Whatever the changing fashions in terms of attitudes towards maternity and childcare, a good strong means of transporting babies and young children appears to be a pre-requisite for parents.

They are therefore often loyal to tried and trusted brands and this has sustained the baby carriages and car seats market over a long period.

Government legislation, medical opinion, the changing lifestyles of modern parents as well as fashion, are, however currently informing the market and creating opportunities for manufacturers to offer more stylish, more portable and adaptable, as well as safer products.

Whatever the changing fashions in terms of attitudes towards maternity and childcare, a good strong means of transporting babies and young children appears to be a pre-requisite for parents.

They are therefore often loyal to tried and trusted brands and this has sustained the baby carriages and car seats market over a long period.

Government legislation, medical opinion, the changing lifestyles of modern parents as well as fashion, are, however currently informing the market and creating opportunities for manufacturers to offer more stylish, more portable and adaptable, as well as safer products.

In this report, Mintel examines possibilities for future growth and in a fairly dormant market in terms of its consumer base, looks at areas where there is real dynamism and potential for NPD and marketing which could be exploited.

It also asks how distribution can respond creatively in order to benefit from the widening network rather than just lose sales to online retailing.