This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending The Baby Show NYC. It was an awesome experience! At nine months Chase is becoming more mobile and curious by the day, and I’m constantly thinking about fun and creative ways to keep him stimulated (and safe!) in our home. The Baby Show showcased many wonderful products and services that were perfect for my husband and I as we transition into parents to a tot.
I just knew the show would be a high-energy, family-friendly good time, so I brought Chase along to enjoy the event with me. There were so many great exhibits we spent hours just walking slowly throughout the showroom and making sure I’d met and mingled with each representative. It was so cool to check out the top “must-have” baby products and services, from test-driving top of the line strollers to receiving a personalized lesson from Christine Poppy of MAM Baby about tooth and gum care for Chase as his little teeth come in. The icing on the cake was receiving a cute training toothbrush for Chase in azure blue along with the new MAM Anti-Colic Bottle!
There were free seminars throughout the day given by leading baby experts – my favorite presentation was Green Baby 101 by Inhabitots. My husband and I strive to raise Chase in the most natural and eco-friendly way possible, so this was right up our alley! I was also super excited to receive a brochure from Sarah Merian Photography, as we’ve been on the hunt for a good studio to take Chase’s one year portraits when the time comes. I spent some time browsing through their portfolio – their work is simply gorgeous! Oh, and just for signing up to be on their mailing list I received a $100 voucher toward our first photo session – how cool is that!
One of my favorite tables to visit were the great ladies of Moms Like Me. I was so impressed with their warm reception and presentation I immediately signed up to become a part of their online community. They even had a giveaway bag filled with their press kit and other wonderful baby/mommy items- and who doesn’t love free goodies? 🙂
Claudia Heilbrunn is a Certified Life Coach (CTA) for new moms – she had such a sweet, kind energy. She was so comfortable and easy to talk to, we spent a while just chatting about her mission and how she helps women find a fulfilled, balanced and vibrant life with their new baby. Boy, do I wish I’d had Claudia when Chase was a newborn. With my mom and aunts out of state it would have been really wonderful to have the support of a new mommy life coach – I didn’t even know such a thing existed!
I think it’s safe to say that Chase’s favorite part of the day was when we visited the Kids’ Korner, sponsored by NYC Citibabes. This fun play area showcased games, activities and songs from their Power Baby programs, which is a series of physical play classes for infants.
I spent some time chatting with Lisa, a teacher at NYC Citibabes, and she explained to me that each level of Power Baby promotes strength and confidence through developmentally appropriate motor play, music, dance and social bonding.
Chase had a grand old time singing and playing with Lisa and also doing some baby yoga, bouncing, rolling, and rocking on his new friend, Mr. Elephant. He was sad when it was time to leave. However, I made sure to take a brochure from the Citibabes table- I definitely plan to enroll Chase and I in a Mommy and Me class there – and I”ll be using the coupon I received for one free session!
The Baby Show NYC was truly a celebration of all things baby! It was an exciting, fun-filled event that I’m so glad to say I was a part of. This event was created in response to New York parents in our search for the best products and practices for our babies and young toddlers – and I must say the showcase far exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait until The Baby Show 2010.
Dr. Yakini Etheridge is a clinical psychologist and mom blogger living in NYC. She loves being a wife and mother to a boisterous baby boy, and blogs about her experiences as a new mom at The Prissy Mommy Chronicles.