When we mums get diaper bags, we care not only about how functional it is, but how good it looks – because we’ll be carrying it around all the time! What if I told you that dads are the same?
Older generations of Singaporean dads seem cin cai about fashion, and would probably carry around a pink bag with floral prints without much thought, but the newer generation of dads are paying attention to their fashion and actually try to accessorise accordingly!
Bags with floral prints that come in shades of pastel might match with a similar, lighter hued outfit, but not all dads can pull off that look (or even want to).
We’ve spoken to some daddies in the office and have asked them what they’re looking for in a daddy diaper bag, and here’s what we’ve got: sleek, robust, simple, manly, lots of storage space, fine with either a backpack or a sling-bag, easy-access, and muted or darker colours.
Taking all those points into consideration (and those are a lot!), we’ve put together a list of daddy diaper bags for mummies or friends of daddies to get him as a Father’s Day gift!
Sling / Messenger Diaper Bags
Diaper Dude, MENS MESSENGER | BLACK
Functional and huge, this messenger bag is designed for dads who want to carry something that looks stylish, sporty, and cool. It comes with a whole bunch of useful features that dad’ll love:
One thing that dads will be thankful for are the wider than usual shoulder straps that come with padding – they usually have broader shoulders than us ladies, so a wider strap won’t dig into them and make them feel uncomfortable. The zippers that come on this bag are equally robust and can definitely take rougher handling.
The three pouches at the front let dad easily grab items that are put inside – wet wipes, cream, snacks (for both baby and dad) – without the need to remove the bag from their shoulders.
For more info on Diaper Dude’s Mens Messenger Diaper Bag, check them out here.
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Skip Hop, Duo Signature Diaper Bag | Slate Grey
For a smaller, but more stylish sling bag, look no further than Skip Hop! Their diaper bag comes with textured fabric in versatile neutral hues, and offers iconic style and organization. The multitasking design features side bottle pockets, multiple zippered compartments and an easy-access tech pocket, so there’s a place for everything. The roomy main compartment zips closed and holds laptops up to 15 inches. Use the shoulder strap, grab the tote handles, or attach the bag to your stroller with the included shuttle clips.
Here are its key features:
For more info on Skip Hop’s Duo Signature Diaper Bag, head here.
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Backpack Diaper Bags
Backpacks might not be as stylish as a sling bag, but the practicality of them are unmatched. One thing that dads have told us is that backpacks are actually a lot better for their backs – as they give proper support and weight distribution.
13Thirteen Diaper Backpack – Classic Black
We’re giving some love to a Singaporean brand, 13Thirteen (pronounced ‘thirteen thirteen’)! Designed and made by Singaporean parents for Singaporean parents, this backpack is definitely multi-functional. It’s made of a lightweight yet durable material, and is really large and spacious – it can moonlight as a travel backpack when not being used as a diaper bag!
We Singaporeans are also a fussy lot, always wanting maximum comfort; 13Thirteen’s backpack ensures that the comfort we seek while carrying baby’s stuff around is maximised.
Here are its key features:
For more info on 13Thirteen’s Diaper Backpack and their other items, check them out here.
Pregnancy and Baby Singapore provides you with the latest news and practical tips to help you in your parenting journey. For more tips on your pregnancy and baby in Singapore, subscribe to our mailing list and like us on Facebook, to receive new articles for mummies like you every week!
DadGear, Backpack Diaper Bag – Original
The DadGear Backpack Diaper Bag has extra-large capacity and 13 specially-designed organization compartments for storing diapers, wipes, up to 4 bottles, changing pad, clothing, toys, mom or dad’s keys and cell phone, and more. Excellent for traveling, and a highly dependable carry-all from newborn through toddler years. Includes integrated stroller straps and washable changing pad.
Here are its additional key features:
For more info on DadGear’s Backpack Diaper Bag, head down here.
Pregnancy and Baby Singapore provides you with the latest news and practical tips to help you in your parenting journey. For more tips on your pregnancy and baby in Singapore, subscribe to our mailing list and like us on Facebook, to receive new articles for mummies like you every week!
It’s that time of the year again, to show extra appreciation for the superwomen in our lives – our mums. Mother’s Day falls on the 13th of May this year, and we’ve got a list of items and experiences for you to choose from for that (hopefully not) last minute gift. Remember, if you’re a mum, treating yourself is perfectly valid too!
1. Sweet Spa Pampering
Who doesn’t love a spa where you’ll be pampered throughout the experience, and then come out of it looking even more beautiful, glowing, and around 5 – 10 years younger?! Mums out there will love this wonderful experience.
Estheva Spa is offering a Mother’s Day Promotion that lasts until 30th May, 2018, so you’ve got the entire month to surprise her! Find out more about their promotion here!
But if you’re looking to give them a bit more of a personal, homey touch, look no further than The Outcall Spa – it’s a mobile spa that brings the spa to your home, all at your convenience. Experience a professional mani-pedi and/or a home massage in the comfort of your own home! Find out more about their services here.
2. Relaxing Scents
More pampering goodness for mums out there! Just imagine having the home smelling like a fresh garden the moment you step into it – aromatherapy is a thing! She’ll feel more relaxed while she’s home, and a happy mum is a happy family!
Here are some choices for scented candles that you can take a look at:
Jo Malone’s premium variety of candles and colognes will have something for everyone – be it light or musky.
Hush Candle has a cute Mother’s Day special that also includes a beauty workshop on the 12th of May, just in time for her day!
Yankee Candle could be another candle consideration for you! Their lower prices means a wider variety of scents for mum to try out.
3. High Tea or Buffet, Anyone?
Food, it’s the one confirmed thing that brings us together, and what better way to celebrate Mother’s day than to take mum out for a decadently delicious feast? Here’s a selection of only the best and yummiest buffets and high teas for only the best women in your life.
Marriot Café offers a buffet with a spread of oysters, Boston lobsters, roast prime rib or beef, bourbon & honey glazed ham, lobster spicy thermidor style, and much more!
The Marmalade Pantry is a Singaporean bistro that features sandwiches, scones, cupcakes and tea – best of all, they’re located at ION Orchard, so it’s great to rest your legs from all that shopping you did with mum.
For a different ambience, check POLLEN out – they’re a restaurant that’s within the Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay that serves up a wicked high tea menu for Mother’s Day. They’ve got chicken and mushroom tarts, egg and watercress sandwiches, mandarin choux, macarons, earl grey lemon cake, white chocolate scones, and a choice of 8 teas and 7 coffees!
4. Massages at Any Time
Add on to the spa pampering with massages that mum can get at the snap of her matriarchal fingers, but you don’t have to ketok her shoulders, unless you want to! Leave the hard work to machines using the power of pulse massagers.
Pulse massagers can massage any part of the body through the use of reusable stick-on pads – simply apply them to where you want to massage, select the correct mode on the device, and enjoy! These devices are usually small, portable, and battery-powered, and send pulsed electrical stimulus to the nerves to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.
First up we have a pulse massager from OSIM, the uGoGo Pulse Massager. It’s got all the standard massage areas and functions, plus it allows you to synchronise your music to the massage you’re getting!
For something simpler to use but still gets the job done, look no further than Omron’s Electronic Pulse Massager HV-F021. It’s got only a few buttons to press and will prove to be much easier for less tech savvy mums to use! Plus it’s also more budget friendly than OSIM.
Pregnancy and Baby Singapore provides you with the latest news and practical tips to help you in your parenting journey. For more tips on your pregnancy and baby in Singapore, subscribe to our mailing list and like us on Facebook, to receive new articles for mummies like you every week!
Little one is running a fever and can’t attend childcare. It’s raining and you left your umbrella in the super market last week and you keep forgetting to get a new one. The baby is crying, your toddler has five shoes (none of them matching, all of them for his left foot) and calls from work have been going off the hook.
And it’s only 9:14 a.m.
And while none of these things reach crisis-level per se—you are on the very real verge of mom burnout.
We have all been there.
The truth is that being a mom today is HARD. Many of us live away from family, our schedules are packed full, and truthfully, life can just be overwhelming some days.
It’s not that you don’t love your family—of course you do. I know you’re grateful for them every day. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. That tired feeling sits heavy on your bones. And there are many moments when you feel so close to burnout.
But take heart, mama. There are ways to fight it. By being intentional with your efforts, you can find ways to not only survive, but THRIVE.
1. Make sleep a priority
When moms get busy, sleep is usually the first thing to go, either because we’re using the time to get stuff done or simply to have a few moments of peace to catch up on Netflix...alone...on the couch (aka in Heaven.) But research proves again and again just how vital sleep is to our well being and overall mood. So go to bed early tonight, mama. Because...science 😉.
2. Find your oohhhmm
Whether through yoga, meditation or mindfulness, actively incorporating peaceful practices into your routine will help you feel centred and balanced as you go through the day.
3. Eat well
(Says the mom who ate the crust off her kids’ school lunch for breakfast this morning 🙎🏼.)
It’s way easier said that done, but seriously, eating well is so important. Your body is a temple. Treat it as such! A well-fuelled body will work better and keep you more energized through your busy, busy day.
4. Call the girls
You know that friend that makes you “ugly laugh?” Like, head back, tears streaming down your face, snorting because you’re laughing so hard? (PS: You’re actually not ugly when you laugh like that at all, you’re adorable.) Call her. Whether it’s a phone call, FaceTime or a night out, your girl-tribe will breathe so much life into you.
5. Say no
You wear so many hats and it is utterly exhausting. With every “Will you/could you?” you receive, ask yourself three questions — Do I need to do this? Do I want to do this? Does this give me energy?
If you can’t answer yes to any of those questions, the answer to the request is no. ❌
6. Ask for help
This job is simply too hard to do alone. You are already Super Woman, so go ahead and ask for help when you need it. Hire someone to help with cleaning, if you’re able to. Or get mums or in-laws help, I’m sure they’d love the extra grandchild-bonding sesh.
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7. Connect with nature
Nothing helps you feel grounded like...well...touching the ground! So, go outside and breathe in some fresh, clean air. Take your shoes off and get back to your roots. Whether it’s a hike in the woods, a trip to the beach, or a simple walk around the block—being outside can be incredibly therapeutic 🌳.
8. Trust your intuition when you make decisions
Our days are full of decision making. From deciding if your kid can wear his Batman costume to school (again) and figuring out what’s for dinner, to deciding how you want your career to look now that you’re a mom—you are CONSTANTLY making calls (for yourself and for other people.) And it’s tiring! Decision fatigue is a very real thing. Try not to agonize over every single choice you have to make. It’s never going to be perfect. Let your intuition be your guiding light—it won’t steer you wrong.
9. Schedule a date night
Let’s face it—piles of dirty laundry, Cheerios sprinkled on the floor and Daniel Tiger do not set the scene for romance. But staying connected to your partner is very necessary. Your dates don’t have to be fancy—sipping a glass of wine and sitting together on the front step is more than enough!
10. Move your body
Do whatever you love to do you get your blood pumping—go for a run, dance, swim, find a rock climbing wall...whatever floats your boat! Exercising will help fight fatigue and gives you more energy. 💃
11. Treat yourself
When was the last time you bought yourself something? (No, diapers and wet wipes don’t count.) While spending money isn’t always an option, consider treating yourself to something occasionally—even if it’s very small. A delicious piece of chocolate, a new book, a manicure...you SO deserve it.
12. Do something "unproductive"
Not everything in your day has to be something from your to-do list. It’s OK (and actually encouraged) for to you do something just because it’s fun. Spending time unwinding will allow you to feel more energized when you are tackling that to-do list, which will in turn help you knock those tasks out faster—and for that reason, the “unproductive” things may actually be way more “productive” than you think!
13. Make a list
I am one those “I have lists of my lists” people. And while that’s probably a little too much, I have learned that lists really help me. Lists help me remember stuff of course, but they also help me to clear my mind and stay calm—once I write something down, I can get it out of my brain until I am ready to turn my attention back to it. ✍️
Every morning, I decide what the top three things I want to do that day are. I’ll often say, “What three things will feel the best to cross off my list?” It helps me to feel more in control of my day, and less intimidated by how daunting it all seems. And on a related note...
14. Focus on what you do accomplish
Our to-do lists are never ending and it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by all the stuff we didn’t get to do. But every evening try to take a few moments to reflect on what you did do. You’ll amaze yourself with how much you actually rock it each and every day 🔥.
15. Set up a system of sharing responsibilities
The mental load of motherhood is the REAL DEAL. Our brains are constantly swirling with ALL THE THINGS which quickly translates to burnout. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Your partner wants to help you—sometimes they just don’t know how. Set up a shared Google Calendar or iCal, so you can BOTH see what’s going on for the week. Divide up household responsibilities in a way the feels fair to both of you.
16. Schedule you-time
Sure, having “me time” sounds wonderful, but how can you actually do it? So often we push ourselves to the bottom of the list, and before we know it another day has gone by with no time for you. I URGE you to prioritize yourself, and stick to it. Physically write some you-time into your schedule for the day (with a pen, not a pencil) and follow through, guilt-free—because happier moms make happier kids. 😉
You’ve got this, mama. Promise.
Article appeared on Motherly, written by Diana Spalding
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Photo credit: Shutterstock
We all dread grocery shopping, but FairPrice Online is a website that seeks to help parents out with that.
1. A Lack Of Time
Photo credit: iStock
One of the most precious things that we have a limited amount to give out is time. It’s something that we’re placing a lot more value in, especially in our fast-paced Singaporean society!
The majority of us will work until 6pm every weekday, and once we’re done, we’ll grab our kids from childcare and then head home afterwards.
Depending on where your childcare is, you should reach home at around 7pm to 7:30pm. After that it’s usually dinnertime, then spending some quality time with your family, and finally heading to bed after that.
If our schedules are structured that way, the only time where we’ll be free to do grocery shopping is over the weekend!
FairPrice Online Solution: If only there was a way to help you save your precious time… oh wait, there is!
We all know about NTUC FairPrice; we’ve probably grown up alongside them and went shopping there with our parents when we were kids too. They, too, have changed and grown up alongside us as shopping with them now is not just limited to walking down to their outlets!
They’ve seen and understood the problems and issues that we parents are facing – time is important, and the more time we’re able to free up, the happier we’ll be!
We’re now able to shop online with FairPrice, and they deliver straight to our doorstep.
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2. Crazy Queues