By Christopher Tobutt

Little tykes and their parents headed off to the Ritz-Carlton last Saturday, 12 September for a day of fun at the 2nd annual Yeah Baby! Family Expo presented by dms Broadcasting.

There were many different businesses, as well as non- profit organisations represented and certainly so much to see, especially things made for young children, toddlers and babies. There was plenty to keep young minds and hands occupied, as young children were encouraged to try out the many different activities.

For the very active little ones, there were bouncy castles, as well as the Hot 104.1 Sports Skills Area with staff from the Girls Football Association who were ready to help. There was a storytelling and Art and Crafts area which featured lessons on Caymanian Heritage, and readings from books.

Melonie Hutton from Gino’s Pizza explained that she was there because of the birthday parties that they can offer, to help make the little one’s birthday a very happy, special one.

The Gerber Bay Boogie Contest was a chance for young children to dance to the music supplied by 106.1 Kiss FM, in the Activities Garden.

There were also several face painting sessions - one at the Huggies booth, for that special fun-time look.

Touch of Thai Day Spa’s Carly Jukes was there along with other staff, all looking smart and professional in their pink uniforms, she said, because of what they could offer to moms and dads who chose to recline on the two massage couches there, “We are doing scalp, neck and shoulder massages, as well as foot massages,” Ms Jukes said.

Of particular interest, however, were the demonstrations on massage techniques for babies and children, which reportedly could build up the bond between mother and child.

“We are also doing nail art, hair braiding and eye candy glitters, and selling gift sets,” Ms Jukes said, pointing to a wide selection of fun and fabulous cosmetics boxes.

The National Trust’s Erica Daniel and Tiffany Rankine Lawe were there, with plenty of information on the Blue Iguanas and the Blue Iguana Recovery programme. As well as raising awareness about blue iguanas, they were raising money for the programme too.

There was a big display from the public library, clearly aimed at young children, with lovely soft toy animals that the young kids seemed to love jumping all over. The library also held a special story reading event.

Karen Ebanks and Anna Harper, from Tangles Kids Salon, located at Bodden Place on Shedden Road made sure that the little princesses of the family can get just as ready for that special birthday party or special occasion as their moms. “We do party packages for little girls: spa, haircuts, hair styling, manicure, pedicure,” she said.