Buying snacks for your baby at discounted prices

My baby (now 14 months) just loves his Nurture Inc's Happy Yogis. I stocked up on all flavours but I found the ones sold in iHERB.COM are much cheaper (RM20.10 @ 30/9/2015) and more comprehensive.

This site actually ships to Malaysia and depending when you buy (cos they run special offers from time to time) AND how much you buy, you might end up paying less than supermarkets in Malaysia (RM25.30 @ Sogo KL).

RM25.30 in SOGO KL @ 30/9/2015

I highly recommend the mixed berry and strawberry flavours for the Yogis.

Mixed Berry

Strawberry

As for the banana mango flavour, I personally find the taste too milky but baby love it just the same.

Banana Mango

I would advise to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness once opened.

I reused the Mothercare baby bottle to keep snacks

iHerb.com also sells the mixed fruit yogis which comes in 5 individual packs. Great for sharing or travelling but will cost slightly more (RM24.79 @ 30/9/2015). Each individual pack have the usual 3 main flavours.

Mixed Fruit Yogis

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Another good buy is Plum Organic Teensy Fruits - Berry Flavour (RM15.64 @ 30/9/2015).

It basically taste like gummy candies but suitable for babies. My baby can finish one packet of it in one session so I need to control him.

Teensy Fruits in Berry

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Since I'll be traveling with baby soon, many mothers recommended that I prepare food pouches which can be consumed during flight.

So far baby enjoys the Happy Baby Hearty Meals SUPER SALMON (RM8.93 @ 30/9/2015). The contents of the pouches can be consumed in one session but if baby cannot finish it, you can keep in the fridge for max 24 hours.

The 2nd session can be heated or served cold depending on your baby. I basically take it out from the fridge, let it warm a bit then serve direct from the pouch =D

Baby didn't quite like the Happy Tot Spinach Mango and Pear pouch (RM8.93 @ 30/9/2015). I tried it and didn't like the taste too. It's too sour for my liking.

TIPS IN BUYING FROM iHERB.COM

1) So a great rule to know what snacks or items to buy would be the number of reviews received and the review score. 

2) Look out for their specials and trial purchase at the top of iHerb.com website.

I got this magnifier during my 2nd purchase for RM4.49 trial price compared with the regular price of RM17.65. So waiting for the shipment to arrive to comment on it.

RM4.49 for this 2x + 6x magnifier

3) The thing which I like about this website in comparison with say Amazon.com is that they ship ALL the products listed to Malaysia. If you are concerned about shipping charges, you actually save more when you buy more. So share out the purchase with a friend or two.

4) Also the best part is the website actually indicate the expiry date of the item. So you will not end up buying products which are expiring soon.

5) iHerb.com give their new customers USD10 (~RM44.91) discount when purchased above USD40 and USD5 discount for purchases below USD40.

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7) When you buy using my referral code DWD403, I will earn rewards points AND so will you.

But for you to earn, you must make a first purchase, then iHerb will generate a special referral code for you which you can then share with others.

It is NOT mandatory that you use my referral code but if you do not know any friends with codes, why not use mine as I also used a complete stranger's code for my first purchase. There are no harm to bless others and pay it forward cos you pay the same amount whether you have a referral code or not.

To help me, click this link when shopping at iHerb.com => my.iherb.com

Many many thanks for reading my blog and happy shopping (and saving) at iHerb.com!

Psst.. btw I used DHL for the shipping and they are super fast. Ordered on 31/7/2015 received on 4/8/2015.. all the way from USA!

UPDATED - Lacte Duet Electric Breastpump Review

After long comparison with Malish Ilaria, finally I decided to get the Lacte Duet because of the following Lacte's stronger points:-

1) service center is nearer to my house in Puchong :D

2) Even though Malish is quieter, in the end there is no comparison with Lacte's soft breastshield.. meaning it will feel more like the baby's sucking. Soft breastshields also translate to gentler suction and ability to empty the breasts as this silicone will compress and decompress the nipple.

3) the packaging of Lacte gives a more complete feeling. For example, they provided:-

a) cover for the breastshield (which I did not actually use in the end because it just means extra 2 parts to wash :p

b) 2 teats and bottle cover which can be used with Lacte bottles.

All these I guess make it worth the extra RM50 (compare with Malish).

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AFTER nearly 2 months...
So far so good. It can perform well and definitely better than using a manual pump.

In fact with practice, I can even use it hands free (without using special bra) by supporting it with my thigh.

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Only special note to ensure the unit works well is:-
NOT to use electric steriliser for the soft component - meaning the soft breastshield, the diaphragm and the membrane - because it will caused these parts to harden and may not work as well later.

So just wash with baby liquid cleanser and dry.

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OTHER PROBLEM...
FYI I also tried Lacte's customer service because somehow for my particular unit, there is this annoying "air escaping" sound from one breastshield.

I tried changing the diaphragm at Fabulous Mom (FM) near ioi Puchong (cos apparently the supplier of Lacte and Fabulous Mom are same company) but still the problem persists.

Then I tried changing the cover with cap. This did not really solve the "air escaping" sound moreover for my unit the suction sound from the left pump and right pump are different. On one side the sound is louder than the other.

But since I paid only RM450 for the unit and I can get almost same amount of milk from both breasts, I am very happy and satisfied with this product and would gladly recommend it.

Their customer service especially from a Ms Christine earns them TOP score!

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UPDATE:- Yay!! I finally found the reason for the air escaping sound! See the photo below:-

My two very different caps (see the center)

 As you can see, the raised part in the center is different in each cap. It is the lower one which have this air escaping sound.

Funny that I get 2 different type of caps in one box. I am going to highlight this to the supplier. Let's see what is their response now that I have "evident" proof. Yes! Finally this proves that the sound is not my imagination! :D

UPDATED @ 16 September 2015
Been using this Lacte pump for nearly 14 months and after going through it, I would recommend the soft breastshields to mothers who are new to pumping because they may need the stimulation.

But for more advance mothers, better just use normal hard breastshields because it would translate to lesser parts to clean and also assemble.

Sometimes it might take a bit of time to properly assembly the soft breastshields to ensure optimum suction and the rule not to sterilise is very very important here.

So once you are pro to breastfeeding, you can change the soft breastshields to normal hard ones.

Lacte hard shield (note the matte plastic in front is the cover)

Baby Liquid Cleanser - Pigeon, Bumble Bee, Tollyjoy, Baby Kiko and Pureen

Being a full-time-working breastfeeding-breastpumping-mom, there are many bottles for me to wash everyday! :(

Had I known this, I would not have bought breastmilk storage bottles but instead use bags cos it's just tear, pour, store, use and throw.

That simple.. No cleaning, sterilising and drying!

Plus it's really not that expensive to use the bags RM12.90 for 25pcs ~ RM0.51 each.

Anyway I am now using bottles since I have 33 bottles, why waste, therefore I have to go through the cleaning routine :(

To make my job easier, I find that using the correct "tools" help.

#1 - use bottle cleaner brush and not your finger

#2 - use baby liquid cleanser not normal cleanser because baby one is made of edible ingredients

For #2 - I find PIGEON's better than Bumble Bee because:-

Do note that breastmilk can be very GREASY especially on the membrane part of the pump so it might take several washes to get it squeaky clean but with Bumble Bee, it took double the time and double the amount of cleanser in comparison with Pigeon :(

UPDATES
Bought Tollyjoy cleanser during a recent Mom's and Baby Fair. It was RM50 for 1 bottle and 2 refill packs of 900ml each.

There are 2 range for Tollyjoy - Normal One (blue) and Antibacterial (pink).

So far I have tried the antibacterial one and Tollyjoy:-
a) leaves a temporary floral scent
b) cheaper than Pigeon because Pigeon is only 700ml each.
c) thicker and almost clear liquid
d) more foamy
e) a little goes a long way as cleans effectively

UPDATES @ 12 June 2015
BABY KIKO liquid cleanser
This is by far the WORST liquid cleanser I have used because it takes a lot of water and time to make it squeaky clean. Somehow the breastpump parts have a "slimy" feel to it which you have to wash and wash before it becomes squeaky clean.

It's thick and clear like Tollyjoy and does not have any fragrance.

UPDATES @ 19 September 2015
PUREEN liquid cleanser
Not bad. I would rate this same as Tollyjoy. If I cannot find Tollyjoy cleanser, I would buy this.

I tried the "No Flavour" and it basically cleans like Tollyjoy. Thick and clear with no fragrance.

MY VERDICT:-
If you can afford it, Pigeon is better because it is odorless and have less foam but since it is watery, you will use more.

Otherwise, Tollyjoy and Pureen are good in terms of value for money and easy super cleaning power.

I must add that Tollyjoy was previous winner of Singapore Mother and Baby award and are made in Singapore. Since Singaporeans have high standards and very good in calculations, you can't go wrong with Tollyjoy!

Before buying a Medela breast pump, read this.. - UPDATED

It's undisputed that the Mother of all breast pumps is Medela Freestyle because it seems to be on every mom's wishlist.

But the price factor makes many especially me think twice. Maybe because one is never sure how long she can breastfeed and how many children will she have.

Also I was afraid that cheaper brands will hurt the nipple or not work as well or worst, break down easily. Cos even cheaper brands will cost a few hundred ringgits and this money can instead go towards "Medela Freestyle fund".

It was because of these reasons that I bought a Medela Harmony manual pump at RM215 when I had sore and cracked nipples in Day 5.

And I was very content with the manual pump and used it during my confinement to stock up more than 30 bottles of 90ml milk in the freezer.

my stockpile :D

I'll use it on one side as my son direct latch on the other breast.

But once I began work full time, in less than a week of pumping using the manual pump, I knew I need to get a double electric pump.

Because not only was tiring to empty 2 breasts, it took too long. Almost 45 minutes away from work desk do not rest well with my bosses especially after 2 months confinement leave.

So in my quest to look for a reliable electric pump, I chanced upon a mother using SPECTRA M1 in a nursing room which we shared in Jusco MidValley,

SPECTRA M1

Seeing the ease of pumping, low noise as well as the affordable price tag of less than RM600 and most importantly real testimony of its reliability, I was elated that there are other pumps beside Medela!

I was convinced to get myself a Spectra M1 until my cousin told me that I can go to PUMP ON THE GO (a retail shop in Kelana Jaya area - click PumpOnTheGo website) to try it out.

At Pump on the Go, moms can try all the popular brands and they even provide breastmilk storage bags for you to pack the milk expressed during the trial.

It was in Pump on the Go that I was convinced that:-

- Medela Freestyle is not for me because of the LOUD noise and
- Spectra M1 is not for me because of it's too-powerful suction.

The very informative saleslady reasoned that since I am a Medela Harmony manual pump user, I will not like Spectra.

Indeed Spectra made me felt like a cow because not only is the sucking pulling my nipple from front to back, it even  shake it!

During the trial I was most impressed with Mango Ilaria and Lacte Duet double pump.

 Here is comparison between Malish and Lacte:-

MALISH ILARIA

LACTE DUET

Besides these 4 brands (Medela, Spectra, Malish and Lacte) , you can even try Eve Love and Autumnz at PumpOnTheGo and also other manual and single electric pumps!

So now you know these alternatives, you can make a good decision for a breast pump. One which will work for you. For all you know, you might still end up buying a Medela Freestyle but at least you know you have tried other brands. So happy breastfeeding to you!! :D

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UPDATED @ 28 July 2015

Having been pumping for 12 months and still counting, this is my humble opinion on breastpump:-

1) get a pump (double and electric if you are in for the long haul) that have LESS PARTS TO CLEAN.

This is because cleaning the pump will be a CHORE that you have to do almost DAILY! So the less parts, the less things to clean and less time spent on cleaning!

Somehow the pump especially the part which attaches the membrane is prone to "fungal" growth cos our milk is really ALIVE!

This does not only affect Lacte pumps as my friend using Medela faces the same problem.

2) if you can afford Medela, then might as well GET A FEW PUMPS.

For me, initially I pump in the house, car and office. So why not buy a few pumps and keep a pump in each location. Also the one in house and car can be single pump since you might not be pumping both breasts at the same time.

Why is this good? Well, it will translates to less one item to carry.

Lip Balm Review - UPDATED

With the many choices available for lip balm in the market, it's no wonder that many will spend at least a few minutes staring at the display shelves.

This is inevitable considering within Metholatum brand alone, there are more than 10 variations of lip balm.

I can't say that I have tried all but this is a review of the ones I tried (in the order of preference):-

1) Mentholatum DEEP MOIST fragrance free

This is by far the BEST lip balm considering its very affordable price of less than RM15.

Like the name suggest, it's really provides deep moisturizing effect to the lips as the ingredient can attract and retains moisture.

Another pro is the shape of the balm. Because it's oval shape, it'll just stay put and will not roll away.

2) Mentholatum Medicated LIP GEL

This is not for you if you dont like the mint after effect and gel like texture.

However it does work well for chapped lips, that's why it's my 2nd choice. Again the design meant it will not roll away.

3) Palmer's COCOA BUTTER formula with SPF 15

It works but the downside is the round shape which tend to roll away (a no-no especially when you place it beside your bedside).

Also if you have chapped lips, it tends to sting a bit and I dont really like the texture and smell.

Generally I prefer fragrance free products.

4) Avene Eau Thermale Lip balm WITH COLD CREAM

My first encounter with this product was in Japan. It was price at about 1,000yen making it about RM30 plus. It works like a charm.

Coming back to Malaysia, I was pleasantly surprised to find this balm selling for less than RM20 in SASA.

Lo and behold, besides the different language on the packing, the balm itself is also different. Really low and inferior quality compared with the one I bought from Japan.

So you can buy this from overseas especially Japan because somehow it's made by Shiseido but do not buy from Malaysia.

5) L'occitance SHEA BUTTER LIP balm stick

For me this is the worst even though many raved about it. This is possibly because our malaysian hot weather is not kind to the shea butter, changing it's texture (making it hard) and smelly.

The smell is so bad that I had to throw it away. That is why I rated it the lowest considering it is not cheap in Malaysia.

6) Burt's Bees BEESWAX LIP balm tube 4.25gm

This lip balm is not fragrance free. It smelt kind of like Spearmint chewing gum. Also it has peppermint so it leaves a cooling sensation on the lips.

Not bad in terms of moisturizing, in fact it's probably number 1 side by side with Mentholatum Deep Moist with additional points for being more "natural" but the minus points are the facts that:-
a) the tube is round shape, making it prone to rolling away and
b) the roll-up mechanism is faulty - meaning you can roll it up but cannot retract it. So frustrating because it's not that cheap in Malaysia (RM25.50) but super reasonable if purchase in USA (USD3.30).

Hopefully the mechanical fault is an isolated case.

So if you have friends in USA or going USA for a trip, a great buy would be Burt's Bees products, anything from their lip balm to hand salve or even their cuticle cream because of the fact that it's super pricey in Malaysia :(

KKIA Kuchai (Klinik Kesihatan Ibu dan Anak)

These are my experience and opinion of KKIA Kuchai which serves Sri Petaling and Bukit Jalil:-

The contact number for KKIA Kuchai is 03-79801178. The number listed in the website is wrong.

1) the clinic is NOT on the ground floor. You press for your number on the ground floor but you will need to go one floor up to wait for your turn.

2) be there early because it covers a wide area therefore there's a crowd by 10am. I arrived at 8:06am and got number 35.

3) for new cases, it's best to go on Wednesdays as the nurse takes blood every Wednesday. Also note that they handle new cases from 8am to 10am only.

UPDATE:-
They handle new cases on Tuesday and Wednesday but they require you to make an appointment through phone before going.

4) the best time to go is when you are 12 to 13 weeks into your pregnancy.

5) as with all government clinics, expect to wait. Then again even with good private gynae, the wait is the same.

6) do not be alarmed if the numbers being called jumped from 20 to 50. This is because in this clinic, every patient is automatically assigned a nurse. This will be the same nurse that will attend to you from Day 1 until you deliver (unless she is on leave that day).

So the numbering progresses according to that particular nurse's list of patients and the tests (blood, urine, blood pressure etc) which the patients have to take.

7) the clinic is very organized with rooms assigned for taking blood, checking heart beat, opening account and explaining the do's and don't of pregnancy (but I personally think that by filling in your highest education in the pink book, the nurse know the level of information they need to impart).

Anyhow many important information can be found from the pink book itself.

8) lastly, there are a lot of foreign nationals moms to be there.. possibly from the influx of foreign workers in Kuala Lumpur, thus adding to the crowd but all the nurses are very patient even when they have to write the same information twice (once in your pink book and then another time in the clinic's pink book which they keep as a record).

9) there is NO ultrascan machine in KKIA Kuchai :(
That is why you are requested to bring your own ultrascan printout at the time of registration.

Not many KKIA have the machine but I know KKIA Puchong has one.

So basically in this KKIA the nurse will feel for the baby with their bare hands and use the doppler to listen for the heart beat.

I commented to the nurse on this and she recommends that I write to Kementerian Kesihatan to complain, which I did.

The Kementerian was very efficient in replying through an acknowledgment email and a phone call follow by an official reply:-

Basically they are saying that since March 2013 they have requested for the machines but reiterates that for every acquisition by the government will take time and there's a process which they have to follow.

So let's see if my baby will enjoy this machine and if not, I hope other moms to be will not have to wait too long for this one important piece of equipment.

UPDATE @ 4 December 2014:
Yahoo!! KKIA Kuchai just received their spanking new ultrasound machine last week!! Yeah.. but it's not up and running yet as the doctors need to go for training first on how to use it.

Still it's great news! :D