The Car Seat

We were looking for a car seat that our baby can use from 0 to 4 years old. It's between that, and getting an infant carrier which can be used up to 12 months, then getting another car seat that can be used from 9 months to 4 years old. The advantage of the infant carrier is that it can be used to carry the baby in and out of the car without disturbing him too much. We figured that we will probably not be carrying our baby that way, so not much point for that. We also came across one that can be used from 0 to 7 years old. The price tag of such car seats are almost double that of the 0 to 4 years old kind. Given that we are planning to have more than one child, it did not quite make sense to get that one. That settles it. The search for a car seat that can be used from 0 to 4 years old begins.

After shopping around, we were down to two - Maxi Cosi Dori and Britax First Class. There is an ongoing promotion for the Maxi Cosi Dori, and most stores are selling it for $238. The down side is that it does not recline much and does not have much support for new borns. The Britax First Class is pricier, but has more recline positions, and looks more comfortable. Other than Mothercare, I couldn't find any other shops that carry the Britax First Class. Mothercare sells it at $468, and members get a 10% discount.

The Stroller

After much shopping around, we finally decided on the the Maclaren Techno XT. We were looking for a stroller that I'd be able to manage on my own with baby in tow. This one is light enough for me, and can be folded with one hand. We actually wanted to buy the one in scarlet red but we'd have to pay the full price for that colour. I decided to buy the one in sky blue instead. We can still get the comfort pack (for $30) in scarlet red if we decide to later on.

With the ongoing great singapore sale, all the places I've checked out are selling it at $428. Decided to make our purchase at Mothercare so that I'd get the VIP card. With the card, I can get baby's car seat at 10% discount.

Looking forward to quiet walks in the parks, grocery shopping, visits to the library/book stores, zoo outings... with baby in tow.

Preparations

Antenatal Classes

We have signed up for antenatal classes at Raffles Hospital. The six 1.5 hour lessons will cost $168. Very much cheaper than Birth and Beyond. I explored the Birth and Beyond option as we were put on the waiting list for the RH class commencing 30 June. If we didn't get a confirmed place, we'd need to attend classes elsewhere as the next run will not end before I deliver. Thank God we managed to get a place in RH. I suppose it'll be better as we'll get to tour the RH labour facilities. According to the schedule and topics, the following will be covered.

Lesson 1

- Maternal Nutrition

Lesson 2

- Changes in a Woman's Body During Pregnancy

- Exercises During Pregnancy

- Safety Considerations for Each Trimester

Lesson 3

- Relaxation Through Massage

- Coping with 1st Stage Labour

Lesson 4

- Coping with 2nd Stage Labour

- Moving Around During Early Postnatal Period

- Essential Exercises for the Postnatal Mother

- Hospital Tour

Lesson 5

- Prepartion for Breastfeeding & Common Concerns

Lesson 6

- Transition into Parenthood

- Normal Characteristic / Appearance of a Newborn

- Care for the Newborn

Suppose it'll be good for Deanaling who are still pretty clueless about the labour process.

Prepartion for Parenting

Two couples we spoke to over the weekend recommended Gary Ezzo's books (the Becoming Babywise series). There are also courses based on these books that are run by Growing Families International. I've bought the books, and signed up for the course. I believe we'll be able to pick up some useful pointers on parenting from this.

A Present for Daddy

Look what Baby got for his dearest daddy for father's day...


























With the help of mommy of course. She intentionally chose the 12 to 18 months size so that Baby can still fit into it next father's day. Daddy was rather amused. :)

The Essentials

My sister compiled a list of essentials c/w her favourite brands. With the numerous brands available in the market, I suppose it can be pretty daunting for first time moms. So I'm posting the list she gave me here. If you prefer the "tried and tested", here goes...

For Baby

1) Bath/Shower gel: Cetaphil, Quwash

2) Cotton pads: Guardian

3) Nappy rash cream: Nephew & Smith

4) Diapers: Mamy Poko Newborn (night time) & Drypers Small (day time)

5) Wet wipes: Pigeon, Tolly Joy (fragrance free)

6) Comb: Pigeon

7) Nail scissors: Pigeon

8) Milk bottles: Pigeon (buy 2 of the smallest size for water)

9) Pacifier: Avent (set of 2)

10) Bean sprout pillow: Spring Maternity

For Mommy

1) Breast pads: Tolly Joy

2) Sanitary pads: Kotex Ultra Thin, Cottony, Ultra Long with Wings

3) Nursing bra: Mothers En Vogue, Spring Maternity, Mothercare

4) Nipple cream: Cocoa Butter