Airplane travel with your baby

Even if you racked up your share of frequent flyer miles before your baby was born, forget what you know of travel so far. Flying with a little one is a whole different story.

You can travel with your little ones and enjoy the process. Forethought and preparation are the keys.

Planning the trip

The details of your trip often can mean the difference between success and disaster. Keep these ideas in mind as you plan:

1) Examine all aspects of the journey when you book your flights. Aim for direct flights so that you can avoid changing planes. If you have to make a change, avoid short layovers that give you too little time to get from gate to gate, and conversely avoid long layovers that require lots of idle time in airports.

2) When you make your reservations, give the agent the ages of all passengers. You may learn some important rules such as:

- FAA regulations allow only one lap-child per adult. If you are traveling with two children, and only one adult, one child will require a seat of his own. (Not that you would want to travel with two children on your lap!)
- Some airlines do not allow newborns to fly, check on age requirements.
- Some airlines offer discounted prices for children’s tickets.
- Most airplanes have only one extra oxygen mask in each row, which means you can only seat one lap-child in each row. If two adults are traveling with two children, consider sitting across the aisle from each other, or two behind two.
- Some airlines count carseats or strollers as extra baggage.

3) If your child falls asleep easily and stays asleep, try scheduling travel for during your child’s nap or sleep times. If you have a finicky sleeper, on the other hand, avoid traveling during usual sleep times, as your baby may just stay fussy and awake.

4) Reserve your seats in advance to be sure your entire party sits together.
- If you have an infant, ask for the bulkhead (front row) and request a bassinet.
- Contrary to popular advice, I think it’s best to avoid the bulkhead with older babies and toddlers, because these seats offer neither under-seat space nor seat pocket, so you'll have to store all your toys and supplies in the overhead compartment. Also, in the bulkhead, the food tray pops up from the armrest, effectively trapping you in your seat when your table is laden with food.
- Don’t put your child in the aisle seat, as the food cart and passengers carrying luggage could injure your child.

Yummy Bacon Buddies Recipe

Have fun with your kids preparing this burger delight!

Ingredients

700g top ground sirloin or any choice lean beef
200g bacon, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 tbsp breadcrumbs
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (preferably with mustard seeds)
4 wholegrain burger buns or muffins, split and toasted
4 slices mozzarella
4 eggs, fried (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Iceberg or baby lettuce and sliced tomatoes to serve

Method

1. Combine beef, bacon, broth, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl to mix well. Divide mixture equally and shape into ¾-inch thick patties. Refrigerate for about an hour to set.

2. Grill patties over medium coal or toast on a heavy skillet, oiled with a little butter or olive oil (over medium heat) for about two minutes on each side.

3. Place in a pre-heated oven (150 deg C) to cook for about six minutes for medium rare or up to 10 minutes for well-done.

4. Complete process by grilling on open coal or a skillet for another two minutes, placing the cheese slices on top of the last flip.

5. Serve immediately, dressed with salad, relish, and your choice of mayonnaise or a light cream dressing.

Smoking while breastfeeding affects babies' sleep

Babies whose mothers smoke cigarettes before breastfeeding sleep less and not as well, according to study.

"Infants spent less time sleeping overall and woke up from naps sooner when their mothers smoked prior to breastfeeding...."

Fifteen nursing mothers and their babies were monitored on days when the mothers smoked and on days when they did not. On smoking days, the women were allowed 20 minutes to smoke in another room just before breastfeeding. Some had just one cigarette while others had two or three.

The level of sleep disruption was directly related to the dose of nicotine infants received from their mothers' milk, consistent with a role for nicotine in causing the sleep disruptions.

The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, raise new questions regarding whether nicotine exposure through breast milk affects infant development.

While many women quit or cut down on smoking while pregnant, they often relapse following the birth of the baby. Mennella comments, "Because nicotine is not contraindicated during lactation, mothers may believe that smoking while breastfeeding will not harm their child as long as the child is not exposed to passive smoke. However, there has been very little research on either short- or long-term effects of nicotine delivered through breast milk."

What women really eat in pregnancy?

We all know we're meant to have a healthy diet when pregnant, but what if our pregnancy cravings are for cream cakes instead of black chicken soup?

Between the food we're supposed to eat every day and the foods we shouldn't touch with a barge pole, is it any wonder we're confused about our antenatal diet?

Eating during pregnancy can be a minefield. We're bombarded with nutritional advice, and food-safety guidelines seem to change every five minutes. If you're a busy pregnant woman, cooking a nutritionally balanced meal every night can be an added stress. And if you're pregnancy cravings see you eating salt-and-vinegar crisps every hour on the hour, what's a girl to do?

Despite having access to a wealth of healthy-eating information 67% of mums-to-be still think they should double their food intake during pregnancy. In fact, an extra 300 calories a day is plenty. The resilience of this old wives' tale shows just how confused we are.

'Eating well during pregnancy can be quite straightforward,. 'There's no such thing as unhealthy food, only an unhealthy diet. Don't worry about the odd treat, as long as your overall nutrition is balanced.

'If you accidentally eat something you're advised not to, such as soft cheese or shellfish, don't panic. These carry a higher risk of food poisoning, but they're not guaranteed to harm you or your baby, especially if just a one-off. If you can't resist food such as prawns, store and cook them properly and they'll be safe.'

Expert advice on pregnancy nutrition

This list of foods you can tuck into any time from 0 to 40 weeks...

· Eat as much organic fruit and vegetables as you like, the more colours the better. They're packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

· If you really do crave something 'naughty', then some organic dark chocolate or a health-food-shop cereal bar every now and again is the best option.

· Hearty soups containing pulses (lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, flageolet beans) are great comfort food, and an excellent source of vegetable protein. Plus they're low in fat and high in fibre and essential B-vitamins.

· Natural organic yogurt provides friendly bacteria – good for the digestive system. Add your own fruit for a tasty treat.

· Mixed fresh nuts (Brazil, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts) are ideal snacks, as are pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Good sources of protein and essential fats.

· Cheese oatcakes are a super snack. They balance blood-sugar levels and sustain energy.

How to Buy Infants’ Best Educational Toys?

Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants seem to do so little that educating them right after birth might strike you as a bit rushed. However, the fact is that your baby is learning at a great speed, taking in everything that is around, and picking up habits, information and words.

Research shows that many disabilities and learning disorders in young children can be avoided by providing them with appropriate cognitive stimulation as early as possible. By giving your infant the right stimulation, you can ward off such problems and groom your baby for pre-school and the challenges that follow.

Every parent wants the best of everything for their child, but sometimes it is hard to know what is best when there are so many choices and opinions. Choosing toys for your child can be stressful because of the sheer number of factors you have to consider before making a buy, and the staggering variety of options you have. However, selecting good educational toys plays a very significant role in your child's development, and as such cannot be disregarded or treated casually.

Here are some tips you need to know to understand more about your infants’ best educational toys.

Guideline for Your Toyshop
Remember these guidelines as you toyshop for your baby:
1. The visual perception of infants is limited, so make sure to buy toys in bright, contrasting colors.

2. Activity centers and crib mobiles fascinate newborns. Some mobiles come with an adjustable height option so that you can make sure the mobile is in your baby’s visual range.

3. Babies up to six months old have very limited motor skills and love high-pitched sounds. Chimes, rattles, teething rings, colorful pictures and soft blocks will stimulate your baby at this age.

4. For babies between six to nine months old, you can buy building blocks, activity boxes and cubes, stacking ring cones, and bath toys. Try to vary the textures of the toys.

5. Between the age of nine months and a year, babies are old enough to enjoy and learn from toys such as nesting cups, push and pull toys, large crayons, spades, and stacking blocks.

6. It always helps to keep in mind that you do not need fancy and expensive toys to stimulate your infant. You might bring home a very trendy toy for your baby only to find that baby finds the packaging far more interesting. Your young child just needs stimulation and a way to express their creativity, and this can be done with homemade toys as well.

Bathing your Newborn Baby

If you're not sure how to bath your baby, this article will help give you step-by-step instructions how to give your baby a nice, safe, clean bath!

First, you should ensure that you have a suitable baby bathtub for the job. Preferable, use a bathtub that has a sloped base, and line the base with a non-slip mat. Fill the tub with lukewarm water, testing the temperature with the corner of your elbow.

If may be much easier on your back if you use a changing station. Many of the stations sold in our local department stores come with concealed bath-tubs, hidden under the changing mat. The best thing about these stations is that they are usually the "perfect" height, so that you won't have to bend whilst bathing your little one. Believe me, the bending is back-breaking! Also, many stations have useful compartments and shelves for you to neatly store your soaps, creams, powders, diapers and other baby stuff!


*Make sure that all fans and airconditioners are turned off - you wouldn't want baby to catch a chill!

Step by Step:

The first thing you need to do is to wash your baby's hair, behind the ears and neck. You can do this before placing baby into the water, and you can keep his cloths on until after you've washed his head. Don't wash his face - that will probably only make him struggle! You can use sterilized cotton dipped in cool sterilized water to wipe his face before or after his bath.



To bath baby, place him gently in the bathtub whilst supporting his head, making sure that he doesn't hit his head if he should kick or push himself upwards! Use a soft sponge (I recommend Mothercare sponges) to scrub him gently. Splash the water all over his body for a good wash, avoiding his face and ears. Most importantly, don't miss any crevices.


How do I hold my baby when he's taking his bath?
Well, you should ensure that you support his neck with your forearm. With the same hand, grip around his armpit securely. This will ensure that baby doesn't slip from your grip and injure himself. Use your free hand to lather and scrub your baby.Talk to him in a gentle, reassuring tone to help him enjoy the bath!

Once you're done bathing baby, lift him out of the tub making sure you maintain your grip around shoulder and with your other hand support his bottom. Transfer him onto a towel, wrap it around him and dry him off. Apply some nappy cream, put on his cutest baby outfit and you're good to go!

Toddlers are smarter than apes

I came across this interesting article. Think most of us will find this really interesting.

So thought of sharing this with all of you.

"A unique study comparing the abilities of human toddlers to chimpanzees and orangutans found that 2 year old children have social learning skills superior to the apes, researchers said..."

European scientists gave a battery of cognitive tests lasting three to five hours separately to 105 children aged 2, 106 chimpanzees and 32 orangutans over two weeks.

In one social learning test, a researcher showed the children and apes how to pop open a plastic tube to get food or a toy contained inside. The children observed and imitated the solution. Chimpanzees and orangutans, however, tried to smash open the tube or yank out the contents with their teeth.

The researchers believe their findings provide insight into the evolution of human cognition. People's brains are three times larger than those of the closest primate relatives.

The researchers found that the children were far more advanced than the chimps and orangutans in understanding nonverbal communications, copying another person's solution to a problem and understanding the intentions of others.

The apes - who performed the tests in animal sanctuaries in Africa and Indonesia - were closer to the toddlers in some other tests like those measuring "physical cognitive skills" involving things like quantities and causality, the researchers found.

How food affects your kids behaviour

This articles reveals what foods have positive effects, and which foods you should avoid.

Scientists agree that certain foods do affect children's temperaments and ability to concentrate. Meals containing lots of carbohydrates, such as potatoes or pasta, tend to be more calming than high-protein food, and caffeine acts as a stimulant. Hunger and lack of energy also makes children irritable and unable to concentrate as well as they usually might.

A healthy diet will have beneficial effects on how your child feels and behaves. It can help ward off colds and constipation, and can also boost energy levels, concentration and general wellbeing, leaving him more positive and cheerful

Hyperactivity: Food additives

The evidence linking additives to hyperactivity is growing. In study, 3 year olds who had a fruit drink with artificial colourings and benzoate preservatives were more hyperactive than those who had a placebo. New research from has just confirmed artificial colours and a preservative used widely in children's foods can affect children's behaviour. After eating foods that contained these additives, children experienced temper tantrums, poor concentration and hyperactivity.

Omega 3s: do they really boost child's brainpower?

Of the many fish-oil studies, only five have made it into scientific journals. They all involved children with learning difficulties such as ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and DCD (developmental co-ordination disorder). Some found improvements in academic performance and behaviour. But not all reached the same conclusion. And some had no placebo group, so there's no way of knowing if the children flourished because of the supplements or the extra attention they received during the trial. It is possible that omega-3 supplements may benefit all children, but there's no scientific proof that they do.

5 tips for feeding your children

· Avoid dehydration. Children are more easily affected by a lack of fluid than adults, and even mild dehydration can result in headaches and irritability.

· Eating breakfast can improve school performance and reduce symptoms of depression and hyperactivity.

· Give regular meals and snacks. Children become more whingey and easily upset when they're hungry.

· Provide plenty of iron-rich foods (meat, fish and fortified breakfast cereals). Low iron levels can lead to lethargy, irritability and depression.

· Avoid processed foods. Instead make meals and snacks from fresh, wholesome food whenever possible and include plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Summer Sand-Sation @ White Sasnd

Come soak in the FUN at the new-look White Sands!

Check out the Families BIKE_IN Community ride!

16 Sep, Flag off @10.30am

Hope on a bike and go coastung around Pasir Ris with your family! Pls register at the customer service onounter, level2.

Wheel-y Cool Carnival

16 Sep, open field 11am-6pm

Enjoy a day of carnival delights!

http://www.whitesands.com.sg/whats_happening.php

8.4- Magnitude Sumatra Earthquake Affected Singapore!

Check out this video clip taken at my parents house at Eunos to see the impact of the tremor!

The above video clip is taken by my dad this morning, 13 Sep 2007, when tremor is again felt.

SINGAPORE : Singapore buildings swayed after an earthquake hit Indonesia on Wednesday, 12 Sep 2007, evening and this morning, 13 Sep 2007, around 8am.

Residents in various parts of the island felt the quake and people in some buildings, including in the central business district, were evacuated as a safety precaution.

Areas in Singapore which felt the tremors included Novena, Paris Ris, Raffles Place, Potong Pasir, Marsiling, Toa Payoh and Thomson Road.

Singapore’s Meteorological Services said the earthquake measured 8.5 on the Richter Scale. The preliminary reading was 7.9.

The earthquake struck out at sea at 7.10pm. Its epicentre was 120 kilometres south—west of the Sumatran town of Bengkulu, at a depth of 15 kilometres.

This is some 670 kilometres from Singapore.

The Power of Epsom Salt

Useful Tips for Tired Mummies and Daddies...

How can Epsom Salt helps and what are it's benefits (eg. ease stress, lower blood pressure, create happy and relax feeling, raise energy level...etc)

Check out more information below...

Have you heard of Epsom Salt?

It's a natural remedy to help relieve muscles and joint aches. You can dissolved it in warm/hot bath and soak inside. It can help to calm the body and promote restful sleep. Have a DIY Spa @ home..

You can get them easily in Singapore from any pharmacies. Quite cheap :)

Information of Epsom Salt

Magnesium, which is a major component of Epsom Salt, is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body. Magnesium also helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.

Researchers and physicians report that raising magnesium levels may:

Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.

Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.

Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

Rash of Sore Eyes

There's alot of cases on rash of sore eyes recently, especially on kids. Take action now to protect your little ones.

Clinics see an average of 1,100 conjunctivities cases in a week!!

And there have been 27,710 cases of conjunctivities here so far this year!

Read out more about the news to understand some of the basic symptons and what should be done if infected by it.

Symptons

Sudden onset of red, itchy eyes. There may also be fever, headache, running nose, sore throat and muscle aches…

What should you do if you child gets infected?

Avoid rubbing their eyets and should wash their hands after touching their eyes. Eye drops and eye wash should not be shared…

Read more on this article to find out more....

By MediaCorp.

NATAS FAIR 2007!

Yeah! NATAS FAIR 2007 is here! :)

Take this chance to check out any nice place for a trip with your family or love ones.

Date : September 14 - 16

Venue : Singapore Expo Halls 4B & 5

Expect a full-force of globetrotters on the lookout for the best travel experiences from laidback retreats and romantic getaways to adventure-filled explorations at the consumer travel fair. NATAS Holidays 2007 puts all travelers under one roof for the ultimate offers. Exhibitors include NATAS travel agencies, national tourist organisations, hotels & resorts, attractions, airlines, cruises, car rental, travel insurance, winter clothings and travel luggage & accessories.

For more information, please contact the events department at events@natas.travel
or call 6534-0187.

Visit Holidays 2007 @ http://www.natastravelfair.travel

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Hospital Charges

Here's a list of hospital charges for your reference.

KK Women's & Children's Hospital

100 Bukit Timah RoadSingapore 229899
Tel: 62934044

Daily Ward Fees Daily Nursery Fees

Class A(single bed) $297.00 $63.70

Class A(2-bedded) $217.10 $63.70

Class B1(4-bedded) $171.70 $63.70

Class B2+(5-bedded) $110.00 $41.00

Class B2(6-bedded) $43.00 $41.00

Class C(open ward) $22.00 $41.00

East Shore Hospital

321 Joo Chiat PlaceSingapore 427990

Tel: 63447588

Daily Room Rates
Single deluxe room $430.50
Single room $362.25
2-bedded room $210.00
4-bedded room $141.75
Lodger (extra bed) with meals $59.85

Mount Alvernia Hospital

820 Thomson RoadSingapore 574623

Tel: 63476688

Fixed Priced Maternity Packages
Single room Double room 4-bedded room
Normal delivery
- 2 days $1,764.00 $1,050.00 $934.50
- 3 days $2,168.25 $1,349.25 $1,176.00
Normal delivery (with epidural)
- 2 days $2,084.25 $1,370.25 $1,254.75
- 3 days $2,488.50 $1,669.50 $1,496.250
Assisted delivery
- 2 days $1,853.25 $1,139.25 $1,023.75
- 3 days $2,257.50 $1,438.50 $1,265.25
Assisted delivery (with epidural)
- 2 days $2,173.50 $1,459.50 $1,344.00
- 3 days $2,577.75 $1,758.75 $1,585.50
Caesarean section (with GA)
- 3 days $2,919.00 $1,858.50 $1,685.25
- 4 days $3,323.25 $2,157.75 $1,926.75
Caesarean section (with epidural)
- 3 days $2,793.00 $1,732.50 $1,559.25
- 4 days $3,197.25 $2,031.75 $1,800.75

Gleneagles Hospital

6A Napier RoadSingapore 258500

Tel: 64737222

Daily Room Rates
Gleneagles suite $3,684.45
Tanglin suite $3,159.45
Napier/Nassim suite $1,584.45
Executive suite $765.45
Deluxe (maternity) room $525.00
Single room $407.40
2-bedded room $241.50
4-bedded room $178.50
Other Charges

Nursery (before mum's discharge) $57.75 per day
Nursery (after mum's discharge) $89.25 per day

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

3 Mount ElizabethSingapore 228510

Tel: 67372666

Daily Room Rates
Single deluxe room $661.50
Single room $407.40
2-bedded room $241.50
4-bedded room $178.50
VIP room (with attached lounge) $2,625.00
Lodger (extra bed) with meals $78.75
Other Charges
Nursery $52.50 per day

Singapore General Hospital

Outram RoadSingapore 169608

Tel: 62223322

Daily Room Rates
Class A1+ (upgraded ward) $280.00
Class A1 (1-bedded) $250.00
Class B1 (4-bedded) $150.00
Class B2 (6-bedded) $50.00

Thomson Medical Centre

339 Thomson RoadSingapore 307677

Tel: 62502222

Daily Room Rates
VIP suite $764.40
Super deluxe single $512.40
Single-bedded room $367.50
2-bedded room $216.30
4-bedded room $168.00
Other Charges
Nursery-cot bed $100.00 per day
Companion Accommodation
VIP suite $100.00 daily
Super deluxe single $85.00 daily
Single-bedded room $75.00 daily

National University Hospital

5 Lower Kent Ridge RoadSingapore 119074

Tel: 6779 5555
Daily Room Rates Treatment Fee Nursery
Single room $262.50 $63.00 $31.50
4-bedded room $168.00 $52.50 $31.50
6-bedded room $50.00 $16.00 $15.00

Fussy Eaters

Take heart if you're struggling to get your child to eat properly, because you're certainly not alone: fussy eating isn't just common, it's normal!

Problems arise when your baby is around 12 months old as they become more aware of the world, their natural instincts may make them suspicious of new foods. Experts agree that the earlier you introduce particular types of food – preferably within the first year – the more likely they are to be accepted by your children, but there are no guarantees.

Sharing mealtimes is definitely a good idea, even if you just have a sandwich while feeding your child. 'If children are fed on their own and all the attention is focused on them and their eating, they may see it as the perfect way to hold your attention and prolong meals by playing rather than eating.

Fussy eating and your toddler

A common time for problems to arise is during the 'terrible 2s'. Having lulled you into a false sense of security, your toddler will wake one morning with dietary requirements that would make a Michelin-starred restaurant struggle.

Dealing with a child refusing to eat

There's a great deal of difference between asking a child firmly to eat his meal and making him sit in front of a plateful of congealing food for hours. If children refuse to eat and you know that there's no underlying reason, explain that they'll be hungry later and there won't be anything else on offer until the next meal.

One important golden rule is to stay calm and never make an issue out of a refusal to eat. But that's easier said than done when your 2 year old has thrown her meal on the floor because it wasn't quite to her liking, or your 3 year old won't even come to the table. And there's nothing more frustrating than having your offerings rejected by a toddler who has spent the morning stuffing everything inedible he can find in his mouth

Encouraging your child to try new foods

Apparently, 40% of mums resort to arranging food into shapes or patterns in an attempt to get their children to eat. If it works and you have the time, go for it, but it can backfire.

The key must be to find a balance. Nourishing, healthy food doesn't have to mean slaving away on some culinary masterpiece – don't forget there's as much sustenance in a slice of ham, a carrot stick and bowl of pasta as there is in a labour-intensive home-made casserole, and it's much easier to live with a rejected carrot stick than a dish that's taken hours to prepare.

Food tricks and mealtime tricks for fussy eaters

. Tempt them with healthy, easy-to-eat finger food, such as cubes of cheese, hard-boiled eggs, baby new potatoes and raisins.

· If you're worried your kids aren't getting enough protein, make pancakes and add an extra egg.
· Don't forget that carrots are still carrots, even if they're baked in a cake – a sneaky way to increase their vegetable intake.

· If they have a nugget fetish, make your own by crumbing chicken or fish fillets.

· Make your own smoothies by blending together fresh fruit and natural yogurt.

· Raw food can be more appealing because of its texture. Try broccoli and runner beans as well as carrots and grapes.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Kiddie Treats!

Check out the series of Fun & Interesting events & activities for children brought to you by Suntec City!

At the Happy Kidz' Mid-Autumn Lantern of Magical Wonders, located on the 3rd floor, children can pose for photos alongside fanciful lanterns. There're also workshops where they can learn to make colorful lanterns & ballons & even baking of the snow skin mooncakes!! :)

Date : 22 Sep 07 (mooncake-making at Happy Kidz)

23 Sep 07 (lantern-making at Happy Kidz)

Time : 2:30pm-4:30pm (22 & 23 Sep)

*Admission is FREE!

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Iweeks @ S'pore Discovery Centre

Check out the New Shows available from Singapore Discovery Centre!
Giving you the luxury of a 5-Storey Giant Screen!

So why wait? Bring your whole family out for a fun and enjoyable momemt! :)

ShowTimes:



Ratatouille* : 12pm, 6pm
For SDC Corporate /Family card members & Admission Plus tickets holders only.


Remy is a rat, constantly risking life in an expensive French restaurant because of his love of good food, as well as a desire to become a chef. Yet, obviously, this is a rather tough dream for a rat. But opportunity knocks...







Everest (2D) : 9:15am, 11am, 3pm & 5pm



An inspirational and spell-binding ascent with a daring team of climbers who found hope, beauty and triumph.....

Robots of Mars (3D) : 10:15am, 2:15pm & 4pm

Set in a wacky robot world, Robots of Mars - 3D Adventure is a zany comedy that follows the hilarious misadventures of Sparky the Robot and his gang of wacky mechanical pals.

**Free Seating. First-come-first-served. Showtimes subject to change. Free Parking.
Closed on Monday (except School & Pulic Holidays)

Venue : 510 Upper Jurong Rd
Tel : 67926888

How to go?
PIE Exit No. 40 or AYE Exit No. 20






(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Breastfeeding vital within first hour of birth

MORE than one million babies could be saved worldwide if mothers were to start breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.

Mother and child bonding:Mothers participating in a minute-long global synchronised breastfeeding project in Penang.

That was the message the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) sent out in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week 2007.

A global synchronised breastfeeding event was held in the Penang Caring Society Complex where 60 mothers joined their counterparts in over 21 countries to breastfeed simultaneously for one minute.

A total 128 mothers in Kuala Lumpur also participated in the breastfeeding.

“Exclusive breastfeeding (where all nutrients are naturally pro- vided from the mother) is crucial for the first six months of a baby’s life.

“Not only does this save lives, but it also reduces the risk of deve-lop-ing allergies later in life,” said Susan Siew, the Co-Director of WABA.

Deputy Director Liew Mun Tip said after birth, babies were normally whisked away for weighing and cleaning.

“These procedures can be delayed to give priority on feeding, which in the long run, is more important,” he said.

A surprising number of fathers were also present for the event.

Pong Yong How, a first-time father, said it was important for fathers to encourage breastfeed- ing.

“Breastfeeding is not an easy job. Newborns have to be fed over 10 times a day, ” he said.
WABA has also set up a Men’s Initiative to promote holistic family involvement.

WABA coordinator Julianna Lim Abdullah said mothers and fathers were a team when it came to raising children.

“During breastfeeding, many mothers sometimes experience anxiety and feel very alone when things don’t go smoothly.

“We find that their husbands are especially good at helping their wives relax in such situation,” she said.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Lantern Extravaganza 2007(Mid-Autumn Festival)

Where to go this weekend? Why not check out Chinese Garden for the amazing lanterns? I'm sure your kids will love them!

(Photos from last yr lanterns in Chinese Garden)

Gaze at more than 5,000 handmade lanterns with a marine theme at this Lantern Extravaganza, which includes a lantern that measures 100m called Ocean Party, vying for entry into the Singapore Book of Records!




Venue : Singapore Chinese Garden, Jurong
Opening Hours : 9am-midnight (Festive Decoration starts on 5-30 Sep 07)
Fee : $12(adults), $8(child)
Tel : 6445-5828
*Free lanterns for all & Free mooncakes for the 1st 500 visitors!








How to go:
Nearest MRT station, Jurong East







(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Stemcord Seminar

For All Expectant Parents! This is a good chance to learn more about pre- and post-natal care, blood cord banking and protecting your baby's health.


Date : 22 September 2007, Saturday
Time : 2-5pm
Venue : Meritus Mandarin, Mandarin Ballroom, 6th floor, 333 Orchard Rd
Fee : $15 per person/$25 per couple (Inclusive of refreshments and a FREE door gift)

Call 6471 2002 to register now!

*Closing date: 19 Sep 2007

* Special Highlights:
- "Ask-A-Doc" - One to one consultation on specific medical questions on cord blood banking
- Fit to Deliver Exercise Demonstration.
- Breastfeeding Consultation.


Topics covered:
- Essential Pregnancy Tests For A Healthy Baby
Learn more about the essential pre-natal tests that you can take to find out the condition of your unborn child.
- Preparation For A Safe Delivery & Pain Management
Ease your fears as ou understand what to expect during delivery and the types of pain relief you can take.

- Storing Your Baby's Cord Blood
Ponder on the benefits of cord blood banking and seize this once in a life time chance to store your baby's cord blood.

- Handling Common Childhood Ailments In The First Year
Prepare for how to cope with common ailments that newborns may pexperience including jaundice, rashes, fever..etc.

Stemcord Seminar is brought to you by Stemcord & ParkwayHealth.
(www.stemcord.com)


If you wished to read up more about blood cord information, you may check out the "Saving Life with Newborn's Cord Blood" under the Baby's Health Section in the blog.






(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Caring For Baby Teeth

The baby's first teeth appear, on average, about six months after birth. Parents may notice excessive salivation and the child may become irritable while these first teeth are coming in.

When teeth appear, use a cotton swab daily to gently wipe the teeth and remove plaque. If your child has not grown up tolerating you "meddling in their mouth" you may have a much tougher problem. If your child is two years of age and their teeth have not been brushed and inspected by you, in all probability, plaque has not been sufficiently removed.


A common question asked by new parents is:

Why should I worry about cavities in baby’s teeth when these teeth will fall out anyway?

There are several reasons why baby teeth should be taken care of from the moment they break through the gums.

1. Baby teeth hold a place and serve as spacers for the permanent teeth. Decay and early loss of these baby teeth can cause loss of space for the permanent teeth, which leads to the permanent teeth shifting and thus leads to orthodontic problems for your child.
2. Healthy baby teeth are important in helping your baby speak clearly and properly.
3. Nice looking teeth are important for your baby’s self-confidence. Missing teeth, decaying teeth or bad breath can lead to your child getting teased by other children.
4. Your baby will need these baby teeth for biting and chewing. Without these teeth, your child might not get the proper nutrition.



Each year a large number of infants and young children experience tooth decay from milk, juices and other liquids being given to them in a bottle at bedtime. This decay from milk and juice is called “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” or “Baby Bottle Mouth”.

When a baby falls asleep, the production of saliva decreases significantly. If a baby is given milk, juice or other sugary liquid and is then put to bed without brushing, the sugar in these liquids along with the bacteria that is naturally present in a baby’s mouth join together to form an acid, which starts attacking and decaying the teeth.

It’s best to get into a routine early and not let your baby fall asleep in the crib with a bottle of milk, juice or other sugary liquid. Prevention is the key to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.

Preventative steps:

* Don’t put your baby to bed for the night with a bottle of milk or juice. Most juices contain natural sugars, while milk contains sugar called lactose, which bacteria can also use to create acid, thus causing the decay.
* Don’t let your baby use a bottle of milk or juice as a pacifier. Lying around all day sucking at will on the bottle can be as harmful to teeth as putting a baby to bed at night with a bottle.
* Don’t give your baby a pacifier that has been dipped in a sugary substance. While this is tempting to parents to try and calm a fussy baby with a sugary pacifier, it can cause a lot of damage.
* Give your baby his or her bottle of milk a little before bedtime. This leaves you time to brush your baby’s teeth before you put him or her down for the night.
* Try to make the last thing your baby drinks at night before bed be plain water.





(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Imposed 175 centimeter waistline pregnant lady in China

Qiao Yubo, an ordinary woman in Ningjiang District of Songyuan city, northeast China's Jilin Province, has been put into the spotlight since Jilin News' report on her quintuplets and 175-centimeter waistline earlier this week.

However, when a hospital in the capital city of Changchun offered a free medical check-up, the woman and her husband taken flee from a window, thus unfolding the true story behind, reported Jinlin News.

When the doctors finally found her in a washing room in her sister's house, Qiao knelt down, cried out, and told them she was not carrying quintuplets, Mr Li, chief of the hospital, told the newspaper.

Calming down, Qiao pulled out the staff she had been cramming into her belly, including three bed quilts, a dozen sweaters, shirt, cushions, hats and so on, Li said.

Qiao had been pregnant twice before, once with twins and the other with multiples, but had miscarriages both times. Fearing the second miscarriage might be a hard blow to her husband, Qiao hold back the truth.

Qiao became pregnant again a month after her second miscarriage, which gave her an idea -- to make up a belly with clothes and other staff before the belly got really big so that her husband would get the truth. She then filled something inside every day, and her belly grew accordingly, Li was told by Qiao.

She has been pregnant for three months in fact, Li said.

Surprisingly enough, even Qiao's husband had no idea Qiao was having a fake belly until the arrival of the hospital staff, and he was the first to inform of media of the quintuplets.

"I was thinking I could not afford five babies, so I hoped the media exposure would arouse the society's attention and some people might give a helping hand." the paper quoted her husband as saying.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)