I've just typed this up while it's fresh in my mind:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Baby Show NEC 16th May 2008

I have just returned from a very enjoyable day at the 2008 Baby Show at the NEC. It was my very first visit to a Baby Show, and I can without a doubt say that it will not be my last. However, I did have some issues, which I feel is my duty to bring to your attention for future shows.

I have a son who is 20 months old, who I obviously brought with me to the event. Upon arrival, it didn’t take me long to realise that it is the Baby Show, and not the Toddler Show. The £200 I spent shows you that there was a lot to buy specifically for toddlers, such as toys, Kiddysmart goldbugs, and Comfycatch bibs. But the NEC itself didn’t seem to cater for toddlers.

I went to the Café Bar at lunch, and there were some childs sandwiches available. But, being a responsible mother who wants her son to have a good diet, I was disappointed with the range. The only ones on brown bread were either Dairylea or Jam. As my son eats neither processed cheese, or sugary foods, these were out immediately. So I opted for the ham sandwich, which was on white bread. My son Charlie then proceeded to open all the sandwiches up and eat just the ham. He does not do this with the wholemeal bread he gets at home and nursery. So he then had a yogurt, which was good. But then there was no fruit to buy, only fruit boxes with mixed fruit in. I heard another mother comment that her daughter would not touch melon or strawberries, and she was annoyed there were not plain bananas as options.

Then, mid-afternoon before I left, Charlie wanted some milk. I had taken some in a cup in the morning, but he had finished this and wanted more. I could not find anywhere that would sell me a cup of normal whole cows milk. One of the stands told me that it was against NEC policy to let me have any, and your café bar suggested I sit there and open dozens of UHT semi-skimmed milk cartons into his cup! It was another visitor who suggested I try the newsagents outside the hall, as she thought they sold milk. Luckily for myself and Charlie, they did.

So, the question is – will I go to another Baby Show at the NEC? Yes, I probably will.
Will I take Charlie with me next time – probably not.

I'm going to post it tomorrow.

Rant over!

Go girl!

Very well put and fair comments, I mean, how ridiculous, they should think these things through!!

Bloody hell you would think they would cater for toddlers - like babies don't grow up - expectant & new Mummies don't have other children.

Go you I say!

Sorry I missed it though We will be going to the Manchester one....

You tell um lol. Gotta agree with u! x

i really like it when others write letters to stick up for what they believe in so many people say they will and dont... so go girl!!!
Wish I could have gone