BabyFest 2016: The Highlights

A BIG thank you to everyone who joined us on Sunday for BabyFest 2016. We were so thrilled to meet you, your bumps, your partners and your little ones.

With everything from advice and support on birthing options, babywearing and breastfeeding, to natural baby care products, fresh local produce and a fun photo booth, we’re hoping you not only left with all your essentials, but also left feeling inspired, excited and empowered. Oh, and full of yummy treats from our local food trucks too of course!

If you couldn’t make it down to us this time, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few expo highlights for you:

SUPPORT FROM THE VERY START: Those eight weeks before your first prenatal check can feel like forever right? And what about all those questions and worries you have week on week – they seem to keep growing as fast as you’re growing don’t they?

Dr Kim Van Dusen from The Parentologist took to the stage to talk about the importance of a support system, not just after the arrival of your little one, but from the very moment you find out you’re pregnant – whatever stage it might be. Dr Kim runs a weekly ‘Behind the Bump’ group at Babies in Bloom to help moms-to-be and new moms up to 12 weeks postpartum, to feel confident, connected and supported the whole way through their journey. For more details on this group, visit our calendar page here.

IRRESISTIBLE FASHION: How adorable are these handmade leather moccasins from Cage and Lantern?

How clever are these no snap, no zipper onesies from EZONEZ?

And look at how fun these onesies burritos from Baby’s Got Soul are.

This year’s expo was just bursting with cool, funky and colorful fashions.

And speaking of color….

MYTHBUSTING: CLOTH DIAPERS

Just LOOK at this wall of color.

Beautiful, huh? Lucky Diapers, Z Creationz and GroVia were once again out to prove that cloth diapers are far from dull with their fun eco-friendly designs and hands on demos, while Spray Pal showcased just how easy it can be to keep cloth diapers clean.

The very funny and captivating Kim Rosas, from Dirty Diaper Laundry also entertained visitors with her frank talk on cloth diapering,  addressing common misconceptions around cloth diapers – from the ‘yuck’ factor and inconvenience, to concerns over whether cloth diapers can delay walking in infants. We’d highly recommending checking out her website –there is nothing this advocate doesn’t know about cloth diapers!

BENGKUNG BINDING: We loved this example of belly binding on the In Due Season Doula Services stand. As well as promoting VBAC support, they were there highlighting the possible recovery benefits of binding postpartum, which you can find in detail on their website.

BABY WEARING: In addition to Babywearing San Diego celebrating the physical and emotional benefits of babywearing on their stand, Ali and Karen, our babywearing consultants from the Babies in Bloom boutique, also took to the stage to talk about, and demo, the different kinds of carriers out there, from a ring sling, wrap and mei tai carrier to the more structured ones available on the market.

But don’t worry if you missed it, you can still come in to the boutique with your questions, schedule a private consultation or join the monthly Babywearing 101 class – the second Saturday of each month at 11am.

MEET THE MIDWIVES: This was without doubt our busiest talk of the day. Some of Babies in Bloom’s favorite midwives held a lively Q&A session answering anything and everything, from how actively involved Dad can be in the delivery, to the different types of birthing experiences available, be it in hospital, a birth center or home.  It was a really wonderful and warming opportunity for parents to air any concerns they might have and be reassured by these charismatic experts. No question was a stupid question. You know when you can just tell when someone LOVES their job! These ladies definitely do!

SLEEP COACHING – For many parents, Jen Varela, walks on water. A certified gentle sleep coach, Jen closed the show on a high with her top tips on how to get your baby better sleep habits. For those that missed her, she also runs workshops at Babies in Bloom, so check our calendar for future dates. It’s never too late – if you are struggling with sleep patterns and routines, a solution is out there for you.

UNTIL NEXT YEAR…

If we could go on talking about each and every stand that added such positive energy and expertise to this year’s event, we would! It was a strong team effort by all companies involved to deliver such an inspiring range of products, information and support to growing families in our community. A full list of our exhibitors can be found here.

BabyFest proudly celebrates the wealth of options available to parents today and every parent or parent-to-be’s right to choose which one is best suited to them and their family. No judgement, just support. Always.