Blue or pink for the nursery? No, we want gender-neutral grey!
‘White is also a popular choice’
PINK for a girl or blue for a boy? Apparently neither, as parents turn to gender-neutral grey.
Research by John Lewis suggests they are now opting for more neutral tones to decorate their baby’s bedroom in a move away from more traditional colour schemes.
The report identified the shopping habits of new parents and has been published ahead of the birth of Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex’s first child.
There are suggestions the royal couple, particularly Meghan, are keen to avoid conventional gender stereotypes for the newborn – and it would appear they are part of a wider movement. This comes as advertising watchdogs outlawed the use of gender stereotypes in advertising, particularly around children’s products, earlier this year. Toy manufacturers and clothing brands are under pressure to follow suit.
The report confirms the huge costs that come with becoming parents, and the trend-setting influence of the Royals and other celebrity figures.
It identifies the £999 iCandy Peach as the most sought after pushchair. Last month, a car from the manufacturer was spotted at the Royals’ Frogmore Estate, and the luxury pram is also said to be a favourite of Andy Murray, Victoria Beckham and Abbey Clancy.
Also on the wish-list are the £199 Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus i-Size Baby Car Seat, the Shnuggle Baby Bath at £24.95 and the Rachel Nursery Furniture Set at £825 – which the report said are wanted in white. Baby changing mats were increasingly asked for in grey, black or tan brown.
A John Lewis spokesman said grey was the ‘best-seller across the country’, and that white was also a very popular choice.
Looking ahead, the report suggests technology will play an increasing role in how parents raise their babies.