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Having a baby is one of the most beautiful experiences any couple can have. It goes without saying that any practical help is especially gratefully received by first-time parents. The Baby Expo offers exactly that kind of experience, writes MOHAU MOKOENA.

HAVING a new baby in the house brings joy to many people but raising these little people is not child’s play – pun intended. It is good to know then that you don’t have to do it alone as the Baby Expo (previously known as Your Baby Show) is at hand to help.

The expo starts on Thursday and ends on Sunday at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg.

This year’s theme is about embracing and encouraging the importance of wholesome food, active healthy living and a balanced lifestyle. Exhibitors will include Baby City, Olli, Nuk, Johnson&Johnson, Pampers, Yummy Mummy Tummy and many others.

Visitors are invited to talk to the many professionals who will be on hand to offer expert advice.

Parents, parents-to-be and care- givers are sure to find something of value at this expo – from mini-workshops to products and services that will assist you with bringing up a healthy child.

The Pampers Sleep Well Summit will cover the importance of sleep and related topics. Some of the topics include building a friendly sleep routine, gentle discipline, getting the balance right and the building blocks for developing your child’s brain.

One of the experts, Dr Annette Lotter, says that using luminous stickers or light, for example, can enhance deep sleep. And to deal or assist with the baby’s emotional security, a top that mum has worn during the day can be placed next to the baby’s head when coaxing him or her to sleep.

But the expo is not just about the baby. Skin Clinic Indulgence Zone will probably be teeming with mummies who want to sit back and relax while they get a mini-manicure, hand treatment or head or neck massage. The Supersport PlayZone will be the place to be for those who want to test their football skills by kicking soccer balls into a net while the ball is tracked by a radar gun.

Each turn consists of 5 kicks and costs R20, which will contribute to the Supersport Let’s Play a Million campaign.

If your little one suddenly screams like a groupie, it will be because he or she has spotted Barney the dinosaur.

And Pampers and Your Pregnancy Magazine competition will make one lucky mother-to-be even happier.

An all-expenses- paid pregnancy worth R200 000 is up for grabs and includes payment for medical expenses as well as other fabulous prizes such as a maternity wardrobe, nutritional supplements, ante-natal classes, nursery furniture and many other helpful goodies.

But what would an expo be without something new to unveil to the market? With over 200 exhibitors, some will be showcasing their new innovations, like a Mood Mirror by Bright Kid. The mirror is safe for children under the age of six and is designed to develop emotional intelligence with the use of movable faces.

Exhibition director Projeni Pather said: “The baby expo always has hundreds of interesting exhibitors and workshops for mums and dads, as well as tons of fun activities that will keep children entertained for hours on end.

“We aim to inspire healthy active families and nurture wholesome living techniques. This is a great chance for parents and children to interact, play, share and learn from experts and each other.”

The expo moves to Durban from August 29 to 31, and to Cape Town from November 7 to 9.

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