Jamie Sim – Bride to Mum

37 Parent Support Groups on Facebook Singapore Parent Loves To Hang Out At

Jamie Sim — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 05:46:08 +0000

37 Parent Support Groups on Facebook Singapore Parent Loves to Hang Out At

Being a parents, we are constantly experiencing and learning new things as our kids grow. More and more parents are joining Facebook parent support groups to interact and sharing their experience online. Rather than seeking answers from Google, forums and books as a resources, we know that we will get the most genuine answers sharing and experience on the Facebook parent support groups. I mean you know who you are talking to, and this is why all parents loves to gather there.

There’s plenty of Facebook parents groups out there but here are the top 37 Singapore Facebook Parent support groups of my choice. You can see which suits you the best before you join.

Do note that you are not suppose to spam and no explicit advertisements. Please read and respect their rules and guidelines before you join.

You might want to bookmark or share this page for easier references, because there are too many different Facebook parent support groups out there.

Connecting with Singapore Parents

1. Respectful/Mindful Parenting Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/RIESingapore

2. We have BABIES!! (Singapore): www.facebook.com/groups/wehavebabies

3.ParentsCode’s Group: www.facebook.com/groups/parentscode

4.Young Mothers Of Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/youngmothersofsingapore

5. Mummies Coffeebreak Corner : www.facebook.com/groups/Mummiescoffebreaks

6. 2017 SG Mummies and Daddies:www.facebook.com/groups/2017mumsndads

7. Attachment Parenting Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/attachmentparentingsingapore

8. SG Parents Of Twins And Triplets: www.facebook.com/groups/867174656691421

PRELOVED & BLESSING BABY GOODS

9. Singapore Moms Preloved and Blessing Group: www.facebook.com/groups/914767435203594

10. Budget $10 & Below: www.facebook.com/groups/BudgetCorner

11. Sincere Blessing for babies & mummies: www.facebook.com/groups/Sincereblessings

12. Preloved Baby Goods SG: www.facebook.com/groups/prelovedbabygoodssg

13. SG Preloved Baby Goods: www.facebook.com/groups/487953654714522

BREASTFEEDING & BABY LED WEANING

14. Singapore Breastfeeding Mummies: www.facebook.com/groups/358172541247099

15. Singapore Breastfeeding Networks: www.facebook.com/groups/SingaporeBreastfeedingNetworks

16. SG Breastfeeding Mums: www.facebook.com/groups/805925812801382

17: The Breastfeeding Advocates Network, TBAN: www.facebook.com/groups/TheBreastfeedingAdvocatesNetwork

18. Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group (Singapore): www.facebook.com/groups/breastfeedingmotherssupportgroupsingapore

19. Breastfeeding Mums: www.facebook.com/groups/sgbreastfeedingmums

20. Human Milk 4 Human Babies – Singapore: www.facebook.com/hm4hbSingapore

21: Baby Led Weaning Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/SGbabyledweaning

CHILDCARE, PRESCHOOL AND EDUCATION

22. Childcare in Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/541425542723577

23: Singapore Homeschool: www.facebook.com/groups/singaporehomeschool

24: Preschool Education Singapore:www.facebook.com/groups/sgpreschool

25. SINGAPORE SHICHIDA MUMMIES: www.facebook.com/groups/SingaporeShichidaMummies

26. Maths Model Method – Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/259454320877898

27. Kid’s Enrichment in Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/SGKidsEnrichmentClasses

28. Primary 1 Parents SG: www.facebook.com/groups/pri1parents

BABY CARRIER

29. Singapore Tula Love: www.facebook.com/groups/singaporetulalove

30. Tula Love & Stocking Buddies, Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/969999789723024

31. Babywearing Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/245166299015337

SINGAPORE KIDS ACTIVITY AND FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

32. Fun for kids in Singapore – by Kidlander.com: www.facebook.com/groups/SGfamilyfun

33. Kid friendly restaurants in Singapore – by Kidlander.com: www.facebook.com/groups/SGfamilyrestaurants

34. Stork’s Nest Singapore www.facebook.com/groups/StorksNestSingapore

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT FOR PARENTS

35. Special Needs Kids Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/488991321113132

36. SSNAP – Singapore Special Needs and Parents: www.facebook.com/groups/Singaporespecialneedsandparent

37. Education And Autistic Kids in Singapore: www.facebook.com/groups/eduautismsg

The post 37 Parent Support Groups on Facebook Singapore Parent Loves To Hang Out At appeared first on Bride to Mum.

Kids Dentist: Kate’s First Visit To The Dentist for Tooth Extraction

Jamie Sim — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 09:55:55 +0000

Kate broke her teeth

Miserably as it may be, Kate broke her teeth while controlling her chair back and fore with her leg when she was sitting and rocking the chair. Accident happened and she knocked herself against the table in front of her. “Ouch” and this is when she started to cry with her bleeding lips. We thought of nothing except for the bleeding lips and half an hour later, my little girl requested to drink her milk and this is when she told us that she is drinking in agony. We checked on her and realized that one of the front tooth is shaky and bleeding slightly and we know that this is not a good sign.

Searching for Kids Dentist in Singapore on a Weekend

It happened on a Saturday night and knowing none of the kids dental clinic in Singapore. I started to get panicked as I am unsure what I should do next. The only thing me and my husband is hoping for is to salvage her front tooth as we know the next adult tooth phrase will only happened when she turns 6 or 7 years old. This is like another 2-3 years!

So I tried to google online for kids dentist in Singapore and getting advice from mummies to check if they have any recommendation or similar encounter but to my disappointed, all the answer given to me are pretty negative as most of the answer given mention about the infection if left untreated. When I mean untreated, I actually mean leaving the dangling tooth alone without extracting it out.

As Kate’s tooth is broken near the roots inside the gums, it may caused an infection if the tooth is not removed and that made me really worried and unsure what to do. What made things worse it most dentistry for kids are closed on Sunday.

Therefore, leaving me with no choice but to walk in to a general dentist to see what they can do the next following day in the morning. To my disappointment, I was rejected as I have no appointment made and reservations are fully booked. So I tried another general dentist nearby and finally get a dentist for Kate.

Upon checking on Kate, the dentist informed me that her teeth is definitely broken but she will have to go through the xray to find out at which point is broken. The dentist also has to refer me to a pediatric dentist which is meant for kids as he is unsure whether a space maintainer is required after her tooth extraction.So what is space maintainer? A space maintainer is an appliance that is custom-made by a dentist using metal material. The purpose is to keep the space open to allow her adult tooth to come into place after her baby tooth is being removed. If a space is not maintained, then teeth can shift into the open space and orthodontic treatment may be required.

The dentist then said I have two options: it’s either I bring her to the government kids clinic or a private kids dentist. He highlight to me that as time is a concerned, private kids dentist is recommended as government kids clinic has a longer waiting time since reservation is required. But if a space maintainer is required, a better option is to visit Singapore General Hospital as the treatments is claimable from the government (follow up treatment is required for space maintainer). After his advice, I request two referral letter from him in case Kate requires a visit to SGH for space maintainer.

Kids Dentist Petite Smiles Review Singapore

The next following day (Monday), I bought Kate to Petite Smile as referred by the dentist; a private kids dentist in Singapore. It’s pretty convenience, I took the MRT train, alight at Novena, walk to Novena Medical Center and took the lift up. As I did not make any appointment, I called them up early in the morning and informed them I am on the way. We were lucky enough that we are the second on queue and the nurse get me to fill up the form to register for Kate.

After filling up the form, the nurse ask me to sit at the couch to wait for our turn. The decoration and ambiance there is really welcoming and happy. While waiting for our turn, Kate made herself to the mini playground for a 10 minutes fun before the nurse call her in.

While entering the room, the dentist greed us and tried to make Kate’s feel relax by introducing herself so Kate can introduce herself too. Kate’s settled herself on the “dentist chair” (My bad, I have no idea what you call that…) and stared at the dentist without saying anything. This is when I started to explain the rocking chair incident and how she broke her teeth. Then, she explain to me that her teeth must definitely be extracted to prevent infection but she ensured to me that no space maintainer is required which made me feels relieved.

Next, the nurse bought Kate’s to another room to have her teeth Xray done. They got Kate to wear a heavy jacket and she look so heavy and cute. Kacha~ Kacha~ The Xray is done.

After returning back to the dentist room, they show me the Xray and pointed out to me that Kate’s entire tooth is broken and ask me whether to proceed with the tooth extraction. Next, she shocked me by pointing out the two adult tooth which were already on top of Kate’s baby front tooth. It’s already there waiting for their turn to come out in the next 2-3 years and probably it may be out sooner then majority of the kids since she is going to extract one of her two front teeth. I’m surprise that a child’s adult teeth were already there waiting for their turn to be out.

Kate’s tooth extraction procedure

I was so worried and heart pain to see Kate having to go through the procedure but my little girl was so brave. Before the tooth is being pulled, the dentist inject a few numbing shots on her gums at every angle I supposed. There are about 5 shots and Kate was amazing! She did not moved nor voice out the discomfort of pain. The only discomfort is I guess the taste of numbing shot left in her mouth and I can see from her facial expression that it taste yucky. She have to rinse her mouth a few times before getting back to her seat. Somehow, her favoruite Peppa Pig television show that she’s watching above her seat must have help ease away the tension or pain.

Here’s when the nitty gritty procedure started with the dentist holding something like a forceps but with a little strength she used, the tiny teeth came off. Not so bad I thought and Kate did not shed any tears. Looking at the root, the dentist told me that she must have broken it long ago as the root has no rough edge. Then, I turned to Kate’s with the bleeding gum and the nurse get a cotton roll and asked her to bite on it. Now, the rewards for behaving so well throughout the procedure and the dentist get Kate to choose her rewards. She chose a ring out of the stickers and hair tie rubber band.

After leaving the room, we waited for our bill when the nurse present me her teeth in a case. Cute isn’t it?

Kids toothpaste for 3-5 years old

There’s one thing I learned from the dentist after she checked with me what toothpaste Kate has been using. Kate has been using Pigeon toothpaste (orange flavours) since 1.5 years old. And the dentist highlight to me that she should have upgrade already. However, I couldn’t find a suitable toothpaste in the market for her age. Most toothpaste I found are for 6 or 7 years old and above, which is why she have been using Pigeon toothpaste all the while. This is when she introduce Aquafresh toothpaste (suitable for 3-5 years old) for her, really appreciated it.

The aftermath..

The post Kids Dentist: Kate’s First Visit To The Dentist for Tooth Extraction appeared first on Bride to Mum.

Slow Fetus Growth & Small Gestational Sac: End of my pregnancy

Jamie Sim — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:16:20 +0000

This is yet another devastating and heartbreaking post to my end of pregnancy. The reason why I’m sharing is because I feel there’s nothing to be ashamed of and I feel that women should acknowledge it. Sharing and writing this post is also somehow therapeutic for me.

Planning To Get Pregnant

After the last episode of miscarriage which happened last year in March 2016, me and my hubby is finally prepared to try and conceive again. This time round, I bought ovulation kits to find out when is my ovulate date to get a higher chance to get the sperms to meet the egg. I have been tracking my menstruation cycle all the while and never did I know these infos can be of good news. I know some women don’t keep track but I’m lucky that I did.

Just in case you are not aware. When we ovulate, our egg has only 24 hours to let the sperms to meet them and that is when you can get pregnant.

35 Days Menstrual Cycle

As my menstruation cycle is pretty long, about 35 days cycle rather than most of the women who has 29 days cycle, I will only ovulate after 20-22 days after my first menstruation cycle; unlike the usual 14 days for women having 29 days cycle. My cycle has always been regular, about 34-36 days cycle. So I know roughly when I will ovulate, but I choose to use the ovulation kit to aid a higher chance to conceive.

I am Pregnant! Mission accomplished!

On 16 December 2016, I found my LH Surge and this is da day!

That is about 21-22 days after my last menstruation cycle (26 Nov-1 Dec).

I tested positive on 30 Dec 2016 and horray! Overjoyed that our mission is accomplished and I booked my first prenatal check up with my gynae.

No Pregnancy Symptoms

I do not experience any pregnancy symptoms like feeling nauseous, giddy and tiredness. All these happened in my past pregnancy and I thought I am really lucky. The only pregnancy symptoms I experienced is painful on the breast and the urge to go to the toilet more often.

Spotting Early Pregnancy

On 10 Jan 2017, Tuesday, I had spotting. It was diluted red discharge and I was pretty shocked and worried. It’s my first encounter as my previous pregnancy has not spotting at all. I quickly googled spotting during pregnancy and realized that many women experience spotting during their early pregnancy and that make me relieved. Luckily it only lasted that day.

Small Fetus Growth

11 Jan 2017, Wednesday: My first check up with my gynae wasn’t good. I highlight to him about my spotting and during the ultrasound scanning, he told me that the fetus is 2 weeks smaller than it should be. I should be 6 weeks pregnant but the fetus looks like 4 weeks. He said it may not be healthy and that made me really worried!

I was then given a Proluton injection to stabilized my pregnancy and also prescribed Utrogestan to be taken twice daily.

During the journey home after my appointment, I started to do a little bit more research about small fetus growth and I came to realized I have forgotten to highlight about my 35 days cycle to my gynae!

How Many Weeks Pregnant Am I Really?

Gynae usually take first day of your last menstruation date to calculate how many weeks pregnant. For example, as my last menstruation cycle is 26 Nov-1 Dec. They will calculate by using 26 Nov and count to today’s date to check how many weeks pregnant are you. Actually, the most accurate way is to use ovulation date to calculate but not many women know when they ovulate unless they are like me who uses the ovulation kit to find out their LH surge.

So I found this LPD & Ovulation calculator online to calculate how many weeks I am. This is crucial for me since I have longer cycle date. After entering both LMP & my ovulation date, the results are about 1 week different.
My LPD shows 9 Weeks 6 days and my OD shows 9 weeks (on 2 Feb 2017 as I write this post.)

That being say, even that I should not be 2 weeks off smaller. It should be 1 week smaller if my gynae was to calculate by using my LPD. So I started to feel uneasy again.

Second Opinion About My Pregnancy

1 week later, on 18 Jan 2017, Wednesday, I went for my second check up. This time, I went for a second opinion at Thomson Medical center by Dr Beh. He knows about my previous miscarriage as he is the one who helped me terminate my previous pregnancy. So I’m pretty sure he will be more careful in terms of checking and giving me a better consultation. I told him about my ovulation date since I used ovulation kit for this pregnancy and he counted that I should be 6 weeks 5 days. But the ultrasound shows that my CRL is 2.66mm which is the size of a 5 weeks 6 days fetus.

CRL is Crown Rump length. It is the measurement between the top of the head to the area above where the legs begin. You can find the CRL length written on your ultrasound image handed to you by your gynae.

GA means gestational age which refers to the size and development level of the baby in the womb.

Image taken from Babymed.

I did more research on CRL chart and this is my finding from Babymed.

Days (LMP)	Days (Fertilization)	(weeks/days)	(mm)
37	23	5.2	1
38	24	5.3	2
39	25	5.4	3
40	26	5.5	3
41	27	5.6	4
42	28	6	4
43	29	6.1	5
44	30	6.2	6
45	31	6.3	7
46	32	6.4	8
47	33	6.5	9

As you can see from the chart. I should be 6 weeks 5 days pregnant and the fetus should measure 9mm but I am only now measuring 5 weeks 6 days and 2.66mm only. It’s too way off the chart!! And Dr Beh indeed say is pretty small. The gestational sac only grew from 1.1cm to 1.3cm since last week. Dr Beh try to see if we can hear the heartbeat and I was amazed that the fetus heartbeat can already be detected and heard. That makes me a little comfort and with hope. Again I was given Proluton injection to promote the growth of the fetus and he ask me to carry my daily Utrogestan capsule. He ask me to see him next week again but somehow I was already mentally prepared.

Small Gestational Sac, Slow Fetus Growth but Strong Heartbeat

25 Jan 2017, Wednesday: Being able to still see the flicker on the ultrasound is really comforting. The fetus heartbeat is stronger than last week at 120bpm. However, Dr Beh told me that the fetus growth is very slow. From last week, 5 weeks 6 days, CRL 2.66mm to 6 weeks 2 days, CRL 5.25mm only. Meaning for a week, the fetus grow 3 days and not 1 week. What’s more is Dr Beh also realized that my gestational sac is pretty small. I did not really question more as I’m unsure what to ask. He said we will just try hard since the fetus still have a strong heart beat.

I was again given Proluton injection and as my Utrogestan capsule is insufficient, I was prescribe again but with a different brand; Duphaston.

Brown Discharge! Spotting again?

The next following day, I had brown discharge, I didn’t think much about it as no fresh blood is found and I have no cramps. The next subsequent day it happened again and that’s it.

Rumbling & Gurgling Sound From The Uterus

I’m not sure about the others but I know every time before I start my period, about 4-7 days before my period, I will have these really weird noise from my uterus. They are not from the stomach as they are not those gas which makes you feels like you are going to fart. They are really those rumbling and gurgling sound from the Uterus. So on 28 Jan midnight, the sound makes me woke up and I was so scared because they only happened few days before my period. Since I am currently pregnant, why will there be such noise from my uterus??? I woke up and goggle again. After a little bit of research, I found out that many women are experiencing the same thing as me, you can read more here. So that makes me feels assured and I went back to sleep shortly after that.

For the next few days, the pain on my breast subsided and more pimples are popping out on my face and back. I have this really bad feeling and somehow I told myself to be mentally prepared.

The heartbeat stopped: My Second Miscarriage

1 Feb 2017, Wednesday. Today I was accompanied by my hubby, somehow I dragged him along as I have this really bad feeling. Indeed, the flicker on the screen(heartbeat) I’ve seen for the past 2 weeks is gone. Dr Beh checked multiple times and said it’s not with us anymore. Although the fetus size shows 7 weeks and increase in size but it’s no longer with us.

Feeling upset, Dr Beh provide us with 2 options: Natural miscarriage or like the previous time, terminate it for us. He also mentioned that since this is the second time I miscarriage, he say I may wish to choose to send the fetus sample for lab test to check if there is any abnormality after the termination had been done. This test would allow us to find out the underlying cause and may prevent future miscarriage to happen, but is optional. Some couple wish to know and some couple doesn’t. The costs is about $700-$900 but I’m just in a blank state of mind now. I mean, why did this happened again??

What went wrong? =(

On a side note. Please know that every pregnancy and every miscarriage is different. Everyone will experience different thing as it also depends on how many weeks pregnant you’re in. Therefore, I hope sharing it will help others who are in the same boat feels better. If you have the same experience like me and wish to speak to anyone, I am here for you. You can send me an email.

The post Slow Fetus Growth & Small Gestational Sac: End of my pregnancy appeared first on Bride to Mum.

Free Diaper Sample in Singapore, Milk Samples and more!

Jamie Sim — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 09:36:45 +0000

From the moment you got pregnant, especially if you are a new parents to be, you will realized endless baby products brands that you can buy. But how do you know which one suits you or your baby most? This is especially so if you are planning to get diaper and milk powder for your baby. You want the best for your baby, you want your baby to avoid any diaper rash and you want to make sure that your baby likes the milk. I mean, they don’t come cheap and it will come to a waste if it doesn’t suits you or your baby. Right?

And here is why, I have compiled a list of free baby samples you can get such as free diaper sample, free milk sample and not to forget maternal milk samples for pregnant & breast-feeding mothers. Thanks to the diaper and milk marketing team in Singapore, you get to try it out first before deciding which milk and diaper suits your baby best.

Updated 8 October 2017

Free Diaper Samples You Can Redeem

Huggies Sample

Here, you can sign up on their website to get a sample packs of 3 diapers or diaper pants.
Huggies Tape diaper sizes to choose from: Newborn (up to 5kg), Small 3-8kg), Medium (7-11kg) or Large (10-14kg)
Huggies Pants diaper sizes to choose from: Medium (8-12kg), Large (10-14kg) or XLarge (13-18kg).
Click here to redeem Huggies diaper sample.

Drypers Sample

Drypers diaper range to choose from: Wee Wee Dry, Drypantz, Drynights and Drypers Touch.
Dryper Size to choose from: Newborn (up to 5kg), small (3-7kg), medium(6-11kg), large(9-14kg), extra large(12-17kg) and extra extra large(15-25kg).
Click here to redeem Drypers diaper sample.

Merries Sample

Merries Tape diaper sizes to choose from: New born(up to 5kg), small(4-8kg), medium(6-11kg), large(9-14kg and extra large(12-20kg).
Merries Pants diaper sizes to choose from: Medium(6-10kg), large(9-14kg) or extra large(12-22kg). Although they comes in XXL size, but they do not provide sample.
Click here to redeem Merries sample.

Bosomi Sample & Bebioniq Sample

You get to choose between Bosomi natural cotton diaper and their new Bebioniq premium diaper.
Bosomi Tape diaper sizes to choose from: New born(up to 5kg), small(5-8kg), medium(7-11kg), large(10-14kg) and extra large(Over 13kg).
Bosomi Pants diaper sizes to choose from: Large boys/girls(10-14kg) or extra large boys/girls(Over 13kg).
Click here to redeem Bosomi sample & Bebioniq sample

Sensi Diaper Sample

Size you can choose from:
Sensi Tape diaper sizes to choose from: New born (up to 5kg), Small (3-8kg), Medium (8-11kg), Large (9-14kg) and Extra-large (12-17kg)
Sensi Pants diaper sizes to choose from: Small (3-8kg), Medium (7-12kg), Large (9-14kg) and Extra-large (12-17kg)
Visit www.diapersdirect.com.sg to learn more.
You can request a free sample by contacting them at 6100 3427 or email info@diapersdirect.com.sg

Mamy Poko Sample & Moony Sample

Mamy Poko offers 4 types of diaper: Mamy Poko tape diaper, Mamy poko pants extra soft fit M, Moony Air Fit type and also Moonyman Air pants type.
Tape diaper sizes to choose from: Newborn(Up to 5kg), Small (3-8kg)
Pants diaper size to choose from: Medium(7-11kg), Large(9-12kg)
Click here to redeem Mamy Poko sample & Moony sample. If the link doesn’t work, try messaging them through Facebook to request the sample.

Free Milk Samples

Karihome Sample

You can request for a Follow-on formula (7-12 months) or Growing-up Formula (1-3 years)
Click here to redeem Karihome sample.

Nestle Samples

Sign up as a Nestle Baby Club member to request for a weaning bag which consists of Nestlé NAN OPTIPRO 2 follow-up formula, CERELAC and GERBER First Foods or Nestlé NAN OPTIPRO HA 2 follow-up formula, CERELAC and GERBER First Foods. You can request from Nan 2 (After 6 months) or Nan Gro 3 (1-2 years old).
Click here to redeem Nestle samples. Alternative, you can email them or message them through Facebook to request for the samples.

Similac Samples

As a Abbott family member, you can request for quite a few milk samples for your baby or kids. Once your baby turns 6 months old, you can get free Similac samples series.
Abbott samples you can request:
Similac Gain IQ (1 year onward)
Similac Gain Q Kid (3 years onward)
Grow Preschool (3 Years onwards)
Grow School (6 years onward)
Similac Total Comfort 3 (1 year onward)
Pediasure (1-10 years)
Pediasure Ready to Drink (1-10 years)
Grow ready to drink (3-12 years)

Click here to redeem Similac samples.

Dumex Sample

Dumex Samples you can request:
Mamil Gold PreciNutri Step 2
Mamil Gold PreciNutri Step 3
Mamil Gold H.A. PreciNutri Step 2
Mamil Gold PreciNutri Soy Step 2

Click here to redeem Dumex sample.

Friso Sample

Friso sample you can request:
Friso Gold 3 (1 year onwards)
Friso Gold 4 (3 year onwards)
Friso Gold Rice Cereal (6 months onwards)

Click here to redeem Friso sample.

S26 Sample

S26 sample you can request:
S26 Promil Gold (6 months-1 year old)
S26 Progress Gold (1-3 years old)
S26 Promise Gold (3 years onwards)
S26 Picky Eater Gold

Click here to redeem S26 sample.

Aptamil Sample

Aptamil was launched last year in 2016 to Singapore. Sign up for AptaAdvantage to receive Aptamil sample with discovery pack.
Aptamil sample you can request: Each child is entitled to either;
Aptamil Toddler Gold Stage 3(1-3 years) with discovery pack or
Junior Gold Stage 4 (3 years above) with discovery pack.
Click here to redeem Aptamil sample.

Enfamil sample

You can request Enfamil sample or Enfagrow sample after register an account with them.
Click here to redeem Enfamil sample.

Maternal Milk Sample & Lactation Milk Sample

Similac Mum Sample

Anmum Materna & Anmum Lacta Sample

They have 2 types, one for early pregnancy maternal nutrition and one for lactation mummy, so make sure you request the right sample with them. You can register here.

Dumex Mamil Mama Sample

Nestle Maternal Nutrition Sample

S26 Maternal & Lactating Sample

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How to Conceive a Baby Boy?

Jamie Sim — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:07:57 +0000

I have always wanted a baby boy but I couldn’t try for a boy as my first pregnancy was an unplanned one. So this time round, I hope I can increase the chances of conceiving a baby boy, and this is why I decided to do some research and gather some advice from my friends prior to ahem you know.
Although there is no medical evidence that any of them will work and some may say it’s old wives’ tales, but there’s no harm trying it right?

Don’t be mistaken, I don’t have a preference over a baby boy. I’m just hoping for a balance yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) in the family. Who knows we might need this little masculine help when me and my partner grows old and weak?

So here’s what I have gathered prior to trying to conceive for a baby boy. If you plan to conceive a baby boy, you might find this useful.

Know your Eggs and Sperms Characteristics!

Before you try any tips or method you have seen or heard, it’s important to know the characteristics of your eggs and sperms.

Your egg can only survives no more than 24 hours after you’ve ovulated.
If fertilization does not occur the egg dissolves after 24 hours. At this time your hormone levels will decrease.
Sperms can survive inside the female body for up to 5 days.
There are 2 types of sperm: X is girl and Y is Boy. They actually determine the gender of your baby.
Male Sperm (Y) is smaller and swim faster but it is weaker and dies faster in the female body.
Female Sperm (X) swim slower but live longer in the female body.
Male Sperm (Y) usually lives 1 to 1.5 days during your fertile period.
Female Sperm (X) usually lives around 3 days during your fertile period. In some cases, it can live up to 5 days.

Here’s 8 Tips to Conceive for a Baby Boy

Tips 1: It’s all bout the timing!

By knowing the eggs and sperms characteristics, you will be able to plan how to make Male Sperm (Y) to meet the egg first. The Shettles Method suggest that you should do the deed 1 day before or actual day of your ovulation date. If you have sex several days before your ovulation, then the male sperm may die off which will leave more female sperm to fertilize on the egg. This method has a higher success rate of 75% at conceiving a baby boy.

Tips 2: A Deeper Penetration

That’s not the end yet, Dr Shettles suggest that a deeper penetration near to the cervix will help increase the chance of conceiving a baby boy. Because male sperm can swim and reach the eggs faster than female sperm. Besides, this helps shorten the distance to travel to the eggs as male sperm dies faster. So get the position right and get him to ejaculate deeper inside when he is ahem!

Tips 3: Alkaline Foods Diet for Boy

It is said that sperms will dies off easier in an acidic conditions and they survive longer in a alkaline conditions. Thus, it is recommended to start a pre-conception diet for women aiming for a baby boy a week before they try to make love. To do so, make sure your intake of pre-conception diet should be higher in sodium and potassium and lesser in calcium and magnesium.

You want to make sure your body PH level is towards the alkaline side, so that you can preserved the male sperm to live longer as they can only live 1-1.5 days.

Here what you should eat and avoid.

Tips 4: The Female Orgasms for a Baby Boy

According to The Shettles Method, it is suggested that a woman planning to conceive a boy should have an orgasms first. The secretion produce has a alkaline PH levels in the vagina and this is more favorable to the male sperm as this helps them to finish the line, moving the sperm closer to the cervix.

Tips 5: Men to keep themselves Cool

It is said that a hot bath will kill off both the male and the female sperms but the weaker and smaller sperm (male sperm) will be killed first. Thus, it is suggest to ask your partner to have a cold bath instead to support the male sperm. Also, get your partner to wear boxer shorts and loose fitting pants.

Tips 6: Keep the Sperms Count High

As male sperm is weaker than female sperm, it is suggest to keep your partner sperm count high. This can be done by avoiding sex 1-2 weeks before your ovulation as you want to save the day to do the deed on the ovulation day. The higher the sperm count will mean more male sperm swimming to the egg first.

Tips 7: Know your Ovulation Date

There are a few ways to find out your ovulation period but finding out your actual ovulation date is a science. On average, a woman’s cycle is normally between 28-32 days. To calculate your ovulation period, you will need to use the 1st day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or by calculating 12-16 days from the next expected period. If your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, you ovulate around day 14 and that is the peak- that is your actual day of your ovulation.

Remember an egg is only available to be fertilized for about 12-24 hours, but you may still be fertile for up to 5-7 days.
Let’s take a look at the illustration below so you know where I am coming from. The illustration will explains everything.

However, this is most accurate and useful if you are trying to conceive with no gender preferences. But, do bear in mind that the 5-7 days ovulation windows is important to test your LH surge to conceive a boy. I have explain more at Tips 8.

Tips 8: Relations between LH surge and ovulation

Near your ovulation windows, your brain will send a signal called LH surge to the ovary to indicate that your egg matured. This is when your estrogen level increase and the brain release a kind of hormone to the ovary which causes the egg to thin and escape and this is when your ovulation period will start to takes effect.

By knowing this, you can check when your LH surge will occur by using an ovulation predictor kit. The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test claimed over 99% accuracy in pinpointing your 2 most fertile days. The test works by detecting the increase LH surge in your urine. The LH surge occurs approcimately 24-36 hours prior to the release of an egg from your ovaries – a process known as ovulation. You are most fertile the day before and on the day your LH surge is detected.

Your 2 most fertile days begin from the time that Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test detects your LH surge, this means you can increase your chances of conceiving a baby boy once your LH surge is detected!

Note: I’m not affiliate of The Clearblue Digital product.
Just sharing what I have found as I’m so going to aim for a Boy~

Wish me good luck next month and wait for my good news! =)

The post How to Conceive a Baby Boy? appeared first on Bride to Mum.

11 Irresistible Baby Full Month Cake That Will Melt Your Heart

Jamie Sim — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 09:36:50 +0000

Congratulations and welcome to the exciting journey of parenthood! Preparing the baby announcement gifts for the first party of your precious newborn has never been easier.

I remember vividly the first time I was sourcing for my baby full month cake.
I was feeling exhausted during the confinement period. Having to learn a new role as a mum, having to take care of the little one and having to do what the mother is suppose to do *milking~.

The baby full month cake research is taking quite some time and I do feel you. So, I have decided to share it with you mummies since I have done the ground research.

Here it is.

THESE 11 BABY FULL MONTH CAKE WILL MELT YOUR HEART

1. LULU’S

At Lulu’s, you will be spoilt for choice with their wide range of novelty theme boxes.
All packages come with personalised baby message card in the same theme as your chosen theme box in a generous 4R size with glossy photo quality printing (you may choose to have just the message, without your baby photo on your message card). Select your choice of all-time favourite halal classic pastries and traditional kuehs (non-halal) in 6 pieces combination. Prices start from $6.00 nett per box.

Website: http://www.lulus.com.sg/
Phone: +65 66 933 160
Email: contact@lulus.com.sg

2. Partridge Pear

Partridge Pear has a wide variety of tasty edible favours. They signature favours is their chocolate sunflower seed, roasted almond chocolates, jordan almonds and earl grey teas. What I love most is their DIY package which allows you to select your own gift favours, card design and gift box.

Website: http://www.partridgepear.com/
Phone:+65 6728 3140
Email: info@partridgepear.com

3. E-creative

E-creative provides many types of baby full month cake that suits within your budget. From traditional Ang Ku Kueh, red eggs to modern cupcakes, you will sure find something you need out from their box.

Website: http://www.ecreative.com.sg/
Phone: +65 6363 3636
Email: order@ecreative.com.sg

4. Smoulder Bakes

Smoulder has 9 delicious flavours lava cakes for selection, each is warm and moist with hot molten centres. Carefully handmade with premium ingredients and no preservatives, they miniaturized them into mouth-watering morsels. No wonder these seductive soft-core cakes melts every hearts of our friends and relatives.

Website: http://smoulderbakes.com/
Phone: +65 9137 6328
Email: ask@smoulderbakes.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smoulder.bakes

5. Baby in Love

Baby shower egg tin casing and polka dot swiss roll is Baby in Love signature product in their baby full month cake package. Some package allows you to choose their cookies and cards. Just look at how adorable their packaging is!

Website: http://www.babyinlove.com.sg/
Phone: +65 9112 9709
Email: sales@babyinlove.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BabyInLove.com.sg/
Instagram: babyinlove_singapore

6. Choz Confectionery

Famous for it’s bear and the rabbits, the kueh and the pattern swissroll. Their colourful polka dots boxes makes their cakes looks even more yummlicious. I don’t even feel like eating it ok!

Website: http://www.choz.com.sg/
Phone: +65 6235 2281
Email: chozshop@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChozSG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChozSG/

7. Portpantry

These baby pack full month cake under Portpantry comes in a small pastel blue & pink box with a customized baby card. Therefore, instead of getting those usual baby full month cake packages for your mass friends or colleague, you can consider this instead.

Website: https://www.portopantry.com
Phone: +65 6443 5319
Email: hello@portopantry.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portopantry

8. Sweetest Moments

Lovely packaging and lovely baby full month cake. Sweetest Moments rings the bell in every mother’s mind when you thought of buying baby full month cake and that is because they won our heart.

Website: http://www.sweetestmoments.com.sg/
Phone: +65 6286 2553
Email: enquiries@sweetestmoments.com.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sweetest.Moments.sg/

9. Jara Petit

Jara Petit offers customize baby full month cake packages. You will definitely spoil for choices with the selection of cheesecups, cheesecake jars and a range of traditional and contemporary baby shower favours. Simple and yet elegant packaged with a sweet little bow is what had steals my heart.

Website: http://www.jara-petit.com/
Phone: +65 6338 9335
Email: info@jara-petit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jarapetitcheesecups
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarapetit/

10. Hei Baby

Simple yet delicately packed in a Tiffany blue box. Hei Baby’s pastries, cookies and cakes are baked with no artificial flavours and preservatives.

Website: http://hei-baby.com/
Phone: +65 9479 9786
Email: sales@hei-baby.com
Blog: http://hei-baby.blogspot.sg/

11. Gobi

Don’t judge by their website. I think they are doing some website maintenance so it’s a little confusing and messy now. Gobi wons many awards and appear in a few media. They call it the jewel box! Nice name yah? Delicately crafted with chocolate petites which allows you to personalized your message up to 30 characters. They have freshly handmade macaroons to choose. Comes in 2 to 12 pcs per box depending on your budget.

Website: http://gobi.com.sg/
Phone: +65 6345 2127
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GobiCakes

The post 11 Irresistible Baby Full Month Cake That Will Melt Your Heart appeared first on Bride to Mum.

Hospital Bag Checklist- For Singapore Mum to be

Jamie Sim — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:16:29 +0000

HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST SINGAPORE MUM-TO-BE

I would recommend all mothers-to-be to pack your hospital bag 1.5 months prior to your due date and here’s why!

About 3 years ago, I delivered to my daughter who is about 4 weeks prior to my due date. My water bag broke in the middle of the night and yeah! I have to grab my hospital bag and rush to the hospital. Perhaps I was a little paranoid after watching I didn’t know I was pregnant from discovery health channel. Though I know I am pregnant but anything can happen and it may happen anytime, and I don’t wish to face the panicked and worrying on the day of my delivery.

I’m glad I did my advanced hospital bag packing and so please pack your hospital bag in advanced.

If you have no idea what to pack for your hospital bag, here’s a hospital bag checklist I have compiled for mummy who is delivering in Singapore.

Essential Documents to Bring

Letter from your gynae
Hospital admission form
NRIC card- Husband and Wife
Original Marriage Certification (so you can register your baby’s name at the hospital, otherwise you can do it at ICA within 42 days)
If any- Bring your medical records or drug allergies lists in case of emergency.

Mummy Hospital Bag Checklist

Maternity pads for heavy flow x 6 (At least 30cm long)
Disposable undies or your old undies x 5
Toiletries set- Focial form, showel gel, toothpaste, toothbrush and shampoo *Optional
Cosmetics- If you plan to look good for photo taking
Lip balm- Your lips will get pretty dry in the air-condition room
Breast pump
Nursing bras x 3
Breast pads x 8
Nursing robe or pyjamas *Optional
Slippers
Socks
Small towel
Big towel if you plan to bath there
Hair bands or hair ties
Spectacles if any
Nursing pillow – This comes handy if you went thru a C-section, otherwise you can skip this.
Mobile phone and charger
Plastic bag for keeping your dirty clothing x 3
A set of clothing for when you discharge from the hospital

Daddy Hospital Bag Checklist

Jacket
2 sets of clothing
Coins for buying drinks at vending machine
Water Bottle
Mobile phone charger
Camera and charger
Toiletries set like toothbrush and toothpaste if daddy is staying overnight

Baby Hospital Bag Checklist

1 set of 0-3months clothing for going home. Recommend to bring onesie.
1 set of mittens and booties
1 swaddle blanket
1 baby cap
Wet wipes or Handkerchiefs
Rear-facing car seat
Surgical tape to tighten baby’s mitten if it is too loose

Worried that you will forget about this hospital bag checklist Singapore?
Share this in your own Facebook to remind yourself so you can pack your hospital bag nearer to date.

The post Hospital Bag Checklist- For Singapore Mum to be appeared first on Bride to Mum.

Mosquito Repellent: All You Need to Know to Protect your Family

Jamie Sim — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 22:25:27 +0000

We all got worried when we first received the news about the Zika outbreak in Singapore. This is especially so if you are pregnant, have babies and children within the family.

As a mother with a 3 years old daughter and planning for a second child anytime soon, I know that I have to be extra mindful by taking the appropriate precaution to prevent mosquito breeding and Zika virus within the family. Prior to the Zika outbreak in Singapore, I have tried a few mosquito repellent brands for my daughter. As her school is non air conditioned and she often have mosquito bites, she will often have mosquito repellent with her.

Sometimes, she will still come home with big red bites on her legs and arms and this can takes weeks to recover. This is when I know the product might not be as effective or best for her to use in school (I will explain this later). As a mum, seeing her suffering from the itch and scar is downhearted, so I have been buying and trying all sorts of mosquito repellent to see which one is most effective and best for her to use in her childcare center.

ZIKA SINGAPORE UPDATES

If you have not been following the news, here’s the updates of the Zika virus outbreak in Singapore.

7 Sep 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 283 (+8)
6 Sep 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 275 (+17)
5 Sep 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 258 (+16)
4 Sep 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 242 (+27)
3 Sep 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 215 (+26)
2 Sep 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 189 (+38)
1 Sep 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 151 (+36)
31 Aug 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 115 (+74)
29 Aug 2016: Total number of confirmed cases: 41
27 Aug 2016: A 47-year-old Malaysian woman: First reported case of locally-transmitted Zika virus infection.
13 May 2016: A 48-year-old man: First imported Zika case, he had travelled to Brazil from Mar 27 to May 7.

Pregnant Woman Diagnose with Zika Virus
2 Sep 2016: A 24 year-old pregnant woman diagnosed with Zika also has Dengue. It is unclear if she is among the two pregnant women Ministry of Health identified in its earlier press release.
1 Sep 2016: Second pregnant woman diagnose with Zika virus.
31 Aug: First pregnant woman diagnose with Zika virus.

Although Singapore did a great job in controlling the Zika outbreak within the nation as you can see that the number of reported cases has reduce. But still I rather be safe than sorry, and I rather be a little more Kiasu.

Right, since I have been using and testing many types and brands of mosquitoes repellent, I thought it will be a great idea to share with you on some of the products I have used.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOSQUITO REPELLENT FOR YOUR FAMILY

Before you head down to the local pharmacy and grab those mosquito repellent, here’s what you should know about the ingredient before buying for your family.

Types of Mosquito Repellent over the Pharmacy Counter

1. MOSQUITO REPELLENT PATCH

The easier types of mosquito repellent to use. All you need to do is to remove the protective film and paste the sticker on your clothing near skin.

Tiger Balm Mosquito Repellent Patch

Price: $8.50 for 10pcs or $15.50 for 20pcs
Ingredient: Natural- Citronella oil 10% w/w. DEET Free.
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Design: 3/5
Scent: 4/5
Made in: Singapore
Suitable for Adults and Children.

What I like about:
The best smells so far for mosquito repellent patch and it is easy to peel off unlike some other brands patches I have used.
The patches are packed individually for the “Freshness”. Very easy to keep them in your purse.

What I don’t like about:
It will leave a sticky residue sometimes on the clothes after removing the patch.
The smell fades away after 5-6 hours of usage.

Guardian Buzz Away Patch

Price: $6.5 for 12pcs
Ingredient: Natural- Specially Formulated Eucalyptus Oil. DEET Free.
Ease of use: 2/5
Design: 4.5/5
Scent: It’s nice!
Made in: China
Effective for: Long Lasting Effect Up To 3 Days
Suitable for Adults and Children above 3 years old.

What I like about:
All the 12 patches comes with different design. Very nice and I think adults will like it because I paste this on my shoe like an accessory. My sister even thought it’s part of my shoe’ design. Just think crocs pins!

What I don’t like about:
The patch is small which is why it state only suitable for children above 3 years old. You don’t want to find the patch ending up in their mouth if you have a child who always put things in theirs.
It is not very lasting, I find that it can last up to 4-5 hours only. Maybe the patch is small with less surface for the scent to last that long.

Santecare Mosquito Repellent Patch

Price: $6.50 for 12pcs
Ingredient: Natural- Patented Wild Tomato Extract (IBI-246= Methyl Nonyl Ketone) 21% W/W, Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil 21% W/W. DEET Free.
Ease of use: 2/5
Design: 2/5
Scent: Terrible smells.
Made in: Italy
Effective for: 12 Hours
Suitable for Adults and Children.

What I like about:
I’m not quite sure how effective this is but I am bought over when I saw: “CLINICALLY TESTED” and it is not made in China where it is chemically synthesized.
It is easy to remove without leaving any sticky residue.
What I don’t like about:

Note: Although it has a Hello Kitty picture on the box, the patches design are not Hello Kitty! I feel a bit cheated thinking my daughter will like it.
It has a terrible smell (Not my liking) and the patch is square shape in bright yellow, which is pretty unattractive.
You need to scratch the patch with your finger on the entire surface and it state for best result, squeeze or rub the patch EACH hour to release additional active ingredient- How troublesome was that and how do you expect kids will do that when they use this in school? Moreover, you need to wash your hand after doing the scratch.
The sheets of patches are packed in one plastic packing and is non-resealable. This means after opening, you need to get your own zip lock bag to keep the “Freshness” of the patches.

Simba Natural Mosquito Repellent Patch

Price: $9.90 for 16pcs
Ingredient: Natural- Citronella & Lemon Essential Oil. DEET Free.
Ease of use: 4/5
Design: 4.5/5
Scent: Nice smells
Made in: Italy
Effective for: Up to 72 hours
Suitable for Adults and Children.

What I like about:
Re-usable zipper foil lock bag is provided for easy storage.
3M back glue without leaving sticky residues.
Adorable lion cartoon patch printed in eco-friendly soy inked.
The patch is 33% larger than other brands

What I don’t like about:
It mentioned that the effectiveness can last up to 72 hours but I feel that it can last for only a day.

Where can you get this: www.redmart.com or www.totsworld.com.sg

2. MOSQUITO REPELLENT SPRAY

Simba Natural Mosquito Repellent Spray

Price: $13.90 for 60ml
Ingredient: Natural- Citronella essence, Lavender extract, Juniper oil, eucalyptus oil, Aloe essential oil, humectant and aqua. DEET Free.
Ease of use: 3/5.
Scent: 4/5
Made in: China
Suitable for Adults and Children.

What I like about:
Non-sticky.
Small bottle design, easy for travel.

What I don’t like about:
Difficult to spray it evenly.

Where can you get this: www.redmart.com or www.totsworld.com.sg

Tiger Balm Mosquito Repellent Aerosol

Price: $8.20 for 120ml
Ingredient: Natural- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil 18%, Lemongrass oil 2%. DEET Free.
Ease of use: 3/5.
Scent: 4/5
Made in: Malaysia
Pregnant, nursing women and children below 3 years old to consult doctor before use.

What I like about:
Loves the smell. Smells like lemongrass essential oil.
Spray evenly when apply correctly.
Icy cold when sprayed: Makes my daughter awake if she is still sleepy to go school *Evil laugh.
Fine mist and non greasy.
Can be spray directly on clothes or skin.

What I don’t like about:
A little pungent if you spray too much. But it may be more effective?
It wrote repeat spraying after every 2-3 hours, which means the effect last for 2-3 hours which is true.
A little disadvantage because you can’t expect your teacher to remember and spray it for your child.

OFF! Insect Repellent Spray

Price: $8.80 for 170ml
Ingredient: Deet (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) 15% w/w. Other ingredients 85% w/w
Ease of use: 3/5
Scent: 2/5
Made in: Philippines
Not suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Pregnant, nursing women and children below 3 years old are better advice to consult doctor before use.

What I like about:
A trust-able brand that I’ve used it before since young.
It contains deet which is said to be the most effective mosquito repellent.1 of the 2 mosquitoes repellent product that contains deet ingredient which is sold.

What I don’t like about:
I don’t really like the smell.
Too bulky to bring it out.

Moz Away Natural Spray

Price: $9.60 for 75ml
Ingredient: Natural- Citronella 15% v/v and Neem oil 2% DEET Free.
Ease of use: 3/5.
Scent: 4/5
Made in: Malaysia
Safe even for BABIES and nursing mothers.

What I like about:
The only spray that said is safe even for babies.
It contains picaridin, a synthetic compound first made to resemble the natural compound piperine, which is found in the group of plants used to produce black pepper. Picaridin has a low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity, making it safe for pregnant and nursing mothers to use. Extract from here.
It has pH of 5.5, which is gentle on the skin.
Non-toxic and safe for children.

What I don’t like about:
Evaporate quite easily after application which means the smells fades away easily.
A little sticky.
A little hassle as you need to wash your hand after application.

Ultrathon Insect Repellent 8 Spray

Price: $10.90 for 170g
Ingredient: Deem 25%. Other ingredients 75%
Ease of use: 3/5.
Scent: 2/5
Made in: USA
Not suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Pregnant, nursing women and children below 3 years old are better advice to consult doctor before use.

What I like about:
It has time release protection meaning it is slower to evaporate which provides protection after others have dissipated – up to 12 hours of protection against mosquitoes.
Advanced 3M formulation creates an effective barrier that repels mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus.
Ultrathon has been tested in the harshest environments in the world.
Splash & Sweat resistant which ensures consistent protection through all your outdoor activities, so you don’t have to be afraid when your child is sweating hard. Your child will still be protected.
What I don’t like about:
Not the nicest smell.
Not suitable for people with sensitive skins ans deet may cause rashes to some people.
Can is bulky, a little hassle to keep it within your bag.

http://www.guardian.com.sg/ultrathon-insect-repel-170g/p/123763

3. MOSQUITO REPELLENT BAND

Mos Repel Mosquito Repellent Band

Price: $6.35 for 2 kids band or $13 for 2 adults band.
Ingredient: Citronella Oil 30%. Inert: LDPE 70%. Deet Free.
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Scent: 4.5/5
Made in: Hong Kong
Suitable for family used.

What I like about:
It has many colour choices to choose from.
It can also be worn on belt loops, attached to baby carriages or applied to other areas.
Kids will love them as they can wear is like a bracelet because my daughter love it.
It’s effective for up to 180 hours and it’s reusable.
A re-usable plastic pod is provided for easy storage.
It’s sweat-proof and waterproof. I don’t have to worry if the childcare teacher at my daughter school has forgotten to put on a mosquito repellent each time after her shower time in school.

What I don’t like about:
Younger children will tend to remove them, so it’s not a good idea if your child is too young. You don’t want them to end up biting it instead.
Personally I feel that it is less effective after 3-5days.
A little pricey.

Frozen Mosquito Repellent Wristband

Price: $5.60 for 1 band
Ingredient: Clove and Citronella Oil. Deet Free.
Ease of use: 4/5
Scent: 4/5
Made in: Korea
Safe for the whole family but I guess only kids will wear it.

What I like about:
It’s frozen and girls will love wearing it.
It’s glow in the dark
I don’t think this is waterproof as the smells fade off quite easily if my daughter shower with this on.

What I don’t like about:
In my opinion, this can last for about 4-5 days when it state it can last for up to 7 days.
It does not provide a sipper bag for storage.
Not as effective.

Simba Natural Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

Price: $16.90 for 3 bands
Ingredient: Citronella Oil and Essential oil. Deet Free.
Ease of use: 4/5
Scent: 4/5
Made in: Korea
Safe for the whole family.

What I like about:
I like the design and it’s comfortable to wear.
Comes with a reusable zip lock bag for easy storage
The soft strap comes with snap button for adjusting bracelet to optimal length.
Suitable use for both adults and children as the strap is 1 meter adjustable length.
It can last for 168 hours.

What I don’t like about:
It’s not waterproof and it’s not sweat-proof.
Stain easily if you use wear it on your wrist.

Santecare Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

Price: $6.50 for 2 bands
Ingredient: Natural Wild Tomato Extract (IBI-246). Deet Free.
Ease of use: 4/5
Scent: 2.5/5
Made in: Italy
Safe for the whole family.

What I like about:
It’s clinically Tested.
Comes with hello kitty rubber accessories
This product is approved in Singapore, Hong Kong, EC and USA.
It’s PROVEN that natural IBI-246 is more effective than the other anti-mosquito repellents.
According to the product, it state that the natural ingredient found in wild tomato can confuse mosquitoes in recognizing human being, thus protect us from mosquito bites.

What I don’t like about:
Only protects effectively for up to 24 hours
I don’t really like the smells.

Share this post with your friends and family if you find this useful.
One pieces of advice, stock up a few in case it’s out of stock again. Just like when you need the mask during haze period and this time ZIKA!

The post Mosquito Repellent: All You Need to Know to Protect your Family appeared first on Bride to Mum.

Hiring Domestic Helper in Singapore. 8 THINGS You Should Know

Jamie Sim — Sun, 04 Sep 2016 10:17:38 +0000

I have decide to write this article as I am planning to hire a domestic helper anytime soon. Thus, I have been seeking advice from friends and doing some research online about hiring a domestic helper in Singapore.

If this is going to be your first time hiring a domestic helper in Singapore too, I hope this article will be helpful to you.

1. Part Time Maid or Full Time Maid

Hiring a maid has never cross my mind as I prefer more privacy. However, as my husband’s business expand and having to juggle between our business, kids and housework. The options of getting a domestic helper is eventually open as we are also planning for our next pregnancy. However, I am still pounding whether to get a part time maid or full time maid.

So here are the pros and cons of hiring a maid, be it full time or part time. You can evaluate the below factors based on your family needs.

PART TIME MAID

Pros:
It is less Expensive.
You will get to enjoy more privacy.
There is no need to provide accommodation for them.
There will be less dispute with the them since they go off after cleaning is done.
Worry free about their personal welfare.

Cons:
They help out only at the allocated time scheduled.
They only do the housework for you.

FULL TIME MAID

Pros:
You have them around most of the time to help you.
Elderly and Kids can be taken care of.
Your house is cleaner most of the time.
More time for you to rest.
Free up your time to focus on things you wan to.

Cons:
More Expensive
You need to bear their personal care and other miscellaneous expenses.
Less privacy with them around.
You need to provide a room for her to stay.
You need to supervise, set requirement and expectation for them to follow.
You have to be mindful of the maid overall welfare avoid any disputes.
Your family might reliance on the maid eventually and taking things for granted.
They might have their own personal problem which might affect work performance or even hurt your family members.
You need to be extra careful where you leave your valuable at home.
You get to worry about a lot of things somehow after hiring a full time domestic helper.

2. Who Can Hire Foreign Domestic Helper in Singapore?

You can hire a foreign domestic helper if you are one of the following:

A Singapore citizen
A Singapore permanent resident
An employment pass holder
A dependent pass holder

3. Her Appearance, Height, Weight, Country etc.

Let’s face it, we normally discuss these factors only with our closer friends and family members. These are the “stereotypes but subjective” factors we usually look into prior interviewing them since you have to screen through their resume first before shortlist a few of them.
These are seldom discuss openly online since it’s stereotypes and subjective. But here’s what I would like to share with you (Some are advise from closer friends while some are advice from forum.). Please treat this as a pinch of salt in making your own decision. In any way, sometimes it’s based on luck as well.

Appearance:

Is she good looking? Is she wearing any make up or did she dye her hair? Some mothers I know will avoid short listing the above criteria. Their viewpoint is if she is financially tight, she wouldn’t have had the money to buy make up or dye her hair, which means she might not be motivated to work in Singapore. Some of them are afraid to hire pretty one to avoid affairs or jealousy from happening (In case). What’s your point?

Height:

Is she taller than you? This advice came from a friend of mine. She said while most maids are 150-160cm, you wouldn’t want them to be taller than you. Her take was if you want to have the authority to have the power to give orders, enforce obedience when giving them instruction, you want them to look “up” on you. A side note from me: If they are too short, they might have difficulties putting the plates on the upper dish rack after washing the dishes and you have to do it yourself instead (Encounter by a friend). What’s your point?

Weight:

Is she oversize? You can estimate her real size by checking her height and weight. You can’t tell much by the photo since they don’t provide side view picture. Most people wouldn’t want to hire obesity as they are lethargic and slow at doing things. Some mothers worried that they might be a big eater too. What’s your point?

Country:

Indonesian, Filipino and Myanmar maids are the most popular choices among Singaporeans.

Filipino:

One of the main reasons why they are popular is Filipino maids are more fluent in English, which means she will understand your instructions clearly and carry the task assigned properly. However, some mummies are drawn back by the ideal because they are quite good arguing their way through to get things away. Also, they like to stick to their HP like Wechat and Facebook (they have larger support/community here) and usually they costs more too.

Indonesian:

Muslims in Singapore usually prefer to hire Indonesian maids because of the same religion they share. Some Chinese who can speaks Behasa prefer to hire them too since they can communicate with them and if you are lucky, some might speak simple mother tongue. Singaporeans find them more easy going and they cost lesser too. However, you need to be very patient in teaching and guiding new maids from Indonesian as their familiarity of our living standard differs from them greatly. One thing to note is they might have more worries back home.

Myanmar:

The cheapest among these 3 countries. Myanmar people usually has a very friendly and peaceful character. They are very diligent workers and has a strong desire to have a better life for themselves when they come to Singapore as not many have the chance to work in Singapore. However, they speak little or no English and are usually quite young.

4. Fresh New Maid or Transfer Maid

Fresh New Foreign Domestic Helper:
The good thing about hiring new maids is that you can train her with your style of cleaning and cooking etc. There will be lesser arguments and they will adapt to your requirements and expectation easily as they have little or no comparison between you and her previous employers (already have her style of doing things).
However, you will need a lot of patients to teach them since they are still adapting the lifestyle standard in Singapore. If you are expecting your first child, it is wiser to hire them earlier so they can get familiar with the housework stuff before handling a baby.

Transfer foreign domestic helper:
The good thing about transfer maid is that they are more experienced maid with lesser guidance. However you might be thinking what’s the reason for the transfer? Most friends advice me to avoid transfer maid introduce by maid agency as you wouldn’t know the real “truth” of the transfer. Most of them are problematic maid too.
However, it is safer to accept a transfer maid with your friends’ recommendation (their previous employer) instead. Their previous employer which is also your friend will then give a truthful opinion.

5. How Long Does it Take to Hire?

Fresh new foreign domestic helper (never work in Singapore): 4 to 6 weeks from date of approval
Transfer foreign domestic helper (already in Singapore and seeking a new employer): 1 week from date of approval.

6. How To Hire a Foreign Domestic Helper in Singapore?

Find out more here Source: www.ecitizen.gov.sg/Topics/Pages/Foreign-domestic-helpers-How-to-hire.aspx

7. How Much does a Domestic Helper in Singapore Costs?

Part time domestic helper usually cost between $10-20 per hour depending on the job you assigned to them.
The cost of hiring a full time domestic helper in Singapore will be as follows:

Upfront Costs During The Hiring Process

1. Employer’s Orientation Program (EOP): $28 to $30 for Classroom EOP and $40 if you are taking online EOP (Find out more here)
2. Settling-in Programme: $75 (if the domestic helper is coming to Singapore to work for the first time)
3. Monthly Levy: $265 (normal rate), $60 concession (Find out more here)
4. Medical Examination: $50-$75 depending on clinic (Done within 14 days of arrival in Singapore)
5. Work Permit Application and Issued: $60 (Application is $30 and another $30 once pass is issued.
6. Security Bond: $5000 in the form of guarantee (Find out more here) Usually purchase together with no 7.
7. Medical & Personal Accident Insurance: $350-$480 every 2 years. (Medical: $15,000 coverage & Personal Accident $40,000 coverage.)
8. Agency Fee: $200- $2000 depending on maid agency and whether you are getting new maid or transfer maid. This can be avoided is you decide to do the paperwork yourself or minimize if you do direct hire yourself.
9. Miscellaneous costs: $20-$600 if you are hiring transfer maid etc.

Hence, the estimated upfront cost is about $5000-7000

Ongoing Costs after hiring

1. Salary: $500 to $800 per month. Depending on their experience, language spoken and which country they are from.
2. Monthly Levy: $120 to $265 per month. Read here to find out if you are qualify for the concession scheme.
3. Medical Checkup: $30-$60 per visit every 6 months (Recommended)
4. Medical & Personal Accident Insurance: $350-$480 every 2 years. See above upfront costs no. 7.
5. Air Ticket Home: $200- $600. Depending on destination, flight choice and peak/non peak month.
6. Passport Renewal: $100 to $400. Depending on their nationality or if you renew directly with the embassy or through the agency.
7. Home Leave Paperwork: $250 – $ 400 per trip
8. Miscellaneous: $400-$500 per month. Personal care, meals, electricity bills.

Thus, the estimated ongoing cost is about $1300 per month

8. Maid Interview Questions

Here’s a couple of interview questions to assist you in choosing your ideal maid.

Things you want to find out from them after screening through their resume:

Find out how motivated she wants to work in Singapore

How many family members do you have under one roof?
Is your family members working?
– If not working, are they healthy to work, otherwise why are they not working?
– If they are working, what are they working as to find out roughly how much they are earning.
If she is single, did she have a boyfriend. If yes, what’s their plan to settled down. (Be prepared that she might go back home for marriage)
Do you need to remit money back every month?
What is your biggest concern if she comes to work in Singapore.
Who is going to take care of your kids after coming to Singapore? (To check if her children are well taken care of)

Basically you want to find out if she have any family financial commitments which results her to come to work in Singapore. If she needs money badly, she is more willingly and motivated to work in Singapore.

To find out the skills & experiences she has.

For New Maid
Do you need to do housework or share the housework with your other family members?
Do you have children? How old are they? (To understand her experience in taking of different age children.)
If no, is she willing to learn how to take care of baby and toddlers?
What will you do if a baby is crying non-stop and no one is around?
Do you have elderly that you need to take care of? Who is looking after them?
If she has no experience in taking care of elderly. Is she willing to learn how to take care of them?
What will you do if the elderly doesn’t want to eat the medicine and is throwing tantrums at you?

For Experienced Maid
How many years did you work under your previous employer. Why? You want to make sure her answer is the same as her resume.)
What is your main duties with your previous employer? Other than that, what did she do at their house?
How many family members are there in your previous employer’s house? Who are they?
How big was their house? what time you need to wake up?
Do you cook independently or with the help of your employer?
What can you cook? Which is your best recipes? Did you learn any new recipes from your previous employer?
Did you get off day? If yes, what did you do during off day? If no, what do you hope you will be doing.

Getting to know her, her wants and needs.

What is your strength as a domestic helper?
Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time?
What will you do if you are unhappy with us?
What will you do if you have too many things to handle?
Do you have any friends in Singapore? (To gauge the support/community she has)
Do you know how to use mobile phone or social media like Facebook or Wechat? (To gauge the support/community she has)
What’s your usual sleep hours like?
Do you have any medical conditions? Do you take any medications? (You are responsible for her medical expenses)
Inform her the no. of times and minutes XXX she gets to call her family members per month. (To avoid any conflicts)

Additional questions for experienced maid or transfer maid:-

Why did you leave your previous/current employer?
Do you have any arguments with your employer? How do you solve it?
How many times do you get to contact your family members through phone? Is it sufficient?
When do you think is appropriate and in-appropriate time to use the phone?

Her Main Job, Duty and Your Expectation, Requirements After Hiring Her.

It is good to let the maid know what she will be expecting before you hire her. Hence, you want to inform her whatever you think she should know.
How many family members you have in the house.
Her task assigned.
Is she comfortable with the task assigned. (Ask her to give you the rating from 1 out of 10.)
I need you to wake up at XXX to prepare breakfast for everyone and get the kids ready. Are you okay with it?
I have X children age X and X and I’m expecting a second baby soon, can you handle?
Washing of lingerie is to be done at shower area and not at the basin (Don’t expect their standard of hygiene is the same as us, so it’s better to inform her first)

Share this articles to your friends or mummies who are planning to hire a maid soon. I am sure they will thank you for this.

The post Hiring Domestic Helper in Singapore. 8 THINGS You Should Know appeared first on Bride to Mum.

HDB DEFECT CHECKLIST: BTO SINGAPORE

Jamie Sim — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 09:29:26 +0000

So we got our key and decide to check in the flat with the HDB defect checklist on hand on the same day.
You can read my previous blog post on the key collection process here.

Beside downloading the HDB defect checklist, here’s what I think you should know and prepare before entering the house to do your defect check.

1. PICK AUSPICIOUS DATE TO OPEN DOOR

After receiving the updates from HDB on the key collection date, find out and pick an auspicious date to open the door. For us, it happens that we can do it on the same day upon collecting the house key. Check with your parents what to bring along for the open door ceremony.

2. HDB DEFECTS CHECKLIST FEEDBACK FORM

A set of HDB defect checklist feedback form(Provided by HDB whn you collect the keys) will be given to you upon collecting your key.

This is how the form looks like.

As you can see, there’s only 5 lines for writing and reporting the defects, which means you will likely need extra copies to write the defects, so get more copies from them, otherwise you can download it here.

You are required to report the defects in your flat to the building service center managing your flat within 7 days upon receipt of the keys or before any renovation works starts.

3. DOWNLOAD HDB DEFECT CHECKLIST

As a first time house owner, we might miss out a thing or two during the defect check. To be safe, I’ve found the defect checklist online which I find it quite comprehensive but I’ve made some changes to it. Make sure you check everything, else once the renovation starts, it will be hard to get HDB to do any rectification.

Here’s the HDB defect checklist (3 pages) which you can download HERE for FREE.

4. THINGS YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOUSE DEFECT CHECK

Tapping rod or pole
This is the tile hollow checker which you can get from most hardware stores. Don’t ever use coin, that is tedious and backache process. We are lucky that we don’t have many hollow tiles.

Markers & masking tapes & duct tape
I use marker to write the defects descriptions on the masking tapes. Remember to write the numbering down so it will be easier for anyone to refer back to the defect feedback forms. At the end of the check, I use colour duct tape to box out the defect so it will be easier to spot it rather than the camouflage masking tape pasted on the white flooring or walls.

Stools x 2
You can rest on the stools when you get tired since the house is dusty and you don’t want to rest on the floor. You can get the stools from Ikea, only $5.90/each.

Old Newspaper or Magazine
You need a clean surface to put your belonging like bags, mineral water and any other barang barang as the floor is dirty.
You can discard after each use and take a new pieces every time you come.

Mineral Water & Snacks
When you are thirsty and hungry… especially if your nearby has no shops which you can easily buy food from.

Pail
You need to pour the water in the washroom’ floor to check if the water will flow to the intended outlet.

Torchlight
For checking dark corners of the house. Sometime, you will check until sunset and this will come into good use.

Curtain rod and cloth (Optional)
If your house does not comes with the toilet door, you will need a temporary door solution since you will need to use the toilet. What I did was smart I thought, I took a curtain rod and old curtain cloth and use them as a temporary door. If you don’t have old curtain cloth, you can get a big cloth and some safety pin instead. The curtain rod can be purchase cheaply from Daiso.

Toilet rolls and tissue box
To wipe your hands or any stains.

Soap & Towel
Your hands get dirty so yah…

Camera (Optional)
Remember to take picture after you labels all the defects. This is to check the before and after the rectification are made. You can use your mobile phone camera though, but use a higher resolution camera if your mobile phone’s camera isn’t.

Measuring Tape
In case you need to measure anything.

Paper and Pencils
In case you need to write any notes.

Fiber Broom and Dustpan
To sweep the floor. Get those with hard bristles one. You can get it from Daiso.

5. TIPS & ADVICE

Here’s some tips & advice I hope you peeps should know after I had done my HDB defect check, so no one will ever repeat the same mistakes as we do.

BATHROOMS

Tips 1. Check the Bathrooms first when sufficient lights are still presence
We start from the bathrooms first since there is still sufficient lights coming in the noon time. I mean the bathrooms are usually the darker areas and you don’t want to end up checking during late noon or evening.

Tips 2. Always check items that are wrapped in plastic sheets
Yes, I know they are new. But always remove the plastic sheets and check for defects too. We found out that both the toilet seat covers are heavily scratched even they are wrapped!
Totally unacceptable.

Tips 3. Make sure your shower head lever can be adjusted
We never thought of checking on this one since it’s also not written in the defect checklist, so we only realized the defect only after we moved in for 1-2 weeks. =(

So make sure you check!

BEDROOMS

Tips 4. Be more forgiving to the parquet flooring
This is very individual preferences. I’m not sure about you but I don’t really fancy parquet flooring as it is hard to maintain. So I’m not surprise to see some scratches or dents here and there. Moreover, my partner and I wasn’t really very particular about these as we anticipate more scratches after the renovations works especially with kids around, so we only report those serious defects.
Besides, we have seen many couples complaining that their flooring only get worse after the replacement is done so we are withdraw to the idea of having the parquet flooring replace.

Tips 5. Check the windows carefully
Safety comes first, make sure the glass panels are installed properly. Besides that, always make sure the window lever can be open smoothly as we found out a couples of the window lever is quite stiff to use.

To add, we found a flawed in one of the window panel, there’s a wavy bubble inside and we ask for the replacement as we are unsure if it will break next time.

We have nice views in all 3 bedrooms!
Hoohoo~~~

STOREROOM

Tips 6. Can the door handle be locked and any rust?
The storeroom door handle can be locked by turning it up ways. We only found this flaw after one of our neighbor shows us, so make sure yours can be locked.

As there is always a foul smells coming out from the storeroom even after staying for years, we always forbid her to open the storeroom as she always try opening it.

Tips 7. Balcony drainage installed properly?
We have a balcony and we found that the drainage panel is laying on the floor instead of the installing it on the wall.
This is how it should look like after we installed it back our self.

KITCHEN

Tips 8. Report if you are unsure
Well, we are not professional and so we marks those BIG “X” on the wall tiles which we thought it might be hollow. Better to be safe than sorry…
Funny thing is we end up hacking both the walls and custom build shoe cabinet and kitchen cabinet back to back.

LIVING ROOM

Tips 9. Get a tapping rod to check the floor tiles
We did a mistake of using a very short rod and coin to check which is very tedious works, so please get a tapping rod to check the floor tiles! We end up having to take turns massaging one another.

Luckily, we found only a few chipped floor tiles. Box up with coloured tapes and not white masking tapes!! It’s hard to find.

Tips 10. Bring all the tools, water and snacks
Make sure you packed your HDB defect barang barang like you are packing your survival kit bag.

You will find that what you have packed will be gems and comes to good use especially if you are living in isolated places with no other shops nearby.

So are you ready to check your house with the HDF defect checklist?
If you have friends or neighbours who are getting their keys soon, share this articles with them.
They will be glad and thank you for that.

Download your HDB defect checklist HERE if you have not done so.

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