How do I get my design ideas for a textile product for children from birth upwards?

Question

For my GCSE textiles coursework, I have chosen to design an original textiles product suitable for children from birth upwards. Other pupils who've chosen this option are designing things such as height charts & play mats.To all parents, is there anything that you feel you need for your child but the market does not offer it? For example, you can buy things to put in the trolley seat at the supermarket with things for your child to do to prevent them from pulling items off the shelves. My mum says that she'd have wanted one of those when I was younger. So, is there anything you wish you could have for your child? Or are there any particular times when your child is bored? Or are there times when your child injures themselves?e.g My sister used to hit her face on the safety gate at the top of the stairs so we attatched cloth around it. 1 person answered this question earlier, she wished there was somewhere safe to put her child when using a public toilet! Any other problems you face?

Answer 1

When my kids were small babies, they were the messiest eaters! My daughter would always get formula stuck in the fat folds of her neck and smell like rotting milk. It was gross!!!! Nothing I used seemed to keep them clean.

I would have liked a bib that a) didn't snap b) didn't tie c) covered their shoulders as well as their front d) covered their necks but wasn't too tight and e) MOST importantly, was made of a quick-drying fabric that wicked moisture away. Usually, the kids would be so messy that the bibs would get soaked and then their shirts were wet. But, also important is affordability. I've seen bibs that were supposed to be great but cost $14.95. Like I'm going to spend that on one bib. And I don't think they were water resistant/quick drying.

Answer 2

If you are dealing with actual fabric, I would recommend designing something that prevents toddlers and young children from opening up doors with the k**b/handle. I know they make plastic things, but I've found that they're often hard to get on (and off) and sometimes are even tough for parents to open. If you made some sort of door k**b slip that wouldn't let the child get a grip on the door k**b, that would be great!