Junior Design Awards 2022 / 26 September 2022

Best Health & Wellbeing Brand (Parents) | Junior Design Awards 2022

A new category added to the line up for this year's JDA - the growing market for health and wellbeing products means there is something that will help any parent get through the day just a little better...

Who:Wear’em Out

What:Reusable Period Pads

Why:

Many of our JDA judges were hugely enthusiastic about these innovative pads, produced in the UK and made of breathable fabrics with soft double-bound edges.

The research that has gone into making these pads leakproof and bacteria resistant impressed everyone, as did the stats that the current volume of sales of Wear’em Out pads prevent 5,544,00 menstrual products sitting in landfill for up to 800 years!

Such a brilliant and very necessary idea. Great to stock up on for everyone at home and perfect for popping into your tween or teen’s school backpack for peace of mind and more eco-friendly period care from day one.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

These live up to the hype. You’ve just got to take a leap of faith - think of all the disposable menstrual products that won’t end up in landfill if you do! I wish I had put the Mega Mega Pad to the test after giving birth.

Charlotte Jolly, Beauty Director, Hello! and Hello! Fashion

A no-brainer, designed and made by great brains! I’m definitely making the switch to these pads, which lower environmental impact, reduce chemicals and bacteria next to your skin and mean no more having to rush the shops if you’re caught short.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Who:Natal Comfort

What:Anna Pregnancy Pillow

Why:

Oh wow! Oh joy! These were by far the most frequent responses from our JDA judges who were either pregnant or remembered only too well, the frustratingly restrictive sleep positions of pregnancy. Designed for the 5million women who enjoy sleeping on their stomachs in the UK alone, this cushion is on a mission to help pregnant women get a valuable night’s rest at a time that they need it most.

The panel was intrigued to hear that not only does the Anna cushion assist with sleep, ongoing, evidence-based research shows that lying bump down holds a range of health benefits for both mum & baby too.

Just brilliant. I was always advised to only sleep on my side when I was pregnant, which felt so restrictive. To have had this amazing cushion as an option would have been so liberating.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

This is one of those genius design ideas that you think must have been willed into existance long ago. For apprehensive mums, the NHS partnership will be very reassuring.

Charlotte Jolly Beauty Director of Hello! and Hello! Fashion @mscharliejolly

I’m a tummy sleeper and this would have been such a gift to me during my pregnancies! So interested in the data about having your bump down for health benefits – will definitely be keeping track of that.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

For a lifelong tummy sleeper, using the Anna pregnancy pillow while pregnant has been a total gamechanger. It's so relaxing, eases pressure from my lower back and I can imagine it coming in handy with the newborn, too.

Sonia Haria, Beauty Director at The Telegraph @soniaharia

Who:Spacemasks

What:Self-heating eye masks

Why:

Helping the most tired and wired parents drift off to sleep in a matter of moments, these masks were hugely popular with our judges who felt they would make the perfect gift or me-treat for anyone feeling a little bit frazzled.

The panel was also impressed to learn that the limited edition charity versions of Spacemasks have raised over £30,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and Little Lifts. Brilliant!

When everything feels overwhelming and you’re almost too tired to sleep, Spacemasks are a little reminder for your body and mind on how to unwind and drift off. I literally don't go anywhere without one in my bag - for flights, train journeys and sometimes I even take 10 minutes away from my working-at-home desk to pop one on!

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

The one part of my anatomy I didn’t think needed to be cosy was my eyes. I was wrong. These warming masks make you feel secure, cosseted and oh-so-snoozy.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Don’t buy a new mum flowers that she has to find a vase for, buy her these! The fragrance and warmth will stop you in your tracks… that washing load can wait!

Charlotte Jolly Beauty Director of Hello! and Hello! Fashion @mscharliejolly

Who:The HappySelf Journal

What:A range of journals to promote happiness and positivity

Why:

Our judges were all drawn to these beautifully tactile journals that feature the brand’s embossed upbeat Logo, inviting readers, writers and doodlers to find their happy self! The panel was excited to see that there are now journals to cater for every age, including My First Journal (for ages 3 to 6), the original bestselling Junior edition (ages 6+), a Teen Journal and a new Grown-Up edition.

Packed full of prompts and space to write and reflect, focusing on gratitude, kindness and mindfulness, the panel agreed that these books were a valuable resource for anyone wanting to focus and improve on their mental health in just a few moments a day.

These books are so helpful when kids are feeling out of sorts for a whole range of reasons. Sitting down together and filling out the pages can be really bonding and revealing and how great that there are now versions for every age possible!

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

I love these journals which help make life feel brighter and highlight the good things you might have forgotten about.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

As a keen journaler, I think these books are a great way to hone the habit. The checklists and gratitude practice are really useful prompts and I’m for anything that can bring a measure of mindfulness to motherhood.

Charlotte Jolly, Beauty Director, Hello! and Hello! Fashion @mschariejolly

Who:Wild Women Tea

What:A range of herbal teas designed to support the immune system and balance women’s hormones naturally

Why:

The JDA panel was excited to discover this wide range of targeted herbal teas, blended in Somerset. The bright uplifting packaging and witty names, really appealed to our judges, who felt that there were several blends here that would make a great gift for a friend who needed a boost.

With teas to support new mums, alleviate PMT, anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, peri-menopause and so much more, this brand works with the healing powers of herbs and embodies the phrase there’s nothing that a good cup of tea can’t fix.

A wonderful way of using time old herbs and spices to help find five minutes of me-time, balance and calm.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

I love the whole ethos of this brand, nurturing and supporting women during key moments in their lives with the healing power of a herbal teas.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

I've never regretted making a cup of tea and these targeted blends - for brighter moods, sharper minds and less stress - can form part of a holistic approach to manage hormonal imbalances.

Charlotte Jolly Beauty Director of Hello! and Hello! Fashion @mscharliejolly