5 things that new mommies Don't need to buy

Excited for the arrival of your new born? Often first time mommies get too excited and rushed into purchasing all the "necessities" to prepare for the big day. However, how many of these things are actually necessary?

After experiencing being a mother, I have learned that a few of the "necessities" are not really essential. By replacing a few of these things with alternatives we can save some money.

1. Baby crib 

Baby crib typically costs between $200-$400. Instead of buying a baby crib, you can use playpen as baby's bed.

When babies grow bigger, they can co sleep with parents or sleep on a mattress, the playpen can be converted to a play area. 

2. Sterilizer 

A sterilizer costs about $100-$200. Why not consider using hot boiled water? Simply pour the hot water over baby's bottles to sterilize them. It's simple and save you $100-$200. 

3. Changing Table 

I personally think that this is one of the most redundant items. It occupies space and is definitely a waste of money. 

Simply invest in a changing mat that costs less than $10 and place it on bed or sofa for diaper changing. 

4. Bassinet/cradle

How long can baby fits in the bassinet? Bassinet/cradle is often used to rock baby to sleep from birth to 4 months. 

Instead of using a cradle, caregiver can carry and rock baby to sleep. It costs zero dollar! 

If it's tiring to carry your baby to sleep, you can put them in a baby sling or carrier.

5. Nursing bra 

Instead of buying a nursing bra which cost about $20-$30, breastfeeding moms can use bikinis as nursing bra. 

Bikinis are easy to wash, dry and comfortable to wear! 

Mommies, by following the above and changing to alternatives, you can save a few hundred dollars.

Hope these tips will help you to save more and avoid buying redundant items.

Happy saving!
Twentysixoctober

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Mommy's guilt

A few days ago, Aedan fell face down onto the floor from bed while I was just less than a metre away trying to get my clothes. My heart ached when I saw this happened right in front of me.

I had placed him in the middle of the bed. I knew that he had learned to flip but he has never rolled.

While I was on my way to take my clothes, his head turned towards me, trying to see where Mommy was going, he tried to flip but the momentum caused him to roll instead. The next thing I knew, he was on the floor. Immediately, I carried him up & he was crying loudly.

I cried with him too as I felt so guilty, hoping to reverse time and thinking how I could have avoided this.
My natural instinct was to hug him closely & let him latched to soothe him.

After he cried for about 5mins, he fell asleep in my arm. I was relieved when he woke up to his normal self, cheerful & active.

Though he is alright, Mommy's guilt still remains

Many people told me that every babies will fall at least once or many times regardless how careful we are. However, it's still something I hope to avoid.

How can Mommy overcome this guilt?

I read that we shouldn't dwell on things which are not within our control. Learn from the lesson, reflect about how we can avoid it and let it go.

Through this incident, I have learnt that baby does grow up fast. Never assume that if they cannot roll now, they will not roll in the next second.

Aedan, if you get to read this when you grow up. Please forgive Mommy for letting you fell. Mommy loves u!

Mommy is constantly learning to be a better mom.

#guiltyMom

Twentysixoctober

Review: Keepsake by Ryo

I'm exclusively breastfeeding my little Aedan for 5 months and still counting. I'm hoping to breastfeed him till at least one year old.

Breastfeeding is indeed a memorable journey with so much pain and joy happening in tandem. You can read my journey here.
My breastfeeding experience

Like many mommies, I was looking for something to symbolise my breastfeeding journey; something that I can keep forever.

I chanced upon Keepsake by Ryo (previously known as Ryo's Breastmilk Jewellery) and had much joy browsing through their Facebook page and website. I never knew that breastmilk can be made into so many beautiful things!


From "can't find anything", I became spoiled with too many choices!

The keepsakes are all beautifully crafted and each of them looks intricate & pure.

How to order? 

Visit their website at:

Click "SHOP BY STYLE" & you will find a whole list of accessory types.

1. Charms

You can choose to include either breastmilk, baby's hair or cord in the charms.

2. Necklaces

3. Bracelets 

4. Earrings 

The earrings are made of 14K gold plated hardware which is suitable for sensitive skin.

5. Rings

6. Anklets

7. Keychains

8. Cufflinks

They even have cufflinks for daddy!
This can be a good Valentine's Day gift for daddies.


After choosing your choice of keepsakes,

you can confirm your order which will bring you to payment and delivery details.


Then follow the order procedures.

                

Update: Ryo has changed the mailing address to 

My mail box 884038, 

Singapore 919191

I used Zyllem (previously known as Rocket Uncle) to deliver my breastmilk to Ryo.
#Note that delivery of breastmilk to Ryo has to be self arranged.

How much is the keepsake? 

Price: their keepsakes range from $48 - to higher than $297 inclusive of postage of the keepsake.

Most of their keepsakes are priced between $109 - $129.

Estimated time of arrival (ETA): After delivering my breastmilk, I received my beautiful keepsake within a week!

Unwrapping time!

My earrings and breastmilk locket are individually wrapped in a box tied with green ribbons.

I was excited to unbox my keepsakes.

Each keepsake comes with a jeweller's cloth, silica gel and care instruction.

What do I like about Keepsake by Ryo?

1. All precious keepsakes come with 6-months warranty covering any discoloration of breastmilk components.

2. They have a wide selection of designs for keepsake. If you do not like their existing designs, you can even request to customize your own design!

3. It's easy to navigate their website from selection to payment to delivery.

4. The owner, Ryo, is very friendly. Buyer can always PM her on Facebook if they encounter technical difficulties or will like to discuss their keepsake's design.

5. Thoughtful Ryo has placed a bag of silica gel in every keepsake box to absorb excess moisture. She encourages her customers to store our keepsake jewellery in its original packaging when not in use to maintain its shine and prevent tarnishing.

6. Thoughtful Ryo provides storage for excess breastmilk which will be carefully labelled and stored in the freezer for 6 months, just in case mommies like to have something else made.

7. Ryo values quality casts over fast delivery. According to Ryo, the casting process is an art form and while most of the time the casting process goes smoothly, there may still be instances that result in visible and obvious defects. For my case, the locket was defective which resulted in a "leakage" of breastmilk during the casting process. In this case Ryo will recast the item before sending it out. This may extend the waiting time.  

Should you still find your final piece unsatisfactory, you may appeal to her for a 1-to-1 replacement and she will recast your item if she assesses that the claim is valid. 

This is the defective piece as you can see there are milk stain from the leakage. (The only time that I'm happy to have defects ^^) 

I really like my breastmilk earrings as it's minimalist looking and allow me to wear on all occasions.

I am fond of the breastmilk locket too as it contains 2 precious things inside: Aedan's name and my breastmilk.
I'll show this to Aedan next time when he grows up.


If you like to purchase one to symbolise your breastfeeding journey or to make everlasting ur baby's cord/hair/teeth, you can do it now!

Quote EVELYN10OFF to get a 10% discount off your purchase valid till end of Feb 2016!

To find out more about the owner, 

you may read The Story of Keepsake by Ryo  

xoxo,
Twentysixoctober

Disclosure: Complimentary breastmilk earrings & lockets are received for review purpose. There is no monetary compensation and all opinions are my own.

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Review: Nursing Cover from Mummy's Love

Nursing cover is one of the essential items for breastfeeding mums.

My first nursing cover was a free gift from Mount Alvernia Hospital. I used it a few times and didn't really like it. The material is light and I had difficulty holding the cover close to me especially cause Aedan loves to kick & wriggle. 
The cover has a metal wiring and an adjustable strap. It's worn like an apron and the metal frame allows mommy to peek in from the top. However, the opening from the metal frame made me very insecure as it is big enough for passerby to peek in too. 

I was looking for a nursing covers that I can nurse without worrying that I'll be exposed. After asking around, I found Mummy's Love!

How to order?

Simply go to Mummy's Love Facebook page, choose the type of fabrics and fb message them to place an order!

How much does it costs?

Price: $28-$32 depending on designs and fabric (price inclusive of normal postage)

Postage charges: $2.24 for registered postage and $7 for courier service

Estimate time of arrival: items are received within a week via normal postage upon confirmed order. 

Unwrapping time!

The nursing cover is packed inside a translucent plastic bag with a ziplock. I have been using it to keep my cover whenever I bring it out.

What do I like about the nursing cover?

1. The nursing cover provides very good full body coverage. I do not need to worry about exposing my back when I pull up my top up to nurse.

2. The neckline of the nursing cover is big enough for me to put my head in to position my baby's mouth for feeding.

3. It has 3-in-1 functions. Besides using it as nursing cover, it can be used as blanket for baby/mommy. It can also be used as a shield for stroller!

4. The material, Cotton Jersey, is lightweight, soft and comfy.

5. It can be washed by washing machine and do not require ironing

6. Mommy can even pump discreetly inside the nursing cover

7. There is a wide variety of designs.

What do I not like about the nursing cover? 

1. It can be a little warm to nurse my baby in the cover at places without air conditioning. However, the heat is bearable for a duration of 15 mins nursing time.

After switching to the nursing cover from Mummy's Love, I feel more secure when nursing at public places.

So far, I have nursed in polyclinics, hawker centres, in a car, restaurants & mrt. I nurse whenever baby is hungry and I do not need to worry about finding a nursing room.

Giveaway! 

Mummy's Love is sponsoring one nursing cover to one lucky reader!

With choice of designs from Mummy's Love Facebook listing.

Checkout how to participate on Twentysixoctober Facebook page.

If you like to find out more about the owner of Mummy's Love.

You may read her startup story here! 

The Story of Mummy's Love

xoxo,
Twentysixoctober

Disclosure: Complimentary nursing cover is received for review purpose. There is no monetary compensation and all opinions are my own.

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Fun things to do with your babies/kids: Visit Alive Museum

Hi mommies and daddies,

If you are bored and not sure what you to do with your little ones, think about spending your weekend at Alive Museum to take fun shots with your kids!

Since they grow up fast, take more pictures!

Last weekend, I visited Alive Museum with Aedan and his 3 godmothers thanks to the invitation from Alive Museum.



This was my 2nd visit. My first visit was in Aug 14 where they have invited bloggers to their official opening. You may read up on my first visit here. 
Review: Alive Museum Singapore

At that time, I was not even pregnant! So many things had happened in between.

- my hair went from long to short
- my dressing style changes
- and I have a baby now!

As part of Alive Museum's attractions yearly renewal, they have added in 2 new zones: Live.Love.Laugh and Young@heart and they have invited the bloggers for a revisit.

I was given 2 complimentary tickets and able to bring up to 4 friends who get to enjoy a 50% discount off tickets.

Okay, back to the topic.

Why I'll recommend visiting this place with kids?

1. It has many interesting 3D paintings that you can take photos with your little one to keep as memories.

2. Kids can be amused by the 3D paintings and interactive arts.

3. Taking fun shot is a good way to bond as a family.

4. It's conveniently located at central area, Suntec City.

During my visit there, I saw a few families who brought their kids and I can see that they totally enjoy it!

I had more fun this time round as I compared to my 1st visit. Maybe because we have more people or maybe because I get to take photos with Aedan. :)

Check out our fun pictures!

This is my favourite as I totally love Aedan's expression! 

Who say u cannot do ballet pose with a baby? 

My arms have definitely grew more muscular from carrying Aedan! 

"Mommy, why are u using me as a shield!"

"We are falling with the Penguins!"

"It's ok, I catch the Penguins"

Riding with the penguins!

Riding on animal ballon!

Riding with 7 men behind & a baby in front!

Riding on a bird with Aedan

Riding on a car now.

The chair is not real! I had used my butt & thigh muscles to hold in that position!

Haha. This chair is real.
Finally a picture without my carrier.

He looked so happy!

Check out Aedan's foot. Haha.

Credit all the photos to the godmothers-Sandra, Jane and Audrey!


We had a fun day!

Went to Crystal Jade for late lunch after that. 麻婆豆腐+粥 is match made in heaven!


Happy to receive goodies from friends!

Alive Museum 

Location: 

Suntec City Mall, #03-372 (between Tower 3 & 4)

Operating Hours:

10am - 10pm Daily (Last Admission at 9pm)

Ticket Prices:

• Adult: S$25
• Children (3-12 yrs): S$20
• Children (<3yrs): F.O.C.
• Family (2 adult + 1 child (3-12 yrs old)): S$60, additional S$10 per child (up to max 3 children)

Approximate duration of visit: 1.5 hr.

Tips on how to handle a baby during the visit: 

1. Put them in front facing carrier (only if your babies have established strong neck support).

2. Bring their favourite toys to catch their attentions during the photo shoot.

3. Avoid visiting during their napping time. They will be very cranky if u keep them simulated during their napping time. 

4. Take as many photos as you can with your babies during the 1st hour. Baby's attention span is short. 

Have fun!

Twentysixoctober

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