A Fair Crack
Back in September T and I went to the Baby and Toddler Show at Sandown Park. I mentioned then that, while we both had found the experience informative, if overwhelming, we felt as though we were better prepared both in terms of what we wanted, what we needed, and what to expect from the next baby fair we were going to.
Well, that ‘next one’ was one of the UK’s largest, at the Olympia in London, and my goodness I’m glad we had already been to one first! I think I’d have turned tail and run screaming from the exhibition centre if this had been my first experience! Not only because of the crowds, but because of the initially overwhelming amount of *stuff* in the place.
However, T and I, armed with a list and a plan of attack actually made excellent use of our time at the fair. As with the previous event the people on each of the stalls were more than helpful, full of useful tips and information, and we didn’t experience any of the ‘hard sell’ tactics that might have been expected in such a competitive environment – indeed, one lady, after listening to our pram/travel system requirements, actually recommended an alternative brand that might suit us better, and she was right! We got the pram and car seat (two of the biggest outlays for us) sorted with help from a wonderfully patient and informative gentleman on the Joie stand.
We picked up the Cuddledry Towel and Sugglebundl blankets that we spotted previously; T found a Baby Carrier that he loved from Nuby, and a matching changing bag too (he was set on a backpack rather than bag, so we were having a little difficulty finding one he liked!); we bought a starter kit of biodegradable nappies from Mama Bamboo as we’re planning on trying out both reusable and disposable versions of nappy-related gubbins, so we wanted to find some eco-friendly versions of the disposables, and these looked great; we stocked up on bibs from Funky Giraffe, bottles from Mam and Tommee Tippee, and muslin clothes from MuslinZ (where we got the reusable nappies from at the last event). T also treated me to a (slightly more expensive than planned for) baby wrap from Freerider Range, which I fell in love with as much for the design as the fabric – I can’t wait to use it!
All in all we had another exhausting, but incredibly productive day. The only downside was the price of food and drink inside the Olympia: nearly £20 for two sandwiches and two drinks! (though that’s nothing to do with the event itself, I know). There are another few essentials to get as we approach the end of the road, but we’re getting so much closer to being ready for Spud’s arrival now!
Did you visit the Baby Fair at Olympia? What did you get sorted for your Spuds?
However, T and I, armed with a list and a plan of attack actually made excellent use of our time at the fair. As with the previous event the people on each of the stalls were more than helpful, full of useful tips and information, and we didn’t experience any of the ‘hard sell’ tactics that might have been expected in such a competitive environment – indeed, one lady, after listening to our pram/travel system requirements, actually recommended an alternative brand that might suit us better, and she was right! We got the pram and car seat (two of the biggest outlays for us) sorted with help from a wonderfully patient and informative gentleman on the Joie stand.
We picked up the Cuddledry Towel and Sugglebundl blankets that we spotted previously; T found a Baby Carrier that he loved from Nuby, and a matching changing bag too (he was set on a backpack rather than bag, so we were having a little difficulty finding one he liked!); we bought a starter kit of biodegradable nappies from Mama Bamboo as we’re planning on trying out both reusable and disposable versions of nappy-related gubbins, so we wanted to find some eco-friendly versions of the disposables, and these looked great; we stocked up on bibs from Funky Giraffe, bottles from Mam and Tommee Tippee, and muslin clothes from MuslinZ (where we got the reusable nappies from at the last event). T also treated me to a (slightly more expensive than planned for) baby wrap from Freerider Range, which I fell in love with as much for the design as the fabric – I can’t wait to use it!
All in all we had another exhausting, but incredibly productive day. The only downside was the price of food and drink inside the Olympia: nearly £20 for two sandwiches and two drinks! (though that’s nothing to do with the event itself, I know). There are another few essentials to get as we approach the end of the road, but we’re getting so much closer to being ready for Spud’s arrival now!
Did you visit the Baby Fair at Olympia? What did you get sorted for your Spuds?
Comments
Post a Comment