Stuff It

I remember going through this stage when I loved stuffed toys, especially when they were given by a crush or boyfriend. Corny huh? That's puppy love for you. Now, I wouldn't exactly be happy if my hubby bought me a teddy bear or a stuffed pig. I'll probably donate it to charity the next day. I think it's a total waste of space and money, however cute they are.

Now that I have a daughter, that means more stuffed toys in our flat. She shares her room with a big dinosaur, penguin, sea lion, a liter of puppies, and a bunch of other hairy creatures (my hubby has been winning all the games at Ocean Park). They make her room look like a kids' room but whenever I come in, I feel like getting rid of most of them. I already gave half of them away to an orphanage last Christmas. But, I could use more space if I gave away a few more. Good thing, my friend is asking me to donate more toys.

I'm not the only Mom who has this dilemma. Boon (famous for their sleek high chairs) has invented an innovative solution to this problem without getting having to get rid of baby's favorite toys, the Trio Animal Bag- A stuffed animal storage system and soft seat in one. What a great idea! No need to buy a separate bean bag. I'm sure the kids would love sitting on their favorite owl or turtle. Even adults can lounge on it while having a pint of beer and a bag of chips. Perfect gift for hubby's who are couch potatoes! Hmm... Isn't Father's Day coming up soon?

What Not to Buy

For the first time, I am writing about things NOT to buy. I don't want your hubby's to start complaining that I have turned my friends into fellow shopaholics. Yes, I do have a practical side too! It comes out once in a blue moon...

I find that there are more and more mom friends who are pregnant nowadays. Must be the age! However, the New York Times just wrote about the rise of abortions in the US now because of the recession. Sad! If only these parents knew that their babies would be such little sweethearts... I'm glad none of my friends have decided to go this path.

I am attending two baby showers in the next 2 weeks. Yes, if I'm not at a children's party, I would be at a baby shower. My co-worker asked me what my plans are for the weekend guessing I would be out partying. To his surprise, I said my life is now filled with activities for baby which I love (shopping for baby being my fave!)

Since I have a few friends who are expecting and are in the process of completing their newborn list, I decided to write about things NOT to buy. I made a huge mistake of trying to get everything that's recommended online and in stores, only to find out that most are useless. Of course, this is subjective since each person has a different lifestyle but see how my list can help you save a few bucks.

1. Burp Cloths- If it's only for baby's saliva and spit, I find that muslin squares are good enough. I got nice ones with designs from Carter but did not use them at all.

2. Microwave Sterilizer- Yes, it does seem that it's gonna make it easier to sterilize bottles but hubby was right that boiling water with a normal pot is more trustworthy. I hope my friend whom I passed it on ended up using this too.


3. Sleep Positioner- I saw a friend use one of these for her baby and got one for my daughter. She hated it so much that she would cry when I put her in between the two pillows.

4. Snuggle Nest- This portable bed looked like a great idea but again, baby didn't like at all and I didn't need it.


5. Infant Gowns- I read on a site that infant gowns are better to use when baby is sleeping so I can just pull up the garter to change her nappy at night. It doesn't really matter what she wears in the end!

6. Pacifier Thermometer- My mom sent a pacifier that baby can suck to check her temperature. It didn't work at all.

7. Diaper Genie- I didn't want baby's room to stink of poo so got this cool trash can, but since nanny is there to throw out the garbage everyday, a normal wastebasket I can step on worked better for me.


8. Nasal Aspirator- The one I got was too complicated and never used it too.

9. Moses Basket- I didn't bother buying one of these. My daughter slept in her own crib, in her own room by herself since birth.

10. Room thermometer- I have not had any luck with these things, unfortunately!

11. Breastfeeding pillow- This just made it more uncomfortable to nurse baby.

12. Baby shoes- Believe it or not, I didn't use shoes on baby at this age. Her socks from Trumpette given by my friend were enough. Cute and fashionable too!


Okay, I promised I wasn't gonna ask you or hubby to spend but I can't help but recommend the following things for baby. These things, I couldn't live without:

1. Bouncer/Rocker- My baby loved it when this vibrated and put her to sleep while in the living room. I returned the Mothercare and bought the Kate Spade one.

2. Grobag- These lil sleeping sacks are perfect for summer.

3. Baby gym and playmat- My daughter was really happy playing with this while lying down.

4. Annabel Karmel book- I read this book all the way through til she became one. Her recipes are good too!

5. Nursing tops, nursing bras, nursing tops and nursing covers (if breastfeeding)- I only did this for 2 gruesome months, definitely a lifesaver!

6. Changing mat- I got one I can just place on top of the crib and this saved a lot of space that's available in Mothercare. Get a portable one too when traveling with baby. I was lucky to receive one of those fashionable mats that turned into clutches.


7. Baby DVDs- My daughter got bored with Baby Einstein but loved her Fisher Price.

8. Baby Toys and Blankie- Anything to help stimulate and soothe baby really helped.

9. Dr. Brown Anti-Colic Bottles- My daughter stopped spitting up when she drank from these bottles.

10. Baby Bjorn- Baby just loved being in the carrier and close to Mommy.

11. Maxi Cosi car seat- I used this together with our Quinny and she loved this seat more than the Dreami carseat where she cannot see a thing while lying down.



12. Mustela bath products- Love love love the smell. I use it on myself when baby is not looking.

13. California Baby sunscreen- If Suri doesn't use it, your baby should too.

14. Pacifier clip- If you are gonna give your baby a dummy, get her one of these so it doesn't drop and get dirty.



15. Clothes- This is my fave! Get baby all the cute onesies you can get hold of, just make sure you don't buy too much like I did.

Uhoh... my list had more things to buy than not. My bad! I guess I can't help being me...

Jazz Up Your Pram Too!

I haven't bought the stroller liner for baby's Maclaren. Boo! It's getting a bit dirty already and I think it's about time to give my daughter's pram a new look. It's my fault, I let baby eat in her pram so the there are stains all over. Good thing, nanny is around now to clean them!

I don't know what we do to our pram... the handles are a bit torn and one wheel is also worn out. That's funny since I just bought it less than 6 months ago. I noticed the wheel was a bit funny after we flew back from Manila. Hmm...I think I have to check the warranty. Perhaps, they can throw in a free stroller liner from Maclaren after they fix it? Wishful thinking!

If they don't budge, then I am forced to get one! I raved about the Booyah liners before but now, they just seem a bit overkill and prefer the ones from Hedvig Bourbon (more expensive than Booyah though). I think the Amelie one in lavender looks great on baby's gray Maclaren. So cool, they even sell matching diaper bags.



My fave product from Hedvig Bourbon is their mosquito net. I love the little dragonflies attached to the net. I can imagine my daughter trying to pull them off the net though and into her mouth haha! Well, at least she won't have dengue! Just dragonflies in her stomach...

House Sitting

When it comes to baby stuff that are placed in the common area of our home, like the dining or living room, I prefer that it matches our furniture rather than it looking too kiddie, if you know what I mean. Good thing there are contemporary baby furniture around! When my baby needed a bouncer/rocker, I bought the Kate Spade one because it was black and red and it matched our crimson colored walls. Good thing my daughter loved it too! I found out later that the normal Maclaren version (not branded) was half the price and I regretted buying it... but then again it will look out of place in our living room if it wasn't Kate Spade. Too bad I couldn't convert it into bag after my daughter used it (for only a couple of months) so I just sold it on Asiaxpat.

I still haven't bought a proper high chair and it is becoming a nightmare since my daughter stands on her seat and it is just an accident waiting to happen. Good thing I got an email from Our Baby, the baby warehouse near our place and they happen to sell Bloom. I checked their catalogue online and boy their stuff are really neat...

I don't need a bouncer for my daughter anymore but for those who do, I would suggest you get this one. Really sleek!


I have been seeing the Bloom fresco high chair around but in white and I didn't fancy it too much but when I saw the black and hot pink version, I thought it looked great!


There's also a slimmer high chair called Nano and looks less like a bar stool compared to Fresco, I think this is more practical and occupies less space.


They also have tables and chairs for kids but I don't really need them yet now. Again, they look so nice, you wouldn't think they are for kids.


I wonder what they'll think of next! Since we don't have a garage, my daughter's ride-on-toy and walker is parked inside our apartment, I wish Bloom can come up with their own designs to replace the multi-colored ones (Vtech and Little Tikes) we have now...

Double Trouble

I wouldn't know what to do if I had twins. I guess no mom is really prepared for two babies right away and is just forced to deal with the situation when it comes. One of my best friends in Manila had two boys 6 or 7 years ago... (gosh! I am such a bad godmother, I don't even know how old they are). She was telling me it was a riot at home, especially when they started running, shouting and hurting each other. Oh no! But, when I see her she is always glowing and is very happy so I guess it's not that bad after all. I guess there's no need to worry anymore about playgroups if you have two!

But most worry that seeing double also means double in costs. Ouch! Don't you wish everything for sale was buy one, take one? Having twins does not necessarily mean buying two of the same thing. Thank God! At least the concept of sharing is learned at a very young age... sharing mom's milk, dad's pocket money, hopefully just not the same boyfriend/girlfriend when they grow older!

And since Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick are expecting twin daughters from a surrogate mother, Brangelina have Vivienne and Knox and J.Lo and Marc Anthony have Emme and Max, twins are IN!

Let's go through some of the cool products for twins on the market...

Who says you can't carry both babies at the same time on your chest? Weego developed a baby carrier for twins. I love the plaid design, reminds me of Ralph Lauren. If grandma borrowed one baby, you can just slip a doll into the other pocket...


Of course, there's always the double buggy. Too bad there is no double Quinny or Bugaboo yet, but at least there is a double Maclaren. Saw one at the Elements mall last weekend and the two baby boys looked so cute wearing the same clothes, sucking on the same dummy and holding the same stuffed doll.


There are also some twin cribs, if you want babies to sleep close to each other. Some just buy separate beds but I kinda like the idea of them under the canopy. How sweet!


The easiest stuff to buy for twins are clothing, I saw a mom just buy two of several items in H&M one day... I wonder how much her bill was. Good thing there's H&M! If I had twins though, I don't think I'll be dressing them up in the same clothes all the time. I can't help but laugh at these twin onesies though...


Graco also has a twin bassinet/playpen, at least there's something babies can finally share now without using up too much space. Just hope the babies don't get into a wrestling match in there!


And if you are worried about nursing the two babies together without playing favorites, check out this nursing pillow for twins from Double Blessings.

Dwell on the Past

Hautelook just sent an email about Cynthia Rowley's Dwell Studio for Baby. I did an internship with Cynthia Rowley when I lived in New York six years ago. It was only a month but it was unforgettable. I just loved her... her clothes and shoes just reflects her fun character. Bright colors, swirls, polka dots.... that's her signature! She would even come to work wearing pigtails. What a great experience!

If you are planning to spice up baby's room, why not go for her contemporary beddings? Perfect if you feel you are tired of the girlie pinks and baby blues. Hurry up as there are exactly 29 hours left for this sale... most items are 75% off, now isn't that a good deal? Can you tell I worked for her before? Too much brand loyalty!

Chocolate Motif Bed Skirt

Oval Motif Crib Set

Gio Lemon Crib Set

Cowboy Crib Set

Baby on-the-Go

Was so happy to see my friend's baby again at my daughter's party. She is so tiny and at barely one month, she is already a party girl! She's a very good baby though, no matter where you take her, she is just quiet in her pram. In fact, I had to look a couple of times inside Bugaboo to see if she was really there! (If you read Shopaholic and baby, Becky Bloomwood went around shopping with a pram with no baby in it, don't ask me why!) She was so different from my daughter who's such a light sleeper, I couldn't even flush the toilet or else she would wake up! She also didn't like being swaddled or being confined to small spaces (hated the Snugglenest and baby positioner I got her).

For babies who don't mind their space being restricted and who likes being out with Mommy, I found the travel-friendly baby bag, the Lilliebaby EuroTote. It's a moses carrier, play blanket and travel bed all- in- one. Plus it has two interchangable covers for winter and summer (perfect if baby is Eurasian). It looks like a backpack where you can put baby, not too fashionable but functional. If baby is small and you are worried he or she might just slip out of the pram, you might want to consider getting one. This will come in handy too when camping out on the woods or the picnicking at the park. Have not seen this in Hong Kong yet, but you can order online at MySimon or TheBabyOutlet for US$129.

Get Me out of this Mess!

Since baby is growing up, she is
1) becoming really active and restless and cannot stay in one place
2) accumulating more and more toys
3) growing taller now and can reach for more things on the drawer or bookshelf (to pull into the floor)

Yes, that is what's in store when you have a year-old baby. While I am happy about all these changes (she is also becoming more independent... can't wait for her to wipe her own ass hehe), I am not happy about the mess she is making! Our apartment is looking like one playground/nursery with her toys all over the place. And since we have no nanny at the moment, that means mom and dad are picking up after her.

It's time to look for the best storage for her toys and see what I can buy (that's the best part about it, going shopping AGAIN).

Toy Box/Toy Chest. I love toy chests! I always wanted one when I was a kid, I wanted to store my lil treasures in there and I thought it would be nice to keep it until I'm old enough to be someone's grandma. When tired of fixing baby's room, you can also sit down on the cushion of this lil princess toy box for some R & R. If you have a baby boy, why not get this circus one and when he is naughty, you can put them in there with a stuffed tiger?




Travel Box/Case. I like the idea of this box, it's foldable and you can put it aside if not needed. Also, it's multi-purpose and can be used for different things like files, laundry, porn films (oops), etc. This is also good for traveling and can be placed in your trunk. The suitcase idea is a bit cute, perfect when you feel like baby needs a day with grandma.




Toy hammock. Now, that is a cute idea for all of baby's stuffed dolls. I am lucky I have a bunk bed where I can put all of the dolls on top like they are watching over baby while she is asleep. Make sure stuffed toys should in the crib with her for safety reasons. I wonder if I can put my baby to sleep in this hammock as well. Guess not!



Bongo buckets. They look like trash cans but it makes cleaning up fun. Just throw the toys in the bin and whoever gets the most points wins a prize (like not having to wash the dishes, or better yet a new diaper bag). Choose the colors that match baby's room. Get one for your room as well if you don't have a hamper.



Toy Chain. Now, I am not so keen on this idea. Sure, it makes all the stuffed animals look cute by hanging in the room but I'm just afraid baby will either wrap it around her neck or try hanging on it too. We don't want baby to have any ideas about suicide just yet.



All available at Amazon.com.

Cash and Carry 2

Baby carriers seem to be the fashion statement of today's mom. Well, baby and mom are both "wearing" it, so it makes sense that it has to be stylish! There are tons of new carriers out there, depends on your personality and preference. Let me help you make the decision. Are you one of the following?

1. Pop- Cultured Mom
All-time favorite is Baby Bjorn. Almost all moms have this carrier, it's very comfortable, stylish and easy to use. I had one in black and white when baby was small (best for first six months). Unfortunately, she can't fit in this anymore. There are different models, Original, Air, Synergy, Active and the newly launched spirit in eight new colors. I love the hot pink and lime! If you feel you need to match your carrier with your outfit, feel free to take all! Notice that the photo is of dad using it, some men like this too so make sure it goes with daddy's tie. Or better yet, get him another color. US$69.95. Baby Bjorn is available at Mothercare (both in Hong Kong and Manila) and Bumps to Babes (Hong Kong).



2. Earth-Friendly Mama
For older babies, most moms use the Ergobaby carrier. One of my yummeemommy friends was using it yesterday and I had the chance to try it with baby. To my surprise, it was really comfy! I thought my baby was too big to be carried. This carrier has better weight distribution and won't hurt your back as much as the Bjorn. I love the camel and black color, has that "organic feel" or if you want a hot design, they've got the Hawaiian print. Ergobaby is just perfect for going up the Mid-levels Escalator or going around SoHo where prams are just not convenient. Celeb moms who love Ergobaby are Amanda Peet and Keri Russell. Ergobaby is available at Bumps to Babes or can be ordered online at US$99.95 at Ergobaby.



3. Outdoor Fanatic
If you think Ergobaby is a bit bulky, the Belle baby carrier has thinner straps and a sleeker look. What I like about it is baby can face outwards so she can see what's in front of her (instead of staring at my chest or my face) when walking. Belle is actually co-designed by rock-climbing enthusiasts so this carrier is safe for hiking and all outdoor activities. Other moms parading with Belle are Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts. Now, if this carrier doesn't get you a ticket to the Oscars, I don't know what. My fave are the Cheetah, Cherry and Capuccino styles for US$89.95 to US$99.95 at BelleBabyCarriers.



4. Brand- Conscious Mommy
If you are a celeb mom wannabe and don't really fancy Julia or Angelina, the best baby carrier for you is of course, Gucci. Yummee Mom Gwen Stefani just swears by it. This carrier is best for 3-9 months and costs US$730 so if baby is too big for the carrier, maybe you can put in your poodle to make the most out of it. Goes well with the Gucci diaper bag. Just make sure you don't wear your Gucci shoes too or else you would look like a walking logo!



5. Bohemian Babe
If style your priority, I think the Calyx is the must-have. The cute print is perfect for spring/summer and looks good with matching bandanna! Looks like the Ergobaby, just with floral fabrics. Perfect for strolling at the park or picking roses from the garden! US$129 at Mamabydesign.

Cash and Carry!

Gone are the days when just cars and diamonds are status symbols! Now, even prams and believe it or not, baby carriers are fashionable! And they are not cheap? So if you do not have a baby yet, go ahead and make one, they are the the best accessory!

Prams we Love to Own:

Bugaboo. There's a frog, bee and cameleon! Cameleon is the best option for newborns (US$650- $800). What I like are the Paul Frank accessories you can buy to dress it up! The limited edition by Bas Kosters is even more expensive at US$2000! Umm, I can already buy a nice bag for that price.




Quinny. Buzz (Version 3 and 4) and Zapp. Sounds like names of robots and this pram looks like one! If you have a newborn, it's a must to get the Dreami cot (but with my experience, baby did not use this for long and preferred the Maxi Cosi where she can see things around her). US$550 without the Dreami and Maxi Cosi yet.



Maclaren. The lightest pram of all. Perfect for traveling, not weight-lifting. For newborns, the Techno XLR is recommended. Love the Kate Spade (US$325) or Juicy Couture (US$450) versions for baby girl. There's also one by Burberry (US$690) and Lacoste (US$399) for baby boy.



Fendi by Aprica. I'm not sure about the functionality but you are definitely paying for the logos at US$1600. Love the fur version for Winter! How chic is that?



Cash and Carry Part 2 on Baby Carriers Coming Up Soon!

Pimp My Crib

What's exciting about preparing for baby's birth is the decoration of baby's nursery. Of course it helps to find out the gender of the baby first before decorating. Or if you would like to be surprised, a unisex theme would be appropriate.

I knew I was having a daughter before giving birth but she was sharing her room with her older brother (who visits us twice a year from Paris). So pink was definitely a no-no! We had to get a bunk bed to save some space (brother on top and lil baby's crib was underneath). At first, I freaked out about the stability of the bed and was afraid big brother might just fall on her one day. Good thing, it turned out well.

We went to Ikea for some accents and got a cute sun-shaped lamp for the ceiling. We also found a wooden drawer which my hubby painted into bright orange and gold. Neat huh?

My hubby did the painting of the whole room himself and chose powder blue.. the kind of blue that's okay for girls! He also made a stencil of a giraffe, and painted it gold on the wall. (He was supposed to paint more animals but got lazy! Boo!). Then, we got some nautical- striped curtains from a store in Wanchai to match the walls.

I picked animals as her theme for the beddings from Mothercare and got her a mobile from Fisher Price in Toys R Us in Tsimshatsui. The room looked like a lil sailboat/ mini zoo. Tada! The nursery is done.

Some cute celeb nurseries:

For baby girl (Jessica Alba's nursery for Honor Marie):


For baby boy (Christina Aguilera's nursery for Max):


For twins (J.Lo's nursery for Max and Emme):


For more ideas for baby nursery designs, check out Target (love the stuff by Cynthia Rowley, DwellStudio), Ikea if you are on a budget. There's also my fave Pottery Barn Kids and Baby Gap Home. Or Posh Tots and Jack and Jill interiors (celebrity nursery designer) if you don't mind spending a lot. Just don't paint your nursery black ala Gwen Stefani for baby Zuma. Have fun!

High Five

I am posting about high chairs because this is my frustration. Since flats in HK are pretty small, every piece of furniture (and baby furniture for that matter) has to be thought about. So for now, lil buddha is on a clip-on chair which she is small for her now. So, once we move, I'll shop for a high chair before anything else (okay, second to the Tod's bag I like).

Top Five High Chairs by Yummee Mommy

A friend of mine recommended the Tripp Trapp by Stokke. It is also one of the most popular high chairs because of the nice wood, and space- saving design. Aside from that, older kids can use it too. It's a bit expensive though but after baby uses it, you can probably chop off the nice wood and use it for something else (kidding!).



I happen to like the look of wooden high chairs, because our dining table is wooden too. Svan Anka looks okay, available in Espresso, Honey and Natural available at highchairs.com for US$179.99.



This director's chair, I mean high chair, is pretty cool too, especially with all the candy colors. They look like different flavours of skittles. Unfortunately, I can't get all of them, unless I plan to have octuplets like Nadya Soleman. God forbid! The brand is called Keekaroo, looks like a Tripp Trapp without the cushion but cheaper at $144.95.



Hilo also has candy colors. I am not sure though about this seat that can be rotated. Do you think baby can fall if this moves?



If you are looking for a more traditional high chair, here's one that looks like it was pulled out from your grandfather's library, I suggest you get the Eddie Bauer one for sale at Target. I guess it would be better if your baby was a boy though.



Note: Please read the reviews from moms who actually bought these high chairs, if you are concerned about the safety. YummeeMommy is not liable for any accidents caused by thesee products. These recommendations are only based on their design and cool factor.

Which one I will get? I still don't know!