Nappy Rash

One of the most common issues for babies are nappy rash. All thanks to the constant wrapping of Diapers. There are definitely ways to reduced Nappy Rash like using Nappy or Cloth Daiper but being the lazy us, we still want to stick to Diapers. We were then being introduced to DESITIN nappy rash cream by our friends.

We were told specifically to use the blue color packaging one which is the Rapid Relief Cream which experiences tells that that it's easier to clean off and have a nicer texture.

DESITIN - Rapid Relief Cream

We were quite happy using it until Nappy Rash still appears after a while. We decided to bring the baby to the Pediatrician. He diagnose that it's due to the diapers. We were rather puzzled so we told him that we are using the Desitin, do we need to change or any recommendation? He told us that Desitin is good enough but we have to apply a thick coating.

That's where it dawn upon us that we have not used enough of it. We were using it like any other cream where a not to thick layer is applied. Instead, we are suppose to apply a reasonable thick coating so that it will act as a barrier.

We followed the advice and the rash clean up pretty fast. Thank goodness.

#Tip 1 

- Apply a generous layer of Desitin on the buttock

#Tip 2

- It's cheaper to get Desitin online vs over the counter. Counters are selling a 2oz version for $12+, however you can get a 4oz tube for just $10.

#Tip 3

- Always make sure to check the expiry date of the cream whether you are buying over the counter or online. This will help you gauge how much you can buy and store.

#Tip 4

When in doubt, it's always best to consult a Doctor than to keep trying different methods to get rid of the rash.

Philips AVENT My Baby & Me Apps

Finally I have the time to start blogging again. The past 4 months was very very busy yet enjoyable. There are a lot of changes and of cause a lot of things to adapt. One of the main activity will be feeding time. Started on a almost every 2 hourly feed to now having just 4 meals a day. It's a massive improvement for both of us. Now all our activities are planned according to his 3 main activities which are feeding, sleeping and diaper changes.

Being tired and having too much on the mind does take the toll on the brain. After repeating the same thing over and over again, after a while you will tends to mixed up when did I do what. One good helper that was being introduced to us is the Philips AVENT My Baby & Me Apps. This is one Apps that really able to help keep track of all the daily happening.

It helps to take care of feeding time and not just that, it even help you to record down which breast you started with and for how long if you are breastfeeding. When are all the baby nap time and diaper change are also recordable in the Apps. A true life savior when you are trying to adapt and still got so much to remember.

So far it seems it's only available for iPhone so iPhone users you are in luck. You can go over to iTune and search for My Baby & Me or head over to the website at http://www.avent.com/mybabyandme/

Baby Monitor

Next item to start sourcing and buying for will be Baby Monitor. Our intention was to have Bobbie have a room of his own right from the start. This will train Bobbie to be independent and be comfortable in sleeping on his own. This will be very important if there is a baby sister or bother in the future. When that happens, he will not feel that Momi and Popi gave his place to the new baby and gave him a feeling that the new baby is to snatch his stuff.

Somehow from the start with colleagues recommendation and reviews, I am quite heading towards AVENT Baby monitors. The only problem now would be which would be a Model for me?

The first model that caught my eyes was the AVENT Digital Video Monitor SCD600/00. 

AVENT - SCD600/00

This is definitely the highest end model available with AVENT. It allows the parent to see and hear the baby therefore knowing what is the baby condition at any point of them. Good things usually comes with a price. This unit cost SGD$459.00 which is wat out of my budget.

Now it boils down to 2 models in my list. the AVENT SCD535/00 vs AVENT SCD505/01.

AVENT - SCD535/00

AVENT - SCD505/01

The AVENT SCD505/01 is the newest model in the AVENT list of baby monitors. Both the models are having very similar functions. What makes the AVENT - SCD535/00 stand out from the AVENT - SCD505/01 is the combined humidity and temperature sensor that allows you to monitor the climate in baby's room. Other functions like DECT, Eco and light to signal noise levels are built into both the models.

In the end, I chose the AVENT - SCD505/01 which cost SGD$159 vs the other at SGD$299. Saving the $140, I do not really need to know the humidity and temperature in the room. If necessary, the aircon will be controlling that pretty well. By dropping that function, I get something of equal quality and almost similar functions.

Baby Bath Tub - Flexi Bath

The next item that we started to research on was the baby bath tub. We were brought up using those traditional bath tub without any fanciful functions. A tub is just a tub. However as I start to gather on the information, it seems these days, tubs has evolved to many different forms and functions.

There are those that comes with a back rest, others seems like coming out from a spacecraft design. One thing I notice about these tubs are that they are meant for Infant to Toddler. After which you will have to upgrade to other tubs or start using the showers. Talking with existing dads and mums also concluded that the traditional tub is still the best.

Then I came across a new tub, or better put as a reinvented traditional tub. I found the Flexi Bath. This is the only fold able children's bathtub. This is quite a plus point especially one of the worry are space constraint as the tub will take up quite a fair bit of space in the bathroom. 

A Real Cool World - Flexi Bath

 

The Flexi Bath is foldable therefore it will not take up space in the bathroom. After using, Flexi Bath folds easily together and can be stored flat against the wall or in a cupboard. Flexi Bath is made from Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic Elastomeric (TPE). Both types of raw materials are free from PVC, Phthalates, Bisphenol-a (BPA), heavy metals and other harmful or hazardous materials.

A Real Cool World - Flexi Bath

 

For the baby's comfort and safety, the bottom of the bath has a non-slip surface. The recommended age group is from Infant till 4 years old. Weighing a mere 1300g, it can be easily packed into the luggage if you want to bring it along when you travel. The dimension is 66.5cm x 38.9cm x 23.8cm. It also comes with a few colors to satisfy the parent liking. 

A Real Cool World - Flexi Bath

In order to make the bathing experience a more fun one, they even came up with the Flexi Bath Toys series which can be attached to the tub. 

A Real Cool World - Flexi Bath Toys

This is definitely one investment worth to get. 

Baby Carriers

Momi and I have started sourcing for various items for Bobbie. One of the items that we are looking at is baby carrier. Some people find it useful while other feel there is no need for them. Personally I feel it will be useful since it will take the load off both of us especially when we are expected to carry Bobbie for a long period of time. As he grows heavier, it will be able to help distribute the weights to the shoulders and back.

Did some homework and found that there are lots of models and brand of baby carrier to choose from. Price range is also huge. The very first thing we got to decide is to use a baby carrier or a baby sling. Due to our personal preference, we chose baby carrier therefore we only did more research on baby carrier.

Some information to help us choose would be:

1 

A. Common carrying positions

1. Facing inward
2. Hip position
3. Facing forward
4. Back position

B. Support for the parent

1. Back
2. Shoulder
3. Hip

C. Material

1. Cotton
2. Mesh
3. Organic

D. Age group suitability

1. Infant
2. 3 months
3. More than 6 months

E. Design

Based on the above information, we embarked on our quest for the baby carrier of our choice. After going through lots of reviews and personal preference, we have narrowed our search to 2 models. BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Miracle vs Cybex 2.GO.


BABYBJÖRN - Baby Carrier Miracle

BABYBJÖRN - Baby Carrier Miracle

   

"BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Miracle is designed to fit your newborn perfectly from day one, without the need for an extra insert, inset or pillow. You carry your newborn close to your heart – high up on your chest and facing you – providing that essential closeness while at the same time allowing you supervision of baby’s breathing. The baby carrier is developed in cooperation with pediatricians and is anatomically adjustable to fit your growing child. This means that baby’s head, neck and back are properly supported at the same time as baby’s legs and hips are kept in the correct position – right from day one 

BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Miracle adjustable design allows the baby carrier to grow with baby – from newborn right through to approximately 15 months.”

Cybex first.GO

Cybex first.GO

 

"As a special feature the Cybex first.GO offers a horizontal sleeping position for newborns. After approx. 3 months the carrier may be used vertically offering 5 more carrying positions. Best comfort, contemporary design and ergonomic advantages for both parent and child are combined.
 

From approx. 3 months onwards the child may be carried vertically. The sitting area can be individually adjusted to offer the orthopedically recommended spread-squat position.”

Based on the above 2 models, we decided to go for the BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Miracle. Some of the reasons were as follows:

1.    Ease of placing baby in and getting baby out of the carrier.
2.    No need for additional inserts for infant.
3.    Ease of putting the carrier on.
4.    Good hip and back weight distribution.

However we do note that we’ll miss the SPREAD-SQUAT POSITION of the Cybex. As with all things, nothing is perfect. We just got to give and take and choose something that best suits our preference.

OSCAR Test

We went for the OSCAR test which stands for the One Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk. This is a combination test offered during the first trimester to screen for risk of fetal anomalies, in particular Down Syndrome. Dr Lee told us that it's optional but we opt in anyway.

The screening supposedly will allow us to find out sooner if our baby has a high risk of chromosomal defects. Depending on the results of the OSCAR test, if need be, other test might be required. As Dr Lee does not perform such test, we are being referred to his partner Dr Choo Wan Ling to have the test done.

On the day of the test, Momi was first lead to a room to draw blood for the blood test. This is to allow the lab to measure the free beta- hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) and PAPP-A (pregnancy associated plasma protein A) contents. A mummy to be who is carrying a baby with the Down's Syndrome will have abnormal levels of these two substances in her blood.

After the blood test, we were lead to Dr Choo's room for the Nuchal Translucency (NT) Scan. During the NT Scan, the doctor basically is checking for the collection of fluid under the skin at the back of a baby's neck.  All babies have some fluid but babies with Down's syndrome have more.

Good news from the test was everything seems normal from the scan. However a confirmation from the lab will be more accurate. Nevertheless, it gave us yet another opportunity to peep into the baby's world inside.

Cord Blood

One area that was getting more popular in recent years are the idea of Cord Blood Bank. As the name suggest, it's basically a facility where you get to store your baby's Umbilical Cord Blood.

Cord blood which is also known as Placental Blood, is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after the baby has been given birth. During pregnancy, the umbilical cord is the lifeline between the mother and child. After the baby’s delivery, the cord blood present in the umbilical cord could offer hope for the child or members of the family in the future.

Cord blood is a rich source of Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs). By saving it from the start, it will provide the family an options to obtain stem cells from a safe and painless way. The potential of treatments include certain cancers and blood disorders. Most importantly, it offers a 100% match to the new born.

From my understanding at the moment, there are 3 organizations that take care of Cord Blood, 1 public and 2 private. The public Cord Blood Bank function more like a donation facility while they private one will store your baby Cord Blood for a fee.

Public Bank

Singapore Cord Blood Bank - http://www.scbb.com.sg

Private Bank

STEMCORD - http://www.stemcord.com

Cordlife - http://www.cordlife.com

Which is a better choice? I am not sure at the moment as more homework got to be done. However for those who are consider storing their baby's cord blood, you will have to add this into your budget. There are some installment plans but you will still have to come up with an initial sum.

I'll be updating more when I have found out more about the choices.