Parenthood is a life-changing experience that can bring great joy but also huge responsibility. A new event called Babytalk Festival (February 22^nd – 23^rd) aims to celebrate this wonderful time in a families’ lives while also providing practical advice and up-to-date information on pregnancy and raising young ones. Rachel Lane and Marie Dunne of Curious Design are the innovative two ladies behind this interesting event – Arlow-based Rachel has on little girl and is expecting her second child in April, and Marie is currently in the family planning stages. “Babytalk is the festival I wanted to go to myself but couldn’t find” said Rachel. Maria added; “For us, one of the most important considerations is that Babytalk is welcoming and inclusive, everyone is welcome – from those just considering starting a family, parents-to-be, young families plus extended families and friends. Grandparents even get free entry!” The BabyTalk Festival was designed by the pair to ensure that a wide range of areas are covered – from wellbeing to conceiving discussions to birth options and nutrition as well as a child’s first year. The event also plans to showcase some of the best and useful products and services for parents and parents-to-be. Taking place at the O’Reilly Hall in UCD, the event will also see an impressive list of guest speakers and over 20 specialists speaking about a variety of subjects. “We think that giving advice and information to new and expectant parents is a huge responsibility,” explains Rachel, “so it is very important that sources are unbiased to guarantee that the information is genuinely in the best interests of families. “We wanted to create something different, a fun experience where people can come together and celebrate little people and parenthood. It's a big deal this parenting malarkey - a life changing time, full of excitement, joy, laughter, tears, tantrums, pooey nappies, dribble, worry, questions and most of all - love, and that's what we want to celebrate.” And aside from all the advice and support, the event is also a family-friendly one with readings by children’s authors and entertainment from a stand-up comedy show “Ireland’s Got Mammies” from the creator of the Irish Mammies books, Colm O’Regan! Entry for the BabyTalk Festival is €10 for the day or €15 for two, with tickets available for purchase online or at the door. More information on the festival can be found here. Image via BabyTalk Festival