To pacify or not to pacify ? My experience and thoughts

All parents go through this debate of using the pacifier or not. I have to say i have nothing against people that don’t want to use it BUT i can’t stand those that are against it. They say it as if they are so proud that their baby is not using the pacifier BUT they never tell you that the baby is crying like mad because he wants to nurse (want mommy’s nipple) All they think about is that oh he always wants to nurse. Nurse to sleep nurse to calm down, what are those really? Mommy’s nipple has become a substitute for a pacifier. Does anyone realize that? I’m pretty sure no one does, because those who nurse are so proud that they are breast-feeding. It has become that a norm and they don’t feel  the baby is looking for a pacifier at all.

Facts and myth about the pacifier

Lot’s of people think that pacifier will ruining teeth or affect their speech… research first before thinking that. Most doctors find the stories of pacifiers ruining a child’s teeth or affecting speech to be unfounded. 

Pacifiers are invented in the 17th-19th centuries, way way back. Take a look who invented it and why. It’s been around for decades and it’s still going on. Why? because it works and back in the days someone actually understood how to soothe a baby.

The blame for crooked teeth

I don’t know why people blame the pacifier for their child’s crooked teeth. I guess it seems like the easiest thing to do is just to blame the pacifier. Milk teeth will fall out and replace as the child grow that is why it is recommended at the age of 1-2 years old the pacifier should be weaned off. For those who are scared they can start to wean off the pacifier when the baby is 9 months.

The fingers vs the pacifier

So no pacifier eventually babies will resort to putting hands in their mouth. Although it’s natural and it’s a phase but with no substitute it will become sucking the finger. You can controlled the pacifier but how do you control the fingers? Having the pacifier babies will still put the fingers in the mouth because of teething but at least there’s control. How do you really control the baby when he’s sucking his fingers? When baby Berry was an infant, very seldom put her fingers in the mouth on top of that i don’t give her the pacifier as a substitute. Just teething toys and always tell her not to put her hands in the mouth. She understands, don’t underestimate the baby’s mind.

My experience with baby Berry

She’s been using a pacifier since she was born. My mom is a nanny for more than 15 years and still is. As she put it, a pacifier is a tool for a baby to feel soothe and calm themselves. Once they have their soothing items the baby will feel at ease, sleep well and eat well therefore won’t be restless and crying all the time. My mom is not those old ladies that believe in traditional stuff and i’m not the type to believe in what old people say. I’ve analyze and tested it out before making my statement.

Baby Berry only uses it when she sleeps. Even from newborn once she fall asleep she will spit out the pacifier. When she was 5-9 months, when i go out she can fall asleep in the stroller even without the pacifier. All in all she’s not been a big fan of it. I still uses it because it sets a habit and letting her know once she sees it, it’s time to sleep. Having said all that a pacifier still need to be controlled with a baby. If not they will be hooked and will be difficult to weaned off later on. 

It has not affected her teeth nor her speech. She’s 16 months now and she’s a early talker. She started talking when she was 13 months. Her speech is quite clear and she know a lot of words. Now that she’s able to communicated she will ask me for the pacifier. It helps her when she’s teething and she will bite and chew on it. I like to freeze it and it will soothe her on those bad days, it eases her to sleep. I controlled the pacifier very well and she knows when she can have it and when she cannot. I don’t intend to weaned her off until all her teeth is grown out, maybe around 2 yrs old.

Few things to think about

For those who are against the pacifier think about why the baby is crying through the night or when he wants to sleep. All the baby is looking for is a soothing item and by not giving it the baby naturally it will continue crying. If not just whip out your nipple every time it want to be soothe and say the baby is hooked on nursing.

Breastfeeding babies can be pacify too. Don’t think that once you breast feed your baby can’t use a pacifier, they can. I have friends that does that, no problem. In fact it eases them especially in the middle of the night. Instead of nursing the baby back to sleep just pop back in the pacifier and pat the baby back to sleep.

If you have difficulty putting the pacifier in the baby mouth, be patient. No newborn will just suck it immediately, it takes time and they need to learn. Baby Berry was the same took her a few weeks before she got the hang of it. Same goes for my friend’s baby took her awhile for her daughter to get it too. So don’t think it can’t be done because it CAN.

After all this is just my thoughts and my opinion, still the choice is yours. I’m sharing this because i feel the pacifier is hated on. I think it need more benefit of the doubt and people should know why and how to use if they wanted to and not because of what other people say. Experiment it yourself and be the judge of it. Good luck!

Sippy cups, which one is right for your growing baby?

Sippy cups can be introduce to a baby as early as 6 months. It’s good to start training  your baby to switch from a bottle to a cup. Start with putting water in it and juice. They can slowly get use to the idea from a bottle to a  cup as they grow up.

Why do you want to introduce a sippy cup to your baby? It’s a good transition from drinking from a bottle especially when they turn 1 year old. Although some people may think it’s useless. Then be prepare to have a toddler that might still be stuck with a bottle when they are 4-5 years old. It’s a phase and i think it’s good to introduce this transition… out of the baby stage. You don’t have to do it when they are 6 months but at least once they turn 12 months it’s time for a change. You may not seen it yet, but once you bring your baby out to socialize your baby might be the only one that’s drink water from a bottle while others are using sippy cup. Then you would feel how come he has not move on to sippy yet.

 Sippy cut with a straw

Some people may not know but your 6 month old baby can sip from a straw. The technique is the same as sucking from a bottle. It’s natural to them. So if you have not let your baby try sipping from a straw maybe it’s time to give it a try.

Baby Berry started on a sippy cup at 6 months but it took her awhile to control the straw and the water would over flow and she would play with the water. By the way the baby will choke a little when they drink cause they don’t know how to control when they sip. No worries they will get the hang of it real fast.

It was good when baby Berry was 6 months and started on her solids this is a good transition from bottle water to sippy cup water. Babies love to try new things. The down side is that the straw sippy cup when she drink after she eat there will be back wash into the cup. After each meal you would have to change the water and rinse the straw. Most straw sippy cup is not leak proof.

  Nuby leak proof straw sippy cup

I’ve read that this is a very good leak proof straw sippy cup. Hopefully it’s doesn’t wash back her food when she drink from it. I have yet seen this brand in Malaysia but i’ve seen it in Canada. Should have bought it when i was there. Now i’m out to scout for this cup

 Avent sippy cup (BPA free) 12 months + 7 oz 

I heard that Avent sippy cup is pretty good so i decided to give it a try.

At first baby Berry was just biting the spout. She didn’t really like it i guess the spout is a little funny and it’s hard. The good thing is that the spout is all detachable so it’s easy washing and it is sold as an accessory. So when your pout is worn out, easily can be changed.

My favorite part of this cup is that when she drink after her meal or in between her meal, no food is wash back into the cup. I don’t need to change the water and maybe just rinse the pout. So far this is the cup i prefer for her BUT having said that, i think she prefers to drink from a straw  So far this has been my favorite sippy cup among the sippy cups that i’ve tested.

 Avent insulated big zippy (BPA free) 18 months+ 9 oz

Isn’t it cute? I hope baby Berry will soon get the hang of the spout then we can change to a bigger bottle. At the moment the smaller sippy cup is not enough for her to go through the day. Have to refill and it is inconvenient when we go out.

  Fogoo thermos sippy 7 oz

Stainless steel leak proof and insulated, good for drinking milk when you are transiting from a bottle to a cup. It can be kept warm or cold. This design is with a pout they also have a design with a straw. There are good reviews about this cup and my friend also uses it. She said it’s good for drinking milk. As for water most of us would prefer a clear bottle instead. Good for countries that need to keep some warm water or cold juices. Best part it’s stainless steel.

 The Safe sippy pout to straw 8 oz

I bought this cup very early on in fact i think it was my first one. This is not a cheap sippy cup. It cost me around Rm 69. It’s a’ little costly because it’s stainless steel and it has 2 changeable spout, from a  pouring spout to a straw. And it comes with a stopper. But i’m so disappointed at this cup. Although it seems like it has promising features, but it’s leaky and why do they give a different valve as a stopper ? It just didn’t make any sense. You would have to remove the straw or pouring valve to put the stopper in if you don’t want it to leak. Just not user friendly at all.

The only thing i like about it is the hard pout. All you need to do is just change the straw from the inside or the pouring valve.

To sum it up, you can either start your baby with a straw sippy or a pout sippy doesn’t matter, all depends on what your baby prefers and what works for you.

How to start your baby to recognize her own facial and body parts

You can start your baby as early as 6 months to teach her words. Start of with her face. Use her hands and point at her nose and tell her it’s her nose, mouth, eyes, ears, head, hair and so on. 

It takes lot’s of patiences and repetitive actions through out the day so that she can remember. Babies has short term memory. Having said that doesn’t mean you have to be obsessed with it. And a baby only has so much patiences to listen at one time. What i do is that my whole family including my mom, dad and hubby we play with her asking her where’s her nose all the time (and of course other body parts) so it’s like a game for her. By the time baby Berry was 7 months she already know her facial parts. Slowly from 1-2 parts a day and once she got it you will have to go through the first 2 parts and add another part. Bare in mind that each time you teach her the parts you always have to go through the parts that she already known. 

Babies are edgar to learn and can soak up like a sponge. At the same time you can also show her pictures and point what it is. Even though they can’t talk they can point at the pictures when you ask them where is the apple. They start with recognizing pictures.

Baby Berry loves her books since she was 6 months. When she was about 7 months she can even flip each page from a broad book as if she’s reading it. By the time she was about 9 months she know all her face and body parts when asked. Now that she’s 15 months she will point at the eyes and say eyes, nose, mouth etc. Not only that she can even point at a stuff toy and say the face and body parts. Moving on with body parts will be pictures and once they get the hang of it they pick up quite fast.

Some say she’s a early talker but i think being consistent through out the process helps and don’t be afraid to start off early. Don’t under estimate the baby’s mind. Although they can’t talk or express themselves yet at a young age but when they do they will surprise you.

 

Make Up Forever Aqua eyes pencil, review

I’ve never had a favorite eye liner and this has gotta be my holy grail of eye liners. It comes in a variety of colors. It doesn’t smudge, transfer or leak. Although i’ve tried Urban Decay glide on liners and Stila kajal liner nothing compare to these. Not too soft nor too hard and stays on forever. If you think if it stays on forever it must be hard to remove. Nop! not at all. Any normal make up remover will do the job.

 Black and brown

The most used colors in liners. Brown for a more subtle and day look and black for night or a more define look. Great on waterline (upper or lower), it won’t leak or smudge at all. Last all day. It’s especially great if you wear contacts so even with a few of re wetting drops nothing moves. A must have! Of course if you want a intense look you would still have to go for liquid or cream liners which i’ll be doing a review on soon ^_^

Available at Sephora.

KLCC kiosk in front of the escalator either 2nd or 3rd floor.

Quick tip, baby wipes!

Did you know besides poopy wipes there are wipes for babies hand and mouth? Well i guess lately these wipes are everywhere. Before that i have not seen these wipes at all. Pigeon has come out with them, i think 2 pack for Rm9.90.

Johnsons and Johnsons has them too, but i’ve yet to try them out. I think i saw them in the supermarket going for Rm 3.00 + for 1 packet, which is quite a good price.

Before all of those wipes came out my first buy is from First Years, pacifier wipes which is the same. It was really convenient when i’m out to wipe anything for the baby. As you know babies need to be super clean most of the times. On top of that it can wipe pacifiers and nipples. This was selling at Rm 9.90 for 1 packet, which is a little pricey they only have 30 wipes. These wipes can go fast.

It can be use to wipe down anything else when you are out and about with the baby. I simply can’t live without it.

There are also boogie wipes hehe. Yes it’s for the nose. It’s great when babies has a runny nose. The wipe pick up the mucus easily without drying out baby skin. Unfortunately it’s not available in Malaysia. I got this when i was in Canada and it was really good for the nose. You can even use the wipe to clean the baby nose.

I also tried tooth wipes hehe. When i had a hard time cleaning baby Berry’s mouth i’ll just use the tooth tissue to clean her tongue and rub her gums and teeth. The tissue will pick up the dirt and you can see a stain that comes out from it. I quite like it ^_^

Just found out available at Mothercare at Rm 24+

Well this is just a quick tip to let people know that they are all types of wipes out there. Don’t be mistaken that nappy wipes can wipe hand and mouth cause they can’t. It’s only for cleaning the bum it is not safe for the mouth. 

I will clean baby Berry’s hands when she’s done sitting in a high chair, playing or simply just pick up anything dirty.

Maxim circle lenses, review

This brand was recommended to me when i went to the optical store to buy my Freshkon contacts. The sales assistant was telling me this brand has more clarity and much more comfortable. I was a little hesitated at the beginning cause i’ve never heard of this brand. After listening to the sales assistant i thought ok i’m gonna give it a try since Freshkon is not exactly very comfortable. Maxim has UV protection which is important for us in such a sunny country.

They have 3 types:

Blue box – color lens no big eye effect. This is just color contacts. For some people big eye effect makes you look funny this is for you. Although it says no big eye effect some people wear it and it looks like they eye is enhance. All depending on your eye shape.

With or without prescription:

Material used: Polymacon
Diameter: 14.0 (normal contact lens size)
Base Curve: 8.6
Water Content: 42
Thinness(mm.): 0.05 to 0.11
Production used: Cast Mold + Sandwich Method
DK/L: 28 x 10(-9)
Tint: Blue, Cocoa, Gray, Hazel, Kiwi

Orange box – color lens with big eye effect (it has the black ring outside the pupil)

Material used: Polymacon
Diameter: 14.5 (big eye effect)
Base Curve: 8.7
Water Content: 42
Thinness(mm.): 0.05 to 0.11
Production used: Cast Mold + Sandwich Method
DK/L: 28 x 10^(-9)
Tint: Baby Blue, Choco Brown, Eb-Beun, Moongray, Big Blue, Big Brown,
Big Gray, Big Violet (i have not seen big gray and big violet)

Pink box – special effect color lens (it has flower or wave shape in the lens)

Material used: Polymacon
Diameter: 14.0 (it has no big eye effect but it add some effects in the eye)
Base Curve: 8.6
Water Content: 42
Thinness(mm.): 0.05 to 0.11
Production used: Cast Mold + Sandwich Method
DK/L: 28 x 10(-9)
Tint: Sunrise, Sky Line, Winx Gray, Winx Pink

This is me wearing moon gray. Compare with Freshkon i prefer Freshkon colors. I feel that this gray is a little too light, without makeup it can look a little alien. I don’t have problems with Freshkon’s gray. It looks natural with or without makeup.

Having said that…. Maxim’s contacts are so so much more comfortable than Freshkon. It’s like wearing nothing. It’s not cloudy or anything that’s poking you. That’s how it’s suppose to be when wearing contacts, i finally found the one that’s perfect for me. On top of that my eyes usually get dry easily with this one it doesn’t. Of course i still have re wetting drops with me at all times just in case irritation start. It last for 8 hours but if you wear any time longer than that the contacts will get dry. So try not to wear longer than 8 hours, your eyes need some rest too.

I’ve also tried choco brown and it’s too light for me. I know most people would go for brown but brown on me is like not wearing anything. When i first wore it i thought maybe it’s too big for my eye, kinda look funny so i thought i just want to get the color lens next time but after awhile maybe i got use to it i went back for the same big eye effect hehe.

It’s a monthly disposable contacts so if you are  a regular contacts person you can change colors from time to time.

Color lens selling at Rm 50 a pair (blue box)

Color big eye effect selling at Rm 55 a pair (orange box)

I’m going to try their eb-buen (big eye black) on my next purchase. I do hope they have more color selection in the future.

Be careful of the circle lenses online store make sure it’s safe to wear. Anything that says you can wear for 1 year or only for 4 hours it’s a red flag. Check out my other post on circle lenses.

Make Up Forever HD foundation & HD Primer, the real review

So there are many reviews out there about this foundation. This is my take on it.

Light to medium coverage. The reason many people either hate this or love this foundation. When people see HD they expect to have full coverage. I was one of them but i wanted to try it out for myself and see.

My results: It’s definitely light coverage in my opinion but it is buildable so it can go to a medium coverage. It won’t look cakey if you apply extra on spots and red areas. For that i would say it’s a plus unlike other foundations it will look cakey if you apply too much. I do like it as my everyday foundation and i have slight redness on my cheeks it still covers.

The texture goes on quite sheer and very smooth. I think it could be great for everyday wear and it looks very natural. If you are looking for full coverage then this might not be for you. So don’t let the HD fool you thinking that it’s full coverage. For people that has normal skin or doesn’t need much coverage this is definitely for you.

I think that they mean when they put HD is that high definition so that the skin look flawless and smooth just like on tv. I guess a lot of people has high expectation in this foundation thinking since it’s HD it must be full coverage or something like MAC studio fix. So love it or hate it decide for yourself

I have to say i love this primer. If you’ve tested it on your hand it applies like a cream then it dries with a smooth finish. It prep your skin with a nice smooth canvas for your foundation to go on. It fills out your fine lines and pores. I bought the clear color.

It comes with a variety of colors in case you need to correct any discoloration in your face, if you are on the redder tone or yellow but if you don’t have just go with the clear color one.

What can i say about a primer? It does what it does and you can really see the difference. I was using Laura Mercier primer before and i can’t really see the difference but with this one i really can. I can see how nice and smooth when it’s paired with the HD foundation. Not to say it must go with the HD foundation but the primer really prep the skin well.

There’s a whole HD line that you can try out. My friend has the HD loose powder and she says it’s very fine and the application is very sheer and very nice.

I hear good things about the HD cream blushes too i think i’m gonna try it out. I’m a fan of cream blushes and it’s difficult to find good cream blushes. Can’t wait to get my hands on them.

I feel unwell….

The picture explains it all why i’ve been missing in action for the past month. I feel sick all the time and unable to blog

Bad migraine, can’t eat can’t sleep, nausea it’s just awful! Hopefully all of this will end soon and i can be myself again.

Sleep sheep cloud b, review

 Sleep sheep   National Parenting Center Seal of Approval • 2006 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice • iParenting Award Winner
Good Housekeeping Editor’s Choice • Baby Talk Editor’s Choice

I’m pretty sure everyone saw this little sheep while shopping for baby stuff. It comes with a variety of other animals for different sounds. I’ve always wonder does the so-called soothing sounds work? I mean it’s not a cheap gadget to try out here and there. I recall seeing it in Mothercare and other baby stores for around Rm 350+ not something you would simply buy.

 Mini size sleep sheep

When i saw this at ToysRus having a sale on the go version i can’t resist and just had to try it out. Baby Berry never really had a sleeping problem. She can soothe herself to sleep and occasionally will refuse to take a nap. So i wasn’t sure how was it going to work on her or not.

It comes with 4 soothing sounds: stream, rain, ocean waves and whale sounds. A auto timer for 23 mins and 45 mins. A velcro tab to secure anywhere on the go.

Conclusion

I have to say every since i use the sleep sheep for baby Berry to sleep or nap, she does sleep faster. Last time she would roll around on the bed for half an hour and now most likely 10-15 mins. She would play with it press the buttons and eventually just doze off. She likes it a lot. The material is nice and soft just like any plush toy. She knows that the sounds are coming from the sheep she would fiddle with it.

Usually i put ocean waves for her but lately she found a new sound which is the water streaming and she doze off after pressing that button. I like how it has a auto timer so just leave it and it will just shut off by itself. She’s so use to it when it’s time to nap, she would bring me the sleep sheep then i’ll turn it on. I think it’s a good structure cause it tells her it’s time to sleep.

I did bring it out with me when i go out. She gets a little restless in the car seat at times so i thought maybe the sleep sheep can help. Well… i think it did. I think once she hear the sounds it’s like a signal for her to sleep. Eventually she doze off and it didn’t take long. I also took it along with me when i go shopping. She was relax in the stroller and calm.

For those with who has a hard time putting the baby to sleep, maybe this is worth a try. The soothing sound of nature actually have a have a calming effect. Good luck!

Guys, can’t get a girl? Have you had a reality check? part 2

Please read part 1 before continuing reading this.

Keeping it real

Target your potential partner that’s in the same level as you. You don’t want to go for a hot chick when you are not a very attractive person. Very simple, you can’t get Angelina Jolie unless you are Brad Pitt. Keep it realistic. Go for girl next door, simple, nice and sweet not necessary hot and smolder looking.

Show personality

I know lot’s of mediocre guys that has great personality. Girls love a sense of humor, try to win them over with your personality. Of course it has to be you and not pretending to be funny.

Have fun and take it slow. Every relationship start off as a friendship don’t rush into things and don’t be over friendly. Get to know each other and see if the friendship can turn into something more. If you feel she’s pulling away rather than moving along with you, take a step back and ask yourself, maybe she’s not interested. Don’t dwell in it or lie to yourself. At the end of the day you are the only one that’s going to feel hurt.

I have a few friends that are in their 30′s and still dwell in it and no one dare to tell them anything, cause no one want to hurt their feelings. Or some just settle for someone because they don’t want to be lonely.