Month: September 2022

I personally found attending the Baby Expo as an expectant first time Mum extremely valuable, and now, returning as an exhibitor, I can certainly see a few ways to plan for, and get the most out of the day. The Baby Expo is New Zealand’s biggest baby expo at 5 locations nationwide

The Baby Expo is New Zealand’s biggest baby expo at 5 locations nationwide, enabling pregnant and new parents to see thousands of different baby products, stores and suppliers in just a few hours. Rather than traipse between stores, finding carparks at each and transferring capsules back and forth, it’s easy to get a really good feel for some of the key products you need to invest in at a Baby Expo.

However, without making a plan, you may find end up feeling overwhelmed and out-of-depth, so here are my easy tips for getting the most out of your day.

1. Shortlist the Must-Have Baby Products to See

With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products, it would be impossible to spend even a few minutes looking at each individually. If this is your first time finding things for bubs, work out which baby products are the ones you really need to touch/feel/try in person, to get the most out of your attendance. A few examples of this might be:

• When choosing a pram it is very valuable to be able to compare the look, feel, size and usability of a pram in person. Questions you may ask yourself are: is it one that you can fold and then carry with one hand, while holding a baby for instance; does it feel sturdy and good quality; does it have ample storage below for a baby bag; will it fit in your car boot alongside grocery shopping, for instance (my beloved double-pram doesn’t!). Baby on the Move are a nationwide company with prams from many different suppliers, and the team provide a wealth of knowledge you can learn from at the Baby Expos.
• Baby bassinets and cots come in so many varied designs now, from a simple Moses basket to a co-sleeper and beyond. It’s great to see these in person, compare the size (especially you’re planning to have baby in your room for a while), and talk to suppliers about what’s going to suit you. Cariboo is a Canterbury-based New Zealand company exhibiting with some beautiful options at the upcoming Baby Expos.
• A nappy bin is perhaps not your most exciting purchase, but you’re going to be using it rather often, so it’s great to see and try a few in person, compare the cost of refill bags (if necessary). We used Ubbi who are going to be at the Expo soon!
• Our Baby Books are best seen in person – it’s hard to show all 120 page of prompts and illustrations online, and you can really see the quality when you hold them yourself.

2. Pack and Plan to Spend a Few Hours

Don’t be surprised if you end up spending almost half your day exploring the baby show. If you’re coming with a baby, of course that means packing a lot of supplies for them (there are Mother’s rooms and changing facilities, of course). There will be coffee and food to purchase for you, but you may wish to come with a full water bottle and snacks to keep you going as well.

As well as seeing baby products, you may find yourself talking to extremely knowledgeable vendors, from the Sleep Store team to guest speakers – there’s very little about pregnancy, birth and babies you won’t be able to learn. If you’re planning on breastfeeding, I suggest you talk to midwife and lactation expert Julia at More than Milk.

If you are bringing your baby to the Expo, I suggest having a pram available to you as well as baby wearing, it gives you some storage space for purchases, and you can also bring along some toys to entertain little ones if need be later.

3. Plan your visit strategically

With thousands of visitors over the weekend, it is expected that some products will sell out. However, those that don’t may be reduced to clear in the final hours. As a small business, there’s only so much stock I can take, and with 22 books and journals now, I can’t bring an unlimited supply of all – but I will try to restock overnight. If there’s something in particular you really want, I would advise to come in the morning if possible.

4. Dress comfortably

Not only will you be on your feet for a long time, you may even wish to try products on, such as baby-wearing options or even maternity wear. Layer up if possible so that you can remove a layer when it gets hot (there are a lot of people).

5. Save Time and Money – Prebook Free Tickets Online

Save queuing at the gate, and paying for entry, the Baby Expo allows families to come for free with online tickets prebooked.

Make sure to come and see our range at the Baby Expo in Bay of Plenty (Stand M6) and Auckland (Stand M4) I would absolutely love to meet you!