Low-Maintenance Cat Breeds To Bring Home

Cats are wonderful companions, especially as pets kept indoors. They are generally low-maintenance and are not difficult to provide care for. There are many breeds of cats that go beyond the black or white cat you see in the television. In fact, the International Cat Association (TICA) officially recognizes 71 breeds as of 2018. That is a lot!

If you are keen to own a cat, you may choose from these adorable low-maintenance cat breeds.

#1: SCOTTISH FOLD

What makes the Scottish Fold unique is its ears that fold forward and lie close to the head. This cat is a lovely addition to any home due to its adaptable personality and its short stature. They are unlikely to attempt any grand leaps or obstacle courses. It can get along with other cats, dogs, and children. Their thick coat is surprisingly easy to maintain as it requires brushing once or twice a week.

Global singing sensation Taylor Swift is a proud owner of Scottish Folds. Her Scottish Folds Meredith and Olivia were both named after fictional television characters.

#2: SPHYNX

The Sphynx is a hairless cat breed, which is often the first choice of cat owners with allergens. The Sphynx’s fur feels more like fine hair or peach fuzz. Not only will its owner get less allergy attacks, but it will not need to groom its fur regularly.

This is an independent cat that is happy to amuse itself while you are busy indoors or outside with your friends. You may invest in a cat tower as the Sphynx enjoy jumping around.

#3: BRITISH SHORTHAIR

Known for its easygoing temperament and undemanding personality, the British Shorthair is popular amongst many cat lovers. It is affectionate, but not needy. It is the perfect companion for people who are looking for cats that stay away from trouble while they are not home. This cat’s short and dense coat is easy to maintain. A good weekly combing should be sufficient to remove the debris and to distribute the skin oils for a healthy coat.

#4: MAINE COON

The Maine Coon originally descended from ship’s cats. It is the largest domesticated cat breed. It is known for its chill, almost dog-like personality. They love the outdoors and can even be walked on a leash. Despite its long coats and large stature, it only requires minimal grooming. This is because its fur is silkier. You just need to comb it once a week and you are good to go!

Although it enjoys human interactions, it can easily entertain itself and is not considered as clingy. Let it freely play on its own.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Always remember that although these cat breeds are seemingly simple to take care of, you are still responsible for your cats. Love and treat them properly.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Effective Methods To Sleep Train Your Baby

DEFINITION

Sleep training refers to the methods that parents or caregivers use to adjust their child’s sleeping behaviors. Sleep training helps your child to fall asleep with little to no help from you. It also teaches the child how to fall back to sleep when he or she wakes up overnight.

Experts recommend to start sleep training when babies are 4 to 6 months old. This crucial period is when babies are able to last for six to eight hours overnight without needing to be fed.

COMMON METHODS USED

Parents use different methods to train their babies to fall asleep. Here are some of the efficient ways that you can apply on your home. Let us start with the Cry It Out Method.

The Cry It Out Method involves putting your child to bed and letting him until he dozes off. It is also called the extinction method as it entails letting your child fall asleep without any comfort or help from you. You need to ensure that your baby was put to bed with a full stomach and in a safe sleeping environment.

It is the most controversial sleep training method as it may seem harsh. If it works for your child and his developmental stage, do it. Consistency is the key. Your baby should begin falling asleep on his own within day four, give or take.

The next method is called the Ferber Method. If you are not a fan of letting your baby weep for hours, you may employ the graduated extinction or check-and-console sleep training or the Ferber Method. It allows your child to cry for a period of time before checking up on him. These timed intervals get longer by a few minutes within each interval until the baby falls asleep.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Reassure your child with statements such as: “Mommy loves you” or “I will pat you”. You will gradually reduce your presence in your baby’s room until there is no need for constant comfort check-ins. Eventually, your child will learn how to self-soothe.

The Chair Method is an interesting method as it works for older babies. Sit in a chair next to your baby’s crib until he falls asleep. Do not pick him up. Move the chair farther away each night until you are near the door. At some point, your baby will be able to fall asleep without you being there. Out of sight, out of mind.

The Bedtime Routine Method involves creating a routine that will ease your child’s mind and prepare his body for quality sleep. Include soothing techniques such as reading books, singing lullabies, and warm baths. Steer away from stimulating items such as electronics and loud toys. Following a consistent routine can help your child develop an internal body clock.

The last method is called the Pick Up & Put Down Method. It refers to putting down your baby to bed drowsy, but awake. When and if he cries, wait for a few minutes and see if he settles down by himself. If not, you may go inside the room to pick your baby up and soothe him. You may put the baby back to the crib or the bassinet when he calms down. Repeat the process until your child falls asleep. This method requires a great deal of patience.

CONCLUSION

Sleep training helps your child to fall asleep with little to no help from you. It is recommended to start it when your child turns 4 months old. There are different methods that you can employ to train your child to fall asleep. It is important to do your research or talk to your doctor during the process of sleep training. This will help you find a method that will best suit your child’s needs.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Here are 5 preschools offering full-day infant care services under S$1,500/month

infant with a teacher at mealtime

Are you planning for your first child? Or got a baby on the way and you’re arranging to have the little one spend their days at a childcare centre?

We’ve heard many parents feeling bad about leaving their newborns at infant care. But if you prefer not to trouble your parents or in-laws and don’t want to get a helper, then infant care might be the to-go option.

We’ve put together 5 preschools offering full-day infant care services under S$1,500/month. Read on!

#1: E-Bridge Pre-School

E-Bridge Pre-School

We will start the ball rolling with E-Bridge Pre-School, which is a member of EtonHouse International Education Group founded in 1995. There are centres throughout Singapore in the North, North-East, East, and the West.

Their full-day infant care programme runs from 7am to 7pm and costs S$1,275 (before GST) for Singapore citizens. However, there are also other fees to pay – non-refundable registration fee, student insurance, and a one-month refundable deposit.

#2: Skool4Kidz

Skool4Kidz

Skool4Kidz is part of Kinderland Educare Services. Their unique Integrated Thematic Curriculum is planned out by Dr Jane Ching-Kwan, an early childhood expert with a PhD in Child Development & Family Studies (specialization in Children and Technology).

You can expect your child to undergo an age and needs-appropriate infant care & toddler programme at their centres. The cost of infant care is at S$1,360 (inclusive of GST) for Singapore citizens. Also, the standard registration fee, deposit, cost of insurance, and uniforms will apply.

#3: PCF Sparkletots

PCF Sparkletots

Next, we have PCF Sparkletots by PAP Community Foundation in third place. They claim to be Singapore’s largest preschool operator with over 360 preschools islandwide. You can easily locate a PCF Sparkletots early years centre near you by clicking through the link.

Catered for infants from 2 months old, PCF Sparkletots early years centres operate from 7am to 7pm (full day) from Monday to Friday, and 7am to 2pm (half day) on Saturday. The monthly fee for Singapore citizens is S$1,364.20 (with GST). Other payments include registration fee, annual insurance, and cost of uniforms.

#4: My First Skool

My First Skool

My First Skool is the pre-school arm of NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) First Campus Co-operative. Opened since 1977, they have more than 140 preschools in Singapore. If you’re interested in their new Early Years Centres (EYC), there are three within the Punggol region at the moment.

Similar to PCF Sparkletots, they open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and 7am to 2pm on Saturdays. Sundays and public holidays are non-operational days. Singaporeans will only need to pay S$1,364.25/month (before subsidies) to have their infants enrolled. Other fees like registration, insurance, uniforms, and mattress cover costs will apply.

#5: Agape Little Uni

Agape Little Uni

Did you know that Agape means “unconditional love” in the original Greek language? Established in 1995, Agape Little Uni joined the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) scheme in January 2016. Currently, their preschools at Cecil Street, Compassvale Crescent, and Upper Serangoon Crescent offer infant care programmes.

As part of the infant care curriculum, your child will be exposed to storytelling, songs & rhymes, and sensorial games. The full-day price is at S$1,498/month for Singapore citizens. By now, you should be aware that other enrollment fees may apply.

Parents who currently have kids enrolled in the abovementioned preschools, do share your experience in the comments section so new parents in our community can all benefit. Many thanks in advance!

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You can buy these cars in Singapore with a budget of only S$80K

Featured cars under S$80K only

Are you thinking of buying a brand new car but don’t quite have a high budget to spare? Yes, we get how some people think that cars fall into the category of wants rather than needs. But if you really think having a car is necessary and have at least S$80K to spare, why not?

But before you make that payment, be completely aware that other than the upfront payment, there are other costs tagged to driving. We’re referring to petrol prices, ERP charges, parking fees, and more. Let’s not forget maintenance fees and car insurance.

If you’ve taken into account the long-term costs, let’s take a look at these five cheapest car types you can buy even with a budget of only S$80K.

#1: Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A)

Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A)

First up on our list, we have the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A). The lowest recorded price was previously S$54,999 apparently. At the time of writing, it currently costs S$64,999.

The engine is made by Toyota so you will be assured a smooth driving experience. If you often find yourself storing your belongings behind the boot before driving, you will find the roomy boot space a lifesaver.

#2: Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A)

Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A)

Next up, slightly pricier than the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) is also another series launched by Perodua in 2019. The Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A) hatchback costs S$67,999.

Its specs and features are similar to the Bezza. It has a reasonable boot space of 277 litres and a superb fuel consumption figure of around 17km per litre. For those with a little more budget to spare, you can power-up with the Perodua Myvi 1.5 (S$71,999) instead.

#3: Mitsubishi Attrage

Mitsubishi Attrage

The bronze medal goes to the Mitsubishi Attrage. To be exact, the Mitsubishi Attrage 1.2 CVT Style (A) is the model to look out for. It is priced at S$69,999, similar to the Mitsubishi Space Star 1.2 CVT Style (A).

Those who struggle to navigate around tight spaces will find the Mitsubishi Attrage driver-friendly. That’s all thanks to its fabulous turning radius! With an impressive fuel efficiency of 13.5km per litre, it wins first place for being a fuel-efficient car.

#4: Nissan Note 1.2 (A)

Nissan Note 1.2 (A)

Making into our list at fourth position is the Nissan Note 1.2 (A), a hatchback that costs S$74,900 at the time of writing. You may have come across even lower pricing before because the rock-bottom figure recorded was S$67,888.

Anyway, it has a spacious interior so you will be guaranteed comfort during your drive. While its fuel efficiency stands at 19.6km per litre, some drivers have reviewed otherwise. With that said, its Automatic Stop/Start function manages energy efficiently so that’s one bonus point.

#5: Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A)

Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A)

As you’ve probably anticipated the price to rise as we go, we have the new Honda Fit 2020 1.3 (A) to end our list of cheapest cars to buy in Singapore. It costs approximately S$77,000, ranging between different dealers.

Looking at the fuel consumption, it’s a pretty good sight at 19.6km per litre. Compared to the Perodua Bezza 1.3 Premium X (A) and Perodua Myvi 1.3X (A), it has one of the highest number of airbags at six. It also offers a keyless engine start.

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