Babies 'R' Us Offers Complimentary In-Store Events for New and Expectant Parents

WAYNE, N.J., June 26 /PRNewswire/ -- With only nine months to prepare for a baby's arrival, expectant parents have a lot to learn. Once a baby comes home, some new moms and dads find that their biggest challenges lie ahead. To assist with the transition to parenthood, Babies "R" Us offers a complimentary Smart Beginnings special event series which gives new and expectant parents valuable information to help keep a baby safe, healthy and even stylish.

Babies "R" Us stores nationwide hold special events on the second Saturday of each month from 11 am to 3 pm to provide new and expectant parents with access to community leaders who are experts in their respective fields. Local lactation consultants and childbirth educators are among those who present seminars on breastfeeding and maternity services, while child safety experts discuss topics such as baby-proofing the home.

Smart Beginnings events also cover lighter topics, such as how to host the ultimate baby shower, choosing age-appropriate toys and preserving holiday memories.

"The Smart Beginnings events allow our stores to become a hub for parents to meet, share common experiences and gain some great insight into the challenges they will face as caregivers," said Sue Montecallo, Vice President, Marketing, Babies "R" Us. "By partnering with topic experts, we are able to provide our guests with authoritative information, as well as products, that will help them make informed decisions."

For more information, guests should contact their local store or visit http://www.babiesrus.com/ and click on "In-Store Events." The following six Smart Beginnings events are scheduled to take place throughout the second half of the year at all Babies "R" Us stores nationwide on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm:

  July 14:       Super Baby Shower:  Babies "R" Us will throw a party for
                 all expectant moms, families and friends looking for great
                 ideas for planning their baby showers.  Attendees will
                 receive suggestions on how to plan and enjoy a baby shower
                 while meeting with local business representatives who
                 specialize in the many aspects of planning a shower,
                 including food, invitations, centerpieces and more.

  August 11:     Breastfeeding and Maternity Fair: In celebration of World
                 Breastfeeding Week, lactation consultants will share their
                 expert knowledge on the latest breastfeeding information,
                 and community healthcare professionals will discuss the
                 variety of maternity services available.  Product
                 consultants will be on hand to help moms choose the items
                 that are right for them.

  September 8:   Baby Safety Expo: In celebration of Baby Safety Month, new
                 and expectant parents can catch up on the latest in baby
                 safety through seminars and discussions with safety
                 specialists and product consultants, who will advise them
                 on how to keep a baby protected both in the home and on the
                 go.

  October 13:    Healthy Baby Fair: Guests will meet with community
                 healthcare professionals and product consultants who will
                 share their first-hand knowledge about essential topics
                 such as feeding, nutrition, baby hygiene, immunization,
                 diapering and skin care know-how.

  November 10:   Baby's First Holiday: From tips on holiday planning and
                 preserving special holiday memories to stress-free holiday
                 travel and great age-appropriate gift ideas, this event is
                 a must for parents who want to make the most of Baby's
                 First Holiday.

  December 8:    Holiday Open House:  Featuring fun activities, product
                 demonstrations, holiday music and Christmas cheer, this
                 event is an opportunity for parents to discover new ways to
                 celebrate the season with their baby.

  About Babies "R" Us

Babies "R" Us is the nation's premier baby products retailer and specialty store chain and a leader in the juvenile industry. Since opening its first store in Westbury, NY in early 1996, the company has grown to 254 locations nationwide. Babies "R" Us features a wide selection of products for newborns and infants, including cribs and furniture, car seats, strollers, formula, diapers, health and beauty aids, bedding, clothing for preemies through size 48 months, toys, and plenty of gift ideas in store and online at http://www.babiesrus.com/.