One of my most popular posts around this time of year is the ‘Mothercare Expectant Parent Evening’ where, I expect, lots of people want to find out exactly what sorts of things they’ll find at these kinds of events, what’s in the goodie bags and so on! So, on that basis I contacted Mothercare and asked them, despite my not being an expectant parent, if I could go and cover this event in my local store and keep you guys up to date with any developments in the event and of course, what you can expect to see.
On going into the Mothercare store you are still greeted by a lovely member of staff who checks your name of the guest list (this is an exclusive event and you must, must, must sign up if you want to go – places are usually limited!) and you’re offered a goodie bag.
I remember the first and second goodie bag I got from attending these events when I was actually pregnant and surprisingly, after asking to look inside, this time I was left a bit disappointed. It was mostly full of paperwork or leaflets and only came with a pack of wipes, some Milton sterilising tablets, a sachet of Ecover and some Pregnacare tablets. Attached was a 10% off discount voucher which, I believe, is valid for two weeks after the event. If you were thinking of going for the goodie bag, I probably wouldn’t go.
Having said that, the stands in the store were brilliant and here they are!
Hartbeeps
If you haven’t heard of Hartbeeps before, you can check out my review here, or you can visit their website! They’re baby classes that are out of this world good and are so much fun!
Our local girls are Anna and Brandi and they are some of the loveliest ladies I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Never a dull moment and super enthusiastic – sign your child up!
Baby Sensory
Meet the lovely Laura who runs our local Baby Sensory classes. These classes are also superb, having taken Toby to a couple of the event based ones when he was a baby. Full of lights, sounds and music babies get the chance to take in the world around them.
They usually have a photographer at their event sessions who take the cutest pictures!
Baby Foundations
A support network from confirmed pregnancy right through to 3 months old. Presenting recent research evidence, helpful tips and approaches, techniques and lots of information about your baby.
You can attend classes or have one to one sessions. This is all about preparing you for parenthood and your baby’s health and well being.
Imagine Health and Spa
With a wealth of spas across the country, Imagine offer a full range of spa and beauty treatments, even when pregnant. I think it’s really important to take care of yourself both during and after pregnancy and just to take that time to relax, reflect and restore yourself. Being a mum or a mum-to-be is hard work. Imagine Health and Spa have lots of treatments on offer for parents of all stages – who knows, maybe I’ll get to try one out, I can’t resist a full body massage!
NCT West Norfolk
These lovely ladies were from the West Norfolk Branch of the NCT. NCT supports parents across the UK offering courses both pre and post pregnancy, drop in sessions, telephone support along with lots of information. They often have local activities and events for all the family (the NCT sales are my favourite, you get some absolute bargains!) and they have a shop too.
They also have a cloth nappy library, so if you’ve thought about becoming a fluffy bum mum, you can try before you buy!
Water Babies
Ahh, my buddy Briony was working the Water Babies stand at this event. She has taught both Toby and Teddy but is no longer their teacher! I adore Water Babies, I can’t think of anything better to do with your baby on a Friday afternoon.
Not only can you bond with your baby during these times, but you can teach them life skills that they will not get anywhere else, and you can do it from the day they are born, literally! Toby and Ted adore swimming and I can’t convey to you the confidence Toby has in the water, and Ted is really starting to love it too. Tiger arms are a must.. rah rah rah!
What else is there at a Mothercare Expectant Parent Event?
Snacks – all the snacks. You know pregnant women love a good feast (well, at least I did) and the Mothercare event had a whole table dedicated to snacks. My favourite option was definitely the Mini Cheddars, and I know the boys would’ve loved these too!
Talks on car seat safety. I believe there are two sessions run throughout the evening but lots of staff members are on hand should you want an individual demonstration on anything.
There are lots of other things going on in the store. There are breast pump displays, discounts on the essentials, loads of nursery furniture to choose from and a huge pushchair and stroller display!
I’d recommend signing up for their baby club and you should be alerted when your next local event is on if this is something you’re thinking about attending. Is it worth it? Overall, yes! But don’t expect a great amount in the goodie bags.
I found the same with the goody bag when we went… last thing you need is 100s of leaflets! The discount was useful though.
I loved the Mothercare Baby Club emails and discounts they used to give and these events sound great – just a shame about the goodie bag! x
I loved them too! A nice 20% around 1st birthdays too which is pretty good. It really is a shame about the goodie bag this year, fingers crossed they take it on board 🙂 x