Your Ultimate Survival Guide To Navigating Baby Fairs

Baby fairs are exciting events for both new and seasoned mothers, offering a treasure trove of baby products, expert advice, and exclusive deals. It's a one-stop shopping opportunity to touch and feel first-hand the vast variety of products available in the market, as well as a great chance to grab bundle deals and save some money on your baby gear. 

However, the sheer magnitude of these fairs can be overwhelming. To help you make the most of your baby fair experience and keep stress at bay, we've prepared a comprehensive survival guide with 12 valuable tips for navigating the entire affair effortlessly.

Tip # 1: Do Your Homework!

Prior online research is a MUST before heading out into the jungle of booths and offers. Visit the organiser’s website to get an early sense of the products and promotions available. It is usually possible to download the fair catalogue or magazine which details store listings, events, promotions, coupons and a site map. Some fair websites these days even allow you to browse and shop products online, creating a wish list to download or shopping cart which you can then check out at the fair. 

Tip #2: Pre-register Wherever Possible

Some fairs require registration beforehand, and doing this online will save you precious time queueing up at the door. Registering early can also sometimes help to secure exclusive offers and perks, or the much coveted goodie bag.

Tip #3: Create A Focused Shortlist

Avoid wandering around the fair, as the crowds and noise can tire you out quickly (especially if you're pregnant). To conserve time and energy, it is important to zoom in on the products you need and the brands you want to scope out. Study product reviews and make comparisons before the fair so you’re already aware of which products and brands you want to physically compare on the day, then make a list of those you have chosen to focus on. 

Tip #4: Plot Your Course

With this targeted list and the fair site map you have (hopefully) downloaded from the baby fair website, plot your physical course on the map for maximum efficiency. The last thing you want to do on the day is walk around aimlessly or loop back and forth amidst a chaotic crowd. Bonus points for taking note of where the bathrooms and refreshments are for a much-needed pit stop.

Tip# 5: Time Your Entrance

There's a lot of debate on the optimal time to visit a baby fair, and your personal shopping style and priorities will factor into making this decision. Some early-bird mummies will storm the fair as soon as it starts, in order to secure the first and best deals, sizes, colours, etc. This also gives you the opportunity to revisit the fair at a later date should you have second thoughts about buying something.

If you’re not afraid of things running out though, going on the last day is another strategy, because the crowd would have usually thinned out 3-4 hours before the end of the fair. 

Do note that goodie bags are usually only available for a limited number of participants daily, which means you may have to be there queueing ahead of opening time if you’re really keen on one. 

Tip #6: Devise A Logistics Strategy 

The parking situation may be easy or impossible, depending on your chosen time of arrival. If you decide to go early ahead of opening time, park as near to the exhibition entrances or lifts as possible. Getting a good spot will give you the option of pausing your shopping to load your boot with purchases when needed, giving you the freedom and ease to shop for longer. If you’re arriving later in the day, you may wish to consider taking public transport to avoid having to wait for a parking lot.

If you're planning to buy bulky items on the day of the fair itself, consider taking along a small trolley with bungee cords or wheely luggage to save yourself from having to carry anything heavy.

Tip #7: Pack Rations

This is important, because you’ll need sufficient hydration and sustenance on your expedition. Pack enough water and some snacks you can easily refuel on (especially if you’re pregnant and frequently hungry). While there are usually F&B stalls outside the fair or nearby, the lines for them are perpetually long and you wouldn’t want to be stuck queueing for food when you can easily pack your own.

Tip #8: Dress Comfortably 

Wear your most comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a fair bit — preferably non-slip in case of rainy weather and wet ground. Also, dress in light and cool fabrics as it can get really sweaty in the sea of crazed mummy shoppers. Bring a small portable electric fan if you’re prone to getting warm — particularly during pregnancy!

Tip #9: Charge Your Phone

This sounds like a small matter, but make sure your phone is fully juiced when you arrive. This is because many stores these days require customers to sign up for perks using their QR codes. Also, you may wish to take notes on pricing and promotions using your phone camera. Pack a power bank if you’re intending to stay all day. 

Tip #10. Bring Hubby, Leave Baby

… At home! If possible, leave your baby with a family member or caregiver because strollers are unwieldy at baby fairs, and having your child with you will add unnecessary fuss and anxiety to your mission. You’d be far more efficient not having to entertain your kid or make sure they’re not getting bumped by the throng of strangers. Bring your husband because he is useful for standing in lines early before you’re ready to pay, and for lifting heavy loads.

Tip #11: Ask! Ask! Ask!

Ask for delivery because this can save you a lot of trouble and effort, especially if you’re purchasing a lot of things. There is usually a minimum spend for free delivery, and knowing what this amount is can help you make more strategic purchases. Ask about perks and promotions, in case spending just a little bit more would entitle you to receive some desirable freebies. Ask also for advice, because advice is free and the store assistants are usually quite knowledgeable and can help you make better buying decisions. 

Tip #12. Stay Calm And Decisive

Staying both calm and decisive can feel slightly contradictory when you’re in the midst of a crazy baby fair and everyone is snatching and grabbing everything in sight. It is important to resist FOMO though, because you don’t want to clutter up your home with things you won’t use, and you also want to buy the best version of a product for your specific needs — not just the cheapest or most popular one. Being decisive on the other hand, is just as crucial, because you don’t want to tarry too long or double back for things you didn’t grab the first time.

So, stay cool, be calm, and remember to take necessary toilet and rest breaks when you need… Happy shopping, and good luck at the fair!