What Should I Bring to MommyCon? (PLUS MommyCon Promo Code!)

Going to MommyCon?

 

“A girls-day trip?” my friend asked when she saw a post about MommyCon on my wall. “We could leave the husbands behind with the kids and go to MommyCon in Philadelphia!”

An adventure with my friends? Count me in!

I’m excited for another year of MommyCon, more than even last year when I went to MommyCon NYC. Now that I know what it’s like, I can’t wait to go back! 

Have you ever heard of MommyCon? Will you be going this year?

What is MommyCon?

MommyCon is an event where parents (moms and dads!) can get together to learn more about natural parenting techniques during the first few years of a baby’s life and so much more.

It’s all about community! Events are held throughout the year in a variety of locations around the U.S. for parents-to-be, new parents, and even experienced parents. The sessions at MommyCon focus on the first five years of a child’s life and advice for parents of every stage.

From MommyCon.com:

MommyCon takes a gentle and positive approach to educating parents about the emotional and physical benefits of natural birthing, breastfeeding and babywearing. We advocate values of holistic health, eco-friendly diapering, child safety standards and procedures, and female self-care and wellness. Our mission is to create a community of support, acceptance and non-judgement for women journeying through parenthood.

When I went to MommyCon NYC, I learned so much from the sessions I attended. Even as a parent who is experienced, I came away with a ton of very useful information.

Now that I’ve been there once, I know what to expect and how to be prepared.

What Should I Bring to MommyCon? 

Besides curiosity and an open mind, what should you bring to MommyCon if you’re going this year?

A friend! 

While MommyCon is definitely worth it if you need a day to yourself, it’s a lot of fun to bring a friend or your partner/spouse along!

My husband came with me last year, and I’m looking forward to going with some friends this year!

Your ticket.

You don’t want to forget your ticket! Tickets to each event are only sold online and won’t be sold at the door. You can show the team your ticket on your phone or you can bring a print out.

Comfy clothes and shoes.

I can’t emphasize enough how vital it is to wear comfy shoes because, hey, you’re going to be walking around quite a bit! It’d also be helpful to dress in layers as the rooms where the sessions are held can vary in temperature.

Smartphone and a portable charger.

Chances are you’ll want to take some photos during the event and keep everyone on social media up to date, so be sure to bring along your smartphone and a portable charger.

Reusable tote or backpack. 

While you will be getting a fun MommyCon gift bag if you purchased a VIP or Premium admission ticket, an extra bag might still be helpful.

 

There are often a bunch of freebies given away from the companies who attend, plus if you visit the exhibit hall and vendor area, you’ll have a bag to carry home anything you want to purchase.

Business owner or blogger? Create a custom tote bag to advertise your site while you’re there!

Small notebook and writing utensil. 

You’re going to be learning so much from the sessions at MommyCon, and you’ll likely want to take notes. While you could do this on a smartphone or tablet, it’s handy to have a small notebook and a writing utensil to jot down some notes.

Water bottle and snacks.

It’s going to be a long day, so be prepared with some snacks and a reusable water bottle! While there may be some food venues around, you might not have time (or room in your budget) to keep stopping for food or a drink. Bring along some snacks that will help to keep you feeling refreshed throughout the day.

Some portable snacks include:

• trail mix
• pretzels
• dried fruit
• sunflower seeds
• protein bars
• fruit pouch
• fresh fruit (apples, bananas, etc)
• popcorn
• granola bars
• dry cereal
• fruit leather

Your wallet. 

While you may not intend on spending too much time checking out the vendors at MommyCon, you never know what you’re going to find! Make sure to bring along your wallet with cash or cards so you can make purchases.

Many of the vendors in the exhibitor hall bring along EXCLUSIVE products made just for MommyCon attendees. You won’t find them sold any where else (except maybe in the buy/sell/trade groups after events).

Note: The exhibitor hall usually closes and the vendors pack up around 3pm, which is before the whole event is officially over. Make sure to get there before then, even if it’s just to window shop!

You may also need some money for lunch. Keep in mind though that the lunch break is only about an hour long, so it might be a good idea to find a place nearby or pick up something to go!

In 2017 at MommyCon NYC, my husband and I left the convention in search of food elsewhere. We enjoyed lunch at a little restaurant around the corner and had just enough time to get back to the afternoon sessions.

Contact cards (optional).

MommyCon is all about community, and you may meet some fabulous new friends while you’re roaming around or sitting together during sessions.

Want to keep in touch? Bring along a contact card!

A contact card is similar to a business card, but way simpler. It might have your first name and last initial, email address, an image of yourself, and if you’d like, a social media profile.

When you meet a new friend and you want to keep in touch, hand them a card. No need to fumble around for a piece of paper and a pen!

These mini cards from Zazzle are perfect for such an occasion, and totally affordable. Get 100 in a box for less than $15. (Limited Time! Enter code: APRILDEALZAZ for 15% off sitewide!)

Note: If you have a blog or a business, make sure to bring business cards to hand out. Many of the vendors like working with bloggers!

Gently used or like-new cloth diapers and carriers (optional). 

MommyCon has teamed up with Share the Love for cloth diaper donations and The Carrying On Project for baby carrier donations. Both organizations take new and used items to give to families in need.

Share the Love provides cloth diapers to families who could not otherwise afford them. The Carrying On Project provides baby carriers to military families.

Can I Bring My Kids to MommyCon?

Yes! Kids ages 16 and under are FREE. Many parents bring their babies and toddlers, but when I went to MommyCon NYC I saw some older kids there as well.

 

Here are some things to bring if you’re going to bring your kids:

Diaper bag. 

If you’re bringing your baby or toddler, make sure to bring your diaper bag stocked with the essentials. While MommyCon often has a diaper changing area stocked with diapers and wipes, you should bring some of your own as well.

Small books or toys.

No worries if your baby or toddler makes some noise, but having a few small books or toys to keep them entertained would be helpful for you. There usually are some toys in the sessions for those with littles, but those areas can get crowded.

Snacks and drinks. 

When you’re packing your snacks and drinks, don’t forget about your kiddos! Of course, if you’re a breastfeeding mom you won’t need to worry about this, but be sure to have enough for your older kiddos.

Baby carrier. 

If you’re bringing along your baby or toddler, you’ll want to bring a baby carrier too. While strollers are permitted, you’ll find that they aren’t the easiest to maneuver in the sessions and in the crowds. (MommyCon may ask that strollers be folded if the crowd gets too, well, crowded..)

You’ll see so many other babywearing moms and dads there as well, so you’ll fit right in!

BONUS: Need help with your carrier? There are often babywearing sessions and babywearing tutorials. Depending on the location, there may even be a room to try on different carriers!

Breast pump or breastfeeding supplies. 

If you’re a breastfeeding mama and you need to feed or pump, you can feel free to do so anywhere! Of course, if you need a space you feel comfortable in, there is usually a feeding lounge for you to use, complete with comfy chairs and extra supplies.

Ready for MommyCon?

Are you ready to go? Have everything you need? Is there anything I missed on my list?

If you still need tickets, scroll down to get my 10% off MommyCon discount code!

MommyCon Promo Code

*I’m not a Mommycon blogger this year, but my friend over at Mama Bananas Adventures is!

Have fun at MommyCon!