Reviewed: Recaro Monza Nova car seat

Being an active advocate of using car seats, I have heard varied accounts of how my friends’ kids would reject their car seats. It seems to be an impossible task to entice/force/coax the little ones to climb onto one. Parents need all the help they can get, and luckily, we discovered that the amazing Recaro Monza Nova car seat can make our lives much easier.

Aiden weighs around 20kg and is tall for his age, which meant that he has to use the booster seat (group II/III). For quite some time, he was using the Maxi Cosi Rodi Airprotect. We loved it for the sleekness and relative comfort, and above all its speed of installation. It was the Volkswagen of car seats - nicely designed, comfortable and quick.

When Mums & Babes sent over the Recaro Monza Nova car seat for a long term review, little did we know that it was the Rolls Royce of car seats! Just go through the list of features and you will understand why.

• Extra-stable anti-static side pads reduce crash-generated forces to the head, neck and shoulders by up to 30%
• Additional foam padding protects the side and head areas
• Special crash and ventilation slots in the side wings
• Extra-firm armrests for even greater protection in the event of a side impact
• Seatfix locking arms anchor to the car’s Isofix holders
• Depth-adjustable headrest prevents the child’s head from falling forward while sleeping
• Ventilated foam for excellent seating ergonomics
• Innovative Recaro Air Circulation System ensures that air always circulates freely, ensuring a pleasant seating climate.
• Recaro Sound System with integrated speakers and MP3 player pocket
• Eleven-point height-adjustable headrest

At this point, you should be doing a double take of the list and saying “What???? MP3? Integrated speakers?!?!”

Yes, the Recaro Monza Nova allows you to connect your kid’s entertainment devices and play the audio through the seat’s integrated speakers at a safe volume that is just loud enough for them. Yes, you no longer have to sing along to Barney’s “I love you, you love me…”, because you can’t really hear it from the driver’s seat.

Although it is quite a hassle to install it, even with isofix (the car seat is quite hefty), you would love the solidness of the car seat. One tip would be to get a seat protector or place a small towel underneath the car seat to avoid permanently damaging your seat leather. Recaro is a brand that is synonymous with highly supportive racing seats, and you could see that they put their expertise into good use here. The headrest height is highly adjustable, and the side protection is thick but non-intrusive. With the Maxi Cosi, I always have to worry about Aiden dozing off in the car, as he will often lean excessively to the sides or even to the front. Comparatively, it is never a problem with the Recaro Monza Nova. The side cushion keeps him in the right place/position.

If you ask the little ones, they will love it for the comfort and high seating position. I think the combination of the materials used and the innovative air circulation system makes the Recaro Monza Nova a super comfortable place to be, even for an active/always sweating boy like Aiden. The relatively high seating position also makes it easier for kids to look out of the car. Not that they need the extra distraction from outside though. They are probably busy singing to the music coming out of the car seat anyway. Or busy catching a nap!

The Recaro Monza Nova car seat is available at Mums & Babes and retails for $568 (promo price).

Losing it

Aiden has always been a competitive kid. Be it pressing of the lift button, or the racing of his toy cars, or simply running from point A to B, he always wanted to be first and has always found it upsetting to lose. He would get mad, cry, shout, and even ask you to stop whenever he is losing.

When I told him about the many competitions that I had won in the past, he insisted that I take the trophies and medals out from the storeroom and show it to him. He was fascinated as I explained to him what the trophies and medals were for, and I could see the sparkle in his eyes. For some reason, he preferred winning trophies to medals. Maybe bigger is better to him.

As much as I was happy to see him looking up to me, I was very concerned that he could not handle failure. Not everyone can be a winner and I wasn’t going to give him prizes just for participating. Besides EQ and IQ, I feel that it is important for Aiden to develop his AQ - Adversity Quotient. Since young, we told him to try to win, but the most important thing is to have done his best. We also make it a point to praise his efforts (regardless winning or losing) and encourage him to try again whenever he fails at something.

We weren’t sure how he would react in a proper race against strangers, so we were really looking forward to the Baby & Junior Race organised by eXplorerkid at Downtown East Pasir Ris last week. Secretly, I was hoping that he would lose so that I could use it as an opportunity for him to learn about losing. I was apprehensive leading up to the race though, as he kept on asking about whether there will be trophies to win there.

The race involved running short distances to collect puzzle pieces, and then using those pieces to build a structure that mirrors a random picture. Parents were not allowed to touch the child or the puzzle pieces but could give instructions. So difficult!

As there were many heats in our age category, there was plenty of time for me to observe how other teams handled the race. There were kids who were competitive, and there were kids who didn’t seem to know that they were in a race. Many couldn’t finish the puzzle within the time limit of 3 minutes, while some decided to go freestyle and make their own design. Disturbingly, some parents scolded their child for not being able to complete the puzzle, and some left looking visibly frustrated.

I told Aiden that our strategy was for him to pick up two puzzle pieces each time with both hands to save time. I also explained that he must mirror the picture exactly with the puzzle pieces. Just before our turn came, I reminded him to try his best. And then I prayed that we didn’t win.

I was so glad that it went according to plan! He completed the race in just over a minute and came in second in the heat. I was beaming with pride because he followed my instructions and was so focused on the tasks! He did ask whether he won but we told him we would have to wait for the results. We didn’t stay for the overall results as it was getting late and headed straight for lunch.



I thought he was upset about the race, as he didn’t ask about the trophies after lunch. After dinner, I couldn’t wait any longer.

Me: Aiden, do you want to know if you won a trophy today?

Aiden: <silence>

Me: Actually, you did well in our heat, but there were many other kids in the same category and you didn’t win the race.

Aiden: <silence>

Me: How do you feel? Are you sad?

Aiden: ... No.

Me: But you didn’t win a trophy. You are ok?

Aiden: ... It is ok.

Me: Why do you think it is ok?

Aiden: I tried my best!

I have never found so much joy in brainwashing people. Well done my dear Aiden. Looking forward to seeing you up a podium to collect your first trophies!

Stylish Boots For Baby & Kids: Dr. Martens A/W 2014 Kids' Collection

Looking for a stylish first pair of boots for baby or your active toddler? Now, parents who love the original Dr. Marten's range of boots need not look further. The brand well known for setting standards for comfort, durability, design and its trademark look since 1960, has its own line of baby and kids shoes. Check out their A/W'14 Kids' Collection, available in three age groups: babies, toddlers and juniors. 

Auburn in Small British Camo T Canvas & Vintage Garden Softy T

The baby booties make such unique baby shower gifts as they are packaged in a miniature version of a traditional Dr. Martens shoe box with a ribbon and gift tag. They are made to replicate a 1460 8-eye boot but with a soft sole and attention to detail - the famous sole pattern is replicated on the base of the booties, the yellow stitch and fabric heel tab at the back.

Stand out from the crowd with these must haves for your kids' wardrobe to give their outfits an extra ooomph and to boost the mini fashionista look. We visited their store at Orchard Central to check out the new range and had a hard time deciding on the styles and the classic leather or unique prints.

Here are our choices for Aiden and Ava.

 

On Aiden:

Bruiser Junior Capper Boot 
Material: Softy T, Price: $139

An exact replica of the original Capper Boot, this pair of boots has the distinctive contrast stitch, the yellow and black heel loop and gold branding on the side. There's also a side zip for ease of use by small fingers. Love the light weight soft leather, which helps Aiden get used to wearing boots. It's definitely comfortable to run about and jump in, judging from the way he does, with Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole. We went with the classic black as it is not easy finding the right pair of black foot wear. This gives an edge to the outfit he's wearing and goes perfectly well with his new hairstyle too.

 

 

On Ava:

Brooklee Infant Lace Boot (Green Camo)

Material: Em Small British Camo Waxy, Price: $99

This 4 eyelet infant boot in green camo print is an unusual choice for a girl. We wanted to steer away from the girly prints and to add a twist to Ava's outfits with this pair of boots. This also comes with the classic attributes of yellow stitch, heel loop, Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole and a side zip for little fingers. She loves playing with the heel loop now and this keeps her occupied during car rides.

Good things do come in small packages.

Dr. Marten's A/W '14 Kids' Collection ranges from $79 for the Auburn Lace Bootie to $159 for the Delaney Juniors Lace Boot. The collection is now available at Dr. Martens stores in Singapore. Visit them to browse the various designs and for a size fit. As some pieces are limited, do visit them soon to avoid disappointments! 

Dr. Martens Stores
Orchard Central #03-05, 181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896 (Tel: 6884 7578)
Wheelock Place #02-17A, 501 Orchard Road Singapore 238880 (Tel: 6737 6278)

Better late than never: Making time for the kids

When I was still at my full time job, the only time spent with Aiden (who was then our only child) was a few hours each night, usually after dinner and bedtime. As a brand manager in a multi-brand retail concept in the beauty industry, there was never a dull moment at work. I love what I was doing and never felt that it was a chore even when I had to work into the night for event set-up, going to work on weekends for a consumer event. I brought my work laptop home almost every day as I try to have dinner with Daddy Darren and spend time with Aiden before his bed time (which is not very early, usually after 10pm) before I get back to my emails & reports.

We were always looking out for interesting activities to do with Aiden, interesting places to bring him over the weekend for quality bonding time. I enjoy bringing him for swims, going to the parks and beaches to get closer to nature and have picnics which he enjoyed. We definitely brought him out often, to the malls, to the zoo, to the aquarium, to indoor playgrounds and on play dates.

With Ava, we realized we hardly go out as a family of four as we did not want to deprive her of quality sleep which she does indulge in quite a bit even now at 10 months old. She can take 3 naps ranging from half an hour to almost three hours in a day and her bed time is around 10pm. It was also more tedious going out and there were activities or places we wanted to bring Aiden which was not so suited for babies. As a result, we often have my parents care for Ava while we bring Aiden out.

After going full time for PriviKids in August and opening our first retail store, I have been spending substantial time at the store and have lesser time for the family especially the kids. One key reason for going full time for the business is to have better work life balance and to spend more time with Aiden and Ava and the initial months are tough.

Nowadays I get to steal little brackets of time on weekdays to fetch Aiden earlier from day care and either spend time playing with him at home or bringing him out for a nice treat or water play, and on some days, springing a surprise visit to Ava and bringing her & my mum out to the malls or taking her for a walk. The smiles on their faces and the connection we enjoy during these one on one sessions serve as a reminder to me, for the bigger goal we have.

I find myself trying to pry my fingers off my laptop and handphone to reply to one last email and keep my promise to play cars with Aiden and to snuggle up with Ava. Despite not spending a lot of time with Ava, she's really loving and sweet whenever she sees me and this reminded me that it's never too late. I may regret not having spent time with her in the past few months but every time we play together, it helps strengthen our bond.

This journey is not going to be easy and smooth sailing. I am enjoying every bit of it while trying my best to strike a balance with family time. I guess each role has its set of challenges in trying to achieve work-life-personal balance.

Caught this picture of Ava and myself while taking we-fies with her and love how she looked at me. Her eyes lighting up as though encouraging me on this journey and I know I will work hard and work smart to be a role model and inspiration to both my kids.

First shoes for kids: The next best thing to barefeet, Pediped

Being parents second time round to Ava who just turned 10 months old, we find ourselves more chill and not overly OCD in tracking her every milestone. As long as she is healthy, happy and growing well, we are not fussed over the smallest things. I may not know exactly how many day old she is (...about 9 months, oh think it's 10 months already), when she sprouted her first tooth or when she started to crawl, but when we are shopping for her, we do not compromise on quality and comfort. 

We have heard a lot about Pediped shoes from fellow parents, online and in magazines, and when we were looking for Ava's first pair of shoes, we were drawn to this pair of Isabella Red shoes from Pediped's Grip 'n' Go range and couldn't wait to have her take her first steps in them. 
 

These days she has started to pull herself up to a standing position and can cruise around the house. She is also keen on taking baby steps when we go for walks instead of being carried or sitting in the stroller. We started putting on shoes for her whenever we go out so she will get used to wearing shoes and encourages her to take a few steps in them.

Here's why the selection for baby's first pair of shoes is important and what we love about Pediped's Isabella Red. 

1) Comfort for baby's delicate feet 

For baby's first pair of walking shoes, we feel that it is important to consider its comfort level for baby's feet. Pediped uses the highest quality leather and the soles on its Grip ‘n’ Go™ range are a thin natural rubber that provides an ideal level of flexibility and protection. With padded heels to absorb shock, this is perfect for baby's first steps.

2) Support for baby's first steps 

The Pediped footwear system boosts of three ranges of shoes, Originals from 0-24 month, Grip ‘n’ Go™(9 month - 3 years) and Flex (1 - 6 years) to cater to your kid's needs as he grows from baby to active toddler and a confident walker.  

The Grip ‘n’ Go™range has soft, flexible soles and allow children to mimic barefoot walking closely. They also have a special G2 Technology™, which includes a soft rubber sole, rounded edges that mimic the shape of a child’s foot, heel stability, and a soft toe box to allow toes to grip the floor. These encourages babies to be more confident walkers as they feel comfortable wearing the shoes and it provides them with adequate support.

3) Assurance for parents

With its unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship, Pediped footwear has earned a loyal following. Word of mouth from other fellow parents are the best testimonies. The footwear have also been officially recognized by the American Pediatric Medical Association (APMA) as being beneficial for children's growing feet and awarded the AMPA Seal of Acceptance for promoting healthy foot development. This multiple award winning brand and range of shoes sets the new standard in children's shoes. This gives parents added assurance that they are making the right choice in purchasing this range of shoes for their kids. 

 
4) Comfortable shoes are not stylish

Says who? Pediped creates stylish shoes that are the perfect combination of timelessness and trend. The brand launches two collection a year, you'd be spoilt for choice. We chose this pair of shoes in patent bright red that's ideal to jazz up an everyday casual outfit or to add glamour to a little black dress. 

Pediped range of shoes may come at a higher price tag from $64 - $99, but we feel that it's important for kids to start walking in the right pair of shoes with adequate support that can guide them as they grow into their toddler years. 

  

How To Select The Right Shoe Size?

 Here are tips on selecting the right size for their feet. 

i) Download Pediped's printable sizing chart

ii) iPad Sizing App - for the tech savvy, this app allows you to digitally measure your child's foot in the convenience of your home 

Where To Buy Pediped Shoes?

Pediped shoes are now available at PriviKids at Changi City Point unit 02-04 (Tel: 6443 8802).  

Visit us to browse the collection and get the right fit for your kid. Sizes run from 6-12month (Originals range) to EU size 31 (Flex range). 

From now till 6 Oct 2014, enjoy 15% off any Pediped shoes in store. Simply show that you've liked both PriviKids and Pediped Facebook pages to enjoy this limited offer. 

Disclaimer: This blog post is in collaboration with Pediped. All opinions are our own. 

My gentle giant, Aiden

Mums never stop worrying about their kids.

I am always the one reminding Aiden to 'be careful, don't run too fast', 'look in front, we are nearing the end of the escalator', 'stop jumping, careful of the sharp edges'. Hoping to prevent accidents from happening and shielding him from potential falls, cuts and injuries. When would it be considered overly protective? I want Aiden to learn to be aware of the danger in his environment and yet be resilient and have the ability to pick himself up from a fall. I was speaking to a mom of three kids recently and she shared how the first born will always be the overly protected and careful one while the second child would be more daring, a risk taker as she will grow up with fewer restrictions and more carefree.

Nowadays, Aiden will tell me 'I know mummy, I will be careful' and this brings a smile to my face. My baby has indeed grown up to a young boy and knows how to deal with his mum's constant nagging (concern).

Spending quality time with Aiden on a weekday afternoon is a luxury I can have now, and it gives me renewed energy to drive the business when I return to work. It's always tough to turn down his requests to buy toys and I take a firm stand on what he can get.

We make it a point to fetch Aiden to school in the mornings, and some days he would be ok and give us a wave and a hug and on other days, he may get emotional and it affects me. I try to tell him that we can play tonight when he returns home but he can only muster enough to say, 'I want you to stay with me Mummy'. He has to be in school and I am looking at either switching school where he may enjoy school better (to which I spoke with him and he resisted switching), or take a more proactive approach to speak with his teachers. There was a recent change yet again, in his teachers and this may may have affected him as well.

My boy, it's as difficult for Mummy to leave you in school each morning. Let's make the best out of this together.

The Second (Class) Child

As much as I know intuitively that I love both Aiden and Ava the same with all my heart, I have to admit that I conscientiously treat Aiden better than his baby sister, Ava.

From toys, to our attention, to play time, to even exposure on social media, Ava gets significantly less. If she could talk and walk at 10 months old now, I’m pretty sure she would be heading straight for the Immigration Department to file a complaint for being treated as a second class citizen in the House of Yang. I don’t think I would get re-elected into office with a clear mandate if snap elections were to be called.

Daddy is truly sorry, my dear Ava.

I feel like I have no choice, after considering the psychological impact that Ava’s arrival had and would have on Aiden. He is the gentle giant of the family, tough on the outside but extremely delicate on the inside. A bit like that awesome biscuit at Popeye’s, but I digressed. At 3 and a half years old, he is not yet able to accept that he is not the centre of the universe, let alone sharing that universe with the latest sweet young thing emerging from seemingly nowhere (or Thomson Hospital if he was paying attention). It’s not a populist move, but it is one difficult decision that was made after careful and robust discussion in Parliament (i.e with Cheryl).

We try to tell ourselves that it is ok as Ava would be too young to know that we are treating her differently from Aiden. Many parents also share that it is very common to neglect the second child. But with each passing day, she is becoming more and more aware. A couple of months ago, she started crying or fussing about whenever I tried to carry her. Once her favourite Ah Gong is out of sight, the insecurity sets in. It was heart breaking for me.

To mend our budding relationship, there was only one way - more time and attention. Luckily, whatever time that I could squeeze in between work, PriviKids, Aiden and Cheryl in the last month or so, it is starting to work. Ava now doesn’t reject me and smiles ever so sweetly when I look at her or when I play with her. Just in time for me to notice that her first two teeth have sprouted.

Aiden is also beginning to genuinely accept that Ava is a big part of our lives as well, bringing her toys to her so that she can play with it (albeit to stop her from grabbing his toys instead), and insisting at one time that he wants to marry Ava when he grows up. However, he continues to rough with her.

Perhaps both Aiden and myself need to learn to how to behave properly when a new baby arrives. It’s not the most natural thing, but it is a lesson that we need to learn fast. Preferably before she finds out the directions to the Immigration Department.