Check your travel plans – whether you are travelling from near or far check the roads, trains, buses or underground before leaving home to make sure your travel plans have not been affected. If driving know where you can park and pre-book if you can do to secure your spot.

Check the weather – October can be bright, warm sunshine or it can be dark, wet, and bitterly cold. Dress appropriately but remember it will be warm and dry inside the venue so maybe several thin layers if it is cooler that you can gradually peel off when you arrive to avoid overheating.

Have a clear plan for what you want to get out of your visit – are you there for specific items such as prams or pregnancy skincare products? Or are you more interested in chatting to experts and listening to the fabulous Live Stage Talks that go on through the day every day. Research the brands who are attending the show and make a note of any questions you have for them ahead of your arrival.

Grab an event map when you arrive. This is a handy fold out map that shows you clearly where every brand is in the hall, where the loos are (most importantly), where food and beverage outlets are and where the Live Stage is for those fabulous educational talks.

Check out what times the Talks on the Live Stage are that you especially want to attend and make sure to be there several minutes ahead of time to get a seat. Use this time to have a healthy snack (or a slice of cake!) and top-up your fluids; it is so easy to neglect your nutritional and hydration needs when you are busy whizzing around all the wonderful stands. Take a water bottle with you and keep it topped up during the day to avoid dehydration. There are always plenty of food and drink outlets dotted around the venue as well.

Consider bringing a friend or family member along with you to carry all your purchases. If they fancy treating you to something extra on the day the that is always a bonus!

Buy your tickets early – all exhibitors have exclusive ticket codes or look out for competitions where you can win one or a pair. My Expert Midwife currently have tickets to give away on our app MEM Club by My Expert Midwife (android and Apple) and on our Instagram Page

Set a budget and ty to stick to it think about what you need and what you don’t and always shop around to get the best deals. Most exhibitors will have Show Special deals on so ask about them.

For pregnancy or postnatal specific advice visit our Resident Midwives My Expert Midwife on their stand and watch their Live Stage Talks on Friday 25th and Sunday 27th October. They will be delighted to meet you and are always on hand to offer evidence-based advice.

Remember your baby’s needs are usually quite simple – as long as they have you, somewhere safe to sleep, and are fed, loved, clean, and warm they will thrive. If you want to be out with your baby, consider your needs – is a pram suitable or would a baby carrier be better suited. Do you need a car seat (if baby ever goes in a car then yes you do)? If you need a pram, is it for “off-road” walks, jogs, running, about town, do you need a shopping basket, is it for twins or more? Consider the size does it fold flat, will it fit in your boot, on the tube or bus? For support with feeding whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed there are plenty of exhibitors to speak with, and of course for your pregnancy and postnatal skincare and prepare and recover hero products there are The Baby Show’s Resident Midwives, My Expert Midwife. with their award-winning range of midwife-developed and mum approved pregnancy-specific products and educational services. There are also lots of smaller independent brands who have beautiful, clothing, gifts, blankets, and trinkets for you and baby. There really is something for everybody and to meet all your needs so we look forward to seeing you and please call by and say hello to the