Our Picks for The Essential Baby & Toddler Show
Many seasoned parents will recall the “what-the-hell-do-I-now?” feeling once they leave the nook of the nurses and have safely navigated the ultra-slow, ultra-packed drive home with their tiny human. It’s magical, momentous and mind-blowing. And it’s a little scary, too. But it’s reassuring to know there’s always lots of others in the same boat – particularly at ‘catch-all’ events like Blackmores’ Essential Baby & Toddler Show.
An annual three-day event staged in Australia’s three biggest cities – Brisbane (March 16-18), Melbourne (April 28-30) and Sydney (Sept 22-24) – it’s a great way to kill a few hours with little ones; and if you’re about to join the ranks of parenthood, there’s experts and exhibitors abound, showcasing global brands and providing private consultations and seminars on all things parenthood.
Here are The Dad Website‘s top picks ahead of the Melbourne event, which kicks off this Friday.
Child Revive first aid courses
Do you really know what to do in the event of a life-threatening emergency to your child? The truthful answer is probably no. Just one reason why Child Revive‘s 90-minute, $39 first-aid courses are totally worth the time and money. Conducted by an experienced paramedic or nurse, the hands-on course includes CPR training and dealing with choking, seizures and fever.
Pram Trial Track
You’ll be spending a lot of time pushing a pram – several years if you have multiple kids – so why not test-drive a brand-spanker on a variety of surfaces and everyday situations on the Show’s ‘trial track’.
Fisher Price Play Lab
This Australia-first activation might be where you spend the majority of your visit. Your little ones can test out the latest and greatest toys, including offerings from Laugh & Learn, Mega Bloks and Thomas & Friends.
Hi-5 live
OK, so Hi-5 might not be your cup of tea, but the kids’ll leave you alone for 25 minutes and with all the jumping around and carrying on, it should be easier to get them down later on.
Petting Zoo and other usual suspects
The array of kids’ activities includes a petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals and rides. There’s also Feeding and Changing rooms with a host of free accessories to lighten the experience.
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What: The Essential Baby & Toddler Show
Where: Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton
When: Friday April 28 to Sunday April 30, 9:30am-4pm each day.
Wallet damage: free if you register before 5pm on April 27; $20 thereafter (children under 16 free).