaper bag prints. Newer brands like Lulujo are also jumping on board by introducing swaddles setsin the classic colors next year.

Materials

Silicone

Long hailed as a sturdy material that could withstand wear, silicone is being adapted by nearly every brand you can think of. From stretchy silicone lids (like the colorful Boon ones), to squeeze pouches (like these from The Original Squeeze), to teethers, silicone is trending. Brands like jj rabbit are using silicon to create easy to clean placemats, while brands like Oogaa are making feeding easier with their fun silicone place sets. The anti-slip, easy to clean, easy to cook with properties make this material one you will continue to see allover.

Acrylic

This clear, hard material is popping up in luxury nursery gear. From the lusty worthy Nursery Works Vetro crib , to the practical applications in baby gates, expect to see more gear incorporating acrylic in 2016.