With an estimated 4 million babies born in the U.S. every year, the number for marketers to pay attention to is $10,000 to $12,000. That’s the average to low end of the budget that today’s mom-to-be will spend as she prepares for baby’s arrival. Women having babies and raising young children are the Millennial generation, a group that makes up about 21% of the U.S. population and the largest consumer group to emerge since the Baby Boomer generation.

Engaging with Millennial Moms, gaining their loyalty and winning their business means using dramatically different tactics compared to prior generations of moms. The differences are sharply influenced by technology and the desire these moms have for unique, customized experiences.

These moms believe there are better ways to do things and are tenacious in their search for baby gear, furniture, clothing, health products and more. As gender reveal parties tell us, these moms are all about making every phase of pregnancy a unique, customized experience.

Social Media Is King. Products and brands with a presence in social media are in the Millennial Mom’s virtual playground. I mention this in every post and it seems too obvious, but reaching moms through social media, and particularly video is crucial. Letting her access everything on her phone is even more important. Almost all Millennials — 90% — admit to texting photos of a possible purchase to another person for approval, while 58% say they use their phones to look up store hours and locations. About 55% check their social media accounts at least twice each day for an estimated total of 17 hours each week. Millennials also embrace new social media quickly, as seen by the explosive growth of Pinterest and Instagram. 

Moms-To-Be Focus on the Green. Not the money. Even if there isn’t much interest pre-pregnancy, many moms-to-be become focused on green baby products. Cloth diaper companies like Bum Genius, started by a mom of four, is just one example of a company that is making cloth diapering a popular option. Another company, Premama, offers a prenatal vitamin in powder form, to mix in to the Millennial generation’s ever-popular smoothies, after the founders held a focus group in 2010 where young women begged for an alternative to awful prenatal horse pills. The company boasts vegetarian, non-GMO, non-allergen formulas that resonate with young women.

Circle Of Influence Is Broader Than Ever. From the moment the pregnancy stick is positive (and even before), women are seeking information about everything baby-related, from prenatal vitamins to car seats and strollers. Witness the explosion of sites like TheBump.com and WhatToExpect.com as women seek information, visit forums and look for recommendations and reviews for pregnancy and beyond. 

Technology In the Stroller. Moms rely on their phones for everything, including keeping baby safe and entertained. An award-winning product called SnuggWugg is a pillow that holds a cell phone to keep from kicking and squirming on the changing table and even entertained in the stroller. The SnuggWugg won a Huggies MomInspired grant, a program that awards grants to mom-invented products. 

Look at Niche Markets. There are niche groups with large, active followers where moms engage on a daily basis. Multiples groups like Twiniversity are more popular than ever as twins are now one-third of all births in the U.S. These moms have unique experiences and they love to share! 

Keeping up with Millennials as early adopters of new technology and social media is the challenge of marketers, businesses and brands.

There was a day in the not-too-distant past when sponsors had only a few choices for event sponsorship in the mom blogosphere. However, as the space has matured and grown, so have the conferences that serve the assorted interests and experience level of mom bloggers.  Before throwing your dollars at the same events you’ve been tapping, you may want to look at some of the exciting new options for 2014. 

Blended Conference
Date: Oct. 3-5
Location: Phoenix
Description: Blended Conference is the premier Arizona blogging conference where social media influencers gather for education and each other.  It’s a three-day event that attracts moms from all corners of Arizona and, now, from outside the state as well.
What I like: There’s a good reason that Toys “R” Us tests products in Arizona; there’s a lot of trends being set in the Grand Canyon State. The moms who attend this event are movers and shakers in social media and have a tight network. I’m so impressed by this group that I’m planning on attending. Hey, what’s not to love about expanding your knowledge of blogging in the humidity-free air of Arizona?
Information: www.blendedconference.com

Type-A Parent Conference – Bootcamps
Date: July 12 or Sept. 19-21
Location: Anaheim, Calif. (Disneyland), or Atlanta
Description: One-day educational and networking events for the more experienced social media mom.
What I like: Type-A Parent Conference has always been my recommendation for brands looking to connect with top mom (and dad) bloggers.  Sponsorships are reasonable and give brands the opportunity to customize their participation in the conference. The atmosphere and size of the conference makes it an intimate event where sponsors can actually interact with bloggers throughout the weekend. Type-A founder and Bootcamp organizer Kelby Carr does a fantastic job in securing excellent speakers, and there’s nothing but a positive vibe from start to finish. If you are looking for an event to sponsor where you won’t get lost, Type-A is for you.  
Information: www.typeaparent.com

Beaches’ Social Media on the Sand
Date: Oct. 16-19
Location: Turks and Caicos
Organizer: Beaches
Description: A weekend of social media education, focused on everything from advanced blogging to new trends in digital platforms. Over 100 top social media mom influencers will bring their families to experience the white sands of the Turks and Caicos within the confines of the beautiful Beaches Resort.   
What I like:  Sponsorships are reasonable and customized to the brand’s goals. Organizers are inviting brands to be a part of the conference agenda by creating interactive sessions and product demonstrations. Additionally, sponsorships include pre- and post-conference communication with the attendees. The best part about Social Media on the Sand? You can tell your boss you are going to the Turks and Caicos to work!
Information: www.socialmediaonthesand.com  

Blogalicious
Date: Nov. 6-8
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Description: A three-day, hands-on and in-depth conference filled with workshops with leaders in their fields; advanced topics that take you to the next level in terms of content and relationship building.  Although the topics are focused on women of color, the audience is a diversified group of influencers. It’s one of my favorites and super fun after the sun goes down and the learning formally ends.
What I like: Let’s start with the organizer, Stacey Ferguson. She does a great job working with brands and connecting them to women of color who attend her conference.
Information: www.beblogalicious.com