So you’re going to be a parent… who knew there were so many events involved?

They say you learn something new everyday, and the team at Her.ie towers are marvelling a little today at just how much we’ve learned this afternoon about mums and dads to be. Entrepreneurs Claire Finnan and Jennifer Shaw, the brains behind the super-successful Pregnancy and Baby Fair have shared this list of the Top Maternity Trends they’re seeing this year with us…

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Mummymoons

You've heard of the honeymoon and the minimoon for newlyweds, but mummymoons (or Mammymoons in Ireland!) are becoming increasingly popular, with expectant mamas indulging in a little R&R before the baby arrives. Whether it involves taking a weekend break with friends, or a day shut way in a health spa, pregnant mums are finding ways to enjoy some "me" time before sleep deprivation and dealing with ‘little accident’s  become routine.

 

Dadcheler parties

Being a new Dad is lifechanging too you know! Cue the rise of the Dadcheler Party, a US import where the new Dad-to-be goes out with his friends for one last bash before the 4am feeds and nappy changing kicks in. This could be a pub crawl, trip to an away match or just cans in front of the football on telly - whatever the format it’s all about male bonding and the ability to commiserate with friends about the impending responsibilities of fatherhood!

 

 ‘Sip and See’ events

As seen on TV3’s Dublin Wives with Virginia Macari’s new baby, 2013 is set to be the year of the ‘Sip and See’: a postbirth party hosted by the parents where friends and family stop by the house, sip some drinks and see the newborn. ‘Sip and See’ parties are seen as a welcome move away from expensive baby showers and allow parents to easily celebrate the birth of the new one and not have guests feel obligated to show up with a must-have baby item. 

 

Live tweeting/vlogging labour 

Looking for something to take your mind of labour, how about sharing live updates with your social media community?! Cork based vloggers Jonathan and Anna Saccone-Joly , broadcast the birth of their first baby on You Tube accompanied with live tweeting during the birth.

 

Royal Baby Fever 

The arrival of Kate Middleton and Prince William 's new baby will no doubt be the biggest birth of the year. Just as wedding dress designers started creating replicas of Kate's gown the second she stepped out of the car on her wedding day, we'll see baby clothes designers quickly incorporating the royal baby’s christening gown and everyday outfits into their collections and new mums flocking to emulate the look! Baby blogs are already forecasting that regal baby gear and decor will make its way into stores and commoners' hands. Once the royal babe arrives, his or her style, gear and name will be obsessed over and copied.

 

Pregnancy Fashion –Belts above the belly

Hosts of celebrities and fashion forward mums-to-be are adopting the trend for wearing belts above their belly. This look works great with dresses, flowy tops, printed blouses, even T Shirts. So expectant Mamas, bring out the best of those curves and baby bumps with these super flattering fashions.

 

Ultra sound parties

Another trend which has made its way across the Atlantic is ‘Ultra Sound’ parties to reveal the gender of baby-to-be to loved ones and families. Be warned, this extravagant US import requires a medically trained technician to perform the procedure in your home!  Simpler, less expensive and dramatic is to send boxes stuffed with pink or blue balloons to family members reveal the gender of you baby.

 

 

The SMA Know-How Pregnancy & Baby Fair takes place in Dublin on April 13^th and 14^th and in Cork on April 20^th and 21^st from 10am to 6pm daily

Tickets are €10 per adult and available on www.ticketmaster.ie