Breast pump
This one is a must for a variety of reasons – Nil can help out with the feedings and I can express from engorged breasts during non-feeding times; something that I suspect will help with the prevention of mastitis. I’ll know further though during the breastfeeding consultations that are covered by the insurance. Luckily for us, breast pumps are subsidized here in Switzerland! Heck, the government even pays women who breastfeed (am not too sure if it applies to non-Swiss though).
Pic from Amazon.com
The Avent ISIS Manual Breast Pump will be what we’re looking to get – it is one of the most common brands and models available here plus I have four storage bottles from the same brand as well. I have been advised to stick with the cheaper manual pump instead of the electric one because I won’t be expressing more than breastfeeding, with being a SAHM. Also, the problem with having Avent storage bottles and a breast pump of a different brand is that you need to get neck adapters in order to hook up your bottles to the pump.
Stroller
Initially, one of the options was to look for a combi-model whereby an infant seat could be used or attached to a stroller instead. But after asking around and considering our choices, we decided that it would be better to go with a regular stroller but with features that would be suitable for both infants and toddlers. Since Nil’s sister was gifting us with car seats for the baby, it would be pointless to get another infant seat for the stroller – infant seats for the stroller would be useless after several months. Case in point would be Nil’s friend’s daughter who is already out of an infant seat at less than 6 months old!
Pic from Amazon.com
The Chicco Trevi stroller is not exactly what we have in mind – after all, it is a rough gauge as to what we are looking for in a stroller. I like the fact that it is a one-hand fold, with a fully reclining seat, shopping basket (super important for me!), and lockable swivels! Best part is that it IS recommended for infants to toddlers weight 40 pounds (approximately 20 kilos).
Anyway, here is a quick summary we got from the page on Amazon.com:
Anodized, lightweight aluminum swept frame with elliptical tubing weighs only 19 lbs with fabric and is highly maneuverable. One-hand fold release for ease. Compact 3-dimensional fold. Fully reclining seat with adjustable 5-position leg rest. Thickly padded seat and large infant head support for comfort. Parent’s cupholder and child’s tray with cupholder. Automatic storage latch for added convenience. Reversible canopy with peek-a-boo window and zip off back panel to protect baby from weather and provide extra ventilation. Large and convenient shopping basket. 8 rugged 8-inch diameter wheels provide smooth ride with front and rear suspension. Lockable swivels on front wheels. Recommended use from birth to 40 lbs. Measures 33.5″ x 42.5″ x 42.5″
Features:
* Lightweight aluminum frame
* One-hand fold release
* Fully reclining seat
* Adjustable 5-position leg rest
* Parent’s and child’s trays with cupholders
* Automatic storage latch
* Reversible canopy with peek-a-boo window and zip off back panel
* 8 rugged 8-inch diameter wheels
* Front and rear suspension
* Lockable swivels on front wheels
Crib/Playard
Like the stroller, this model exemplifies what we hope to find in a crib or portable crib or playard. Since space is an issue for us, being in an apartment and all, we would like something that is dual-functioned and not just a crib or a playard. Having just a crib or playard would mean several things – a changing table AND chest of drawers and so forth, which takes up more space and well, it costs money as well.
Pic from Amazon.com
Apart from the bassinet and changing table which makes this model really attractive, this playard is also foldable which means that we can take it along with us during our vacations, especially to my in-laws and parents. It widens the option of visiting people who do not have kid-friendly homes. Here is a quick look at the features on its Amazon page:
The Graham is specially designed for easy portability. It features push button folding for a quick and effortless set-up–just unfold, pull up the sides, lock them into place and you’ve got a super comfy quilted play and sleep area for your little one to enjoy. When it’s time to pack up, simply fold the playard, stow it in the included travel bag and store.
Specially designed to help baby smoothly transition from playtime, to changing time, to naptime–and back again!–the Graham includes both a full-size bassinet and changing table. Featuring a quilted bumper and mattress pads, the bassinet offers infants up to 15 pounds a safe and cozy nap space where they can rest peacefully or play with the soft, detachable toys hanging from the canopy. When baby needs a little extra soothing, try the two-speed vibration, and one of the 10 nature sounds and tranquil songs. There’s even a timer with four settings (five, 10, 15 or 25 minutes) so you won’t have to disturb your little one once he or she has drifted off to sleep. Still want to take a peek at your angel? Just turn on the built-in nightlight. If baby’s diaper needs changing, the convenient changing table and parent organizer help keep changes quick and comfortable for baby, while making sure all your essential diaper duty supplies are close at hand.
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Designed to be safe for use by children unable to climb out, measuring less than 35 inches tall and weighing less than 30 pounds, (changing station for use with children under 25 pounds), the Graham boasts sturdy and durable construction. It also features a unique swept frame for functionality and great style, and the mesh fabric sides help improve ventilation while keeping baby safely enclosed. The wheels also give you mobility in the home, so it’s a snap to move the playard from room to room without have to fold it down. This option also allows you to keep an eye on baby while you do chores around the house.
The Graham measures 30.5 x 32.5 x 38.0 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 30.6 pounds.
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For more on what we plan to buy for our little one, have a look at our baby registry over here.
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:59 am
the avent brand is awesome. because of the wide range of items that they have, whatever they make normally n usually complements one another. with the avent pump, when i bought extra storage containers which can be used to store extra BF in the freezer as well as baby food for later on, the top screws in nicely with the pump as well, which means that u just pump straight into the container n not the bottle, THEN the container. works really great so i’m 2 thumbs up for ur choice. :)) plus, why buy electric one when its so expensive n like u mentioned, u’re a SAHM so, np – like me.
February 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 am
Hmm… As for me I still prefer electric pump. Coz I pump many times a day. If u want me to keep on pressing on the pump… very letihlah. Using electric one at least I can surf the net while breast pumping. :P I didn’t buy as well, my sister gave me medela brand. The pump is a standard one can fit to every milk bottle. As for milk bottle, I highly agree if u use Dr. Brown for a start. I’ve been using Dr. Brown’s milk bottle for Ian. It’s really highly recommended. No stomach wind for Ian. Since Amanda is just starting to take 2oz of milk so I haven’t start using it. I’ll start to use once she can fully take 3oz.
As for stroller, that one show it’s really good enuf. Ian has 1 just similiar to that. And until today we still use it. Ian would sit quietly whenever we go for shopping. Some ppl will say that I should let him round around. To me, I still prefer he sit still in the stroller close to me, rather then running around.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
Annie: Yup, I’ve heard of Dr Browns but the trouble with staying in a small town is that I have to travel quite far just to get a hold of their milk bottles… I could order online but I’ll see how it goes first. Budget budget. LOL.
The electric pump, btw, over here costs about 200 over CHF. The insurance will cover only a fraction of it so that’s also one reason why I’m not so gungho about it. I also read that the cords and what-not can be quite troublesome. Aiii…never mind la. I can exercise my arm muscles with a manual pump.
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
Yvy: Yeah…considering that money is always a factor, I don’t mind sticking to cheaper alternatives. Btw, has your little one made the transition from bottle feeding to the cup already???
February 24th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
mei, i think i replied u abt the bottle issue right? :P
February 24th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
o another thing that i thought i’d add….the other reason why i didnt get the electric other than the cost factor was becoz after abt 3 mths from memory, i didnt need to pump any more coz arianna was nursing well hence, then flow was good n hardly any engorging. as they grow, they take in more hence the less frequent u need to pump altho our boobies work based on demand. higher demand, more supply….
February 27th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
yvy: Yeah, I got that reply!
Oooo…I figured that it was another reason as to why my cousin suggested a manual instead. My former colleague told me that it’s quieter than the electric one if you plan to pump in public places like at the office or at someone’s home. So…w00t!
March 10th, 2009 at 3:49 am
An electric pump is the best alternative for ppl who needs to go to work like me. Using a manual pump means needing extra time. How to tell ur boss for not being around for nearly 1/2 an hour? Tell him u went to pump breast milk? Other places maybe it’s normal, but in Malaysia? I really doubt.
March 10th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Annie: Well, my former colleague uses a manual because her electric makes a lot of noise and she takes less than 20 minutes each time. :P
March 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
With electric pump within 10 minutes can kau tim liao. Different pplloh. But I agree on that annoying sound. Really irritating. But with good brand the sound will be smoother not that loud. My sister bought 4 years ago one so mine is also very bising. Technology now should be much better oredi. But if u r self employed, then a manual pump is sufficient enuf. As u can directly breastfeed.