Category: Reviews
Review: Ergo Performance
| March 13, 2013 | Posted by Mabel under Reviews |
After a couple of months on the ring sling, I decided to scout around for a carrier that could distribute the weight over two shoulders and the hips instead of just one shoulder like a ring sling or a pouch. There are a group buy going on over at a Singaporean mothers group and I jumped on the bandwagon after looking at the specifications and design.
Ergo has a couple of models – the Classic, Performance, Sport and Organic. We settled for the Performance due to the fabric used – cotton wicking mesh knit and waterproof exterior. It was also supposedly lighter and more breathable. At the time, these were qualities I was looking for in hot and humid Singapore.
Ergo’s soft structured carriers have the following features:
- Shoulder straps: Padded with 1” high-density premium foam, expanding from 27” – 49”
- Waist strap belt: Padded with 1/4” high-density EVA foam, expanding from 29” – 55”
- Sliding chest strap
- Small & large zippered pouch
- Sleeping hood
You could use this from birth with the infant insert and all the way up till todderhood or at least 20 kilos. We took it everywhere with us – Singapore and France during the winter months. It came in handy when we were switching between users – it fitted my husband well and more importantly, comfortably too thanks to the long straps. The downside with this – like many soft structure carriers – is that back carrying a child doesn’t allow for much of a view for the child. So after a while, we stopped using this.
When Noah came along, I used this in a front carry style and found it to be very comfortable. He could still look around, snooze and all in it. Strangely enough, I thought it to be too hot for him due to his eczema and decided to let this go for another soft structure carrier which I thought would work well. Turned out to be a mistake as the one I purchased had a short body panel and Noah hated being in it. I have no doubts that he would have enjoyed being back carried in the Ergo.
Pros
Adjustable and suitable for multiple carriers of different size
Comes with an adjustable sleeping hood & pockets
Can be used for babies, infants, young toddlers
Versatile – front, back, hip carry
Fabrics used is pretty comfortable for the child and wearer
Love the bright colours (blue, green)!
Lightweight – about half a kilo
Cons
Can be warm for the summer or in the tropics
Doesn’t come with a carry bag
Accessories like teething pads and all are separate
Review: Organix finger foods
| November 10, 2012 | Posted by Mabel under Reviews |
Brand | Organix
Origin | UK
Specializes in | Organic baby food and cereals
Link | Organix
You don’t really find a lot of organic finger foods here in France, especially finger foods like small sized rice cakes or puffs. Finger foods that are available here contain gluten, sugar and sometimes even milk. You could opt for rice or corn cakes from health stores but those are large and can be difficult to handle. So I ended up buying my kiddy snacks from overseas, either directly from the brand itself like Organix or from iHerb.com (for HappyBaby & Plum Organic puffs – review to come soon).
Both kids have take this before – in fact, the selection above was during Eva’s infant days! Noah takes their banana biscuits and rice cakes. Organix used to make unflavoured rice cakes but have pulled that off their product list and replaced it with multigrain rice cakes. They also have included a multigrain heart shaped puff onto their list.
I have always been a fan of Organix and their “no junk” policy. This means that they do not use:
- Additives – flavourings, flavour enhancers, colouring and preservatives
- Processed sugar and hydrogenated fat
- Fillers and other ‘empty’ ingredients
- The use of genetic modification in food
- Unhelpful or misleading labels
They categorize their food according to flavour (simple, exploring or adventurous) and texture (smooth, textured or chunky) so you can opt to give foods that are from other age group based on your baby’s needs and tastes. Here’s a look at the charts for their cereal, jar food and food pouches.
For their rice cakes and biscuits, the chart is in the same format but reads slightly differently.
Noah likes their raspberry & blueberry rice cakes and the small size makes it easy for him to handle and manipulate. He also enjoys their banana biscuits and can finish two to three at one go! Talk about going bonkers over snacks!
When it comes to satisfying a preschooler’s snack cravings, this is THE store for corn puffs. The ones available here are salty and oily (more for adults than kids) so I definitely prefer buying from Organix. I find them to be inexpensive as I get them in bags of four 15 gm packets for less than €2 (excluding shipping). People who have tried them – adults, that is – love the fact that it’s packed small, has no salt and is baked. Eva has tried their spicy tomato stars, saucy tomato noughts & crosses, cheese & herb, and tomato, cheese and herb puffs. For a breakfast treat or a teatime snack, there are organic cereal bars like cocoa & raisin, carrot cake, raspberry & apple as well as blackcurrant. All very yummylicious and healthy!
Since I’m in France, I buy mine directly from the Organix online store and shipping is based on weight. If you’re located in Singapore, you should be able to find some of these at Cold Storage and organic stores like Supernature. If you’re in Malaysia, Jaya Grocer, Cold Storage are some of the places where you could find these.
Happy feeding!
CD Review: GroVia® Newborn AIO
| December 9, 2011 | Posted by Mabel under Cloth diapers, Reviews |
Note: Review made at the time was without the use of diaper creams and only pee-time.
The GroVia® Newborn AIO diaper is the one of the diaper products by The Natural Baby Company, an American company based in the US and China that churns out both cloth diapers and other gears/items for babies and mums alike such as slings, breastfeeding accessories and so forth. This newborn version of its one sized AIO is designed specifically for babies from 2.2 kg to 5.5 kg. It is made from waterproof TPU layer on the outside and organic cotton for the inner lining and soakers.
For more on the design, features and look of the diaper, do refer to GroVia’s website here.
Style
AIO and comes in snaps. Colours available comprise of four prints and three solids.
Cost
I bought this in France for €13.90.
Accessories & additionals
Comes in one size only.
Care info
Because the GroVia® Newborn AIO diaper is made from cotton, they must be washed at least five to six times before the first use with 1/2 to 1/4 of the recommended amount of additive free detergent (no enzymes, phosphates, softeners, bleach and optical whitening agents). The amount depends on the load of your wash. After each use, just remove and toss in a wet/dry pail (depends on your system) until washing day.
A pre-cold rinse cycle is recommended. After which, wash on warm water temperature (60°C) although I reckon if you’re in the tropics, regular temperature water is good enough. Hang out in the sun to dry as this is important as the heat from the sun will not only dry your diapers faster but it will “bleach” away stains too.
Verdict
Rating guide
Ugh! So-so Fair Good Worth stashing!
General
So-so
These diapers only come in three solid colours and four prints. While it looks cute to boot, bear in mind that it’s essentially a sized diaper so if your baby has chunky legs or is a little on the heavy side, they will outgrow these pretty quick. The style of the sewing can be an issue as well, especially for babies on the small side as well as premies as the flared out leg gussets may result in leakage.
Application (stuffing/removal, use, fit and bulk)
Fair
Easy to use and pretty much just like a disposable diaper. Just put on the baby and snap on. To do remove, just do the same. As you can see from the photo, the fit around the legs can be an issue.
If the diapers are not prepped properly, they will leak very badly. My main problem with these diapers is the absorbency. Noah is a heavy wetter but because he can only fit into newborn diapers, he “outpeed” them constantly. So I pretty much ended up with leaks in varying amounts after three hours. I plan to add a small DIY doubler on the top but if you’re looking to cloth diaper a newborn with this, I’d suggest looking elsewhere OR changing your diapers more frequently – a no-no if you have a newborn who is easily awakened by diaper changes.
Washing & drying
Fair
My new apartment doesn’t have much room for line drying so after washing, I hang them out to dry on my heater itself in the bathroom and the next morning, they are dry. If stains are an issue, I just use hang them next to the window for some UV treatment in the morning and by end of the day, the stains are gone (the diapers have to be damp in order for the bleach treatment to work effectively).
What’s next?
Great for premies and small babies but honestly, I’d go for disposables in the first couple of months and then switch to cloth diapers.
CD Review: Flip
| December 7, 2011 | Posted by Mabel under Cloth diapers, Reviews |
Note: Review made at the time was without the use of diaper creams and only pee-time. Poop-based reviews were made in another post here.
The Flip is the one of the many baby products under Cotton Babies Inc., an American company that churns out both cloth diapers (bumGenius and Econobum) and other gears/items for babies and mums alike. Their products are made both in the US and yes, Egypt as well. It is taunted to be the most economical and easiest to use diaper in the market. The Flip is supposed to mimic the AI2 system but is simpler to use – just lay the insert on the cover and snap or velcro it on your baby! The Flip can also be used as a training diaper.
Each diaper now comes with one (1) one size stay dry insert or organic insert.
For more on the design, features and look of the diaper, do refer to Flip’s website here.
Style
AI2 and comes in snaps or aplix/velcro.
Cost
I bought this in Singapore for $21.
Accessories & additionals
Their one size inserts is available in the usual stay dry microfiber and organic cotton but is taunted to be rated at 15 oz. absorbency and can be folded down into three different settings.
Care info
All Flip diapers and inserts must be washed at least TWICE before the first use with 1/2 to 1/4 of the recommended amount of additive free detergent (no enzymes, phosphates, softeners, bleach and optical whitening agents). The amount depends on the load of your wash. After each use, knock off poo solids into the toilet, remove the inserts, fasten the laundry tabs and place in a wet/dry pail (depends on your system) until washing day. Alternatively, remove the insert, wash the cover and wipe dry before reusing again.
Note that the cover is just made of a PUL layer so avoid throwing it into your dryer or drying it in the hot sun. It won’t melt immediately but this affects the overall age of your cover. I usually hang the covers in the shade and I’m still using them for Eva – talk about getting your money’s worth!
Verdict
Rating guide
Ugh! So-so Fair Good Worth stashing!
General
Good
These diapers only come in solid colours comprising of mostly pastels with the darker shades being new additions to their colour choice. The cover itself isn’t much to shout about and can look quite dismal at first. The Flip also comes in three sizes, from small which is perfect for large infants up to large which is more for toddlers or bigger babies. Eva used to wear this diaper in the medium setting and now, at 11 kg, she has settled into the large setting rather well. The cover be used with other inserts as well although I have yet to try it. I guess my issue is that there is nothing to hold the insert in place except a flap piece at the top and tail end of the cover.
Application (stuffing/removal, use, fit and bulk)
Good
Definitely easy to use! I simply fold the one size insert, lay it on the cover and that’s it! It’s not too difficult to put on Eva – I just snapped the diaper to the medium setting and put it on her. The stretchy tabs make the job oh-so-easy.
Removal is a buzz as well; just remove the tabs (again, easy to “pull” off) and slide it from under her. I changed her diaper after four hours and discovered that her bottom was dry while the insert was slightly damp. The inner lining (on the stay dry microfiber insert) was dry to the touch as well so that’s definitely a plus point.
Washing & drying
Good
The Flip I bought comes with snaps so no issues about laundry tabs but I’m sure the velcro ones have them so just fasten them, remove the inserts and dumped them in a dry pail until wash time.
Because the shell is just a PUL layer, it’s quick to dry. In fact, after half an afternoon, it’s ready for use again. As for the inserts, after washing them at night (and hanging them up to dry), I woke up to already dried diaper inserts.
What’s next?
If I’m in need of a simple AI2 no-fuss, no-frills diaper, this would be it.
Review: Moms in Mind Ring Sling
| November 10, 2010 | Posted by Mabel under Babywearing, Reviews |
This wasn’t the first baby carrier that I used – that “honour” goes to the Baby Bjorn. In fact, one of the reasons why I purchased this was because I was looking for a carrier that was more versatile that the Baby Bjorn in terms of carry positions and one that didn’t press down against my chest (big thing for nursing mummies) whenever Eva was in it. I must admit that prior to this, I didn’t know much about baby carriers, only from what I read in The Baby book by the Sears which talked about ring slings mostly.
After asking around, I found out about a locally made company called Moms in Mind. The company is a small business run by mothers although I can’t say for sure if the items like the sling and pouches are still sewn by the ladies there. The slings are made with sturdy nylon rings and either basic cotton, cotton sateen or Thai silk fabric. Their slings have the following features:
- Pockets with a secure zip-closure
- Lightly padded at shoulders & edges for baby & mommy’s comfort
- Wide shoulder band wraps
- Fully machine washable
The ring sling I purchased is the one made with cotton sateen and retails for SGD45 (it comes with an instruction pamphlet as well as a CD). Mine is preloved so I paid less but of course, as with all preloved items particularly carriers, I inspected it and found it to be in good shape prior to the first use. I started babywearing Eva in the Moms in Mind ring sling at around 2 months or so with a semi-cradle position. While it was a bit of a challenge at first, our subsequent attempts were much easier and before I knew it, I was placing her in the pouch in a under a minute (or two). She dozed off quite easily but the unfortunate thing was that sometimes it got a little hot and stuffy.
As she got older, we moved from the semi-cradle to the kangaroo and then the hip carry position. It was still easy for her to doze off but at least this time, it was cooler and more airy because her head would no longer be resting “in” the sling. I also found a way to maintain the same size without having to readjust the sling as a hip carry means that there is no need for me to tighten the tail. The pocket did come in handy, especially with housing my wallet, keys and a mobile phone, plus the ring made it easier for me to loop in her teeth – super for those horrible teething periods!
One big downside is that the weight distribution is just on one shoulder and therefore it can be a pain – literally – for people with toddlers or heavier babies. At slightly over 9 kg, I can no longer wear Eva in a ring sling for hours on end like I used to when I first started. So after over a year of excellent service, I’m sad to say that I’m retiring this carrier. I wouldn’t say that this is a sling that is for everyone but it was great for me and I wouldn’t switch to anything else, especially during those hip carry days!
Pros
Adjustable
Toys or teethers can be looped on the rings
Doubles as a shade, blanket or changing mat!
Can be used for babies, infants, young toddlers
Wide choice of fabrics – linen, cotton, silk, solarveil
Possible DIY (need to source for good sturdy rings)
Versatile – cradle, semi-cradle, back, hip, kangaroo carry
Cons
Excess cloth may be a turn off
Can be quite warm (depending on position & fabric)
Weight distribution on one shoulder
Can be challenging to put on/use
CD Review: Bumwear NV diaper
| October 19, 2010 | Posted by Mabel under Cloth diapers, Reviews |
Note: Review made at the time was without the use of diaper creams as it is not recommended, and without any poo (Eva doesn’t poo all day long, contrary to popular belief!
Recently, I was approached by Rita of Bumwear to help test out her latest improvement to the ever popular Bumwear cloth diaper. She offered a set – cover and insert – and I then did a road-test for a few days, from the usual prepping to the actual use and subsequent clean-up and washing. Before I go to the actual review, here is a little background on the brand itself:
Bumwear is the design and baby of Rita at Bumwear here in Singapore. A former Bali resident, Bumwear started off as a one-woman show with Rita trying to find a solution (and an end) to her third child’s persistent diaper rash. After trying on a few different brands, she decided to come up with her own design and today, Bumwear has not only pocket diapers as their flagship product but prefolds, training pants as well as diaper covers and even cloth pantyliners.
The new Bumwear NV diaper is made with a waterproof outer layer, commonly known as PUL and an inner soft fleece layer. One key point to note is that while most people worry about breathability in cloth diapers, Bumwear diapers boast to be suitable for our tropical weather here in Singapore – breathable, waterproof and comfortable! These diapers will come in a variety of solids and prints – I believe. The prints are made with handprinted batik designs based on what Rita’s children “doodle” out! Very unique and gorgeous!
For more on the design, features and look of the diaper, do refer to Bumwear’s website here.
Style
One size diapers with snaps that can be used as AI2 or as pocket diapers. Inserts are available separately.
Cost
NA – since this is a test version.
Accessories & additionals
Their inserts are made from microfibre terry cloth and taunted to be super comfortable yet super absorbent! The snap-on inserts come with a top layer of soft fleece for that stay dry effect.
Care info
All Bumwear diapers, which contain some cotton, should be washed at least thrice before the first use with 1/2 to 1/4 of the recommended amount of additive free detergent (no enzymes, phosphates, softeners, bleach and optical whitening agents). The amount depends on the load of your wash. After each use, knock off poo solids into the toilet, remove the inserts, fasten the laundry tabs and place in a wet/dry pail (depends on your system) until washing day.
Diapers ought to be washed in a normal wash cycle and on regular water temperature. Hang out in the sun to dry as this is important as the heat from the sun will not only dry your inserts and diapers faster but it will “bleach” away stains too.
Verdict
Rating guide
Ugh! So-so Fair Good Worth stashing!
General
Good
The new design tackles two things which were a problem in the Bumwear Classic and older generation Bumwear diapers – excluding this NV, I have two generation of Bumwear diapers.
Extra snaps have been added to make it more secure around the waist and to prevent a wing drop – something which was really lacking in the older generation diaper (I believe it was the version 4 that I have). With the classic and the version 4.0 diaper, there would be either a wing drop or a loose fit around the waist or thighs, leading to the possibility of leakages. Luckily her pee and poo have been fairly contained but if you have a breastfeed baby who isn’t on solids yet, the extra snaps would definitely be a lifesaver! While the thigh snap is still retained on the front cover, the corresponding snap on the inner cover has been moved from the thigh-leg area to the wing, allowing for a better fit for both small and big babies or even those with chunky thighs.
While these are definite improvements, I’m glad to see that one thing hasn’t changed! The use of the inner fleece layer on both the snap-on insert as well as the diaper cover. My only beef with the insert is that the fact that the fleece layer isn’t serge makes me a little paranoid – that I’d open up my washing machine to the sight of a frayed piece of cloth. Also, I was unfortunate to have one of snaps fall apart from the insert after the first real wash. I believe long prong snaps are needed in this case to cope with the bulk of the microfibre insert as well as the fleece layer. (No biggies here – I have lots of snaps stashed away (for my sewing craft!))
Application (stuffing/removal, use, fit and bulk)
Good
Just snap the insert onto the cover, put on and snap around the waist and thighs! Idiot proof and if you have a husband like mine who mixes up inserts and covers from one brand with another, this AI2 convertibility is a dream come true! Removing it is the same – snap off, toss in the machine and snap on another. The fact that you can make it an AI2 diaper also means that you can get away with just a few covers and stocking up on more inserts, which will come in handy during the rainy season when the laundry takes forever to dry.
Washing & drying
Good
I just remove the inserts and do a pre-rinse on the diaper shell and inserts before tossing them in a separate pail. The soaker and shells have always dried overnight but I still sun them anyway to make them extra dry and bleach/kill any stains/germs.
One plus point is that it rinses out rather well (similar with hemp and bamboo inserts) compared to microfibre based inserts which can hold in the ammonia smell (from pee) if you leave it out without washing for too long.
What’s next?
Overall, the NV diaper isn’t all that bad – at least they improved on the wing drop! The downside would just be the look of the inserts and the possibility of snaps falling apart (at least Rita offers great customer service!). Still, this is one of my favourite diapers.
