The Baby Show, Olympia

The general consensus with pregnancy and parenthood is that we need all the help we can get.

Thankfully, the biggest baby event of the year is just around the corner: The Baby Show, in partnership with MadeForMums, is coming to Olympia this October (don't worry too much if you're away that weekend – it is half-term – as the show is back in the new year at ExCeL).

Whether you're expecting a little one or have a newborn or toddler in tow, there's something for all parents at this event, and plenty of kid-friendly spaces to explore, including the Skip Hop Baby Play Zone and Peg Perego electric ride-on toys area, where kids can enjoy their First Ducati Experience. The Tommee Tippee Feeding area has comfy seating for nursing mums and food on hand for hungry babies.

Everything is designed with convenience and a parent's needs in mind: the changing area has complimentary wipes and nappies, while Emma's Diary has provided a dedicated Shop & Drop space so you can pick up some essentials without having to drag your purchases around the event.

There's even a Weaning Kitchen where you can pick up some healthy meal ideas and recipes from pros such as Annabel Karmel and – for anyone who misses that precious thing called sleep – there's a Sleep Clinic to get tips from the country's leading sleep experts.

In addition to all the pros on hand (including doctors, founders and celeb mums like Stacey Solomon and Giovanna Fletcher), there to give advice on everything from breastfeeding to starting a business as a mum to child development, The Baby Show is an opportunity to get to grips with – and test out – the myriad pregnancy and baby products available, both from well-known baby name suppliers (iCandy, Bugaboo, Silver Cross, Mamas & Papas) and indie startups. There are over 200 exhibitors in attendance, and it's a great chance to try before you buy.

There's a catwalk show for the leading pregnancy, nursing and kid-friendly fashions, demonstrations on how to use the big essentials, like buggies and car seats, and first aid workshops throughout the weekend.

The show has partnered with LetsBab to create an app full of discounts, as well as info on events and competitions you won't want to miss – download it and you'll be equipped with a treasure map to direct you the whole weekend. Kids 14 and under go free.

So there's your next NCT meet-up with your mum friends sorted.

Gold Culture Whisper members can redeem a free pair of tickets to The Baby Show from 18-20 October 9:30AM - 5:30PM