OiOi: Designs that Last a Lifetime
OiOi, an Australian infant accessories and clothing business, is well-known for its nappy bags. OiOi was founded in 1997 by Lisa Bennetts, a first-time mom and bag designer, who uses high-quality, sustainable materials to produce award-winning designs. Parents have named the brand the Best Nappy Bag Australia three years in a row. Because of OiOi's dedication to timeless designs and durability, its bags may be used for a lifetime, making them a fantastic choice for ecologically aware parents. Despite being less than 2 years in the Singapore market, OiOi has gained popularity in this short amount of time. Bubsmamy is the exclusive distributor of OiOi diaper bags in Singapore.
Ship Hop’s Endless Weekender Diaper Bag
Skip Hop: Must-Haves Made Better
Skip Hop, a worldwide lifestyle brand, is committed to producing well-designed necessities for parents, infants, and toddlers. The story of the company began in 2003 when new parents Michael and Ellen Diamant learned there were few alternatives for diaper bags. Ellen's sketch of a fashionable and useful purse inspired the Duo Diaper Bag, which became a game changer. Skip Hop diaper bags are popular among Singaporean parents due to their utility, contemporary designs, and attention to detail.
JuJuBe’s Zealous Backpack - Disney and Pixar Toy Story
JuJuBe: Above and Beyond
JuJuBe, formed by industry veterans Joe Croft and Kristin Hunziker, represents something more than the ordinary. The company has been a trailblazer in terms of innovation, developing features like anti-stain treatments, anti-microbial linings, and memory foam changing pads. With over a million bags sold, JuJuBe's dedication to quality is clear. They provide a lifetime warranty on their bags, assuring that parents can rely on them for many years. JuJuBe's premium diaper bags and accessories continue to be market leaders.
Princeton Bag’s Milano 2.0 Series
Princeton Bag: Diversified Service and Quality Assurance
Princeton Bag is Singapore's first mother bag concept online retailer. The firm seeks to supply a variety of infant items to clients globally, with an emphasis on quality, value for money, and outstanding customer service. They provide quick shipping and thoroughly inspect each good to assure high quality. Princeton Bag's commitment to client trust has made them a dependable supplier of mommy bags in Singapore, catering to the different demands of parents.
Petunia Pickle Bottom’s Pivot Pack in Black/Sand
Petunia Pickle Bottom: Fearless Style and Function
Petunia Pickle Bottom's diaper bags and accessories combine style, practicality, quality, and refinement. Petunia Pickle Bottom has been responding to parents' changing needs for over 20 years, with an emphasis on the small details that make its goods unique. Their flexible line includes backpacks, shoulder bags, clutches, totes, and a variety of accessories that are meant to keep things organized and conveniently accessible. Petunia Pickle Bottom celebrates the joy and adventure of motherhood with bright colors, whimsical designs, and creative touches.
Parents in Singapore are spoiled for options when it comes to selecting the finest diaper bag. Among the major companies that provide attractive and useful solutions are OiOi, Skip Hop, JuJuBe, Princeton Bag, and Petunia Pickle Bottom. Each brand contributes something unique to the table, whether it's sustainable luxury, must-have utility, innovation, diversified services, or fearless flair. Parents may enjoy the convenience and organization they require while expressing their particular style by investing in a high-quality diaper bag. The greatest diaper bag is a fashion statement that symbolizes the current parenting experience bringing class to the hard work of supermoms.
Picture this: You've spent hours in the kitchen preparing a beautiful spread of colorful and nutritious finger foods for your baby. You place the food in front of your little one, and they eagerly reach for a slice of avocado. But instead of eating it, they squish it between their fingers and smear it all over their face and high chair tray. And just like that, your once-pristine kitchen has turned into a war zone of mashed-up food and chaos.
But fear not, fellow parents, because messy baby-led weaning is totally normal and even encouraged! Here are a few tips to help you navigate the mess and enjoy the process:
Embrace the Mess! Baby-led weaning is all about allowing your little one to explore and experiment with different foods. And let's face it, that means getting messy. Invest in a good bib and high chair cover, and be prepared to clean up food from the walls, floor, and even the ceiling (yes, it can happen).
Let Them Lead! Remember, baby-led weaning is all about letting your baby lead the way. This means letting them choose what foods they want to try and how much they want to eat. It can be tempting to intervene and try to clean up the mess or spoon-feed your baby, but resist the urge. Trust that your baby knows what they need and let them take the lead.
Keep It Simple! When it comes to baby-led weaning, less is often more. Keep the foods simple and easy to manage, like steamed veggies or soft fruits. This will make it easier for your baby to handle and reduce the mess.
Have Fun! At the end of the day, baby-led weaning should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Laugh at the mess, take pictures, and enjoy the moment. Because before you know it, your little one will be all grown up and eating with a fork and knife.
So, there you have it, a few tips to help you survive the mess of baby-led weaning. Remember, it's all part of the journey, and the memories (and pictures) will last a lifetime.
]]>Enter the most underrated item that I believe everyone needs in their bag.
When to use the Portable Bidet?
▫️ hygienic cleansing after toilet visits
▫️ while urinating to ease the pain
▫️ for newborn diaper change to get those sticky poo off
My recent vaginal birth experience was saved by this assuming item in my bag. Every toilet visit IS scary, but it is less scary with my portable bidet. On top of that, I did not feel like a hot mess as I am gently cleansed and clean as I should be!
I truly believe that postpartum blues are also caused by the yuckiness that you feel after a birth. This time round (it is my 2nd birth), I felt rejuvenated, comfortable and less painful than the previous time.
I hope it would help you too!
xx
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Here are Bubsmamy, we collaborate with many small businesses in Singapore to give a variety of gifting ideas to our community.
]]>Here are Bubsmamy, we collaborate with many small businesses in Singapore to give a variety of gifting ideas to our community.
New Chill Mom & Baby Gift Box is personalised with baby's name and comes with your choice of card and personal note.
Gift box includes:
My Gift Maker has curated these products beautifully together. They do doorstep delivery or free pick-ups too!
Another option is our collaboration with Elly Milley.
Valued at $132.35 but retailing for only $99, this set includes:
Malo. Nappy Rash Spray - Made in Australia and a practical design for quick and easy nappy change-on-the-go.
Elly Milley Swaddle Sleeping Bag - Uniquely designed and custom made for Singapore's humid weather. 60% Premium Korean Cotton, 40% Modal.
Elly Milley Luxurious Series Hooded Towel - specially crafted soft bamboo and cotton blend creates not only a luxurious soft touch, but is also highly absorbent.
The perfect combination for the newborn!
You can choose to purchase and add on more Elly Milley products here or with Bubsmamy here.
Mums are usually overlooked when gifting and here at Bubsmamy, we want to prioritise both Mum and Baby equally.
The Chill Mom Pregnancy Gift Set is curated specially for the pregnant mums in mind.
Valued at $116.80 and retailing at only $100, this set includes:
The Chill Mom Book - practical advice that takes pregnant and new mum from worries and overwhelmed to fulfilled and confident.
Malo. Super-Seed Belly Oil - consciously made in Australia from raw ingredients to help nourish the skin from pregnancy and throughout.
Himalayan Salt Massage Ball - detoxify the skin and help relieve pain and pregnancy swelling.
And for that fun and personal touch, personalise your gift with your message on Red Head Designs Maternity Cards, designed by a Mum from Adelaide, Australia.
We have also collaborated with Shop Gift Good, a great and convenient gifting platform for all occasions.
A practical care kit put together to ease her pain after vaginal delivery. Perfect gift for the beloved expectant moms in your life.
In This Curated Gift Box:
You can get them here or explore their beautiful online store for more gift curation.
]]>The Benefits of Play
Any unstructured activity that has no definite rules can be considered play. It is really all about having fun! But more than sheer enjoyment, a child at play is reaping benefits as she interacts with the people and materials around her.
Social and emotional development
Parents are the baby’s first playmates. Playing together is a healthy way for the family to bond as these moments foster uninterrupted interaction. The way the parents will hold and cuddle and talk to the child can set the tone for their relationship. This is true even for infants who are only beginning to make sense of their environment.
The sound of a familiar voice is reassuring for a growing child. Make sure to talk and even sing to your little one as you play with her. This provides additional security where the child can thrive as she navigates her surroundings.
Cognitive development
The first year of life is a time for rapid brain development and these can be maximized through play. As children grow and develop, they learn many new things and strive to solve simple problems that they encounter.
Just watch an infant at play and see how she figures out cause and effects. She learns to use her body to make things happen. One example would be when she waves her arms and hits the mobile. She eventually realizes how her movements caused the mobile to also move. It really is fun to witness your infant acquire and sharpen skills.
Infants are also learning to follow familiar faces and objects with their eyes. At about 3 to 4 months old, you can already elicit a huge smile from your little one when you play peek-a-boo. This teaches her the concept of object permanence - that things still exist even when she doesn’t see them.
Physical Development
An infant is learning to focus her vision, reach out and grasp while exploring the materials around her. These are just some of the developmental milestones to watch out for during the first year of life. And what better way to enhance these skills than through play! Parents can even use household items and turn them into play things.
A child who is lying flat on his back might begin to observe any moving object in front of her. This could range from a mobile to a curtain being blown by the wind. This activity not only helps her focus her vision, she will also practice moving her head from one direction to another.
Older infants also benefit from tummy time. This strengthens their upper body and neck muscles. For children who are at least six months old, this is the beginning of crawling that may be encouraged by letting them reach for a toy in front of them. Just make sure to child proof your surroundings so your baby can explore in safety.
The Stages of Play
The Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget once said that play is the work of childhood. Even Maria Montessori agrees with this statement and so do many others who work in the field of child development. It is so vital that the United Nations recognizes it as one of the rights of a child. This subject has been extensively studied and theories were given birth as a result.
Here are the stages of play according to the researcher Mildred Parten.
Understanding how children move from one stage of play to the next will allow the adults in their life to facilitate development. Let us recognize the high value that play has on the growth of our children. This is their primary vehicle to express their ideas, emotions and aspirations that might very well be their reality someday.
Let our children play their way to a healthy and holistic development!
]]>While an infant may not be ready to dance around to music or play with a xylophone, she is definitely going to enjoy being lulled to sleep. The familiar voice of her mother as she sings a tune will be like a balm that soothes the child.
The benefits of music
Listening to and playing music has been known to improve the cognitive skills of babies. Neuroscientists have seen how music makes a difference on the brain of babies. A study from the Institute of Learning and Brain Sciences shows that there is a significant change in the auditory and prefrontal cortexes of the brain after listening to music. These are the regions where both music and speech are processed. The brain activities of nine-month-old babies showed improvement after a series of play sessions with music.
Another study by the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California shows that early exposure to music hastens language acquisition. This could be because children learn the sounds and meanings of words as they listen to songs. Some experts also argue that learning to play an instrument directly correlates to improved mathematical skills. Overall skills for school readiness are significantly helped when a child has a lot of musical experiences.
How music promotes growth in the different domains
Being intentional about integrating music to your child’s daily routine is a step towards stimulating development. Consider what you want your child to learn through various musical experiences and how you can best structure those. Be sure to include all areas of development for a holistic approach.
Physical skills
Gross and fine motor skills are the first thing that comes to mind when we speak of physical development. A child who regularly listens to music and observes an adult move to the tune will eventually do the same thing. She might raise her arms or kick in response to a familiar rhythm. An older infant will practice grasping and controlling a stick or spoon at hand to beat a drum. Finger play songs are also excellent mediums for young children to develop fine motor control.
Social and emotional skills
Music is a shared experience. As a young child grows familiar with a particular song, she finds a way to relate to the other children and adults in her life. This becomes a point of connection that further establishes her bond with the significant people in her life.
Music is also a powerful tool that can convey and elicit emotions. The soothing effect of lullabies on young children shows that they are able to distinguish and respond to familiar melodies. Establishing a routine can become easier if music is utilized. A song can mark the beginning of rest time or you can also sing a melody that signifies feeding time. The predictability of activities gives your child added security.
As they grow with music in the background, children are better able to express themselves. They can produce loud sounds to mimic the banging of drums when they want to get attention. They may coo or produce softer sounds when you cuddle or play with them to signify enjoyment.
Cognitive skills
The rhythmic pattern of music is foundational to many thinking skills that a child will need to develop as she matures. The mere repetition of song lyrics makes it easier for most children to remember concepts. Even if they are not able to verbalize yet, the words can be retained in their minds if they frequently hear them. Introduce songs that tell a story so that your child will appreciate sequences as the ideas progress.
Listening to vs. playing music
It is a proven fact that listening to music improves an infant’s brain functioning. But even more powerful is when the little one begins to play music. This is because her motor skills get involved and refined in the process. When she drops or squeezes a toy, this unlocks a whole new set of abilities that she will explore as she discovers the effect of her movements. Tapping into these skills creates neural connections between the two brain hemispheres. The left hemisphere controls speech, comprehension and writing while the right controls creativity and musical skills among others.
How to encourage musical play
Sing and dance to music. Carry the child and let her feel as you move to the music. This will create an awareness of her own ability to move her arms and legs and even her entire body as she listens to the beat.
Provide musical toys. Playing with maracas or stuffed toys that produce a sound when squeezed will help the child understand cause and effect relationships. With repetition, she will associate her actions to the sound produced.
Have a musical mobile in place. A mobile of attractive toys that moves to music will definitely catch the attention of your infant. This will stimulate both her hearing and vision and might even keep her interested for quite some time.
When children enjoy an activity, they are better able to learn and absorb ideas. Music can be that added factor that makes a simple routine more exciting. Stimulate your child’s development by using music at the earliest stage possible.
]]>It may seem like the growth has peaked or rapidly happening that you can barely keep up. Whichever the case may be, know that your little one is continually learning and playing with her is still the best way to satisfy that need.
At this stage, your child may be more mobile as she learns the art of crawling, cruising and walking. There is no stopping her as she skillfully navigates her surroundings. That is why it is important to begin (if you haven’t already) childproofing your home at this point. You child’s safety should remain your number one concern as you encourage her to explore while playing.
How to choose learning materials for your baby
At around six months, infants will try to grab things around them and instinctively put it in their mouth. They also practice moving things from one hand to the other and this is very entertaining for them. Most children will also turn their head towards a sound and respond by making a sound as well. These milestones can all be enhanced by providing the child with suitable materials.
Choose toys that are easy to grab and attractive to the eyes. Take note of particular items that has caught your child’s attention. Use that more often to reinforce her interest. Make sure that the materials are always sanitized and there are no loose parts. Any piece that can easily fit through a tissue roll is too small for your baby.
There is no hard, fast rule when it comes to the number of toys that should be given to a child. You might prefer to buy a few with multi-purposes or a dozen, individual toys that are equally engaging. Whatever your choices are, just always consider the interests and needs of the child.
Appropriate activities for your 6-12 months old
Sensory activities. These are the types of play that stimulates a child’s senses. The most common are those that maximize the sense of touch, sight and hearing. Playing with clay or sand is one example.
Baby bell feet. String a few, small bells or use a bracelet with lots of trinkets for this activity. Let your child wear it on his foot and allow her to move around. She can also lie on her back and kick her legs up to produce sound from her “anklet”.
Sensory basket/box. Prepare a container with a few items inside. The goal is to let your child take something out of the box and feel the material. You can also identify the texture for her so that she will begin to associate the label with the feel of it on her skin.
Stacking cups. This is a simple yet very open-ended material that your child will enjoy exploring. She can stack them, fit them together or use them as containers for smaller toys. eventually, you can also use this toy for counting and identifying colors.
Clap, clap, clap. At around 6 to 8 months old, young children will learn to clap. Encourage her to do so by singing rhymes or counting while clapping. This is also an exercise to help develop her motor skills.
Reading. Children of all ages will always benefit from being read to. Do not be afraid to go through the same book daily. Repetition is key to learning for very young children. An early love for literature is also healthy as your child learns to process information as the story progresses.
Your older infant is developing on a daily basis and is becoming more interactive. Take the opportunity to turn every play time into a teachable moment as she becomes increasingly interested in the world around her.
Have fun playing while learning together!
]]>There are developmentally-appropriate practices to be mindful of as we interact with our children. These are methods that promote a child’s development through play-based learning that gets the child engaged. The timing for introducing an activity is also crucial for infants. When the child is in her active and alert mode during the day, this is an optimal time for learning.
Play time for infants does not need to be complicated. A few materials that capture her attention might even be better than acquiring a lot of toys that do not necessarily encourage development. That is why knowledge on child development and the milestones for each stage is necessary for any adult who wants to facilitate a child’s optimal development.
Development milestones during the first six months of life
Here are the basic skills that a child is likely to master at certain points in life. Be reminded though that this is only a guideline as each child has a unique pace of development. The sooner a parent gets involved in the activities of the child, the higher the likelihood that growth will materialize. The best formula is in creating a loving and safe environment for the child to thrive in.
0-2 months
2-4 months
4-6 months
Activities for 0-6 months
Look and see
Infants love to see objects in strong contrast so pick items that are colored red, white or black for this activity. Hold up these materials and let them follow with their eyes. Do this slowly and at a distance of about 10 inches away from her head.
Tummy time
This is a great activity that helps strengthen the neck, back and arm muscles. Just be mindful of signs of fatigue and help your child go back to lying on his back or side if she seems tired. Provide her with baby-safe materials like felt books, soft toys or even a mirror to keep her entertained. You can also talk to her and tell her stories in varying tones of voice.
Peekaboo
A quick game of peekaboo can teach your child the idea of object permanence. She will be fascinated to discover that you are there one moment and gone the next then back right where you are. You can also hide under a blanket or behind the furniture as your baby watches. This can be a very happy game that your child will enjoy even as she grows older.
Silly faces
Young infants enjoy looking at faces. It will be particularly fun to play this silly game as your child observes. Soon she might even try to copy your expressions.
Feel this
Provide your infant with materials that have varied textures. Tell her how one is soft, hard, smooth, silky, etc. Take note of the ones she enjoys the most and give this to her repeatedly throughout the day.
Love and touch
This could be done when bathing or changing your baby. Sing a tune conveying your affection for her and give her a gentle massage. Rub her arms, legs and body as you talk to your child. This can be a powerful bonding moment shared between parent and child. Make sure to choose a quiet room to give your child a relaxed atmosphere.
Dance with me
Hold, cuddle and dance with your little one as you move to music. During his active times, you can choose a song with an upbeat tempo while keeping the room well-lit. Shift to a lullaby or any soothing melody and keep the room dim to signal downtime for your child.
Little explorer
When the weather is fine, show your child the outdoors. Point to and name the things that you will spot outside. This encourages her vision and language development. Plus, it is always fun when the scenery changes.
As you find ways to play with your child, you will discover what she enjoys the most. Do not be afraid to repeat the same activities also even if she did not seem to like it as much the first time. You will eventually discover her interests and find your little one more engaged in the activity!
]]>Isn't there an easier way to choose the right books for my baby's age?
We took this issue to heart and decided to categorize our books accordingly. Of course, every book that we stock have lots of mileage in them through the toddler years after. But at which stage should you start introducing a particular title?
At this stage, your newborn's vision is still weak. Books with high-contrast, bold or black and white illustrations will be enjoyable! Cloth books are great too as they are safe for your babies to grab and feel the textures on it.
Tummy times are encouraged. Lie next to your baby during tummy time session and read to them!
Baby's vision is starting to see colours! How fun!
They are also starting to develop their motor skills. This is a great time to incorporate books with different textures to promote these skills.
Wiggly baby starts here. It is now getting challenging to sit for a book. Instead of pushing them and risk unhappy association with books, just read a little throughout the day. They now learn object permanence (bring out those flap books!) and starting to learn simple words too!
Oh yes, the drool starts and putting objects in their mouth is a daily occurrence now! Indestructibles are perfect for occasions as such.
First words, sound imitation and lots of movement. Any book that encourages that are bound to be fun. Think action books with lots of interaction!
We hope this gives you the Confidence to embark on your child's reading journey!
For a complete list of our books, click here.
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It is worth knowing that the park is operating at a 25% occupancy rate (accurate as on 26/07/2021). That means more space and fun for the kiddos! Please remember to book and buy your tickets online before visiting.
There are a few enhanced measurements that Pororo Park has implemented...
(These information can be found here.)
1. Safe distancing measure
There are staffs available in every corner to ensure safe distancing measure are being implemented. Accompanying parents are quite aware of keeping their distances with everyone as well.
2. Face Mask
Everyone is on face mask except for young babies and toddlers. There were no exceptions! We felt safe the whole time there.
3. Hand sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are at easily accessible corners in the entire park. For sanitizer Queen Mamas, no need to bring a hand sanitizer along with you! Of course, if you need to, no one is stopping you. Just remember to keep it with you and not leave it lying around to prevent younger babies to play with it by accident.
4. Play Zone Capacity
This was great to know! There are signs written at every zone so you know if the capacity has reached. Staffs are there to ensure that each zone is not overcrowded.
The next question that Bubsmamy would constantly explore for our Mummies:
YES!
Here are 4 reasons why the park is equally fun for your young babies and younger toddlers!
1. Free Entry!
Entry is free for babies under 1 year old. Adult prices are S$7.50 each.
2. Nursery Rooms
For mummies who need privacy to pump or breastfeed, the nursery room is spacious and clean, complete with a tap and changing area.
3. Massage Chairs
Or, you could also choose to pay for a massage session while feeding your child! Or simply for exhausted parents... How thoughtful!
4. Play zones suitable for under 1
Some play zones are great for babies under 12 months of age in Pororo Park. We believe with careful supervision, most of the areas are suitable except for solo rides like the Pororo Express (train ride).
Here are some that we tried:
Sharks Ball Pit:
As you can see, it's quite empty and there's plenty of safe distancing!
Pororo House:
Hinoki Pit:
For Hinoki pit, we would suggest babies who can tell the difference between food and toys. These are potential choking hazards that require strict supervision.
Poby's Play Gym:
Note the capacity signage!
Toddler's Area:
Eddy's Classroom:
They have been converted into a soft play area for young babies!
For an easier visualization, here's a map from Pororo Park's online site.
If you drive, do look out for the Red Parking Zone!
Here’s a video from Pororo Park showing us where are the Red Parking Zone!
Lockers are also available near the entrance of the park.
So there you go, our brief take on Pororo Park during Covid. If you have more to share, please comment down below for our readers!
Thank you for visiting Bubsmamy!
Some pictures are kindly shared by our Mummy friend, Wanjun, and family. Thank you so much for the share.
Website: https://www.pororoparksg.com/
1. Eton House International has a online resource page for young preschoolers from 18 months onwards. Some activities seems okay for young babies, too. It is even scheduled according to weeks and days! Wow!
https://info.etonhouse.edu.sg/homelearning
2. As quoted from busytoddler.com, a taby is “not a baby anymore, but definitely not a toddler”. She has made a list of activities that are suitable for young preschoolers that are both not young enough neither old enough to entertain. This is a great resource to reference!
https://busytoddler.com/2018/02/activities-for-1-year-olds/
3. Need to juggle both household management, work and your little preschooler? Who has time to DIY toys that takes time?
Cynicalparent.com has a list of activities suitable for this age range and many of them takes no effort at all!
https://www.cynicalparent.com/fun-activities-for-1-year-olds/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes
4. Pinterest is one of the easiest way to look for ideas. Their boards are full of pictures and resources that are easily searched and found. A quick search for "Activities for 1 year old" gave me lots of other online resources to learn from!
5. High quality educational videos can help kids around the age of 3 learn numbers, words or events. Parents are encourage to interact with their children while watching educational videos to help kids learn and make connections to their world. There's even educational videos on Covid 19 too!
YouTube is a great free resource for such. Some great channels:
- National Geographic Kids
- Sesame Street
- Peekaboo Kidz
- Super Kids TV
- Kids Learning Tube
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