Keeping the kids amused!

We've got lots available on the day to keep the kids amused. I'm sure I don't need to tell you that kids gets bored pretty easily, so there will be loads to see and do for little ones!


We have got:

Taster sessions from local baby and toddler classes

Face painting

Clay modelling

Play area

Baby and toddler-friendly restaurant and menu (including dishes suitable for children with allergies).



Best of all, under 12s go in free!

There will be lots for the little ones to do, and to tire them out!

Baby-friendly day out

As you would expect from a baby venue, the Blooming Babies show will be extremely baby and child friendly!

There will be designated areas for feeding and changing.

• Of course you can bring your pram or pushchair but if you find it too cumbersome, there is a dedicated buggy park, and Sling Library Northern Ireland will be on hand to lend out carriers and slings to carry your little one (for a deposit of keys or phone).

• There will be a play area for children under 5, so one parent could supervise the children playing while the other browses peacefully!

• There will be free taster sessions from local activity providers, to keep them occupied.

• The restaurant will be serving food suitable for babies and toddlers, some of which will also be suitable for those with food allergies.

It can be hard to find a day out which is child-friendly, but we think we've thought of lots of ways to make it just that bit easier!

A Better and calmer Birth

One of our expert speakers is Joanne Dunn, from the Better Birthing Company. If you're pregnant, you may have fears of the birth. I think that you get so many horror stories, coupled with the fact that there is such a wide range of things that could happen on the day, anyone would be nervous. It's perfectly natural to feel this way.

Joanne will be there to allay your fears - our bodies are designed to give birth. The most powerful tool a woman has is her mind. Trying to stay in control, not letting fear interrupt the process and using deep breathing and relaxation techniques can give as much assistance as any drug.

I know this probably sounds easier said than done, that's where Joanne's expert advice comes in! She will have lots of tips and suggestions which will make this talk well worth attending.

Competition!

We are giving away a fabulous, hand drawn picture for a boy or girl, courtesy of the wonderful Art of Memories. They produce absolutely stunning drawings, greetings cards and general stationery - a personalised picture from them would make a lovely keepsake for your son or daughter. 

The competition can be entered here, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - that's how many entries you can have! A prize well worth winning, I'm just sad I can't enter!

Keep checking on the Blooming Babies Facebook page for other competitions, including chances to win free tickets.

Baby First Aid - would you know what to do?

If your baby was choking, would you know what to do? I know we don't really want to think about it, but it is important to know what to do in emergency situations when you may not have much time.

The British Red Cross have first aid advice specifically for parents of babies and young children. Even if you are a qualified first aider, sometimes babies and young children require a different response (for example, the Heimlich manoeuvre is not suitable for babies or young children). We feel really lucky that they will be offering such vital hints and tips to visitors to our Blooming Babies show, and we are delighted that they will be speaking twice, to ensure that as many parents as possible get to hear their expert advice of dealing with emergencies.

Great Cloth Diaper Change 2014 - world record attempt!

Fancy being part of a world record attempt? The Blooming Babies NI show will be the location for taking part in the Great Cloth Diaper Change, a Guinness World Record attempt to change the most reusable nappies at one time - a global event that's just a bit of fun really. Northern Ireland hosted an event last year, and this year we want to improve on the 8, 301 nappies that were changed at one time worldwide!

The event this year takes part at 11 am. If you want to take part but don't use reusables - don't worry, we will have some to lend out on the day. It's not often you get chance to take part in an official world record attempt, and I think it would be a funny story to tell them when they are older!


In addition, the show will provide taster sessions of different activities, expert speakers, shopping and you can also get a free photo from award-winning photographer Dermot Murphy.

Ask a midwife ... anything you like!

Pregnancy can be a time of enchantment, wonder and bliss, and when women bloom - it can also be a time of confusion, fear and when you have never looked or felt so ill in your life! And doesn't everyone like to chip in with their opinion? Not to mention all the health guidelines and recommendations, it's enough to have you running for the hills - if you can still run, that is!

At the Blooming Babies show, there will be midwives available to answer any questions you might have, reassure you that you're doing ok and can even provide an on-the-spot healthcheck. They can also discuss post-natal care with you, and what the first few weeks after the birth will be like. They will be able to chat about labour, breastfeeding and your birthing options. It's a great opportunity for your other half to ask any questions too, if they can't attend all of your midwife appointments with you.

Whatever your concern, someone will be able to answer your question on the day - ask anything you like, they'll have heard it all before. If you need extra reassurance on movements, tips on handling morning sickness, swollen feet and the other glamours of pregnancy, or what to pack in your hospital bag, our Ask a Midwife service will have all the answers and more.

Neighbourhood Midwives will be at the Blooming Babies show all day, so please feel free to come along for a chat. They also have a Facebook page.


For up to date information about the Blooming Babies show, please keep checking the Facebook page or our Twitter feed.