Kiasu Parents’ Guide to Financial Preps Before the Baby Arrives

#1: INSURANCE COVERAGE

When it comes to expecting a baby, it’s always wise to be prepared for the unexpected. That’s why maternity insurance is a must-have. For those who love being ahead of the game, like many Kiasu parents, maternity insurance is essential. Maternity insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind during this significant life event.

Take, for example, Income’s Maternity 360. With a single premium, this plan offers three years of comprehensive coverage for both mother and baby, including protection against death, 10 pregnancy complications, and 23 congenital diseases. Plus, it includes a hospital care benefit, ensuring you’re covered in various situations.

#2: HOSPITAL BAG

Packing your hospital bag is an exciting step, but it’s important to plan based on your expected stay. Most mothers spend 2 to 3 days in the hospital after giving birth, though a C-section may require a longer stay. Fathers planning to stay with their partners should also consider this when packing.

Think about what will make you comfortable and prepared for those few days. For example, when my friend Lea was expecting her first child, she packed cozy pajamas, snacks, and even a favorite pillow from home, making her stay much more comfortable.

#3: HOME PREPARATION

Bringing your baby home for the first time is a thrilling moment, but it’s crucial to ensure your home is ready. This goes beyond just cleaning; it’s about creating a safe, welcoming environment.

Start by minimizing furniture and switching to non-toxic products (e.g., disinfectants and natural cleaning products). Less furniture means fewer places for germs and dust to gather. For laundry: wash sheets, blankets, and your baby’s clothes with mild detergent to avoid skin irritation. Then, consider professional cleaning if necessary.

#4: EMERGENCY FUND

Life with a baby can be unpredictable, and having an emergency fund is crucial. Aim to save enough to cover three to six months’ worth of your take-home pay. If that seems daunting, start with a smaller goal, like S$1,000, then gradually increase it.

#5: BABY-CENTERED BUDGET

Adjusting your budget to include baby-related expenses is essential. Consider ongoing costs like health insurance, doctor visit copays, diapers, formula, food, clothing, and daycare. Don’t forget one-time expenses for setting up the nursery and stocking up on baby gear. My cousin Nik created a detailed budget before her baby was born and found it incredibly helpful in managing her finances smoothly.

#6: BENEFICIARIES UPDATE

Major life changes, like having a baby, are a perfect time to review and update your beneficiaries on life insurance and retirement plans. You might still have your parents, siblings, or even a previous partner listed instead of your child. When my brother updated his beneficiaries after his first child was born, it gave him great comfort knowing his family’s future was secured.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Preparing for a baby is an exciting journey filled with many steps, but with a little planning and forethought, you can ensure you’re ready for the adventure ahead.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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7 Common Money Mistakes New Parents Make

Managing family finances is an essential skill for young couples to master, especially those who are pregnant and parents for the first time. In fact, financial management not only affects the spousal relationship, but also directly affects the future of the children.

1. Splurging on Children’s Activities

Parents are often thrilled when their children find an activity that they both love and excel in. However, don’t make the mistake of letting your child’s newfound interest turn into your personal identity. While you may relish the role of hockey dad or dance mom, don’t put yourself on financially unstable ground to support your child’s endeavors. It’s one thing to spend thousands of dollars on your kids’ activities, but when you make a late credit card payment because of it or you carry a balance, you can be hit with additional thousands of dollars in interest.

2. Not Creating a New-Baby Budget

One of the most dangerous financial traps parents-to-be can fall into is underestimating the costs of having a baby. That includes the costs incurred before the birth, such as doctor visits and new-baby gear, the costs of the birth and delivery itself, and the expenses that come after, like diapers and baby essentials.

3.Lack of Agreement on Spending Habits and Plans

If a couple does not agree on spending habits and plans, one will always feel “upset” and “frustrated” with the other’s spending. You also can’t save money if your husband is always spending beyond his means. Therefore, the first thing to do is that you two need to agree on your expenses and the family’s savings funds. For example, if you plan to have children, you need to plan an emergency fund specifically set up for them, such as a life insurance package that will accompany your children from the womb to adulthood.

4.Buying Everything New
For some of you, it’s hard to imagine putting your pure, precious newborn into a hand-me-down stroller. But by the time that infant is a few months or years old, you may be kicking yourself for buying new gear.

“I definitely started out buying everything brand-new that I needed,” says Suzanne Brown, author of Mompowerment and a mom of two from Austin, Texas. “Over time I realized I could have borrowed some of the items, like a bouncer or a bathtub to bathe baby, or bought them second-hand. I wish I had started that approach earlier because many items you buy for age 2 and under are used very little.”

5.Thinking You Need Every Baby-related Gadget
Just because a baby item exists doesn’t mean you need it. When you see other parents’ gear, it can be tempting to get your baby the same developmental toy or play mat.

However, your kid really won’t know what they’re missing. While baby blogs and parenting sites may sing the proverbial praises of having a jumper, a play gym, and so on, most little ones are happy chilling on a blanket outdoors or on your living room rug. Save your funds for the toddler years.

6. Failure to Educate Your Children About the Value of Money

Children need to know about the value of money and how to save money from an early age. Depending on your child’s age, you can turn this into a fun game, so that he/she can understand and form the following ideas: Why do I have to save money? How can I save money?

7. Forgoing Available Tax Breaks
Having a child can offer some advantages at tax time for parents who are eligible to claim certain tax credits or deductions. Some of the tax benefits available to new parents include:

If you are a parent, you may be eligible to claim the Parenthood Tax Rebate of $5,000 for your first child, $10,000 for your second child, and $20,000 for your third and subsequent child. The child must be a Singapore Citizen at the time of birth or within 12 months thereafter.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Parents with Singapore Citizen children enrolled in licensed childcare centres can receive a Basic Subsidy of up to $600 per month for full-day infant care, and up to $300 per month for full-day childcare.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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What You Need to Know about Freezing Eggs in Singapore

Regardless of their marital status, women in Singapore will soon be allowed to freeze their eggs for non-medical purposes. Egg freezing is a method used to save a woman’s ability to get pregnant in the future. Eggs harvested from the ovaries are frozen and stored for later use.

The introduction of the Assisted Reproduction Services Regulations under the Healthcare Services Act will allow women (i.e., aged 21 to 35) to undergo elective egg freezing by 2023.

Only legally married couples can use their frozen eggs to complete the process of in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This is in line with the existing IVF rules. IVF occurs when the egg is fertilized by the sperm in a lab for implantation in the uterus.

The Minister of State for Social and Family Development, Ms. Sun Xueling highlighted:
We recognise that there may be women who are not able to find a suitable partner when they are younger, but they still wish to be able to preserve the likelihood of conceiving when they marry later.”

Sufficient safeguards will be put in place to ensure that women are making well-informed decisions when undergoing egg freezing and IVF. For instance, women will be counselled before they freeze their eggs to educate them about the invasive nature of the procedure and its limitations such as the risk of having babies at an older age.

Apart from this information, the frequent questions regarding egg freezing will be answered. These questions include the following:

1. How long can the eggs be stored?

There is no limit on how long eggs can be frozen for medical reasons in Singapore. As freezing helps preserve the eggs, these will be as young and healthy as they were during the time of freezing.

2. When is the best time to freeze your eggs?

It is recommended to freeze your eggs before the age of 35 because fertility starts to decline as you hit your late 30s. The decline affects both the quantity and quality of the eggs.

3. Where are the eggs stored?

Frozen eggs are kept in tanks filled with liquid nitrogen. These tanks, called dewars, are stored in assisted reproduction centres.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

4. Is the egg freezing process safe?

Existing literature has not shown an increased risk of babies having birth defects because of egg freezing.

5. How much will it cost to freeze your eggs in Singapore for medical purposes?

The estimated cost of one cycle of egg freezing is about S$10,000.

6. What are the chances of having a baby after IVF?

Medical research found that the chance of a frozen egg leading to a baby being born is about 2% to 12%, according to Ms. Sun.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Cuddle up to motherhood with up to 35% savings at FairPrice Xtra’s Mum & Baby Fair till 7 April 2021

Motherhood is never an easy feat. However, when parenthood comes knocking at the door, it can sometimes be a blessing to answer it. Whether you’re expecting a child, a new parent with a newborn, or a seasoned mother with young kids, the journey can be challenging emotionally, physically, and financially.

FairPrice knows this too well, and thus they are here to support mothers like you trying to provide the best for your growing children. From newborns to toddlers, you can expect a wide range of baby product selection at FairPrice Xtra for your everyday needs.

In fact, we’re not just talking about diapers and formula milk. You can find sterilisers, milk bottles, bottle warmers, strollers, cribs, baby cushions, potties, and many more! Take advantage of the ongoing FairPrice Xtra Mum & Baby Fair till 7 April to stock up on your baby essentials. There are exclusive gifts worth up to $79.80 and gift vouchers tagged to specific brands when you shop at FairPrice Xtra.

While buying online can be convenient, receiving defective goods and seeking replacement may be tedious. As such, it’s better to head to the physical stores to check on the product personally. You may also approach any on-duty staff to test the equipment before purchasing. Selected stores are open 24/7 for you to walk-in any time to get your baby essentials.

We will now spotlight some promotional items worth buying, so stay on this page if you want to know what’s on sale. Hence, read on!

Diaper discounts you can’t overlook

1. MamyPoko Air Fit Range

 

Usual Price: 3 for $77.85
Now: 3 for $59.95

As its name suggests, MamyPoko’s Air Fit Range comfortably fits your baby’s bottom, following their body’s contour. At the same time, there’s 50% less pressure around their tummy, so your dear tot can move around without restrictions. MamyPoko Air Fit Range is ranked as the top choice of diapers for mothers in Japan, and it’s not hard to understand why.

If you’re planning to try out the series, you will be glad to know that FairPrice Xtra’s Mum & Baby Fair will offer you extra cashback on top of its existing discount. Get an exclusive $5 FairPrice gift voucher when you purchase 2 packs of MamyPoko Air Fit Newborn & Small size. Or buy up to $118 and above on Air Fit M, L or XL size to receive a $10 FairPrice gift voucher.

2. Huggies Platinum Naturemade Diapers

Huggies Platinum Naturemade Newborn

Usual Price: 2 for $42
Now: 2 for $31.25

Huggies Platinum Naturemade Diapers / Pants (M – XL)

Usual Price: 3 for $80.85
Now: 3 for $59.45

Your baby’s delicate skin deserves the best, and that’s why you should consider Huggies’ Platinum Naturemade diaper series. It’s lined with European-imported natural fibre with a touch of wheat germ oil filled with vitamin E to soothe and nourish. The ZeroFeel™ Technology with 12-hour absorbency will ensure that your baby gets to move as they wish without the fear of leakage. Remember to redeem your $10 FairPrice gift voucher if you clock a minimum spend of $80 on Huggies products.

3. Pampers Premium Care Range (Tapes: M52s / L42s; Pants: M48s / L38s / XL36s)

Usual Price: 3 for $82.50
Now: 3 for $56.95

Pampers Premium Care Range is as premier as it sounds. Mums and dads can be assured of their top quality to protect their sweethearts from uncomfortable diaper rash. This is all thanks to its silky soft wrap that will leave your child’s skin refined and smooth.

Depending on your kid’s motor skills and activeness, you can switch between tape diapers or pants. If you’re unsure which one’s a good fit, take advantage of the ongoing promotion to bag home the two different types to try. Enjoy an extra $10 off with a minimum spend of $60 on Pampers products and check out the promotion coupon in-stores.

Needful nutrition for your kids

4. Grow Milk Formula & Packets

 Grow Preschool Stage 4 / School Stage 5 Milk Formula (1.8kg)

Usual Price: $61.20 – $65.50 per tin
Now: $57.70 – $62 per tin

Grow Ready-to-Drink Packet Milk (4s x 180ml)

Usual Price: 2 for $10.60
Now: 2 for $6.90

Parents with preschool- and primary school-going children, we’ve not forgotten about you! FairPrice Xtra’s Mum & Baby Fair wants to lessen your financial load on milk formulas and packets now that you’ve been doing it for a few years. Proudly made on our sunny island, Grow’s products are about helping your child grow with immunity and brain development. Get a FREE lunch box by purchasing a tin of 1.8kg Grow Milk Formula or 4 packs of Ready-to-Drink Packet Milk.

5. Friso Gold Growing Up Milk Formula (Stage 3 & 4)

900g

Usual Price: $39.50 – $45 per tin
Now: $37.50 – $42 per tin

1.8kg

Usual Price: $139 – $156 per twin pack
Now: $125 – $140 per twin pack

Foundations are essential, and that’s why the team behind Friso Gold uses directly farmed fresh NOVAS Signature Milk to craft their milk formula. By utilising LockNutri™ Technology, Friso’s Holland dairy science experts retain milk protein structure in its most natural form, so your child can find it easy to digest. No sucrose and flavourings are added. Instead, it is formulated with only vital nutrients like prebiotic, probiotics, DHA, nucleotides, vitamin D, and selenium.

6. Enfagrow A+ Toddler / Children Milk Powder Formula (Stage 3, 4 & 5, 1.8kg)

Usual Price: $71.95 – $85.65 per tin
Now: Buy 2 x 1.8kg and get $7 off

To round us up our list of nutritious milk formulas for kids, we have the Enfagrow A+ Milk Powder Formula. Stage 3 is suitable for little ones aged 1 to 3, while Stage 4 is fit for kids from 3 to 6 years old. If you have children aged 6 and above, go for the Enfagrow A+ Stage 5 instead. The milk formula is imported from the Netherlands and contains DHA for healthy eye and brain development. It also contains zinc and iron to strengthen your child’s immunity levels.

Bargains on baby bath products

7. Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo (3s x 354ml)

Usual Price: $34.90 per bundle
Now: $29.95 per bundle

Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo is a paediatrician-recommended product from Canada. It is lightly scented and comes with natural oat extract to soothe and nourish your baby’s delicate skin. Parents with little kids that have sensitive skin will find this product a lifesaver because it cleanses fresh without over-drying. It also contains no eye-irritating substances, paraben, and phthalates.

8. Cetaphil Baby Products

Cetaphil Baby Body Wash – Moisturising 230ml

Special Bundle Pack 3 x 230ml
Now: $27.90

Cetaphil is one of the top dermatological skincare brands in Singapore, thanks to its gentle cleansing products for all skin types. If your child happens to suffer from sensitive skin, the Cetaphil Baby product range can assist in tackling dry skin woes. Cetaphil Baby Wash & Shampoo is a 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash which is enriched with glycerin and panthenol. It helps to nourish without drying or damaging your baby’s delicate skin.

FairPrice Xtra will also be giving out FREE baby milestone cards (worth $15.90) with a minimum spend of just $50 on Cetaphil baby products to sweeten up this deal. Here’s a look at your meaningful freebie:

Up to 31% off Philips Avent products

9. Philips Avent Electric Bottle Warmer

Usual Price: $69
Now: $48

Busy mums, this Philips Avent Electric Bottle Warmer is made specially with you in mind. Within just minutes, you can defrost and prepare nicely warmed foods for your precious little one. The bottle warmer manages the temperature automatically for you so you can leave it to work on its own while you get ready for work or spend more quality time with your baby. With this item at home, there will be no more overheating on both milk and baby food. Let the intelligent temperature control impress you!

10. Philips Avent Newborn Baby Natural Bottles Starter Set

Usual Price: $59
Now: $40.90

Since you’re planning to get the above electric bottle warmer, why not invest in the Philips Avent Natural Baby Milk Bottles too? This great value starter set has a range of sizes with soft and wide breast-shaped teats for babies to latch on naturally. For just $40.90, you get 2 x 4oz/125ml bottles, 2 x 9oz/260ml bottles, 1 x soother, and 1 x bottle brush. The advanced anti-colic system with an innovative twin valve will minimise baby discomfort. Best of all, it’s easy to use and a breeze to clean.

More savings with Lucky Baby merchandises

11. Lucky Baby AllerFree™ 3-in-1 UV Steriliser

Usual Price: $239
Now: $199

Lucky Baby’s AllerFree™ 3-in-1 UV Steriliser doesn’t just help with sterilising. It also acts as a dryer and storage space, so you get the best bang for your buck. Using superb low-temperature technology and dual UV lamps, this easy-to-use product will dry and sterilise your baby bottles, pacifiers, and more within 30 minutes. It’s capable of eliminating up to 99.9% of harmful bacteria without using steam or hot water. Wave goodbye to mildew or odd smells and say hello to better disinfection.

Can’t seem to make up your mind? What if we tell you that you will get a FREE Grandioz™ Baby Food & Bottle Warmer and a FREE Simplee™ Anti-Wind Manual Breast Pump and Bottle Set (total worth of $79.80) just by purchasing the steriliser mentioned above?

FREE Grandioz™ Baby Food & Bottle Warmer

The Grandioz™ Baby Food & Bottle Warmer is an innovative, lightweight dual function warmer. Use it to heat baby food and milk bottles to an ideal warmness, fuss-free! With the unique PCB control, milk is kept at a suitable drinking temperature for your little one. It comes with an in-built alarm buzzer to alert you when food is warmed and ready to serve. The light indicator at the bottom will also reveal the heating status just in case you missed the timer.

FREE Simplee™ Anti-Wind Manual Breast Pump and Bottle

The Simplee™ Anti-Wind Manual Breast Pump and Bottle is your second gift set with an AllerFree™ 3-in-1 UV Steriliser purchase. It comes with a pump and 2 bottles of 2 different sizes – 150ml and 160ml. The bottles come with a silicone air inlet at the base to allow air ventilation and minimise air intake by your baby. This could significantly reduce gas and burps! It’s also lightweight, so you can easily slip it in your handbag for pumping purposes outdoors.

Catch other attractive promotional items at FairPrice Xtra stores islandwide, and remember to visit by 7 April! Newlyweds who are not expecting a child immediately, it doesn’t hurt to drop by the Mum & Baby Fair to stay updated on the expansive range FairPrice Xtra can offer for your future baby plans and needs.

For all mums and dads with newborns and young kids, we’re cheering you on as you tread through your parenting journey!

Terms and conditions apply. Promotions are correct at the time of publish. Please check in store for more information.

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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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