Virtual leash among curios at baby show

Elyse Mockett plans to visit the baby show with her son Spencer for ideas. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Gadgets, organic foods high on must-see list

Virtual leashes, cot cams and an avalanche of natural baby products will greet tens of thousands of new, expecting and veteran parents at the New Zealand Baby Show from today.

Between 12,000 and 14,000 adults, plus children, are expected to visit more than 250 exhibits at the 21st annual show at ASB Showgrounds in Auckland until Sunday.

Show chief executive Dona White, who created the expo more than two decades ago, said this year's big drawcards were expected to include new gadgets and an area for natural, organic and chemical-free products.

"In the 21-year history of the show we have always seen natural products, but this year we have many companies in organic babyfood, organic skincare, not only for baby but for mum," she said.

"The hot topic at the moment is health and wellbeing and organic and natural."

The Buddy Tag will be among the most cutting-edge gadgets.

It links a parent's phone to their child via a Bluetooth tracking device worn around the wrist and sends warning sounds when the little one wanders out of range.

Tracy Morgan, director of Squoodles, which is distributing the device, said it could be used on multiple children and was an "added assurance" for parents.

"You set the range yourself from anywhere to right next to you to 45m away," she said.

The Baby Shusher sleep machine that mesmerises babies.

The show will also feature a range of high-tech baby monitors that let parents tap into cameras from their smartphones or computers and a new sleep machine, called the Baby Shusher, that plays a rhythmic sound to "mesmerise babies and infants into a sleep state".

Auckland mother Elyse Mockett said she would visit the show this year for the second time, on the hunt for special linen and educational toys for her 8-month-old son, Spencer.

"We definitely will be trying to do more organic food with him," she said. "We want to make sure you're giving your child the best and that seems to be the trend with what people these days consider the best."

What: Baby Show
Where: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane
When: Today until Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Price: $17 per adult at the gate or $15 online, children under 12 free
Parking: $8 at showgrounds and at Alexandra Park Raceway
More info: www.babyshow.co.nz