Dollars & Cents -Of Nappy Days

Being a parent also mean having to weigh out one’s options. Having tried many brands of diapers, a few stood out as exemplary wears.

Embed from Getty Images

//embed.gettyimages.com/embed/588932985?et=QEPH9ffiSiNsaxse0iJ-9w&viewMoreLink=on&sig=5WS_xCRU6qw49-jfD71Je_Fko4CahLIloYjEQqHVoIU=

The first that was tried and tested by Jelly Bean was none other than Huggies where having been given a free sample pack (at birth from the hospital), it fitted snuggly and felt dry to the touch despite being worn for up to 3 hours.

Of course, this was at a time when I had just assumed position as a new parent to a child whom I have yet become accustomed to. To this, changing nappies regularly to prevent diaper rash was one of my top priorities.

No one likes a wet bottom. Do you?

In an absorbency test done with 3 pieces of diapers per brand (samples sourced online- just head over to the ‘contact me’ section of all leading brands and you should be able to request with ease), Pet Pet unfortunately performed the worse. This was after having scoured through supermarkets on which diaper to purchase. Not only was it supposed to be light on the wallet (one of the cheapest), it was strongly recommended by the promoter lady, hence we bought a pack to try. It was definitely a cheap buy, with its price being almost half of that of the most expensive brands, yet, from having nappy leaks (the poo flowing out, backwards) to him having diaper rash- do note I was changing every 3 hourly- we hurriedly embarked on another quest to source for a new brand.

In the end, we settled on buying a combination of Huggies and Drypers.

This was when Jelly Bean turned 1 month old.

Why we chose Drypers & Huggies:

Truth be told, we really liked Mamy Poko, with Huggies ranking second.

Choosing Huggies was more due to a dollar and cents comparison- where on average, with promotions, Huggies was cheaper at 30c per piece. Thus, opting for it as our night-only solution. Drypers, with its discounts only amounted to 18 per piece (check out qoo10 for deals) which is fine as we change Jelly Bean quite frequently.

Our second attempt at Huggies after the first initial pleasant intro saw a back flow when he was lying in his pram. That was when he turned 4 months.

However, we soon realised that it was due to not tightening the diaper fully (the tape had to overlap each other in order for the elastic band to work) and as we were using Small- Jelly Bean weighed just shy of 6kg- it might have resulted in the spillage.

Fast forward 2 weeks and there’s been no other issue with leakages and he literally sleeps through nights from 12mn to 6am occasionally. For us, Drypers which was more economical, when changed regularly, was a good day-time baby bum companion.

Cost and comfort, when these two factors are met; that’s one happy baby.

Oh, the joy!

Of diapers & sustenance

As with all babies, diapers and their regular sustenance are basic necessities. Being pro – breastfeeding,  my current ‘work schedule’ at home revolves around pumping, latching and changing diapers.

Ladies, if your spouse or relatives say that breastfeeding isn’t providing your little one with enough nutrition; it is a fact that infants get all they need from just consuming breastmilk in the first 6 months of their lives -check out LLL’s guide on breastfeeding for more info.

Even if it’s a combination of breastmilk and formula milk; the antibodies that’s produced is a good way to maintain good health in your baby’s daily diet. Water should be introduced after 6 months, where don’t let the “breastmilk is too heaty, that’s why he/she falls sick often” talk get you in a panic.

Sitting up in his ergo.

Remember, even if supply is low, any milk from mom is good.

Back to work special

As we know, all good things will come to an end. Here’s to 4 months of excellent mother-coddling moments and epic explosive diapers.

Almost 4 months, and the journey of worktime scheduling and pumping has just begun.

If there was a cartoon that I would love to play on replay for the little kiddy, it would be _____ & the _____. Any guesses?

Food review- Simply playtapus

Being pregnant, the first question when choosing any meal would be whether the said ‘food pyramid’ has been fulfilled with my daily requirements of carbohydrates,  greens and proteins.

The latest addition to the array of food available around Raffles place is just that; a healthy rendition of a tasty salad and meat variation.

Having ate this meal thrice this past week, there’s much to rave about this rather fiesty establishment. With its small box at $6.90, its serving of rocket leaves mixed spinach is nothing short of generous.

Doused in a sauce of your choice; Japanese sesame or honey miso appear to be evergreen flavours, this tasty meal is good enough to sate any vegetable needs that a nutritionist would impose.

A recent conversation with a colleague who’s a vegetarian revealed that for vegetarians who do not opt to pick up the 2 meat options, the box price still remains the same without discount but with a greater packed serving of pasta and chick peas.

Served from 11.30am, the norm would see that by 12.30pm, a popular choice of salmon cooked in a honeyed – like sauce would disappear from their inventory. With the same choices available, the one gripe would be the lack of variation.

Featuring the same 5-6 dishes and a staple of pasta (occasionally fried rice) served with a chick peas-corn concoction, this boutique cafe – restaurant loses points.

Still, a fabulous place to pick up some green grub that’s tasty to boot. Medium box at $8.90 and large box at $10.90.

Food Review- Toast Box’s Laksa Time

I have a confession to make. While whittling my days away in Melbourne back when we were less affluent as jobless students (I stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment with my Bro along Grattan Street) my favourite meal was part of a mega pack of mixed fishballs for AUD $9.90; Deliciously cooked in a packet of Prima Taste Laksa paste which made up to 4 pax worth of tasty soup and a package of Indo mee.

The taste of home was never too far, especially when missing your parent’s cooking despite it being too bland or salty… It was home.

But I digress. The laksa at Toast Box ($6.10 with a glass of barley) hits the spot and of course with its many branches available islandwide,  it’s my favourite solution to any cravings. 

Albeit not exactly the best tasting laksa (the sungei road one that has to be eaten with a spoon is by far the tastiest) but with my current growing girth and size, queuing for a meal that requires 30 mins in short, rids me of any cravings.

Toast Box’s laksa does what it sets out to accomplish well. A hearty and warm rendition of a popular dish. Yet it’s lack of cockles (si hum) and slightly less spicy base resembles curry more than a strong sambal flavour.

Taste – wise,  it is more subtle in flavour than belly – rubbing, chest – thumpingly delicious. A suitable treat after a long day at work where a pipping hot soup that doesn’t make one whinge from over spiciness helps alleviate a day of stress.

Food Review- Revel at poulet

Headed down for a said unpretentiously good meal at Poulet with a friend. Needless to say, with resounding good recommendations from all around, this should make for a delightful dinner.

Having gotten started with deciding our meal preferences, as it would be for dessert craving individuals like us; our dinner options comprised of a granny chicken salad ($9.80) and fries ($4.80). For the rest of its rather delicious poutry and red meat range, that’ll have to wait for another time.

Upon seeing its serving, the lack of fresh vegetable was a little underwhelming. Expecting at least a good fill of leafy goodness, there were 3 pieces at tops (most likely cos lettuce?) and 4 tablespoons of prettily decorated chicken mix; all arranged in a professionally enticing manner.

Taste – wise and for a fact that my appetite these days was not too ravenous,  it took on a rather flavourful tuna mayo sandwich – texture, with a chicken twist. Not too bad as it wasn’t as salted or savoury as would be thought of, where with its overall presentation, it was acceptable overall.

In its place and to sate our sugar cravings, a creme brulee and tiramisu was our poison for the night. The main highlights if I had to add.

Portions were big in comparison to my earlier dinner which to place in perspective was just an appetiser to this delectable concoction.

Filled to the brim with creamy cheese and sponge fingers, it was more subtle in flavour when compared to the average Tiramisu; a mouthwatering and rather filling dessert to be had.

Lastly, we had the creme brulee which came served in a lagsana dish. With its lovely fired sugar topping; a quick tap and dip after, this eggy delight was completely demolished.

Time for round 2 soon, perhaps?

House Renov takes on a new dimension

The popular taboo saying remains.

One does not simply engage in any heavy lifting or renovation-related activities when with child.

Can’t help but wonder if this was more a fail-safe for mums who just didn’t want to be burdened by their loving husbands with the responsibility of orchestrating a full-scale home and decor episode.

Personally, the dust and loud noises might pose a potential negative, but otherwise, renovation requires more pen-to-paper moments.

From drawing miniature visions of the perfect dream house to consultations with an ID or contractor (whichever the preference), to hunting down illusive bargains of branded appliances you have never heard of; technically renovation works should be a breeze until during the hacking and decorating phase.

Came across several dream looks in our ‘balcony-less’ home-to-be and a striking one was to create a non-partitioned area to substitute as a recreational corner for the family.

A new look next to the wider-than-necessary windows available at a new BTO near you, this little space would be great with either a strip of fake greenery or a day bed which converts into shelves. Toss in a little rattan hammock and voila! A piece of personal heaven.

Any renovation ideas that pop to mind when thinking along the lines of minimalistic (shelf-centric), accessible and rest-and-relax?

Photo credit: google.com

Train rides and warm weather

Lovely weather updates. No more thicken sweaters with fur-covered boots. Half a mind to return back to Singapore for good, and yet, Melbourne seems to be the best option for now.

A question posted to me recently got me thinking. When is a mid-life crisis, considered mid-life?

Melbourne. A city that never ceases to amaze.