Nation's largest baby exposition returns to Miami, Feb. 26 and 27

BY JAMIE BORN

Americans will spend nearly $5 billion on baby products this year and all they need to know starts in Miami on Feb. 26 and 27 at American Baby's Third Annual Baby Faire, the largest baby exposition in the country.

Some 500 "crawlers" are expected to participate in races during the Baby Faire.

This entertaining, informative two-day event at the Miami Beach Convention Center will introduce prospective parents and young families to more than 125 exhibitors showcasing the latest in child care, parenting information and services; the newest products; exciting interactive children's activities, and free product samples.

Elmo will be supplying hugs for kids at the Baby Faire.

"Many parents find child care a demanding and chaotic proposition," said Darcy Miller, Group Publisher of the American Baby Group. "They are always receptive to new, innovative products that will simplify life and make it more manageable.

"This event is designed for the entire family and will demonstrate products that are versatile, safe and really save space and time. We are hoping to take some of the mystery and fear out of parenting and make the experience more enjoyable."

Expectant mothers, parents-to-be and grandparents will be provided with all the information they'll need to make the right decisions -- all under one roof.

Highlights of the two-day event include:

'JUST FOR PARENTS' SPEAKERS
Childcare professionals (many of them bilingual) will give parents and expectant parents a variety of information on topics including: car seat safety and proper instal

lation techniques, the medical technology of harvesting cord blood for the future treatment of various life threatening diseases, poison control and prevention in your home, colicky babies and preventing ear infections, and pregnancy fitness.

EXHIBITS
More than 125 manufacturers and retailers from across the country -- including Gerber, Carter's, Graco and Fisher-Price -- will showcase the latest in new products, trends and innovations. Consumers have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with the nation's top juvenile manufacturers and discuss their questions, issues and needs.

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES
The Baby Faire will offer continuous entertainment for children of all ages including productions of giant-sized books coming to life in storytelling productions of Pinocchio, Pocahontas, Mulan and Cinderella. The entertainment agenda also includes Martillito the (bilingual) Clown; magicians and roving cartoon characters, including Elmo; a Craft Barn where children can create their own souvenirs; Universal Gymnastics Gym; Hoops basketball area, and Circus Bazaar Center with carnival games.

New to this year's American Baby's Baby Faire is the Great Bassettbaby Search, where 10 babies will be selected for a national advertising campaign.

Parents can obtain contest rules at the event and have a free 5-by-7 photo taken by Olan Mills photography to submit for the search.

Babies can compete hourly in American Baby Derby races for the title of Miami's Fastest Crawler. A total of 500 babies are scheduled to race throughout American Baby's Baby Faire, while a cheering section and free prizes await the tiny winners at the finish line.

The Miami Beach Convention Center is located at 1901 Convention Center Dr. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $7. Children and grandparents are admitted free.

Discount admission coupons worth $2 are available at local Babies "R" Us stores.

For more information, consumers can phone the toll free event line at 1-877-959-BABY.