Grandparents Baby Shower

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As Singaporeans, the cost of living is so high, it is rare that new parent will be able to comfortably afford to quit their job once pregnant. Therefore, in most cases, the responsibility of taking care of your newborn either falls to your parents or in-laws after the 16 week paid maternity period has passed. (Read also: Maternity leave around the world)

If a soon to be mom gets a baby shower, why shouldn’t grandparents get their baby shower too for their precious grandchild?

So what’s a Grandparents Baby Shower?

It’s a relatively new concept. Grandparents welcome the chance to pamper their grand kids. Plus, they’re already well equipped with the skills necessary to take care of your baby. (They might even have some tricks up their sleeve passed down from their parents!) And with this grandparents baby shower, it will also equip them with any items necessary, like diapers and onesies.

Given the steadily decreasing sizes of BTO flats, its highly impossible to make room for the soon to be grandparents. Assuming they have a place of their own, they will need the duplicates for their own baby room/corner so they are able to take care of your baby to the best of their abilities.

So if you’re a grandparent, go ahead and throw a baby shower for your grandchild.  If you are a gift giver who’s been invited to a grandparent baby shower, the baby shower gifts are similar to what you would give the new parents too.

(Read also: How to get the baby shower gifts you actually want)

And here are clickable links to unique baby shower gifts you didn’t know you needed.

How often should I change my newborn’s diapers?

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It’s a repetitive chore, and you will start dreading the same foul smell coming from your baby, as that would mean it’s time to change your newborn’s diaper.

newborn's diaper

But here’s a general guide on how often you should be changing your baby’s diaper as leaving the nasty stuff there increases the risk of a diaper rash or worse still, an infection.

The American Pregnancy Association recommends changing wet diapers every two to three hours, but as soon as you notice poop either visually or through your heightened sense of smell once you become a new mommy.

Diapers are expensive, especially when you’re going through 16-20 pieces a day. You don’t have to change the diaper every time your newborn pees, as they pee about 20 times a day, only when they poop so you lower the chance of irritation or worse, infection.

Luckily for parents, the amount of diapers used will decrease as their diet will tend to contain more solids, but that also means more poops.

Remember to always leave a two finger spacing on the top of the diaper.  This is to prevent it from being too tight or loose!

newborn's diaper

How much Angbao to give this Chinese New Year

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Be it that you’re newly married, or you have a newborn, how much angbao to give differs from year to year. Here’s an updated angbao rate list for you to not seem like the “scroogy” aunt/uncle this Chinese New Year.

Remember to NEVER give angbaos in denominations of $4, as it is inauspicious.

(Of course, the amount will vary based on income levels but this will provide a good gauge of how much to give)

how much angbao

Grandparents

> $80, higher, especially if you stayed with your grandparents when you were younger.

Grandchildren

$50-$150, you should give your grandchildren more or less the same amount you would give your children.

Parents

> $80, to show gratitude for your upbringing.

Children, and their spouses

$20-$100, this amount may vary with different families. I’ve always gotten $20 from my parents, while my peers get between $30-$80. As your child gets older, how much angbao they get may increase.

As for your child’s spouse, it’s safe to give $50 as that is what your in-laws are also likely to give.

Siblings, and their spouses

$10-$50, depending on how close you are. It is also not necessary to give to an older sibling, as it is assumed they are already adults, capable or supporting themselves.

Cousins

$10-$28, and only to cousins younger than you, as similar to the sibling rule, older cousins are able to support themselves.

Nieces and Nephews

$8-$18, depending on how close you are.

Friends’ children

$8, as a small token to wish them a Happy New Year. A good rule of thumb would be to give them the amount they gave your children.

Children’s friends

$8-$10, just for face sake.

Office help staff

(eg: cleaners or receptionist)

$2-$38, how much angbao would depend on how reliant you are on their services.

 

And finally, Happy Chinese New Year from the Diaper Cakes SG team!

5 Whimsical Princess gifts

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5 Whimsical Princess gifts

Every young girl dreams of being a princess. I mean, we all think its an easy job, you sit around look pretty, and you get to wear a tiara! Absolute dream job. So we have compiled a list of 5 whimsical princess gifts for all little girls out there.

Princess Potty Chair

Give your princess the throne she deserves! And at the same time potty train her so she can be weened off her diapers (they’re really expensive for what they are, if we’re being real here).

This princess potty chair is available from Nature’s Collection.

Baby Gund 5 Piece My Little Princess Gifts set

This princess gift set contains a princess with crinkle, magic mirror, wand with squeaker and a unicorn embedded with a sound chip. This set also includes an embroidered princess castle.

Available from Diaper Cakes SG.

Princess Tiara

I remember my first tiara, I was about 3 when one of my aunts asked me to be the flower girl at her wedding. I remember how pretty I felt wearing that sparkly tiara that day. This would be a perfect princess themed gift, available on amazon here.

Personalized Princess onesie

Have your baby girl’s name printed on her very own personalized onesie, along with a cute print of a princess in a pink dress. This princess onesie design is available on Diaper Cakes SG.

Disney Princess Dress Up Trunk Costumes

I grew up reading Disney classics like Snow White and Cinderella. My mum even said I could recite the whole Snow White story from memory at age 4. If you know a little girl that feels just as passionately about Disney princesses as me, then this princess dress up trunk would be a perfect princess gift for her.

Maternity Leave around the World

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Do you know the “market rate” of maternity leave? We have compiled a list of major cities/countries in the world with paid maternity leave, in comparison to our own.

Singapore

16 weeks

  • 8 paid by employer, 8 paid by government *for the first two children, maternity leave taken for the third child will be paid for by the government

Hong Kong

10 weeks 

  • daily rate of maternity leave pay is a sum equivalent to four-fifths of the average daily wages earned by an employee in the 12-month period preceding the first day of the maternity leave

Japan

14 weeks

  • 6 weeks prior to delivery, 8 weeks postpartum. Child care leave is also an option for new parents.

Korea

90 days

  • The amount of maternity leave pay is paid based on the worker’s ordinary wage on the first day of the said leave, but it should not exceed 4.05 million won for the 90 days. If the amount of ordinary wage for a worker exceeds 1.35 million won per month, the employer should pay the difference.

China

98 days

  • Any female older than 24 years of age when having her first child will be considered a case of late childbirth and will be entitled to an additional 30 days of paid leave (varies by province)

Canada

12 or 18 months

  • 12 months with 55% pay (at a maximum of $543 a week) or 18 months; 15 weeks at 55% pay rate and 61 weeks at 33%.

United States

None

  • 42 of 50 states do not offer paid maternity leave, only 12 weeks of job protection. California is the only state offering paid maternity leave to both men and women.

Mexico

12 weeks

  • Women are entitled to 12 weeks paid leave at 100%, and men, a week.

Brazil

17 weeks

  • Women receive 17 weeks of leave at 100% pay. Men are to receive less than a week at100% pay.

India

26 weeks

  • Women receive 26 weeks of leave at100% pay. Men may take three weeks of leave at 100% pay.

United Kingdom

38 weeks

  • 90% pay for the first 6 weeks and a flat rate for the remaining duration

France

16 weeks

  • Women are entitled to 16 weeks of leave at 100% pay, while men can take 2 or more weeks at 100% pay up to a ceiling.

Sweden

68 weeks

  • to be split between both parents, with 80% coverage up to 910SEK a day

Russia

20 weeks

  • Women may take 20 weeks of leave with 100% pay up to a ceiling. Additional parental leave of 156 weeks, or three years, is available unpaid.

Australia

18 weeks

  • Women receive 18 weeks at the minimum wage. Men may take two weeks at the minimum wage. (minumum wage at $17.70)

Germany

14 weeks

  • Job protection is provided from the beginning of pregnancy to 4 months postpartum. 6 weeks before birth and 8 weeks after.

Do you know an expecting mum? Check out some perfect baby shower gifts at Diaper Cakes SG.

Top 10 Unconventional Baby Names

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I believe we’ve all heard our fair share of unique baby names, be it classmates or working colleagues. But here are some more high profile kids with unconventional baby names, and we’re betting some will make you speechless.

1. Audio Science – Shannyn Sosammon & Dallas Clayton

No, it’s not a college major, its not an exhibition in the museum, it’s this kid’s name. Can you imagine, this kid growing up and enrolling himself into an audio course just for shizz and giggles?

2. Denim – Toni Braxton & Keri Lewis

Oh look, he’s even wearing denim in this picture! It’s an unfortunate name (in my opinion), I mean, who wants to be named after a fabric?

3. Dusty Rose Levine – Adam Levine & Behati Prinsloo

Let’s be honest, Adam Levine is a really fit man (People’s magazine’s 2013 sexiest man of the year). When I heard he was engaged, I threw a hissy fit. When I heard Behati was pregnant, I almost cried. When I heard they had named their baby Dusty Rose, I still think he’s hot.. its just Dusty rose, really Adam? That’s SO 2016.

4. Java – Josh Holloway

Well, Java is pretty open to interpretation. Did he mean Java chips? Java script? She is adorable, and I do like a good green tea cream frappuccino with java chips.

5. Maple – Jason Bateman & Amanda Anka 

Maple, like maple syrup? Like Canada?? I will never be able to look at my pancakes drenched in maple syrup the same way, EVER.

6. Racer – Robert Rodriguez

Would be odd if he didn’t pass his driver’s test on the first try, eh?

Although these names aren’t the most unconventional of the bunch, I just felt it wouldn’t be right to make such a list without including children from the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

7, 8, 9. North, Saint, Chicago West – Kim Kardashian & Kanye West

She just had to, didn’t she? Props to her, she made headlines all three times with her unique baby names.

Fun KKW fact: Her third child, Chicago is actually a surrogate baby, aka someone else got to enjoy all the “perks” of pregnancy while Kim continued strutting around in her slim thick figure.

10. Stormi Webster – Kylie Jenner & Travis Scott

Let’s see a show of hands who didn’t know Travis Scott’s real name was actually Jacques Webster. I’m definitely one of those. I was also counting on her baby’s name to be Butterfly Jenner-Scott as the duo had revealed subtle clues leading to the baby’s name being something butterfly related. Kylie Jenner had also been semi-successful in “hiding” her pregnancy; staying out of the public eye once her baby bump surfaced and not responding to rumours. We all knew it was true, she just didn’t confirm it.

Do you know a baby or are you planning on naming your baby something unique? You wont be able to find their name in any store on ornaments or clothing.

Diaper Cakes SG offers personalized onesies where you’re able to print a baby name and design, like this adorable duckling onesie.

You can shop their onesie collection HERE.

5 Honey-licious Winnie the Pooh toys

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5 Honey-licious Winnie the Pooh toys

 

Fun Pooh fact: Winnie is actually a girl! Named after a black bear in London Zoo, Winnipeg. Well, that still doesn’t take away the burning questions everyone has; Why doesn’t Winnie the Pooh wear pants?AnyPooh (pun intended), we have compiled a list of honeylicious Winnie the Pooh soft toys, suitable for Pooh lovers of all ages.

1. Winnie the Pooh stuffed bean bag

winnie the pooh toys

A great collector’s item with Pooh’s name on the iconic red t-shirt.

You can get it here from Amazon.

2. Winnie Tsum Tsum plush pillow

winnie the pooh toys

Following the recent Tsumtsum craze, here’s a cute Pooh pillow to jazz up your bed of sofa.

3. Mini Diaper Cake – Winnie the Pooh baby gift hamper

winnie the pooh toys

This diaper cake contains:

  • 7 “Huggies Total Protection” Disposable Diapers in Size M (Fits babies 5-10 kg)
  • 1 White Short Sleeved Winnie The Pooh Baby Onesie
  • 1 Disney Winnie The Pooh Soft Toy Cake Topper
  • 1 Pair of Baby Socks

4. Winnie the Pooh lying down soft toy

winnie the pooh toys

Just like how your baby will first learn to lie on their belly, this adorable Winnie the Pooh toy will accompany him/her.

5. 3 Tier Diaper Cake- Winnie the Pooh Toys baby gift hamper

winnie the pooh toys

This diaper cake contains:

  • 30 “Huggies Platinum” Disposable Diapers Size M (For Babies 5-10 kg)
  • 1 Pair of Pre-Walker Shoes (Size 6-12 months)
  • 1 Pooh Soft Toy Cake Topper
  • 2 Pooh Baby Onesies (Size 6-12 months)
  • 1 Flannel Cotton Receiving Blanket (76 x 76cm) *Design will differ slightly
  • 1 Pair of Socks
  • 1 Feeding Bib
  • 1 Premium Diaper Cake Gift Box Packaging (46 x 22 x 22cm)

You can now dress your baby top to toe in Winnie the Pooh gear, how stylish!

5 Baby Shower gifts you didn’t know you needed

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5 Baby Shower gifts you didn’t know you needed

Aside from the usual baby shower gifts like baby blankets, diaper bags and breast pumps, here are some gifts outside the norm you didn’t know you needed.

1. Bib that catches fallen food

This bib catches the fallen food that escapes your baby’s mouth. No more picking food off your baby’s clothes, as it will all fall into the pocket on the bib. This is a perfect baby shower gift for as soon as the baby is able to eat solid foods.

2. Unicorn home slippers

They’re adorable, comfy, and they keep your feet warm. New moms tend to experience chills postpartum, especially against your stylish glossy tiles at home. This pair of unicorn slippers help your feet stay warm while help soothe your aching feet from the bloating from pregnancy.

Available from Natures Collection.

3. Formula dispenser 

This is great for being on the go, having formula milk already measured to the right amount makes feeding your baby on the go really easy. Instead of having formula stored in ziplock bags or chunky containers, the formula dispenser will fit in your diaper bag snuggly.

4. Memento Box

 

Having a keepsakes box to store all the little bits of childhood will give your child something to look back on. I remember my mum kept the bit of umbilical cord stump after it dried up, as a measure of good luck. As the years went by, she also put in my first gold anklet after I grew too big to fit it, as well as my first teeth.

Available in blue and pink from Diaper Cakes SG.

5. Animal Pacifier

Adorning a pacifier with a stuffed animal will help appease your baby when they’re upset, as well as keep them occupied.

And there you have it, a handful of baby shower gifts you didn’t know you needed but will change your life.

Take a mom break, you deserve it.

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Between juggling household chores and changing nappies, its hard to find time to take care of yourself. Here are a few 10 minute activities you can sneak into your schedule to take a mom break, while your baby is asleep. (Trust me, it’ll be worth the few unwashed dishes)

 

Shop online

In the digital age of now, eCommerce is dominating the retail industry. It’s convenient to shop online within the comforts of your own home. As a new mom with a busy schedule, having the option browse online and have your items delivered to you is perfect. Its also super easy to find exactly what you’re looking for on the vast internet especially since you’re able to shop internationally on reputable sites such as ASOS, Zara and Taobao.

Doll yourself up

Look better, feel better. Its extremely common for new moms to neglect themselves in the midst of caring for their newborn. Take 5 extra minutes in the morning to doll up and you’d be surprised to see what a difference some undereye concealer, blush and mascara can do.

Do some yoga

There is a long list of benefits associated with yoga, such as being stress reducing, relaxation and lowering blood pressure. Taking a few minutes each day to do some yoga and you’ll reap the benefits soon enough.

Make yourself some food

Cook a meal for yourself that isn’t last night’s leftovers, frozen food, or baby mush. For some mums, cooking a proper meal is therapeutic just the way I find getting my hair cut relaxing.

Hand over parenting duties to the dad for the night

You know, he played half the role in creating your baby, he should do more than the occasional diaper change. Hand off said duties, have him put his mom on speed dial in case he has a “parenting emergency” and take the night off and have fun with your girlfriends!

5 Wonderful Dog Soft Toy Gifts

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Dog Soft Toy Baby Gifts

Are you one of the 74% of the population that lists dogs as their favourite animal? Well, even if you aren’t, every 3 in 4 people do love dogs. Therefore, we have compiled a list of 5 great dog soft toys as gifts for anyone, from a baby shower or a Valentine’s Day present.

 

1. Boo, World’s Cutest Dog

Boo didn’t get famous lying around looking cute. Wait.. He did! That gives the rest of us mere folk much hope.

Can you tell the difference between the boo on the left and the boo on the right? They both look so alike, right? You can shop for Boo soft toys on Natures Collection.

2. Naladoo Siberian Husky Soft Toy

Given Singapore’s hot climate, it’s not the best environment to own a husky due to their thick coats. The next best thing would be a husky soft toy mirroring such adorableness.

3. Doge Pillow

Ever come across one of these popular doge memes? Doge was one of the few original memes that starting the dog meme craze. Well now you can have a Shiba Inu Doge pillow of your own glaring at you.

4. Chinese New Year Dog Plush

2018 is the year of the dog. This plush in the very festive red and gold colours will be perfect to set in the middle of your coffee table amidst all your yummy chinese new year snacks.

5. 2 Tier “Chick Magnet” Dog diaper cake baby gift hamper

This 2 Tier Diaper Cake hamper consists of the following goodies that are practical and simply adorable:

  • 25 “Huggies Total Protection” Disposable Diapers M Size (Suitable for babies 5-10 kg)
  • 1 Pair of Pre-Walker Shoes (Size 6-12 months)
  • 1 GUND Talkiez Dog Soft Toy
  • 1 Dog “Chick Magnet” Long Sleeved Romper / Bodysuit
  • 1 Receiving Blanket
  • 1 Pair of Socks
  • 1 Feeding Bib

Available from Diaper Cakes SG

 

Start off the year of the dog with a new dog soft toy!