Is it worth going to the baby show?

[Duckie]

Posted this on HB this morning but it's so quiet there at the mo so would appreciate others opinions on The Baby Show.

I just wondered what you thought of it and whether it was worth the trip? I want to go in May but it's an hour & a half drive at least to the NEC for us and I've just found out that I'm going to be made redundant. DH is now on a major cost-cutting drive and says we can't afford to go as it will be at least £50 with tickets and petrol, and thinks we don't need to go as we've decided which pushchair/travel system we want.

Even if particular suppliers do special deals on purchases at the baby show, I doubt it would be likely to offset the cost of us going, and I do kind of agree with him that as we know the travel system we want, would we actaully get any other benefit from going, apart from a fun day out? But I did think it would be useful for researching other stuff that we need/interested in, like reusable nappies etc. So what do you think - worth it, or not?

I'm really hoping to convince DH as I managed to get a slot for a 4d scan (though this would mean spending even more) - I haven't confirmed it yet but need to call them today at some point and pay up if we're going.

Thanks everyone

PS. chelseaharvey, thanks for your response on HB :)

[*Fallen Angel*]

Well you may have answered your own question Duckie. Aside from the scan, if you've made your major purchases it may not actually be worth your while.

Is there anywhere close to where you live you could get the scan done for the same price?

[Chocolate Lips]

I went to London in October when I was 28 weeks pregnant. I didnt pick up any real bargains but it was a good day out. I live in Warwick, so it was a bit of a hike down for the day but we had the 4D scan done too so I thought it was well worth it.

I think there are bargains to be had but to be honest I wasnt really looking for any, I just liked browsing. I did however get enough washing powder to last for ages (still using some of the free stuff now!).

I am going to Birmingham on 20th May, mainly because its a day out/something to do/its only 20 mins away from me and it will be different this time as I am shopping this time for my lickle girl, something I couldnt do last time as I didnt know what I was having!

It was good to get demonstrations from Tots Bots of their nappies etc which I ended up buying at a discount but have never used and never likely to now! Paid £120 for them, and am thinking of Ebaying them now!

I am not taking Isabel with me though as it is so busy, I struggled enough with a bump let alone a buggy!

[Adelelee]

Same as Joanna, I had a nice day out (but did spend a fortune :oops: ) and would recommend it if you want to browse.

DH and I are going on the 20th (oohh Jo shall we meet for coffee) I too am thinking of not taking Eliza as it gets heaving when you are pushing a pram :no: :no:

We mainly want to go to look at double buggys, just hope there is a good selection!!

Adele
xx

[Mad Madam Mim]

We went when Dylan was about 3/4 months and had a great time. I was scouting real nappies and it was brilliant for that. We did spend a lot though.

Also we walked there so didn't have to fork out for transport etc.

It really was fun. I must say when pregnant I;d have loved the opportunity of a 4d scan.

If money is tight though it may not be worth your while :-( shame as it was a fun day out.

(Mind you part of what made it fun was Dylan smiling at everyone and being 'chatty' and playing with things) You get quite a few freebies too.

[Chocolate Lips]

DH and I are going on the 20th (oohh Jo shall we meet for coffee) I too am thinking of not taking Eliza as it gets heaving when you are pushing a pram :no: :no:

:ellie: definately, thats the Saturday isnt it? I think A_A is going that day too :ellie: I can coo over your baby bump and get even more broody

[Duckie]

Is there anywhere close to where you live you could get the scan done for the same price?

Hmm, that's the problem - it's about £195 I think at Babybond and Baby Premier, but we could get the ten/fifteen min one done at the show for £25. There's no way I can convince DH to spend £195 - I was having trouble with this one before hearing about impending redundancy, but he still thinks it's a luxury :doh: , even at £25.

I was really looking forward to going, even without the 4d scan, esp as we were planning to meet up with my best friend, who is due 4days after me, and her husband - haven't seen them in ages as they live near Nottingham.

My main reason for going, after researching pushchairs etc, was to research reusable nappies, but I'm not sure this is a great idea after seeing your comments about them Joanna. We were both really taken with this idea but DH has spoken to loads of people about them recently who say they're just much more hassle and the cost/environmental savings are negligible.

I seem to be talking myself out of going now when I'm trying to find reasons to go :oops: - think I'll have to visit their website and work out other things I *need* to look into while I'm there!

[*Fallen Angel*]

Going on 20th too Adele and meeting Jo, so join us!!! Hopefully we'll get to meet before that too!

sorry duckie for the hijack :oops: . But if you are going, join us too! :ellie:

[Duckie]

sorry duckie for the hijack :oops: . But if you are going, join us too! :ellie:

Don't worry about the hijack :) - would love to join you but if we do go we're going on the Sunday. DH has to work on the Saturday, although it was the original plan to go on the sat before I found this out.

[Chocolate Lips]

Duckie, dont let me put you off reusables, I am just dead lazy, and am finding disposables far easier. :oops:

[Duckie]

Duckie, dont let me put you off reusables, I am just dead lazy, and am finding disposables far easier. :oops:

See that's what I'm worried about - I know what I'm like :oops: . I'm also likely to buy them and never use them!!!

[silverpod]

I have only been to one baby show -in London and I worked on the tots stall demonstrating nappies. It was great fun. I would say that there are some bargains to be had but the baby show isn't the only place to get them, pram people have sales for example. I think the scan is a good bargain, in fact, that's probably the only reaon why I would go again. I felt there was huge pressure to buy things, if you look at the 'blurb' given to retailers, I think they say each person spends about £125. Maybe I would have found it more useful before I had dd, like you say just to research prams etc.


My main reason for going, after researching pushchairs etc, was to research reusable nappies, but I'm not sure this is a great idea after seeing your comments about them Joanna. We were both really taken with this idea but DH has spoken to loads of people about them recently who say they're just much more hassle and the cost/environmental savings are negligible.

Now, from what I remember there are plenty of different nappy companies, from the big ones- bambino mio, tots to the smaller ones. It is useful to see products and they do offer some discounts. But these tend to be on the big packs. If you are interested in using these nappies, you could get an advisor to some around to your house with the different types or have a look at sites on the internet- the nappy lady, babykind and kittykins. There are a fair few of us on this site who use cloth nappies and would be happy to give you advice and our experiences too. Personally, I find them less hassle to use than disposables (but that could be because it's what I'm used to). I agree, there are environmental implications for both types, but there are ways you can reduce the enviromental impact if you use cloth, realistically the only way to reduce your impact if you use disposables is to use less of them. As you know this is my second baby and I am really excited about the chance of using my nappies again.

And Joanna :spank: for not using your lovely cloth! :wik: I am always on the hunt for nice nappies so feel free to let me know if you do want to sell some of them. :wik: I have just sold some wraps and nappies on ebay and made £40. :kerching smiley:

SP :)

[silverpod]

Oh, I forgot to dd this in my essay :roll:- this week is real nappy week so depending on where you live, there might be a few napppachinos/baby days going on. If you let me know you area, I will sniff out any exciting events in your area!

[Chocolate Lips]

And Joanna :spank: for not using your lovely cloth!

I feel so bad :oops: :-(

Is it best to split up the pack to sell on Ebay :huh:

[Adelelee]

Going on 20th too Adele and meeting Jo, so join us!!! Hopefully we'll get to meet before that too!

YEH :ellie: :ellie: DH will be pleased :laff: :laff: :laff:

[Duckie]

If you are interested in using these nappies, you could get an advisor to some around to your house with the different types or have a look at sites on the internet- the nappy lady, babykind and kittykins. There are a fair few of us on this site who use cloth nappies and would be happy to give you advice and our experiences too. SP :)

Thanks Silverpod, I didn't realise this kind of service was available. I'm in West Berkshire btw, so I don't know if you know of any events on in this area I would be really interested to know. I'm still keen on the idea but I think DH is being influenced by the people he's spoken to.

[Chocolate Lips]

Going on 20th too Adele and meeting Jo, so join us!!! Hopefully we'll get to meet before that too!

YEH :ellie: :ellie: DH will be pleased :laff: :laff: :laff:

I am leaving my OH at home, he is on babysitting duty :laff:

[*Fallen Angel*]

Going on 20th too Adele and meeting Jo, so join us!!! Hopefully we'll get to meet before that too!

YEH :ellie: :ellie: DH will be pleased :laff: :laff: :laff:

I am leaving my OH at home, he is on babysitting duty :laff:

Me too! :laff: Looking forward to meeting your DH tho Adele, I want to see if he looks like Darius!!

[Adelelee]

Going on 20th too Adele and meeting Jo, so join us!!! Hopefully we'll get to meet before that too!

YEH :ellie: :ellie: DH will be pleased :laff: :laff: :laff:

I am leaving my OH at home, he is on babysitting duty :laff:

Me too! :laff: Looking forward to meeting your DH tho Adele, I want to see if he looks like Darius!!

OH god PLEASE PLEASE dont tell him I told you that, he will marmalise me :laff: :laff: :laff: :laff: (but he does a bit :oops: )

[silverpod]

And Joanna :spank: for not using your lovely cloth!

I feel so bad :oops: :-(

Is it best to split up the pack to sell on Ebay :huh:

I dunno. I sold bits separately but they were used. I did offer a postage discount for more than one item but they all sold to different people, was cursing that when I did all the parcelling up last night. You may well get more for a bundle if they are new. Or put up to three things together? What have you got to sell? :big nose smiley:

[silverpod]

I'm in West Berkshire btw, so I don't know if you know of any events on in this area I would be really interested to know. I'm still keen on the idea but I think DH is being influenced by the people he's spoken to.

here you go
Berkshire

Ascot
Real Nappy Display, Maternity Unit, Heatherwood Hospital, 24 April, 8.30am-3pm

Contact Ankit Rao, 01628 683682, ankit.rao@rbwm.gov.uk

Bracknell Forest
Real Nappy Tea Party, Bracknell Leisure Centre, 26 April, 1-5pm, with parents currently using real nappies on hand to answer all your questions, over a cup of tea and biscuits. A storyteller will be on hand to entertain the little ones.

Contact Lisette Le Boutillier, 01344 354104, lisette.leboutillier@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Maidenhead
Mountain of Nappy Waste and Nappy Stall, Maidenhead High Street, 24 April, 10.30am-2.30pm

Nappuccino, Magnet Leisure Centre, 26 April, 9am-1pm

Contact Ankit Rao, 01628 683682, ankit.rao@rbwm.gov.uk

Reading
Nappuccinos
The Biscuit Tin, Reading Town Hall, 25 April, 10.30am-12pm
Global Café, London Street, 27 April, 1.30-3pm

Contact Ready Wraps, Reading Borough Council, 0118 9390159, ready.wraps@reading.gov.uk

Real Ale, Real Nappies, Real Men! Rivermead Leisure Centre, 28 April,
6-9pm. Do you like real ale? Are you interested in real nappies? Are you (or is your partner) a real man? There will be real ale to try, real nappies to look at, competitions, prizes, soft play area for small children and more.

Contact Ready Wraps, Reading Borough Council, 0118 9390159, ready.wraps@reading.gov.uk

Real Nappy Workshops in doctor’s surgeries, health visitors surgeries and nurseries in Caversham and Emmer Green.

Contact Helen Hines, 07811 395565, helen@littlebeanz.co.uk

Real Nappy Displays, 24-30 April
Reading Borough Council Civic Centre
Royal Berkshire Hospital Postnatal ward

Thatcham
Nappuccino and Nature Walk, Nature Discovery Centre, 28 April, 11am. A buggy friendly nature walk, followed by a Nappuccino.

Contact Olivia Alexander 01635 519080, recycle@westberks.gov.uk

Windsor
Real Nappy Display, Windsor Town Centre, 28 April, 10.30am-2.30pm

Nappuccino, Windsor Leisure Centre, 27 April, 12-3pm

Contact Ankit Rao, 01628 683682, ankit.rao@rbwm.gov.uk

Wokingham
Launch of the Wokingham District Council’s Cashback Incentive Scheme, 1 April. £30 cashback will be offered to real nappy babies born after 1 April on a first come, first served basis.

Nappuccino, California Country Park, 24 April, 10am-12pm

Real Nappy Displays, 24-30 April
California Country Park
Hurst, Dinton Pastures Country Park
Wokingham, Civic Offices, Shute End
Woodley, Ambleside Centre

Contact Peter Baveystock, 01189 74 6338, peter.baveystock@wokingham.gov.uk

Hope that's your area, if not then let me know and I'll find something else. pleeeeassseeeeeego to the real ale, real nappy event as that's weird! I'm curious to know how they;ve made that connection!

[Chocolate Lips]

A have a brand new pack of 15 nappies and 5 wraps (I think thats how many there is) unused, Tots Bots Fluffles with the poppers.

[Chocolate Lips]

Forgot to say they are Size 1.

[*Fallen Angel*]

Going on 20th too Adele and meeting Jo, so join us!!! Hopefully we'll get to meet before that too!

YEH :ellie: :ellie: DH will be pleased :laff: :laff: :laff:

I am leaving my OH at home, he is on babysitting duty :laff:

Me too! :laff: Looking forward to meeting your DH tho Adele, I want to see if he looks like Darius!!

OH god PLEASE PLEASE dont tell him I told you that, he will marmalise me :laff: :laff: :laff: :laff: (but he does a bit :oops: )

Don't worry Adele, your secret is safe!!

[ChelseaHarvey]

Hi :wave:

I have been to the baby show twice when i was pregnant and with alfie!!!

I prefered it when i was pregnant although i spent way more then, i think its aimed more at the pregnant women although dont get me wrog theres things for people with children!!!!

Its def worth a visit though if you have never been

[Duckie]

Thanks Silverpod :ellie: - unfortunately I can't get to any of the events :-( . The only one I could have managed is the same day as my Nan's funeral, but the contact info will be really useful - I will definitely be giving them a call :)