Exeter University helps mumpreneur develop new baby safety product

 Kate Lovell, a single working mother from Somerset, is launching a range of baby and toddler safety reins in fashion-forward designs that include leopard print, camouflage, and pirates. Unveiled under the brand name of ONK, the reins started life at Exeter University where technicians put various fabrics through their paces to find the strongest and most durable for Kate to send off for prototyping.

The end results are set to become firm favourites of style-savvy parents and carers who like clothing with character, and will be officially launched at London Olympia’s The Baby Show, in October where there is an expected footfall of 70,000 people. 

“The Baby Show is one of the UK’s biggest public-facing industry events,” explained Kate, “and the perfect forum to introduce ONK baby and toddler reins to parents and carers. The reins are really easy to use: they’re reversible in that you can choose whether to have the buckle at the front or back, they have all passed their BSEN Safety Standard tests, and I’ll be offering some exclusive Show deals at my stand F108, so you can be sure to enjoy a saving!”

When asked how the designs came about, Kate said:

“My son was such an adventure-seeking baby, but when he started to walk it became harder to keep him out of harm’s way, so I bought a set of reins. I wanted reins that had personality; reins that were simple and fun, and just that little bit different. I couldn’t find any, so ended up designing my own.”

“It took a while to get right, but I am so chuffed with the results. I am launching ONK with some of my favourite designs, but I’ve got a new collection up my sleeve already!”

ONK harnesses are now available to pre-order online at onk-uk.com/shop . You can see Kate and her ONK toddler harnesses at The Baby Show, Olympia, Stand F108, on Friday 18, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October.