Li Tying’s pours her heart into her many passions — she’s a baker (you might have seen her famous Matcha cookies with Nutella oozing out from the center on Instagram), co-founder at Wild Granola and a fitness trainer. Read on as she shares much of what she has learned as she and her husband grow together as new parents.
Did you always want to be a parent? What was the early journey like?
Yes, we always planned to have a baby, but it was more an idea for the future – with no time frame in mind. So, when we fell pregnant, it was a surprise. However, we viewed it as a blessing, since parenthood was a big part of our plans.
That said, nothing had prepared me for the toll pregnancy takes on a mother's body and mind. I spent the bulk of my pregnancy feeling upset. Fear, uncertainty, and nervousness dominated my thoughts. I have always been very active, especially in my career as a personal trainer and baker. It upset me greatly that life as I knew it was due for a big change. Six months into the pregnancy, we were told during a routine scan that Zideon had not grown for four weeks. The solution was to slow down my activities drastically, to direct nutrients and blood flow to the baby.
The sacrifices at this stage felt painful; I was putting my own body and fitness aside, even though I felt just fine. I had to deliver by caesarian, for Zideon's well-being, and again, this was an enormous setback for my body.
Recovery took much longer than hoped or expected, and struggling to even walk was a debilitating feeling.
What changed as you went through the pregnancy?
Today, none of this seems as important as it did then. The big shift came when I gave birth and became a mum. I realised that everything I had focused on, namely myself, was no longer of primary importance. Instead, there was a sudden and very natural shift in priorities. I wish I had known during my pregnancy, how much this baby was going to shift my mindset. I wouldn’t have sweated the small stuff and would have enjoyed my pregnancy more.
Pregnancy was tough on me physically, and therefore emotionally; but I realised that I became stronger as a result. Physically active people will feel similarly devastated, when faced with having to stop, slow down and regress.
Looking back over the past few months, I have worked to rebuild and regain strength, and this has benefited me in terms of confidence, resilience, and self-belief.
Fitness is your passion as well as your career. What helped you rebuild this after pregnancy?
I approached it one day at a time, just juggling motherhood with physical recovery. I broke my goals down into achievable chunks, to give myself something to look forward to. Simple small goals like walking without pain, or sustaining 15 minutes on the treadmill became small victories to look forward to and celebrate.
Interestingly, being a parent put a lot of my urgency into perspective, and helped me pace myself. It was more important to bond with Zideon and take care of him while pushing myself gradually to regain strength. The first 2–3 weeks were frustrating but then I relaxed into the process. I felt immense respect for all the mothers who had done this before me and overcome each of their challenges, and I was secure in the knowledge that my time to rebuild would come.
What did it feel like to become a mother for the first time?
Other mothers had warned me that love at first sight was not guaranteed so that I would not panic if I didn’t feel an instant bond with my newborn. This helped set my expectations. Sure enough, when Zideon was born and was handed to me, I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity at the new life in my arms. This was followed by fear, as I did not know what to do as a new mum. To force myself to look at the positives and inculcate gratitude, I decided to log a daily diary of Zideon on Instagram. This, for me, was a means of staying positive through the challenging first 6 weeks. I forced myself to record every good moment that I could discern. I feel this really kept me going, and gave me opportunities to give thanks each day.
How has your relationship with your husband changed or grown since you became parents?
I always believed that one’s relationship with their spouse must come first, in order to set an example for our children. However, the emotional bond that comes from caring for a tiny baby blindsided me. Our lives currently revolve around him, almost all our discussion and decisions center on Zideon—this is a big change to our relationship. Perhaps in the future, we will be able to focus on our relationship in the way that we used to, but for now, life as we know it has changed with a 6-month-old in the mix. Before fatherhood, my husband enjoyed his social life, freedom and personal space. When we fell pregnant, I worried about how this might impact him but he stepped up admirably to the change in his life. He successfully juggled his priorities and started to take on more responsibility, even while I recognize that he misses his old life. I appreciate his efforts to prioritise Zideon. These moments are fleeting and precious.
Each individual's motherhood journey varies differently, and it is truly important to remember to not compare yourselves. We hope these stories have helped you feel less alone and gave you the motivation to push through!
Filled with various textures to excite your little one’s palette, this refreshing yoghurt parfait is a perfect snack to enjoy on a hot day! It is also easily customizable with any toppings that your little one enjoys.
The world is your oyster with this recipe! Choose any fruits or toppings you like, and customize it to your own liking.
If your little one loves pudding, this is an easy recipe for you to try out! This is also perfect for you to prepare the night before and have your little one enjoy it the next morning with minimal preparations. Before you go about your day, remember to pack your trusty Hegen All-Rounder Cup PPSU as your water bottle too!
This recipe is highly flexible, which means you can get creative with it!
For a filling and sweet treat for your little one, have a go at this Sweet Potato Banana Cereals! This combination is packed with carbohydrates to give your little one the added boost of energy for the day.
Having a fun-filled day ahead with your little one? Stay hydrated through the day with the Hegen All-Rounder Cup PPSU as they gain their confidence and independence.
Hearty and nourishing, this pumpkin cereal combination is a great way for your little one to get their nutrients in! This combination is rich in vitamins and soluble fibre which helps to aid digestive health for your baby.
Meal prep the ingredients ahead of time in Hegen PCTO™ 60ml storage containers for a quick and easy meal! These containers are airtight and feature snap-on interconnecting buttons which allow multiple containers to bind together effortlessly, instantly converting bottles into an organised system that does not easily topple or spill.
Ah yes, who doesn't love cheese? This pairing will definitely be a sure-win for your little one, and it helps to get the needed veggies in for your kids!
Pro Tip: Meal prep the ingredients ahead of time in Hegen PCTO™ 60ml storage containers for a quick and easy meal! These containers are airtight and feature snap-on interconnecting buttons which allow multiple containers to bind together effortlessly, instantly converting bottles into an organised system that does not easily topple or spill.
Having cereals does not have to be a boring meal time experience for your little one! Try out different pairings to introduce different textures and flavours at an early age. Stay hydrated after this delicious meal with Hegen All-Rounder Cup PPSU too!
This creamy concoction is reminiscent of strawberry yoghurt, and it is so simple to make using pantry ingredients that you may already have! Chia seeds are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which can help aid brain development and the immune system. Pair this yummy snack with warm milk in the Hegen All-Rounder Cup PPSU for an extra boost of calcium!
Depending on the preferred consistency, you can opt to add more water/milk for a thinner consistency and vice versa.
Having cereals does not have to be a boring meal time experience for your little one! Try out different pairings to introduce different textures and flavours at an early age.
Who says playing with food is a bad thing? Letting your little one play around with their food is a great sensory experience and can help to develop problem solving skills, concentration, and comfort in trying new things! Here are some fun Snack n Play ideas that you can try with your little ones this weekend.
What you'll need:
1) Muffin liners or small containers
2) Number cards
3) Little Blossom Organic Brown Rice Puffs
How to play?
1) Lay out your muffin liners or small containers
2) Place your number cards below the containers (start slowly with numbers 0 to 5, and work your way up!)
3) Get your little one to place the correct number of puffs in the containers
4) As a reward, snack on our puffs as you go along!
Pro Tip #1: When starting out, get your little one to say the numbers out loud to help her remember each number in chronological order
Pro Tip #2:To increase difficulty, jumble up the numbers and ask your little one to match the numbers!
What you'll need:
1) 4x Little Blossom Organic Brown Rice Puffs
2) 4x small bowls
3) 1x big bowl/plate
How to play?
1) Mix all four flavours of our organic puffs in the big bowl or plate (only take a little of everything to prevent food wastage!)
2) Get your little one to sort the puffs and place them into the matching bowls
Pro Tip #1: Use colour-coded bowls to make this easier for your little one!
What you'll need:
1) Little Blossom Organic Brown Rice Puffs
2) 1x big bowl/plate
How to play?
1) Get your little one to 'draw' out the different alphabets on the plate
2) Level up by getting your little one to spell different words with our puffs!
What you'll need:
1) Little Blossom Organic Brown Rice Puffs
2) Assorted cut fruits / veggies
3) Flattened Bread
4) Reference image
How to play?
1) Choose your reference image, and identify what materials you'll need to create the artwork
2) In this case, cut out the bread into a circle shape and flatten it - this will be our face
3) Halve a grape (this will be for the eyes), and thinly slice an apple (this will be for the mouth)
4) Assemble the face by starting with the bread and layering it
5) Use puffs to assemble the hair, and you are done!
Pro Tip #1: Get your little one to identify the different facial parts as you make the artwork!
Pro Tip #2: Let your little one's imagination run wild, and see where their creativity takes you ;)
With the school holidays drawing closer, what are your plans with your little ones? Whether you are planning to stay indoors or go on a fun-filled adventure outdoors, our guide covers every activity type for you to get inspired!
PS. You can also use this to get inspiration for some weekend activities 😉
While we can't travel with our little ones during this pandemic, we can always take a little vacation within Singapore by going on a staycation! Family-friendly hotels such as Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La Singapore will be sure to keep you and your little ones occupied during your stay. Make meals easier by packing our Organic Brown Rice cereals with you so that you don't have to fuss about meal preparations and enjoy your vacation!
Get some Vitamin D with your little ones this holiday and explore various outdoor playgrounds for free! Some playgrounds even have a dedicated area for sand play and amazing structures for your little ones to explore! Be sure to pack some of our best-selling Organic Brown Rice puffs in our snack cups so that your little ones can snack on them when they get hungry!
How about taking a morning or evening cycle with your little ones around Changi Bay Point? With scenic landscapes, this is a great opportunity for you to capture some wonderful memories together! If your little ones do not know how to cycle yet, you can always bring them here and let them learn along this beautiful route.
Stay indoors and get your chefs hat on as you explore various recipes with your little ones! Start off with easy recipes such as our cereal muffins and turn cooking into a family bonding activity.
Let your little ones get creative with our free colouring printout! As your little one is colouring, learn about the various colours of the rainbow and colourful fruits and veggies. Keep our puffs by your side to let your little ones munch on them when hunger strikes!
Get started on your little one's weaning journey with Anabel's weaning tips! Co-founder of We Barre and Tiger Moms Club, Anabel shares about starting solids with her first born, Ari!
How did you feel at the start of your weaning journey with Ari?
I was excited for her to try new things and move on to the next milestone, but it was also a bit overwhelming! Before solids, it was easy - just milk for her mealtimes but now, I'll have to grocery shop for her, think of what to cook, and create a variety and balanced meal each time. So, there's definitely more to think about. Plus every meal is a major clean up operation!
How did you navigate through the vast amount of information and advice out there?
I absorbed it all! I am the kind that will read anything and everything, speak to other moms, and get help and advice from paediatric dieticians. I want to know it all - the research, facts, tips and tricks, hacks, and what other moms have done. So, I downloaded all that information and then made the choices that I feel work best for my family.
What are your go-to resources (eg. books, websites, IG, groups) for information and meal ideas?
I love solidstarts.com! I also reference a lot from Annabel Karmel and Helwig recipe books.
What was your biggest fear/challenge about starting solids?
I got the advice to watch videos on YouTube to understand the difference between choking and gagging. Gagging is a very common reflex amongst young babies that is often misunderstood as choking! Once I understood that and learnt basic baby first aid, I felt more confident. Well, that and I was worried about the mess. But it turns out, I am very chill about messy mealtimes, so it was an unwarranted worry!
What advice would you give to a parent who is feeling overwhelmed and worried about starting solids?
Babies don't get enough credit! They are highly adaptable and will learn to eat in their own time. So, don't stress too much about how much they are eating, or whether they are liking it or not at the beginning. Go in with little expectations and just let your little ones explore!
Starting solids may be a difficult journey filled with so many questions and worries, but as Anabel says: "Babies are highly adaptable and will learn to eat in their own time." In the meantime, make mealtimes a fun and enjoyable experience with our Feeding Essentials gift sets!
Add a fun and exciting little twist on your breakfast or snack ideas with our tasty yoghurt parfaits! These parfaits are seriously easy to do, and you can also get your little ones to help out in the kitchen.
This recipe is entirely flexible and it's up to you to choose which fruits you prefer or which puffs your little one loves!
Time to get creative in the kitchen with your little one and make these parfaits together! It's the perfect way to get your day started, especially when you have more time to spare in the mornings.
Beat the hot and humid weather conditions with our frozen fruity yoghurt bars! Deliciously creamy topped with juicy fruits and crunchy Organic Brown Rice Puffs, these bars will surely be a hit for both the little ones and adults.
1. You can store the frozen bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month
2. For an on-the-go option, you can use mini muffin liners and fill them up the same way!
Now, anytime you or your little one need a sweet treat, you will always have these bars on hand! Made with 100% organic ingredients, our brown rice puffs contain no added sugar and salt, making it the perfect crunchy snack for your little one. Don't forget to tag us on Instagram if you made this recipe!
If you have a little extra time on your hands, try out our easy cereal muffins! It's so simple to make – simply combine everything in a bowl and bake it. The best part is that you can batch make them and refrigerate or freeze so that you always have muffins ready to go any time during the week. Keen to find out more? Read on!
The muffins can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge, or up to 1 month in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, simply take them out and reheat them in the microwave or oven!
It's so quick and easy to prepare these muffins with our cereals! Made with no added sugar and salt, our cereals are perfect for little ones 6 months+. Once your little ones get older, you can also use our cereals for a fun twist like these muffins!
Sometimes, mornings may be a crunch time for you or sometimes, the last thing that you want to think of when you wake up is preparing breakfast. We totally get that, and that is why we've prepared three simple breakfast ideas for you to easily whip up. Curious to find out more? Read on!
Making breakfast doesn't have to be difficult! Simplify your mornings with our puffs and cereals, and have a hearty breakfast 💚
Is your little one's birthday right around the corner? Shopping for gifts may sound daunting for some and that's why we decided to curate a gift guide for you to find the perfect gift. Browse through our shopping guide for a breezy shopping experience!
Each gift set comes with a greeting card for you to write your message! You can also opt for us to write a hand-written one for you 💚 Ready to hit the shopping cart?
James & Ee Shian's interview is also one of the many stories from our book, In Time, We Blossom. If you'd like to read more stories like this, you can download our free e-book here.
If you saw James and Ee Shian out with their 3 lovable daughters Natasha (11 years old), Madeline (4 years old) and Lauren (3 years old), you would think that they were born to be parents. However, they had a rocky start as new parents to their first child, Natasha. Here is their story of how they went from struggling to adapting to parenthood to deciding on adoption of their second child. We dig deeper into the challenges they faced in their adoption journey, how they came to meet and fall in love with Madeline, and how they have grown together as parents.
Gillian: How did you feel when you had your first child, Natasha?
James: When Ee Shian got pregnant, I was actually very upset. It was frustrating, as if my life had been thrown into disarray by this new entrant into our lives. I felt I had lost my wife, who was now consumed with caring for our child. At the same time, it was a struggle balancing the desire to focus on my career with the responsibility of being a father. I was a reluctant father and it took me almost a year to start developing feelings of true affection for my child.
How did things change over time?
James: One day, I was carrying Natasha when she was about 9 months old, she looked up at me, poked my nose and laughed. I looked at her and thought "hmm, maybe I don’t hate you so much after all" and thus began a gradual shift. It took me almost two years to become a proud father. Natasha is a special kid. Despite my initial lack of interest, she was always warm towards me and made it easier for me to love her.
With such a challenging experience after having your first child, what made you decide to have a second child?
Ee Shian: I had always wanted a second child but because we had had such a rocky start and were finally happy as a family, I had to really ask myself if it was worth rocking the boat again. When Natasha was 6, I roped her in to convince James to have a second child.
James: After I thought about it, I came back to Ee Shian and Natasha saying yes, let’s have another kid. My only condition was that we would adopt our second child. My rationale was simple—why bring another child into the world we could hopefully help someone experience a better life? That would make the endeavor well worth the effort.
Ee Shian, what was your reaction when James said he wanted to adopt a child?
Ee Shian: I was shocked—to me, it seemed unconventional. I took a long time to think about it. As a Catholic, I reflected on how even Jesus did not have a conventional family as St. Joseph was his foster father. When I was a child, I had a nanny who treated me like her own daughter. It struck me that you do not have to be related by blood to be family. My desire to nurture was stronger than my need to give birth to a child.
What was the process of adoption like?
James: It was a lengthy process. We had to register for a Home Study Report, where the government-appointed agency interviewed our family, did a survey of our house, bank statements, references and medical test results. That took six months and was tedious at times, but the goal was for the Ministry of Social & Family Development (MSF) to establish that we were ready and able to adopt a child.
Ee Shian: I then signed up with MSF to indicate our interest in adopting a child but there was a long waiting list. I also contacted a couple of private adoption agencies but did not hear back from either of them. Just as I was losing hope, I got a call from one of the agencies! We were invited to meet a little girl who was born on Christmas Day. I was emotional, excited and scared. Having read a lot of books, and being more idealistic by nature, I was expecting to feel an instant bond, a feeling that she was ‘the one’. But when we met her, I felt underwhelmed. I prayed on this and the message that every child is a gift from God was reinforced in my mind. Once that became clear to me, we decided to adopt Madeleine into our family.
James: People say Madeleine is lucky to have us and our heartfelt response, is that we’re actually the lucky ones to have Madeleine join our family.
What challenges did you face in your adoption journey?
Ee Shian: People have said hurtful and insensitive things to us. "How much did you pay for it?," "where did you buy your baby?" or "an adopted kid is not as good as having your own." There was hardly any encouragement. My mum was so against the idea of us adopting a child that she did not want to look at Madeleine when we first brought her home. But now she is an adoption advocate! She recently met an auntie whose daughter was finding it hard to have a baby. She proudly showed her photos of Madeleine and encouraged her daughter to consider adoption. What a miracle!
Is there any difference in loving your biological and adopted children?
James: I love my three children equally, but it’s important to note that equal doesn’t imply identical. My capacity to love them was very dependent on who I was when they each came into my life. For Natasha, I was a very reluctant father. When we adopted Madeleine, I was a very happy and willing father. Then when Lauren came unexpectedly, my heart was so softened by my first two girls that I was able to embrace her, even though we had not planned to have a third child.
Ee Shian: There’s no difference in how much I love each of my three daughters. Just as the circumstances in which they entered our lives was different, the joy they bring is also unique to each child. Having Madeleine in my life has made me very aware that every child is a gift from God, no matter how they enter your life.
How have you seen each other grow in this journey of parenthood?
James: It has been humbling to see my wife grow in resilience and strength. I have a lot of respect for who she is. She has responded admirably to every challenge.
Ee Shian: He started off as an unwilling father, and now he is the more devoted parent of the two of us! He used to be very impatient with the children, but now he is so tender towards the girls. To see him devote so much of his energy for our family is heartwarming.
For some, mealtimes can be a messy affair with their little ones. Especially for the little ones who are learning to self-feed, there will always be food smeared on the table and utensils lying around. However, there are ways to make the self-feeding experience more enjoyable! Curious to find out more? Read on!
As the name suggests, self-feeding is simply getting your child to feed himself. This means holding the utensils himself and getting food in independently. While mothers may face the challenge of time and/or love (resisting the urge to feed your child lovingly), self-feeding is an especially important phase. Why? It is a fun and easy way for your child to explore different sensory experiences! Learning to self-feed can also help increase strength, improve arm-hand coordination and eye-hand coordination.
One reason why mothers often prefer to feed their babies is because of the mess that it helps to prevent. However, self-feeding will be a messy experience so the first step would be to get comfortable with it! Letting a child be messy will help him gain the confidence and curiosity to try different textures and senses. If cleaning is a hassle, then prep the mess by laying some plastic sheets on the feeding table to ease the cleaning process!
An important aspect in self-feeding is finding the right utensils for your little one. When finding the right utensils, look for those that are easy to hold, soft on the mouth and easy to clean! We absolutely love our new snack cups for the little ones.
Giving ample time for your child to get comfortable during meal times is especially important for him to explore the different textures and senses. Typically, this would take around 30 to 45 minutes so ensure that you have this time for him. Self-feeding is also a process that does not happen overnight. It can take up to several months to a few years! How about keeping a feeding milestone diary to keep track of your child’s progress?
What is the pincer grasp? Well, it is simply the ability to hold things between your thumb and first finger, and it is an important fine motor skill for your little one. Typically, babies will develop this skill when they are around 9-10 months old. Lay down small food items such as our organic brown rice puffs on the feeding table, and get your child to slowly pick them up!
Oh yes, who said we can’t play with food? We are absolute advocates of playing with food as long as there’s no food wastage! Plus, since it would get messy, make use of this opportunity to get crafty and make mealtimes fun. We love how @littleoneslearn on Instagram gets creative with her puffs to create artworks!
Just like how patience is required, consistent practice is also another golden key for self-feeding. As we all know the saying, practice makes perfect! Aim for at least one meal time session daily where your child can practice self-feeding.
Pretend play is something we love growing up! Pretending that we are teachers teaching a class, pretending we are having a nice tea or picnic session with our teddy bears. Yes, these are nice but did you know that it could also help with improving your child’s grip and motor skills? You can also improve his creativity and curiosity!
Serene and Michelle created Love Bonds to help parents encourage meaningful conversations with their children, through a curated collection of storybooks and magazines (with its accompanying conversation guides) and conversation starters cards.
Michelle & Serene's interview is also one of the many stories from our book, In Time, We Blossom. If you'd like to read more stories like this, you can download our free e-book here.
Little ones can be such chatterboxes, full of admiration and awe at the world around them. "Mama, mama...," they exclaim, recounting a tiny incident from their day that filled them with wonder. How can a well-meaning parent make the most of this barrage of chatter? Can they harness their child’s curiosity to dig deep, to get to the heart of the matter, and to truly connect?
Serene and Michelle have set themselves the goal of addressing just this dilemma. They created Love Bonds to help parents encourage meaningful conversations with their children, through a curated collection of storybooks and magazines (with its accompanying conversation guides) and conversation starters cards. We sat down with the two ladies to learn more about the mission of Love Bonds, and were truly energised by what they had to share.
Gillian: Tell us a little about how Love Bonds was born?
Michelle: Our friendship goes back 17 years because our husbands are friends. After we became mothers, our bond strengthened as we could better understand each other as parents and our difficulties. I had heard that motherhood changes people, and when I had my first daughter (now aged 4), I felt it. Imparting good values became a real passion. Meaningful, intentional conversations foster lasting bonds, but busy parents cannot always find common grounds to nurture these. A little guidance goes a long way!
Serene: Schools do their utmost to impart values, but I believe that character development starts from home. Michelle and I set a goal to encourage conversations that really matter. Books are a great medium to nudge little learners to understand and remember, so we began to curate a collection of beautiful children’s books. But a vital ingredient was missing – tools to engage a child more deeply through these books. And so our conversation guides were born to spark meaningful dialogue between parent and child.
Why is Love Bonds so relevant today?
Serene: Early childhood is precious as attachment is at its greatest, and its bonds are everlasting and invaluable. This takes me back to my own childhood filled with chatter and banter with my mum, which I cherish even as an adult.
At a younger age, shared experiences are so formative. For example, parents and children alike cherish visits to the zoo. But lasting impressions and memories arise from the banter and sharing between parents and child as they walk through the zoo. Our children’s generation diverges from our own with the impact of the digital world. In the midst of this noise, parents have to strive harder to keep their child’s attention and nurture deeper bonds.
Michelle: My typically Asian parents were not ‘talkers’. This impacted my teen years, and I would turn to close friends to talk about my problems. My greatest wish is that my children continue to turn to me on important matters, so that we stay connected and close as they blossom into adults.
Have there been challenges?
Serene: Yes! Changing a habit is always difficult. We are weaning children away from digital devices and encouraging them to process and articulate their thoughts. Habits take weeks to change and implement, so it is not always smooth sailing.
Michelle: Also, parental mindset can be a stumbling block. Parents do not want to accept vulnerability and failure. But we are ingraining a fundamental habit in families, via a process, a journey. There will be good and bad days; days when it comes together nicely and days when your child simply wants no part of a conversation.
Love Bonds resources, or any other resources for that matter, are not magic potions. They are tools that parents can use with their children to spark meaningful conversations and open up opportunities to talk about things that truly matter— values. Forming strong bonds in the family is a long but rewarding journey, where resilience and consistency are key.
What have your proudest moments been?
Michelle: When i see my daughter living the values that we talk about. I am so proud that my 4-year-old is a loving and caring sister to my younger daughter, aged 2.
Serene: It is humbling when my son chooses to share his experiences and his puzzlement at daily life with me. I feel privileged to share his little boy thoughts and reflections as he navigates his growing universe. Recently, he has turned the conversation around and asked me questions about my work day, which is truly delightful! It shows that he has assimilated the need to relate to those that matter to him.
Is there such a thing as ‘perfect parenting’?
Serene: I do not strive to be a perfect parent— only a faithful parent. The most important relationship in parenting is that with our partner, in whom we turn to for support and assurance. There is no output without input, and that input is constant communication with a supportive partner on this parenting journey.
Michelle: As parents, we are a work in progress, and our goal is to learn and impart aspects of our journey to our children. So that they may grow up guided by values that they witnessed. For example, we have selected three all-important family values that we often discuss with our daughters— kindness, honesty and resilience.
How do you feel you have blossomed as parents?
Serene: Parenthood is a shared journey; as our children grow, we grow. Parenting has no manual, but we rely on our faith to carry on and do the best that we can. This faith makes the journey special and allows us to blossom as parents.
Michelle: We are constantly growing on this meaningful journey. In parenting, we use our talents and abilities to do the best we can— we blossom as we help others.
Did you know that Colour Me Mats is a homegrown brand founded by 2 Mummies? The amazing ladies behind the brand, Jaclyn and Serene, loved picture books and wanted to minimize screen time for their little ones, and hence Colour Me Mats was born!
In light of our National Day collaboration with Colour Me Mats, we decided to revisit our interview with Jaclyn, as she candidly shared with us what it’s like to become a Mum when she was only 23 years old, quickly adapting her lifestyle to take on her new role and eventually becoming a Mum of 3!
Jaclyn's interview is also one of the many stories from our book, In Time, We Blossom. If you'd like to read more stories like this, you can download our free e-book here.
As parents, our only wish for our children is to have great health and happiness, but not all children have this privilege.
- Jaclyn, on why she initiated the Give Back campaign with Colour Me Mats, in support of Club RainbowWe first got acquainted with Jaclyn through Instagram, as we had been following her first foods journey with Baby Masen and healthy meal recipes for Kyler and Avril. When we got to interview her, we were grateful that Jaclyn was so forthcoming in sharing her motherhood experiences with us!
Jaclyn also runs Colour Me Mats, which offers silicone colouring mats that are educational and tell a story with each scene. The idea came about as Jaclyn and her partner, Serene, realised that their little ones loved reading picture books and wanted to bring the characters to life through colouring. They hope that their mats can help parents bond with their little ones and minimise screen time.
Yi Jun: Let’s go back to the day you found out you were pregnant. How did you feel?
Jaclyn: Terrified. Although I always wanted to get married early and start a family young, it was probably 4–5 years too early! I was 23 when I first got pregnant and I had only known my husband for a few months. There were many things I was uncertain about, but I was clear that I would keep the baby, whether or not he decided to take up the responsibility. Thankfully, he married me and 9 years later we have two more in tow!
What changes did you start to experience when your first born arrived?
Our lifestyle and priorities changed completely. Before I became pregnant, I was a party- goer, clubbing till 6 am three times a week—I was young and wild and free! Then everything stopped immediately. I hung out less with friends, except for the occasional birthdays where I would have a few drinks then head home by midnight.
I think my friends stopped calling me because my answer was always no, yet I did not mind at all. I only wanted to be with my baby after a full day of work. It comes very naturally to all mums, probably something that non- parents cannot imagine feeling till it happens to them! From the moment my first born arrived, it’s always been kids, kids, kids.
The first few months with my husband were tough. He worked night shifts so he would sleep through the mornings, which meant that baby and I barely got to see him. We were both tired, yet somehow we made it work. There were moments where I’d flare up because I just needed him to spend more time with us, but I also appreciated that he was working hard for the family.
From the moment my first born arrived, it's always been kids, kids, kids.
You share what you feed your kids on Instagram, placing a lot of importance on healthy, organic food. Why is this important to you?
As much as possible and to the best of my ability, the food I get for Masen is organic, because they carry significantly fewer pesticide residues. By limiting their exposure to chemical residues, the kids are less susceptible to harm, especially the littlest one whose digestive system is not strong yet. Our journey with organic food has been rewarding. The children eat well and rarely fall ill, save for when they entered preschool. Thankfully the kids aren’t picky eaters (except our daughter!) and they finish their food most of the time!
What is your proudest moment as a parent so far?
On 30th May 2019, my firstborn, Kyler showed his support for children with cancer. He shaved his head on his own accord. It was an amazingly proud moment for me. Tears welled up in my eyes as he sat there for five minutes. This was MY BOY. No matter how mischievous he can be, or how many times I have scolded him, times like this make me proud. His classmates were also cheering him on!
A month earlier, when he brought home the consent form for Hair for Hope, I had tossed it into the bin. The next morning he asked if I would sign and was angry that I had thrown the form. Here was a boy who was selflessly and bravely showing solidarity, and his mum was only concerned with how his shaved head would look in family photographs! I felt so ashamed, and still am, and will never forget this incident. He taught me that compassion and having a big heart, mean showing others that we care.
After 3 kids, do you feel like you have blossomed as a parent?
Definitely! I’ve learnt to be more patient, to accept who they have grown to become. As a mum, I guide them along the way, instead of forcing them to do things just because I said so.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
"It’s natural to feel both excited and afraid with a new family member, but hey—it’s the start of something beautiful. Let baby guide you and everything will slowly fall into a routine. When that happens, enjoy the moment!"
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Dear parents,
There have been recent reports of traces of heavy metals (i.e. Arsenic) found in another baby brand's brown rice product.
We’d like to take this opportunity to reassure parents about the steps we have taken to ensure that Little Blossom’s products are safe for your little ones.
First, you may be wondering: What are heavy metals, and why are they in my baby’s food?!
A study by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) summarises it as follows:
“Heavy metals (e.g. Arsenic, Lead, Mercury) are naturally occurring in soil and water and are found at elevated levels in fields polluted by pesticides, contaminated fertilizer, airborne contaminants and industrial operations. Food crops uptake these metals naturally. How the food is processed may also affect the levels. Organic standards do not address these contaminants, and foods beyond the baby food aisle are equally affected.”
In order to protect consumers, The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) imposes regulations on the maximum levels of heavy metal contaminants that can be present in all types of food. These can be found in the Sale of Food Act, and there are more stringent requirements for baby food & formula milk:
While the regulations are in place, it is the responsibility of the companies (manufacturer and/or distributor) to ensure compliance. Not every batch of products that gets imported into Singapore is tested by the Singapore Food Agency.
To give parents a peace of mind, we test every batch of our puffs produced for the below heavy metals:
• Arsenic
• Lead
• Mercury
These tests are done by a third party accredited lab, independent from Little Blossom, and our manufacturer. Our test results show that arsenic, lead or mercury were NOT detected in our organic brown rice puffs products.
You may view the lab reports here. Each time we import a new batch of products, the lab reports will be updated accordingly on our website in our FAQ section.
Your little one’s safety is just as important to us. So if there’s anytime you have any doubt about the safety of our products, you may reach out to us at hello@littleblossom.co to ask. This is your right as our customer, and a parent.
Thank you for your support!
Love,
Gillian & Yi Jun
Co-Founders, Little Blossom
P/S: For parents that will like to know more about this issue, we also recommend reading the following reports:
Investigative Study on 168 baby food products in the US by Healthy Babies Bright Future
"Watch that Hidden Poison in your Rice"
Source: The Business Times - Article by Dr Michael Lim
Running out of ideas to keep your toddlers busy at home? Here are 5 simple sensory play ideas to start your little one’s journey of exploring the 5 senses!
1. Touch
This set up is so simple, but so much fun! First, cut out some heart shapes (or any shape) on craft paper. Then apply glue onto the cut outs. Lastly, it’s sprinkle time with your little one, using The Tiny Trove's Rainbow Sensory Rice!
2. Taste
Let your little ones earn their snacks while having fun in the process! Write your little one’s name (or any letters) on sheets of paper and have them trace the letters using their Little Blossom puffs. Once they’re done, they get to savour the taste of their yummy snacks!
3. Hearing
We love these simple sensory bottles which are great for stimulating sight and sounds with your little ones! Check out Yunnie’s blog for instructions on how to create these Ocean, Garden and Forest themed bottles
4. Sight
These emerald water beads from Tickle Your Senses are a visual treat for your little one’s eyes! Just add them into a tub of water, and you’re all ready to play. Add some alphabet cards for them to learn spelling or new words while they play too!
5. Smell
Did you know that The Tiny Trove’s play doughs are scented with lavender? This helps to calm and relax your little ones while they’re playing! Recreate your little one’s favourite storybook characters using play dough, just like how little Avery has done with her favourite character - The Little Rainbow Fish.
Little Blossom x The Tiny Trove Gift Set
Check out our latest collaboration with The Tiny Trove to get your little ones started on their sensory play journey! Our gift set contains all you need to re-create ideas #1, #2, #5 at your own home ;)
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[Updated 29th October 2020] We have updated this article as we have just launched our new rewards & referral program! If you've signed up for our refer a friend program previously, please read on to learn how to create a new referral link.
It's been 6 months since our launch, and we're so heartened by the amazing response to Little Blossom. Believe us when we say that we do a happy dance every time we see or hear that your little ones love our puffs!
We heard that many of you have been recommending our puffs to your friends and family. That’s why we’ve decided to launch an official referral program to thank you for your support! With this referral program, you can now gift 10% off to a friend, and get one free pack in return! Excited? Read on to learn more.
Step 1: Click on the "Little Blossom Rewards" Icon on our website (bottom left corner)
Step 2: Create an account, or login to your store account with us
Step 3: Click on "Refer" tab and you'll find your unique referral link.
Step 4: Share away! Your friend gets 10% off their first purchase, you get 100 points (i.e. 1 free pack). Everyone wins!
At the start of each month, you'll receive your monthly points summary via email. Once you have earned at least 100 points, you can return to the rewards program to redeem your free packs!
If you've used our refer a friend program from Jul-Oct 20, we've also credited your account with points for your past successful referrals :)
If you signed up prior to 30 October 2020, your link will no longer be effective as we have transitioned to a new system that now integrates with our rewards program. To continue referring, simply create a new link using instructions above!
Do note that the referral discounts only apply to first time customers of Little Blossom. If you still face issues, please drop us an email at hello@littleblossom.co and we'll get back to you asap!
The points will be credited to you 7 days after your friend has made a purchase. Please note that points will only be credited if your friend has made a purchase over $35.
We want to help our customers maximise the value of the promotion! A $35 spend allows your friend to be entitled to free shipping, even after the 10% discount is applied
Yes! After redemption of points, please leave us a message in "special delivery instructions" box at check out with your requested flavours.
Of course!
Happy Father's Day to all the amazing Dads in our life! This weekend, we celebrate Father's Day with a Father's Day feature with Ian, as he gives us a peak into a day in his life with his two adorable boys - Elijah and Isaiah. As a financial consultant, Ian is passionate about inculcating the value of money with his kids from young. Watch the video and our interview with him and his wife Julia, to pick up some useful financial literacy tips for kids!
Ian and Julia's story is also one of the many stories from our book, In Time, We Blossom. If you'd like to read more stories like this, you can download our free e-book here.
Seeing my friends with their kids reminds me of my responsibility and role as a dad.
- Ian, on why it’s important to journey with a community of fellow parentsAs one of my older cousins, Ian was always coming up with fun activities for the rest of us. Once, he created a disco in his room. Imagine eight happy kids, bouncing in the dark to Spice Girls, waving torchlights covered with coloured cellophane paper!
Ian and his wife, Julia, now plan fun adventures for their two boys, Elijah (4 years old) and Isaiah (1 year old). Over a chat, they shared with us some of their creative ideas to teach their boys about independence, resilience and the value of money. They also talked to us about the importance of a community of fellow parents for companionship on this road.
How did your parents raise you and how does it differ with your style of parenting?
Julia: When I was young, my perception of parenthood was much simpler. My mother was home with us and my grandmother helped take care of us. This was a straightforward arrangement, minus the pressures of full time work and jobs.
Ian: My parents had limited resources when I was young, so being a good parent meant working hard to feed the family. Now, we have more options and opportunities, especially when it comes to starting businesses. It is amazing to see how parents take bold risks to pursue their dreams and find a balance between work and family.
What aspects of your upbringing would you retain in your parenting?
Ian: I hope to teach my kids the same three values my parents taught me – discipline, respect and the value of money. We came from a very humble origins, so I learnt to value money at a young age. That is something I want to pass on to my kids.
How do you teach Elijah about the value of money at 4 years old?
Julia: Ian came back from a trip to Vietnam with three piggy banks for Elijah. One piggy bank is to save for primary school, another for secondary school, and the last one is money for spending. We had him put his coins into these categories, so he can understand what it means to spend versus save money. He now puts any coins he finds in the house into a piggy bank. We try not to leave money lying around!
Ian: We also get him very involved in cash transactions, like giving him $2 to buy a treat, and having him collect change from the auntie. By the time our kids grow up, most transactions will be cashless, and they might not understand what money is and how to manage it.
Discipline, respect and the value of money.
- Ian, on the three values he wishes to inculcate in his childrenWhat are some ways you have tried to teach him to be more independent?
Julia: We signed him up for Forest School, where he could have a wild adventure in nature. He had to climb and walk along a forest trail, get muddy and take care of his belongings. When we arrived, we saw other kids climbing trees in the rain. At first, I was worried about their safety. I then realised that as long as they are shown how to keep themselves safe, even if they fall, they will be alright. Sometimes, as parents we need to let go.
Ian: On the second day of Forest School, Elijah didn’t feel like going back. He was crying when we dropped him off, until an older boy in the group comforted and guided him through the day. He shared his food and told Elijah that everything will be ok. He was so sweet to Elijah and treated him like a little brother. Coincidentally, the older boy’s name was Ian too!
How do you maintain your social life, after having kids?
Ian: One of my goals for the year was to form a community of parents to support each other. Not just online, but to physically come together for family activities and gatherings. Often, I get groups of my friends and their kids together, for outings like kite-flying or zoo visits. I truly feel we lack this in Singapore.
Parents either make plans with their immediate family, or spend most of the time at home. And we know kids cannot stay at home for too long! Seeing my friends with their kids also reminds me of my responsibility and role as a dad. When we are busy with work, we might get used to letting our helper or their grandparents take over. But being around my friends helps remind me realise that is something I want to focus on.
What is one thing you are most grateful for about each other?
Julia: I am more of a thinker, so I am grateful that Ian takes the lead on important family decisions. If he thinks that something is wrong and we should not do it, he will stand firm and drive the family in that direction.
Ian: One thing I appreciate about Julia is her presence in everything we do as a family. I cannot imagine raising the two boys without her! Hats off to single parents who raise kids on their own, because it is not easy even with both of us. I feel blessed that we have each other. Not just to share the workload, but as a partner to count on as we travel this road.
What advice would you give to your younger selves?
1. Don’t worry
Let go of the idea of trying to be a perfect parent. I wish I had spent less time worrying, and more time being present and enjoying time with my kids.
2. Save!
Money gives us more opportunities and flexibility for our family.
3. Community Support
It takes more than just the both of us to raise our children. As kids grow, they have different needs. Friends who have been through it and have older kids can help guide us. The gap with our parents is too wide so having friends of a similar age helps a lot.
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Our latest collaboration with State of Matters has got us in the Marie Kondo mood! We know you might be overwhelmed trying to adjust your life to this new normal, so we’re here to share these 10 home organisation ideas that will spark some joy in your life!
1. Make a Joyful Entrance with a Rainbow Door Mat
No better way to spark joy in your life than to have this beautiful rainbow door mat from Speckled Space to greet you at your entrance! This will give you another reason to smile every time you return home :)
Shop here
2. Bring the Fairytale to Your Little One's Nursery with Toadstool Baskets
Create a magical forest in your little one's bedroom with Momiji’s Toadstool baskets or add a bit of fun with their Strawberry baskets. These are perfect for storing your little one’s toys, stationaries, craft supplies and knick-knacks.
Shop here
3. Stylishly Organise Your Little One's Snack Corner with Mini Crates
Mums, we heard you needed some help organising your Little Blossom snacks at home so we teamed up with State of Matters for this bundle! We picked the Minibox (worth $6.90) in best selling Milk Tea colour for you, as it's the perfect size to organise your little one's snack corner and can nicely fit 4 packs of our puffs!
Shop here
4. Empower Your Little Ones to Tidy Up Like Marie Kondo with these Adorable Toy Bin Labels
Empower your children to tidy up their toys independently with these custom toy bin labels from Urban Lil. Each label comes with a hand-drawn icon and name that allows your child to recognise the bins that each item belong to whilst sprucing up the play space.
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5. Keep Whites and Little One's Delicates Separate with a Multi Tier Laundry Basket
Style Degree’s Multi-Tier Laundry Basket makes sorting laundry so much easier! It features a large base basket with a carrying handle for better portability. The upper basket(s) are angled and adjustable perfect for sorting out lights and darks, or separating your little one’s clothes. What’s more, the top layer offers storage for laundry powders and detergents!
Shop here
6. Achieve #fridgegoals with These Multi-Coloured Crates
Find yourself spending more time checking the fridge when you’re working from home? Here's another idea on how to use your State of Matters minibox. They are also perfect for food storage and categorising the items in your fridge as they are food-safe, water-proof and durable. The best part? They come in 26 colours!
Shop here
7. Make Every Day Living Sustainable with Reusable Snack Bags
Keep your little one’s snacks close at hand with this eco-friendly snack bag from The Paper Bunny. Perfect for keeping their snacks air tight or stashing it into your on-the-go diaper bag!
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8. Organise Your Plant Babies' Nursery with these Crates
This one’s for plant parents! We know that your plant babies need just as much tender loving care and space to grow so don't forget to keep your gardening tools organised with State of Matter’s trusty crates. Opt for the bigger midiboxes if you have more tools in your shed than you can handle!
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9. Declutter Your Wardrobe with this Magic Pants Clip
We never would have thought that this would be the best selling item in Ezbuy’s home organisation section (over 16k units sold!), but it’s ingenious, and such a steal! Give your husband a Father’s Day surprise by helping him to get his pants organised :D
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10. Stash Away Your Cables with this Cable Organiser
Bid farewell to a messy tangle of wires and cables on your floor or desk with this cable manager that stores your power strip, wires, chargers and outlets – neatly and safely away from your little ones!
Shop here
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Circuit breaker has ended, but it will be awhile before we are able to gather with our friends and loved ones. During this period, we’ve loved sending our gift sets to your friends and family, and writing messages to show your care and support for them.
In the spirit of spreading more cheer, we’ve curated a gift guide of 20 gift ideas for the little ones in your life that are:
Whether you're looking for new born baby gift, 1st birthday gift or just want to send some care and love - we've got you covered! All brands are homegrown labels for you to #supportlocal. Leave us a comment below if you like this gift guide, or would like to suggest other brands to add to this list!
New Born Gift Ideas (0-6 months old)
Hold off the adorable clothes, toys and shoes – what’s most essential for new born babies is to meet their most basic tiny human needs such as sleep, food, health and of course, love! Let Mums take care of the feeding (as babies under 6 months usually feed exclusively on breast/formula milk), but you can definitely help her out on the other aspects
1. MOMO + BUBS Fitted Cot Sheets (From $45)
Cot sheets are a key essential for new parents, as they welcome their little bundle of joy into their new crib. MOMO + BUBS fitted cot sheets are so luxuriously soft, that parents can lay their baby's bare skin on it. Made with 4-ply 100% organic cotton muslin, their sheets are thicker than most other muslin sheets in the market. New born baby gift sets are also available from $70.
We love that MOMO + BUBS is lovingly designed by a Mum (Kim), then tried and tested with Eli (her bub!). Read our interview with Kim, the founder of MOMO + BUBS, to learn more about Kim’s motherhood journey and why she started MOMO + BUBS.
Shop here
2. Little Suite Muslin Swaddles ($39.90)
One of the cutest things you’ll probably ever see is a sleeping baby swaddled up like a burrito. Swaddles are meant to help new born babies sleep snuggly and soundly, which makes them another new parent essential! Little Suite’s Muslin Swaddles are made from the softest 100% organic cotton, pre-washed for softness against baby’s delicate skin. Muslin stays breathable while keeping baby warm and cuddly.
We love that Little Suite’s Swaddles come in a range of beautiful colours and have many other versatile uses like a nursing/stroller cover or blanket for babies!
Shop here
3. Luvelle Personalised Baby Pillows ($28)
Luvelle’s baby pillows are sized for the little ones, making them great for hugs and travels. They come in a range of simple, clean and contemporary designs which makes it a beautiful, elegant gift!
We love that you can personalise the pillow, and even the box! New born gift sets also available from $60.
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4. Inara Organics Balms (From $8.50)
Inara Organics Balms are made from 100% natural ingredients. Their balms are a lifesaver for a multitude of baby woes such as Soothie Woothie for diaper/nappy rashes or Sleepy Balm, which is excellent for calming baby down and for Mummy to get some well deserved rest. Not sure which balms to get? Check out their new born gift set ($65).
We love that Inara Organics was lovingly created by a Mum, Nina who used to work as a nurse!
Shop here
5. Annie+Alex Personalised Hooded Wrap Towel + Engraved Teether Set ($54)
This personalised baby gift is perfect to give and to receive! The hooded wrap towel is perfect for Mama to use as baby’s bath towel while the wooden teethers are wonderful for teething babies.
We love the options for personalisation – the hooded wrap towel comes with baby’s name embroidered while wooden teethers are inclusive of name engraving!
Shop here
Gift Ideas for Babies (6-12 months old)
The 6 month mark is an exciting period for parents as their baby is now starting on solids, sitting up and starting to (kind of) talk! We feature some ideas to help parents get started with their little one’s first food journey and diaper bag essentials as they go out exploring the world!
6. Baby Food Kitchen Weaning Guide ($34.90)
Baby Food Kitchen is a compilation of 44 meals ideas and healthy recipes for babies from 4 months on. Recipes are easy to make and feature a variety of cuisines including local flavours like Baby Bak Chor Mee, Lychee-Banana-Carrot Muffins, and Fusion Idlis. All the recipes are naturally flavoured without sugar, salt, or seasoning, and have been a hit with both babies and adults!
We love the beautifully illustrated recipes, Asian inspired creations, and that it’s created by Valerie who is a full time management consultant, and Mum to baby Tory! Read our interview with Valerie, as she shares with us about her motherhood journey and how she got started with Baby Food Kitchen.
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7. Wen's Feeding Gift Set ($49.90)
Wen’s seafood powders are easy for Mummies to use as seasonings that they can add during or after any cooked meals. This gift set also comes with a silicon bib for mess-free meal times, and a cutlery set designed for babies' and toddlers hands to promote safe self-feeding
We love that this baby gift set is such great value for money, making it the perfect gift for Mummy and Baby’s journey with first foods!
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8. Little Blossom Organic Baby Puffs Gift Set ($35)
Sneaking ourselves into this list, and here’s why – our organic baby puffs come in 4 yummy flavours and are guilt free, heathy snacks for babies 9 months+ as they contain no added sugar, salt or preservatives!
Our gift set comes with 4 packs of organic baby puffs to keep the little ones busy munching away, while the parents kick back and relax to read about parenthood stories in our book - In Time, We Blossom.
Psst – we’re also planning a new collaboration with State of Matters for a new limited edition gift set ;) Stay tuned, and follow us on IG to get notified when we launch!
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9. Gentlelove Travel Changing Mats ($26.90)
This travel size waterproof changing mat is perfect for parents to use as a hygienic changing surface for public areas, a sheet saver to contain any leak on stroller & car seats or can be rolled out anywhere for baby to play and sit on!
We love the versatility and practicality of this mat – it’s surely a diaper bag staple for parents. It also comes in a variety of adorable prints, with animals being our favourite!
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10. Little Bearnie x Gentlelove Bib and Teether Bundle Set ($45)
Teething can be very upsetting for babies and toddlers, so Little Bearnie’s Silicone Teethers are designed with textured surface with high quality materials to help in soothing teething pain. Gentlelove’s Bibs are also fun & functional to resolve little one’s messy mealtimes – the perfect combination!
We love the adorable and fun range of designs that both brands have to offer!
Shop here
Gift Ideas for Toddlers (1-3 years old)
Baby’s first birthday has arrived, and they are slowly transforming into independent little ones! Here are some gift ideas to help introduce them to activities that help develop their motor and cognitive skills.
11. Owl Readers Club Books (From $10)
Owl Readers Club offers curated collection of children’s books titles that are suitable for all ages – babies, toddlers and younger readers. We love the range of titles in English, Mandarin and even dialect. Add $5 for a gift box, to help parents to cultivate the love for reading with their little ones from young!
12. Josh and Cherie Gift Book Box (From $33.90)
Josh & Cherie Book Gift Bundles are thoughtfully curated for every special occasion - birthday gifts, or just as a surprise for your special little ones. Books are available for every age from 0 months – 7 years old. All bundles are lovingly packed into a gift box and includes a handwritten card!
We love the option to add literary milestone cards (+$15.90) to help parents to capture their little one’s literacy milestones and memorable moments! Perfect as a 1 year old birthday gift.
Shop here
13. Dough n Me Rainbow Sensory Rice ($16.70)
The Rainbow Sensory Rice is a simple yet rewarding play method, to introduce to the little ones. Just pour it into any bucket/pail/box and the little ones will be ready to explore!
We love that the colours itself are attractive and interactive. You can even add into the rice other playing toys or flash cards for a different experience each time!
Shop here
14. En Stories 5 Layer Rainbow Set ($45)
An open-ended toy that sparks little one's imagination! They can stack them, balance them, use them as bridges, a tunnel for their cars or even a see-saw. Mummies can even paint them with En Stories' Silicate Mineral paint, acrylic paint or wood dye.
Co-founder Charlize loaned this set to us for our photoshoot and all the little ones loved it! As adults, we only saw it as a rainbow, but all the kids imagined them differently and had so much fun playing with it. Read our interview with Charlize, as she also shares more about her motherhood journey, and why she got started En Stories.
Shop here
15. The Tiny Trove Play Dough Set ($23)
The Tiny Trove's play doughs are silky soft, long lasting, non-sticky and non-oily. Lovingly handcrafted with little hands in mind, their doughs provide the perfect platform for creative, tactile and sensorial learning experience whilst developing fine motor skills for little ones through sensory play!
We love that the doughs come in a range of gorgeous colours, and that you can even choose to have your dough scented with essentials oils!
Shop here
Gift Ideas for Kids (3 years and above)
It's time for little ones to head to pre-school. It's an exciting new milestone in their lives, so here are some gift ideas to prepare them for their new adventures!
16. Chubby Chubby’s children’s masks ($12)
Wearing masks outdoors has become the new normal, and this will definitely be an essential for kids going back to school. Chubby Chubby’s masks are made of 100% cotton material, and comes with adjustable elastic ear loops and filter pocket insert.
We love the variety of beautiful prints that can help to bring some cheer to the little ones faces, and that 20% of the proceeds will also be donated to charity!
Shop here
17. Colour Me Mats Reusable Silicone Colouring Mats (From $16.80)
These reusable silicone colouring mats are not only great for colouring, but are educational and tell a story with each scene. Perfect for helping children to practice and develop many skills such as concentration, coordination and finger grip, and also for parents to colour together and guide their little ones through each story!
We love that Colour Me Mats was lovingly created by two Mummies who love picture books and strongly believe in minimising screen time for their children. Read our interview with co-founder Jaclyn, as she shares with us about her motherhood journey and how she got started with Colour Me Mats.
Shop here
18. Fusspot and Foodie Movie Movie Night Munchies (From $60)
Treat your friends to a 4-course movie-night inspired meal, with delicious, fresh grub for their entire family to enjoy! Includes crunchy organic popcorn, juicy baked chicken wings or falafels, a gourmet twist on a famous Mumbai street food with 'Bollywood' toasties and some DIY Ice-cream sandwiches!
We love that when you order a family meal, you help support a family in need. Fusspot and Foodie will donate a portion of each sale to Daughters of Tomorrow to sponsor healthy groceries for the families of single mums affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic slowdown.
Shop here
19. Typocraft Personalised Children’s Wet Bag ($25.90)
These best selling wet bags are mummy's favourite when it comes to organising, storage especially for children in infant care and child care.
We love the huge variety of adorable prints and that everything is handmade and lovingly personalised by Mummy Lynn!
Shop here
20. Love Bonds Conversation Cards ($15.90)
These parent-and-child conversation starters are meant for parents to use to initiate a range of meaningful conversations with their child, instead of just the usual "How was your day in school?" This helps to train children to be mindful of their own feelings and thoughts, as it becomes a habit for them to have such conversations.
We love the mission of Love Bonds and spoke with co-founders Michelle and Serene about the importance of helping parents foster meaningful conversations with their children. Read our interview with them here.
Shop here
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Last Sunday, our Muslim friends celebrated Hari Raya Puasa. It was a time for feasting, festivities, and also forgiveness and reconciliation between loved ones. We thought it was timely to revisit our interview with Jayina and Aiman, where they shared with us their parenthood journey, parenting philosophy and some secrets behind their happy married life!
Jayina and Aiman's interview is also one of the many stories from our book, In Time, We Blossom. If you'd like to read more stories like this, you can download our free e-book here.
His story is also as important as mine, because we are both doing this together. He’s as involved or even more involved than I am in Anya Meals, while in parenting we are about the same.
- Jayina, reflecting on her relationship with Aiman
Gillian and I first met Jayina at a baby fair. We loved the branding and concept of
Anya Meals, so when the idea of the book came along, Jayina was one of the first few people we wanted to feature.
I sat down with Jayina, her husband Aiman, and their adorable 10 month old Adam at Soup Spoon over lunch. Jayina and Aiman started
Anya Meals (named after their first born daughter) in February 2017, as they realised that there was a demand for healthier home cooked baby food in Singapore. Becoming entrepreneurs was also a deliberate
choice Jayina and Aiman made so that they could both spend more time with their family. They believe in being equal partners, not just in their business but also in their parenting, and relationship.
Aiman, how did you feel when you found out Jayina was pregnant?
Aiman: I was ecstatic, and excited. Happy beyond words. I have always loved kids, so when I got the news I was very happy.
What was your expectation?
Aiman: I expected sleepless nights, changing diapers, and the other changes. I was not prepared for the sheer joy—nothing else in the world can bring you that much joy.
Jayina: and frustrations!
Aiman: The frustration and anger you experience as a parent is at a different level. For example, when you are doing your best, but your kid just does not listen. Or when your kid does not respond the way you expect them to. I have learned that if you remain patient or never lose your cool— you are not doing parenting right. If you are hands on, you will lose your patience. It is normal.
Jayina, how did you feel when you learnt you were pregnant with Anya?
Jayina: When we were pregnant with Anya, we had only been married for two months and it was a very daunting time for me. We did not have our new home yet. I worked as a cabin crew, and had to quit my job because
I was pregnant. My body was not healthy—I had thalassemia (which causes anemia) which made me feel faint all the time. I was very worried, even though I was happy about the new child. In the end, I gave
birth, and I had an easy baby.
What was the journey like for you after giving birth to Anya?
Jayina: Being a stay at home mum gave me perspective on how mums struggle on a daily basis. Even though working mums get time away from home, they never stop thinking about their children. There is no such thing as a part-time mum or a full time mum—everyone is just a mum. You just have different sets of responsibilities to handle in a day.
That was when I decided to take it slow. I would feel so overwhelmed, even though I was just taking care of one baby. She was an easy baby, but I had breastfeeding problems and I was trying to manage my own expectations. Even though my husband did not place any expectations on me, as a mum, you place a world of expectations on yourself. When you fall short, you start to fear that you are a bad mum.
Aiman did you have dad friends who you could talk to about parenting?
Aiman: Most of my dad friends are not hands on, but I have two close friends that I look up to. One of them has three kids and sometimes he can handle them all together alone. I am one of the more involved dads. I think all dads should contribute more—men can do everything but breastfeed.
Why do you think dads should do more?
Aiman: The role of a father has changed over time. During my dad’s era, women were seen as homemakers and expected to stay at home to take care of the kids. Today, if your wife gets to stay at home, it is a blessing and a luxury. Now, roles are more fluid, and we see some dads staying at home to take care of kids while their wife goes out to work. That is fine, because parenting is a shared responsibility.
I think Dads should do more. Men can do everything but breastfeed. Parenting is a shared responsibility.
- Aiman, on the role of DadsWhy do you both value equality in your relationship?
Jayina: I think new age dads are more hands on, because more mums are stepping back into the workforce and everyone is asking for equality. We also learn in our religion that it is very important for both parents to be involved. Our religion teaches us to help each other out. Finally, we both very much want to be there for our kids because we love them.
After 5 years of parenting, do you think you have blossomed as a parent?
Jayina: Not exactly, even my parents are still learning to be parents. Just when you think you have figured things out, your children will throw a new curveball at you. I do think I have learnt a lot in the process. I understand that there is never just one way of doing things.
Do you feel like you are a different person now?
Jayina: Definitely, because parenthood has taught me so much more than all my other experiences in life. My first child taught me how to be a parent, while my second child taught me humility because my second one is a wild child! There are also so many things that I learnt about myself and my husband in the process. You think you might know someone when you are dating them, but they are a different person when you get married to them. And they only show their true selves after you have both become parents. I think it has made me love myself more, it has made me love my husband more. Because we know that parenting has actually made us better people. Hopefully it will continue to be that way!
What advice would you give to your younger selves?
1. Be more calm
Aiman: Worry less, and take it as it goes. There is no point worrying about what you cannot control.
2. Don’t fight your spouse
Jayina: Both of you want the best for your child. It is always better to sit down and have a good talk about what you can do, rather than fight each other.
3. Don't sweat the small things
Jayina: Both of you want the best for your child. It is always better to sit down and have a good talk about what you can do, rather than fight each other.
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Li Tying's interview is one of the many stories from our book, In Time, We Blossom. If you'd like to read more stories like this, you can download our free e-book here.
Li Tying pours her heart into her many passions—she’s the baker behind The Spatula and Pen, co-founder of The Wild Granola and a fitness trainer. Her newest passion is being a mum to her 6 month old son, Zideon. Li Tying’s journey started off with her struggling with her loss of freedom and identity, both physical and emotional. She has emerged stronger as a result of her journey, and here she shares much of what she learned as she and her husband Chuan Kai grow together as new parents.
Did you always want to be a parent? What was the early journey like?
Yes, we always planned to have a baby, but it was more an idea for the future—with no time frame in mind. So, when we fell pregnant, it was a surprise. However, we viewed it as a blessing, since parenthood was a big part of our plans. That said, nothing had prepared me for the toll pregnancy takes on a mother’s body and mind. I spent the bulk of my pregnancy feeling upset. Fear, uncertainty, and nervousness dominated my thoughts.
I have always been very active, especially in my career as a personal trainer and baker. It upset me greatly that life as I knew it was due for a big change. 6 months into the pregnancy, we were told during a routine scan that Zideon had not grown for 4 weeks. The solution was to slow down my activities drastically, to direct nutrients and blood flow to the baby.
The sacrifices at this stage felt painful; I was putting my own body and fitness aside, even though I felt just fine. I had to deliver by caesarian, for Zideon’s well-being, and again, this was an enormous setback for my body. Recovery took much longer than hoped or expected, and struggling to even walk was a debilitating feeling.
What changed as you went through the pregnancy?
Today, none of this seems as important as it did then. The big shift came when I gave birth and became a mum. I realised that everything I had focused on, namely myself, was no longer of primary importance. Instead, there was a sudden and very natural shift in priorities. I wish I had known during my pregnancy, how much this baby was going to shift my mindset. I wouldn’t have sweated the small stuff and would have enjoyed my pregnancy more.
Pregnancy was tough on me physically, and therefore emotionally; but I realised that I became stronger as a result. Physically active people will feel similarly devastated, when faced with having to stop, slow down and regress. Looking back over the past few months, I have worked to rebuild and regain strength, and this has benefited me in terms of confidence, resilience, and self belief.
Fitness is your passion as well as your career. What helped you rebuild this after pregnancy?
I approached it one day at a time, just juggling motherhood with physical recovery. I broke my goals down into achievable chunks, to give myself something to look forward to. Simple small goals like walking without pain, or sustaining 15 minutes on the treadmill became small victories to look forward to and celebrate.
Interestingly, being a parent put a lot of my urgency into perspective, and helped me pace myself. It was more important to bond with Zideon and take care of him while pushing myself gradually to regain strength. The first 2–3 weeks were frustrating but then I relaxed into the process. I felt immense respect for all the mothers who had done this before me and overcome each of their challenges, and I was secure in the knowledge that my time to rebuild would come.
What did it feel like to become a mother for the first time?
Other mothers had warned me that love at first sight was not guaranteed so that I would not panic if I didn’t feel an instant bond with my newborn. This helped set my expectations.
Sure enough, when Zideon was born and was handed to me, I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity at the new life in my arms. This was followed by fear, as I did not know what to do as a new mum. To force myself to look at the positives and inculcate gratitude, I decided to log a daily diary of Zideon on Instagram. This, for me, was a means of staying positive through the challenging first 6 weeks. I forced myself to record every good moment that I could discern. I feel this really kept me going, and gave me opportunities to give thanks each day.
Women are a lot stronger than we realise —becoming a mother showed me how
- Li Tying, on recovering from pregnancy and giving birth
How has your relationship with your husband changed or grown since you became parents?
I always believed that one’s relationship with their spouse must come first, in order to set an example for our children. However, the emotional bond that comes from caring for a tiny baby blindsided me. Our lives currently revolve around him, almost all our discussion and decisions center on Zideon—this is a big change to our relationship. Perhaps in the future, we will be able to focus on our relationship in the way that we used to, but for now, life as we know it has changed with a 6-month-old in the mix.
Before fatherhood, my husband enjoyed his social life, freedom and personal space. When we fell pregnant, I worried about how this might impact him but he stepped up admirably to the change in his life. He successfully juggled his priorities and started to take on more responsibility, even while I recognize that he misses his old life. I appreciate his efforts to prioritise Zideon. These moments are fleeting and precious.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
1. Nothing is permanent
You can regain the parts of you that were lost, if you work your way back to it.
2. There is nothing to fear!
3. Motherhood is fulfilling
Thinking beyond yourself makes you happy.