Junior Design Awards 2022 / 26 September 2022

Best Toy Design (0-2 Years) | Junior Design Awards 2022

These are the best toys for newborns and babies as judged by our esteemed panel of experts at the Junior Design Awards

Who:Matchstick Monkey

What:Bathtime Slide Set

Why:

Everyone wanted one of these! A wonderful toy that taps into the natural instincts of kids to drop everything into the bath from a great height. Our judges loved this cute and simple slide that adds a whole new level of fun to bath time, improves hand-eye coordination and distracts from the bathtime blues.

The panel also liked the fact that this slide and its co-ordinating animal faced rocks were subtle enough to keep on display but if you really wanted to turn your bathroom into a kid free spa, it was easy to stow away.

Like a jumbo-sized marble run for the bath with cute animal faced rocks that are designed to improve hand-eye coordination. Brilliant!

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

Matchstick Monkey have made the bath-side waterslide from every kid’s imagination come to life! So clever.

Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

Compact, minimal, stylish yet fun & playful.

Charlotte Love, artist, stylist and photographer @charlottelovely

Who:Jellystone Designs

What:Colour Wheel

Why:

This incredibly tactile and satisfying puzzle that doubles up as a stimulating teether was a big hit with the panel who felt it was a toy that would continue to captivate and educate children for many years.

This chunky, easy to hold, doughnut shaped puzzle is decorated with numbers and fruits on every segment, adding another layer of interest while the bright primary colours are perfect for encouraging colour recognition from an early age.

This juicy looking puzzle ring makes me want to eat it! Beautifully designed and thoughtfully constructed to encourage learning and development through touch and play.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

Looks beautiful – multi-uses and would work through a range of ages.

Charlotte Love, artist, stylist, photographer, @charlottelovely

Who:Pippeta

What:Albert Bear Natural Rubber Teether

Why:

This chunky little bear made from 100% natural rubber, made a big impression on our judges who loved his easy to grip handles, stimulating textures, cute face and tactile round tummy.

The use of natural materials, an ethical production process and natural pigments added to this teether’s high score as did the great news that as it is made all in one piece with no holes, there is no chance of bacteria or mould growing inside it, as is the case with many other teethers.

What a gorgeous bear! Love the chunky proportions that make this feel like a toy/teether hybrid and a really sweet face that will no doubt inspire a lasting bond with babies and toddlers.

Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR

Beautiful product. Clever design.X

Charlotte Love, artist, stylist, photographer, @charlottelovely