Trendy and Fashionable Maternity Clothing

I remember looking sooo 'unfashionable' when I was pregnant with #1 with many solid color basic tops and pregnant black pants. I thought I tried better with #2 but my skin problem during #2 pregnancy was worse than #1, I had to cover my entire body. With #2, I wore many lose loose kimono dresses or just long dresses with cardigans.

With #3, I found Olian but it came late during my late trimester. I love the prints, the lightweight and quality jersey. I received compliments and I felt good :)

After giving birth to #3, Olian's sleepwear is my daily wear to rest during my confinement.

 Some good basics from Singapore - Mothers En Vogue and Maternalove. We need transitional clothes from maternity to nursing, that last more than 9months.

 Shopbop.com also have some nice maternity or long dresses that covers well and good quality. Love Shopbop free international shipping! When will baby stores offer the same too?
For Ella Moss, you may want to up a size to fit better. Rachel Pally is more forgiving with the size so me being sz4 pre-pregancy, can still fit sz S during pregnancy.

Asos.com have a big selection for maternity and they are much more available, although the quality isn't as good as I would like them to be. Buy the size during pre-pregnancy; I ordered a size up and they were too loose on me. It could also be that I didn't gain as much weight as my first 2 pregnancies...

Avent New Natural Neck Ring Fits Momo Glass Bottle

Momo Glass Bottle

 Yipee! I just received Momo Baby Glass bottles from local seller, BabyKiddie, and tried on Avent Natural Ring and it fits!
The 6oz Momo glass bottle is thinner and lighter than Avent glass bottles.

Momo has thermal sleeve which also fit into the Avent glass bottle. Its longer for the 4oz Avent glass bottlle but it fits snugly.

Best Baby Products to Invest In & Reviews

I don't want to sound obnoxious but after shopping for #1, #2 and now #3, I like to recommend moms-to-be some of these great items.

Of course you need the baby essentials:
Baby layettes - Kicky Pants from US are great. They are super soft and organic. Get the newborn set to try. Zutano has cute prints too. #1 wore mainly organic but #2 wore from gifts.
Toiletries - Recommend California Baby Calendula and diaper cream.
Feeding - You can read here
Formula - Holle and Babynat (tried other organic ones)
Carseat - Aprica and Britax
Breastpump - Avent and Medela

These are my new investments for #3

Arm's Reach Original

I used the mini version but found that baby quickly outgrew it and it was just stored in the storage room until I decided to give it away. I liked the original size better and it can transform into playard later on. With Arms Reach, I just easily transfer baby into the cot easier than Graco ones and I can see how's baby doing when I'm lying down. I had to have it shipped from US, HK only carry the Mini version. 4years ago, the Mini was found in some baby stores..

Brest Friend

#1 and #2 was on Bobby pillow but I gave it up. Brest Friend offers more back support and I like it how baby can do her flash nap before remembering that she's hungry. #3 sleeps in between so I lay her down on Brest Friend and continue on the next when she shows signs of hunger. You can find it in Metro and Baby Empire in Jakarta.

Medela Freestyle

#1 I used Avent Isis and that time only the polycarbonate was available. #2 I bought the new BPA-free Isis. #3 I decided to invest in duo pump and after getting good reviews from friends, I bought the Medela from Takashimaya Baby Fair and its great. It does the auto switch to different rhythms and I find it very soothing. I had thought the cups compared to the silicone petals of Avents will be uncomfortable, but it isn't so.

Simple Wishes

Buy this if you have duo pump! I use Pigeon standard neck glass (hand-me-down from #1) and Avent glass bottles (use the converter rings) and it still hold up. Of course I wouldn't want to have heavy bottles to weigh my chest down but if you use the plastic bottles, you can walk around the room freely.

Little Giraffe Swaddling Cloths

#1 used Kiddopotamus swaddle and a lot of from ITC local made Nary brand swaddling cloth, which #3 still uses them too. However, Little Giraffe's swaddling cloths are so beautiful, soft and versatile, I smile when I swaddle and carry #3. Of course, the blankys and blankets are equally divine. #1 and #2 cannot part with the 'Pekys' (nickname of the blankys by my adorable niece, whom is same age as #1). Even my husband loves to cuddle up with the XL throw. They are expensive but its a worthwhile investment.

Avent Natural Comfort Pump

I haven't receive this item yet but will send my review after receival and usage.

Love this Baby Jogger City Mini!

2010 #1 left #2 right

This picture was right the day I bought the stroller in 2010. #1 refuse to give up her stroller and #2 was becoming way too attached to be being carried all the time and he was getting heavy.

After researching for double strollers and talking to sales girls for their opinions, I finally bought this stroller from Motherworks Singapore (lovely and helpful salesgirl). #1 climbed on right away. #2, who always became fussy when we put him down on stroller, saw that his sister was next to him on the City Mini and adapted to the stroller immediately. Within 5 minutes on the City Mini, he slept. Mom was happy with 2 kids down on stroller and snapped picture to send to their dad on his business trip in Seoul.

2012, after using the stroller everywhere we goes, including many travels and theme parks, it is still in a very good condition, being sturdy and all. I grocery shopped and put the bags on the stroller with no signs of toppling. #1 is 17kg and #2 14kg and are still excited to hop on to their stroller positions. They sleep peacefully without getting matted hair due to open mesh seats for extra ventilation.

Goes up escalators well. People can be so rude and not let children enter the elevators first; they rushed heads in and sometimes its only 2 floors up. Going down the escalator with 2 toddlers is a huge challenge and require 2 handlers.

Travel with ease as it folds us easy, although getting it to the locked position is an extra maneuver.  The travel bag is a worthy investment so that you don't get the stroller dirty from the long plane rides. You do, however, have to remove the wheels first and sometimes the stroller bag gets into the baggage pick-up/claim.

2012- #2 on the right and his cousin on his right. Both sleeping and that's Little Giraffe's blankies on their lap

My 2012 challenge is to persuade #1 or #2 to be gallant and give up for #3 to sit in the stroller...

2012 New Baby Product Reviews For Baby #3 (Bottles)

Its been years since I last posted anything on this blog. Ever since I gave birth to #2, I went back to work and all in all, kids and work filled my time that I don't have time to blog anymore.

Since I just gave birth to #3 and doing my confinement period, I decided to share some tips and honest reviews to other moms-to-be. Amazon reviews have been super helpful.

Bottles
2008 child #1 went through many bottles that she had nipple confusion for a period. It was around '07 and '08 and BPA-free bottles were newly introduced into the mainstream market. Adiri was good but it was quite tricky to assemble them with leaking problems and #1 settled for Pigeon BPA-free bottles and the nipples worked well in between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding.

2010 child #2 I have decided to use Avent BPA-free bottle, since #1 was still drinking from her bottle, I thought to use another brand so its easier to differentiate the bottles for the children. Plus, I wanted to use the Tempo liners for travel and we travel a lot during #2 first 6 months. During our Seoul trip, I came across Upis brand. The liner will protect the neck ring from milk, so less part to clean. It was feature a nipple container at the bottom, so we can easily switch to new nipple, if we don't have time to wash. However, to plastic liner is almost like clingwrap, and during travel, patience runs thin, you wouldn't want to spend time getting the liner to open and make milk.

2011 By 2009, most brands claimed to be BPA-free and it seems that even safe plastics such as PP are claimed to leach. So what is safe? They said pure, good grade stainless steel and glass bottles. I grew upset. #1 had been using her BPA-free Japanese Pigeon bottles for 3yrs, #2 used his Avent bottles for 1yr+ and what made me even more angry was my Avent sterilizer. It had this weird smell that I ignored and kept instructing my babysitter to use the cleaning powder. One day, I inspected the sterilizer and touched the interior, it had this whitish powder surrounding the plastic. I almost cried thinking how oblivious I can be and how I have poisoned my kids. The same night, I threw away all my children plastic bottles and the sterilizer.

After researching, Pura Kiki was my best choice, with no plastic neck rims and its versatility with Pigeon and Avent nipples. Glass Pigeon bottles was another great choice but its heavy and I worry the bottles hitting my children faces and #2 was going through bottle-throwing phase.

Next was the sterilizer, I remembered during my stay in Seoul was that most utensils were dried in UV sterilizers and through googling in English, came up with Upang.

2012 baby #3

I purchased Kleen Kanteen Baby series together same time as ordering Pura Kiki. I thought to have a different bottle again so its easier to differentiate bottles for the children. #1 still is attached to her pink Pura Kiki bottle for sleeping time before she brushed her teeth.
Although there are some articles saying stainless steel (SS) leech nickel, I choose to believe what Pura and KK's guarantee of good grade and zero migration of heavy metals. But on the hand, you can't freeze the SS bottles so hence, glass bottles.
In June, Avent launched its new Natural line on Amazon and I saw the glass bottles and quickly waitlisted for them. After using ComGateway service to have them sent, since the new Avent line is exclusive to US and UK market (maybe also in Europe?), I was excited to see the new bottles.

Review on Avent Natural Glass bottles- They are heavy, not so easy to screw the neck ring, but doesn't seem to be as fragile as other thinner glass bottles.
I  do like the nipple. I received the bottles late and #3 had been using regular neck Pigeon glass bottles and she had slight nipple confusion when I breastfed her. #3 drinks a lot, she is 1 week old and drinks 90cc. We have been using Avent glass bottles for 3 days now and she has no problem going back breast and bottle. The Natural nipples only fit the Avent Natural bottles. I tried to insert to other bottles but just doesn't fit.
The plastic ring is something I have to bear with but will change in every 3-6mths.

Affordable Sling

Mamita - Mommy's Best Friend. I have been using Hotslings but it's kinda expensive and I find that after a few wash, my pretty sling becomes a little washed out. Mamita slings are priced around Rp150,000 (USD15), so far so good with carrying Baby J with it.

Mamita site here.

Inacraft - Quilts

Quilts Quilts and more quilts.
1. Miosche - has cute pillows, bumpers and quilt covers for children. Ordered the initial pillows, will blog on it when I receive them. Has store in ITC ambassador and has website here
2&3. - Pretty florals, fairies and other quilts for both children and adult designs. Has blog here
4. Lullaby- bumpers, bedsheet sets for children only. Has store in PIK Mediterania and has website here
5. Kain Patchwork-Intricate quilt, you can see the craftwork and quality. Really beautiful! Has blog here
6. Margriet - not exactly quilt but beautiful embroidery used as home furnishings. Has store in Kemang Raya 75B.

Tree House

O Gosh! Check this out from Rumah Pohonku (translated as My Tree House)! Cool tree houses!! I sooo wanted one when I was this little girl under the table, imagining I'm in a tree house.

Well, the site says that the tree houses can pratically be set up anywhere but it will defeat its purpose if I ask it to be installed in my apartment right?

It can install AC and TV...hmmm... kids these days are sooo lucky!

Image taken from Rumah Pohonku

Customized Bag

My sister just had this bad customized for Baby J! Its roomy enough to hold 2bottles, Baby J's teethers, utensils and baby food jars. And whats great is that its lined in plastic, so any mess can be wiped off.

Made by MW (MasterWorks).

LGChem KidMat

Baby J and her mini cousins spend most of their playtime on this mat. Its just a great product! Soft, cushiony, free of those nasty chemicals and I can't gush more about this. Its double the price than most playmats but this one can last for years and still look good!
Here's the vendor if you wish to get the mat- Kiddicare.
They are cheaper than found in stores and even compared to Singapore!

I find this print mat to be most interactive to infants' eyes. Baby J and Baby G stared and giggle at the bugs and other characters on this mat.

Chicco Puresteam

It took me some time to consider buying Chicco Puresteam. Its quite pricey and I do have a steamer and blender too. However, my steamer takes forever to steam small portion of baby's food and my blender, well, the mommy like to use it for mommy and daddy's food.

I think this little machine works like Beaba's Babycook but since Beaba's products are not available in Jakarta, the only choice is Chicco's and this model is just cool! Not only it's compact, smaller than my toaster, thus, saved a lot of my tabletop space, it also save more of my mineral water for steaming process, just a tiny bit of water and I can steam food compared to my old steamer that requires few cups of water.

I place pre-cut food into the container, steam for 20min (unlike my old steamer at 40min), take out the steamer compartment, scoop the steamed food into the container again, insert the blades and puree. Wow. All in one compact machine.

Another pro about Puresteam is that it's BPA-free! The container is made of PSU. I read that Beaba Babycook is not going to change its polycarbonate container and to me its just not babysafe considering that we steam baby's food in it and all those chemicals will leach directly into the food and into our baby...

Where to buy - Suzanna Baby Store in Pondok Indah is cheapest at 1.230.00, Kasih Ibu at 1.450.000 (before negotation) and Chicco store.

Pliko Ride

Baby J cry when she is on Orbit but on Peg Perego's Pliko, she protests when we stop strolling her. She simply likes to cruise on her Pliko.

I simply heart this stroller, I can hang my heavy duty diaper bag and other shopping bags. It was tested in Singapore, we hung some heavy electronic (toaster/steamer) plus this diaper bag and this stroller can withstand the weight!

Diapers Review

Baby J went through different diapers. Its quite hypocritical of me to use diapers really because in my previous postings, I wanted to cut usage of diapers for the mind of environmental sake. We did use cloth diapers for the first 3months, then for some reasons, we went full diapering.

There are some arguments saying that biodegradable pads (Gdiaper)and the detergent usage on cloth diapers are not as environmental as claimed. Anyways, this reason calm a little of guilt whenever I diaper change Baby J.

Here's reviews for diaper brands used by Baby J:
Seventh Generation (Organic):
1. Super-duper expensive brand and plus, I ordered from US.
2. This worked fine for Baby J. Not the thinnest but it absorbs well and does not leak.
3. Here's a brand I don't worry about any chemicals on the diapers.
4. Too bad Singapore or Jakarta don't import the diaper range. I heard that Green Living store in Jakarta may bring in Seventh Generation. I wonder how much it will cost!

Goon
1. Expensive but worth it. Its the most expensive brand in Jakarta market.
2. Thinnest compared to other brands Baby J use.
3. She can wear Goon the whole day (of course with in between changes) and no problem
4. No smell and we change Baby J's diapers in 2-3 hours.
5. Has a blue line to indicate heaviness of diaper.

Nepia (bought in Singapore)
1. Not so great and almost same price as Goon.
2. Gives rashes to Baby J
3. Leak slightly (could be mommy's fault not wearing it properly as it only leak once)

Nature Babycare or Naty (Organic - bought in Singapore)
1. Baby J don't like this brand. She's uncomfortable in it and it gives her rashes!
2. We had to change every hour to minimize Baby J's ordeal before I give up on it.
3. Thick but good side its chlorine-free

Pampers (bought locally)
1. Thicker than Goon.
2. Slightly less expensive than Goon.
3. Smells when Baby J pee2. Had to change when Baby J pee twice as it gets pungent.
4. Slightly fragranced

Potty Pots - Baby Bjorn Vs Combi

Baby J's grandma (amah) potty-trained her mommy since newborn. My mother was proud that I was potty-trained early, its one of my attributes and she love to tell people how she did it and how I could go toilet independently.

Her method is to take baby to the sink/toilet immediately when baby wakes up and after meals. During her generation, there weren't pampers so it was just cloth diapers. Tissue was also expensive and she recollected how my father used to chide her for using too much tissue. Ah how modern technology evolve... anyways~ back to potty pots.

Amah bought Baby J a nice and expensive Combi potty pot to encourage early potty training. Baby J's cousin, Baby G, was bought Baby Bjorn.

Here's my review:

• Baby Bjorn's has a seat for baby to sit back and relax. Its just 2 layers - the pot and the seat. The pot is removable to be taken to travel around with.

• Combi has 3 layers - step stool, pot, and seat (comes with fabric covering the seat). I first preferred Baby Bjorn's design but came to appreciate Combi as I can place the seat on my toilet and flush away, instead of cleaning the pot.
  

Now now parents, if you lean towards polite potties, I seen somewhere of musical potties. :)

Image from Juaraganbuku & MomCenter

Baby J Loves Her LG Mat

(Baby J and her first cousins)

Baby J receive baby gym mats for her gifts but the ultimate mat is LG mat imported from Korea. It has this Nano Silver thing (most products in Korea has this Nano thing going on...) that is supposedly to non-toxic and has anti-virus & anti-mould function.

Baby J's cousins grew up with LG mat and I just love it that its hygienic and can wipe off any drool easily compared to those fabric mats.

The downside are just it being expensive and heavy to travel around with.

There is a retailer who sells the mat for Rp900,000, it's cheaper than the one I bought in Kasih Ibu ITC Manga Dua. I lost the brochure, will update soon again :)

Baby J's Input on BPA-free Bottles

I had run several post regarding BPA bottles and even sold 1 brand for my online store- Adiri.

Here's review from Baby J (mind-read by Mommy)

Adiri - It feels like Mommy boobs but yet close to the real thing! I don't want to be cheated!
Born Free - Yesh I used it when I was newborn but I grew out of it.
Green to Grow - This chokes me! I was newborn and the slow flow nipple choke me.
Pigeon glass bottle & rubber nipple - Of all the bottles I rejected, this rubber thing works ok.
Nuk nipple (paired with pigeon glass bottle) - I'm not going to be cheated again! Doesn't mean I use the pacifier means I gotta like this nipple!

Pigeon BPA-free - Finally Mommy! U got it alright! After those bottles you put me through and nipple confusion, yesh, I kinda like this one!

Pigeon BPA-free bottles are not sold mainstream in Jakarta yet. You can ask some of your lovely relatives to get it for you in most big baby stores in Singapore.

Strolling With Orbit & Peg Perego

We planned to only have 2 strollers - one for baby's comfort and another for traveling.

Comfort - we look for roomy interior and for newborn to lie flat.
Travel-friendly - has to be lightweight and easy to fold.

I researched on reviews and decided that I would like Baby J to cruise on Orbit. Then when J was delivered, we received a generous gift- Peg Perego Skate!
Since both these 2 strollers are bulky and not travel-friendly, I had to purchase another traveling stroller. At first, I thought of getting McLaren XLR stroller; it is one of the most popular strollers and I had thought its the roomiest, lightest and easiest.

After being the stroller dept for 2 hours to decide on a stroller while Baby J patiently waited for the mommy to decide, I finally bought Peg Perego Pliko. And I didnt regret.

Here's my opinions on 4 very popular strollers.

Orbit
Pros:

1. Good looking and cool dome shaped; lots of people are impressed.
   
2. Love the Paparazzi screen to shield Baby J from onlookers and light when she's sleeping.
   
3. Easy to load on and off stroller to place as car seat. Easy to rotate the seating position.
   
4. Great manuvearability!
5. Able to hang some of mommy's shopping
6. Folds well. Able to put pod down and fold the stroller quickly.
   

Cons:

1. Suede inner fabric does not vendilate! Baby J sweats while seating inside the pod.
   
2. Although designed to be safe as car seat, the pod is not the most comfortable. Baby seats uncomfortably and Baby J's cousin gets claustrophobic. She only used it until 5months and she struggled to get out.
3. Heavy and not travel friendly.
4. Have to purchase toddler series
   

Skate (Peg Perego)
Pros:

1. Bassinet is comfortable for baby to sleep from newborn onwards. Baby J sleeps soundly on it. Can walk for long while baby sleeps.
   
2. Folds ok.
3. Heavy enough to place shopping on bottom basket of stroller.

Cons:

1. Heavy and not travel friendly. Too bulky to put into the car. Restaurants and cafes aren't too welcoming for big strollers.
   
2. Difficulty in folding. Sometime it works well and sometimes doesnt
3. Ok on manuverability. Orbit win on this.
4. Expensive
   

Techno XLR McLaren
Pros:

1. Roomy and can lie flat for newborn.
2. Lightweight
   
3. Easy to fold and store
   
4. Easy to find accessories to add on.
5. Has padded shoulder straps.
   

Cons:

1. Made in China for those who really think this matters :)
   
2. Seen it around; doesn't stand out.
3. Not as lightweight as it is. Quite bulky to store in car.
4. Topple over when loaded with shopping.
   

Pliko Classico (Peg Perego)
Pros:

1. Made in Italy as assured by the salesgirl- does it matter? Hmmm...
2. Sturdy stroller and doesn't topple with many shopping bags!
3. Lie almost flat and has a roomy space for baby to sleep soundly.
4. Easy to fold. Compared to Skate, this is just great!
5. Better manuevearability compared to Skate.
6. Has a coffee cup holder
7. Has a bar to put those stroller toys, has 2 bottle holder.
8. Lighter than the XLR Techno, almost same price too!

Cons:

1. Still a little bulky to store in car.
2. Can't change seating position to face mommy.
3. Hope to have an extended shield.
   

Good and bad news: Theres a new Pliko series - PLIKO SWITCH COMPLETO that can change seating postion and able to put car seat. Sucky to know it now and good for those who read this review and decide that Pliko is the choice. They even have a rain shield included!
I would highly recommend this new Pliko! It seems to cover what I want- comfort and travel-friendly!

All images via web and use for reference only.

Organic Formula - Earth Best vs Babys Only vs Bellamys

Baby J is 6 months now, she's one cute bubbly baby who is always grinning. She loves to play and laugh with her cousins. She is the tiniest amongst them even though she is not the youngest.

Baby J was breastfed exclusively for about 5+months and it was a difficult transition to bottle feeding then formula. She much prefer the real thing; she prefers to be fed formula when she is asleep.

So here it comes when her mommy becomes paranoid about wanting to give her only the best and for this case formula. After researching for a good organic formula by reading customer reviews, we decided to buy Earth Best (EB) infant formula. They have EB food jars and other teething rusks but there aren't any EB formula in Singapore so we ordered in from Diapers.com in US. Yes! All the way from US! Talk about dedication and bourgeois!

It took some time to receive our EB so by the time I needed to supplement with formula, I bought a can of Bellamys from Singapore. My sister-in-law recommended Bellamys as it has a smooth texture and easy to digest. Baby J had no problem with Bellamys.

However, Baby J's tummy reacted badly with our newly arrived, expensive and imported EB. She had loose stools at first then diarrhea for days. Her first lab test didnt detect any bacteria or parasite then her second came out with amoeba bacteria. Meanwhile, she still does her usual activities - grinning, playful and alert, with no signs of sickness albeit making faces when she pooped.
When we flew to Singapore for check-up, our pediatrician highly doubted about the amoeba and we did another lab stool test. Meanwhile, doctor told us to feed Baby J with Soy formula or lactose-free formula. I actually thought that I should stop feeding Baby J breastmilk as it has lactose! I froze all expressed breastmilk and my supply lessened more.

We tried Isomil and Prosomil and Baby J hated the smell. She grimaced during her sleep when the bottle went near her. I web browse on my Blackberry for a non-smelly Soy formula and preferably organic. Then I remembered reading that Babys Only Dairy formula has a vanilla shake smell and taste so I was ecstastic when I saw Baby's Only is available in Singapore Vitakids in Paragon (through coincidence! They are not direct distributor for Babys Only) and ordered the organic Soy formula from another branch in Forum. Dedication for the best for my baby :) Baby J still continue to have her diarrhea even though she recovered slightly.

After the new year holidays, we return back to Jakarta and went to see Dr. X, an old and experienced doctor, since Baby J had not recover from her diarrhea for 20 days! Dr X recommended lactose-free formula and I was desperate for Baby J's health that I just bought whats available - Bebelac, a local manufactured brand. Baby J reacted well with Bebelac although I had my doubts, she accepted it and drank well and best, she recovered.

Within 1.5 month, Baby J had gone through Breastmilk, Bellamys, Earth Best, Isomil, Babys Only, and Bebelac.So here's my verdict.
1. Earth Best - US, Organic, high DHA and ARA, has Iron smell, does not mix well, has some weird alien small flecks (visible since its drak grey) caused my baby diarrhea. Baby J's cousins tried too, her cousin W, 7months old when he tried EB had shown mild allergies like skin rash on his face. Her other cousin G, 5months old when she tried was fine, she didn't enjoy her first taste but slowly accept EB and she is still taking it now.
2. Isomil and Prosomil - Soy formula, smells terrible, Baby J will only take it when she starved herself. Baby W takes Isomil fine, it is very sweet.
3. Babys Only- US, Organic, Soy formula smells slightly better. Dairy mix and smell okay. Grainy.
4. Bebelac - smells good, bubbly when mix, leaves stains if mouth not wiped properly, tongue has to be clean after 2 feedings minimum. Mild on tummy.
5. Bellamys - Australian, Organic, smells fine, mix best compared to other formula, smooth texture, easy to accept, has iron but no trace smell of iron compared to Earth Best. Baby J is still happy with her Bellamys formula.