June 27th, 2012 
These Knitnut by JL hats stood out at the BBF with their vibrant colors, and one lucky winner got one for free. Photo by: Shari Wargo Stamps
There was a large turnout for the San Francisco Birth & Baby Fair (SF BBF) held in San Mateo on Saturday, June 23. Moms-to-be learned about a lot of great new products for their little one(s), and insider parenting tips from the pros. A few lucky moms won new strollers and other major “I want” items, too! The first 150 attendees (and those who paid for VIP tickets) received a goodie bag filled with samples, coupons, DHA chewables, and tips. Considering the great number of baby products, samples, and gifts for anyone and everyone at the event it’s likely that no one left empty-handed (whether they won something or not).
The San Mateo Event Center was a large location for the BBF, and it was nice to have the Nursing Nook in a separate area from the main floor, but it was also near the changing tables and bathrooms so there were parents peering over and entering the area to grab some snacks. Everyone loved the food table (lactation cookies included) provided by The Nursing Mother’s Counsel at the Nursing Nook. Some attendees grumbled that they couldn’t hear anything during the raffle drawings, and that there didn’t seem to be as many vendors or items this time as past events. The Spa Lounge, which promised pampering turned out to be an area with massages for $1 per minute, and some free samples from Spoiled Mama, so that was also a little bit of a disappointment.
Moms-to-be love the Spa Lounge (Photo Credit: SF Birth & Baby Fair)
Since it was the BBF’s first time at the San Mateo Event Center, it’s understandable that there be a few hiccups, though, and whether you were impressed or disappointed by Saturday’s event you should try to attend the fair at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, on September 29th. Every BBF is a little different, and the Fall SF event tends to be the most vendor-packed. Besides, it’s held at a gorgeous location near Crissy Field and The Palace of Fine Arts!
