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.

First Peek at Bobi

After asking from some friends and getting reviews from forum, we decided to go and visit Dr Lee Keen Whye for our first consultation. His clinic is located at the Gleneagles Medical Centre. Made an appointment and went on a Friday.

One interesting scene that we notice was that all the mummies to be there are all drinking all sort of beverages. The clinic has quite a good varieties of hot drinks and also normal plain water. Not too sure at first but soon we will find out. Did some preregistration that includes blood pressure and weight taking.

Waited awhile for our turn and we finally met him. A fatherly looking doctor who is very friendly. Gave us some prep talk and find out more about us and we proceed to the ultra scan to take a peek at our baby. Did a scan and we were told that the intestines are blocking the baby but one thing for sure, Momi is definitely pregnant. Then Gr Lee told Momi to go out and drink more water so that the bloated bladder will push the intestines aside to have a clearer picture of the baby. Now we know what's with all the drinking haha.

Went out, drank, waited and went back in. Now we can see the tiny baby on the ultra scan screen. She is just 25mm long. can also hear the string heartbeat of the tiny girl. Oh yea, all babies started out as girls and not that I already know she is a girl. Pictures were printed out of the scan for us to keep. That is such an exciting moment seeing Bobi for the first time.

After that, we were brief on the Dos and Don'ts of pregnancy. Being warned that morning sickness will cause some changes for Momi. e.g. what she likes, she might not like or what she likes, she might like it even more. The only way to go about it is to eat tiny bites as and when Momi is hungry. Else she might end up puking everything out. Keeping some biscuit at arms way is also useful as hunger strike without sign. Tonics are not required at this moment as the baby do not require much at this point of time.

At the end of the visits, after paying the bills, we were given a welcome pack that contain the following:

Anmum - Materna

Dumex Mamil - Mama

Friso - Mum Gold

Enfa - Mama A+

Nestle NAN - Mom & Me

Various Brochures

Various Booklets

In Search of Gynaecologist (Gynae)

After knowing that Momi is pregnant, the next step will be to look for a Gynae to have a look at the baby and to find out if he/she is doing well and his/her Estimated Delivery Date (EDD).

For a start it seems like it's just getting some referral and to read up some review and you are almost well on the way. Apparently there is more than that.

There is one chicken and egg problem. To choose the hospital first or to choose the Gynae first? Why would this be a problem as some might ask. The reason is that some Gynae do not perform the delivery at other hospital. Which means that if you have chosen Gynae A, and he only perform delivery at Hospital A then you are more or less stuck at that particular hospital. If you are lucky, the Gynae might be able to do delivery at a few hospital then you will have some options. Vice Versa. If the hospital that you would like to deliver in does not belong to the Gynae list, you will not be able to do it there.

People might argue that "Of course a Gynae is more important than the hospital", however you have to face the reality of the upcoming hospitalization bills that you will have to face. If you have no budget constraint then by all means, choose a Gynae that you feel can best provide for the mummy-to-be and the newborn.

Therefore these are some points that you might want to consider when you are choosing a Gynae. There are the few "famous" Gynae but there are also those that do just as well at a budget that you are comfortable with. Do not over stretch yourself as more cost are coming up. The basic cost will be Gynae consultations, Gynae package, Delivery charges and Hospital Maternity Package. Some additional cost that might occurs are like neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where mostly premature babies will be spending their days until they are fully developed. Neonatal jaundice, it is generally a temporary condition that does not cause babies harm and does not require any treatment. However, a few babies do require treatment -- both when they are in the newborn nursery and for a short period after they return home. These are not covered within any package and will add to the final hospitalization bill. I heard of a initial bill of $5000 shooting up to $8000 because of this situation.

It's kinda tricky and takes a lot of planning. Just add this consideration into your usual referral and reviews. I guess all of us can make a better judgement with all these additional pointers.