That's not to say the larger businesses opted out. Dorel's stand was huge, and Britax, Jane and Concord certainly made a powerful visual impact, as did the wild ‘graffiti' backdrop to Phil and Ted's demonstration area. It was great to see some well-known brands rejuvenated such as Toddler Time and Lifemarque, and be inspired by some first-time exhibitor businesses such as Rose and Rebellion and Debra Clare with her ‘Baby and All Bag'.

Just when you think everything that can be invented or developed or improved or perfected in baby products, up goes the ante and suddenly we're on to a new level. Kiddy fascinated me with their fresh approach to car seat safety, which has won much acclaim in tests in Germany. OK Baby's new baby bike seat is the first in Europe to pass a crash-test, and Brush-baby has come up with a wonderfully shaped baby toothbrush-come-teether that is one of those products that just makes good common sense.

We'll be reviewing the show more depth in next month's issue, as well as addressing more subjects you want to read about. Keep sending your news and product stories to me at emmapeters@talktalk.net.

Best wishes,

Emma