Ergobaby Stowaway: The Baby Carrier For The Tropics

Over the course of two babies I think I've owned about five different carriers.  I've also borrowed countless varieties from friends and family.  Wraps, slings and pouches, I've tried them all.  Not because of some bizarre obsession (although my husband may disagree), but because finding the perfect way to carry baby hands-free is almost as complicated as finding the right mortgage.  It's just so specific.  Everyone wants something slightly different.  And every back, and every baby, differ too.

So why am I writing about one baby carrier in particular?  Quite simply because it's the product that more people have recommended to me than any other and because having recently purchased one, I'm a complete convert.  Of course, you'll want to try it out for yourself but for me the Ergobaby Stowaway is about as good as it gets for those of us living or travelling in tropical climates.

Why?

- It's lightweight.
When trudging the streets in 36˚C heat the last thing you want is a thick, bulky fabric wrapping itself around you and baby.

- It's so comfy.
I love the way the baby sits snuggly against me and her weight is distributed evenly across my back, meaning no back pain for me.  And most importantly Little Miss seems very happy in her new mode of transport.

- It's secure.
I was a little skeptical that a lightweight fabric would feel 'safe'.  But with its safety clips and sturdy stitching I walk around hands free with no qualms.

- It has a sun hood.
Very important here in KL.  The sun hood folds away and can be pulled out when needed.  It's a real bonus, though if I'm being picky I find it's a bit too big for my baby at this stage.

- It wipes clean.
Anyone with a reflux baby or a sticky-handed toddler will know why this is a great, great thing.

- You can use it for a long time.
Technically, I could still wear Mister Four in this carrier.  I'm not sure what he'd have to say about that though...

- It folds up neatly.
I must admit that most of the time the carrier gets shoved into the bottom of the stroller or flung across the back seat of the car, but when we are flying or taking a long car journey it's really handy to be able to fold it up and er, stow the Stowaway away.

Of course nothing's perfect and I do have two little niggles about the product.  The first is that to use it for a newborn you need to buy a separate newborn insert.  That's fine in theory but the insert is thickly padded and in my opinion, would be far too hot to use in countries like Malaysia.  We simply waited to use the product until Little Miss met the recommended 5.5kg.

My second little complaint is that you can't place your baby facing outwards in an Ergobaby.  But you can wear your baby on your back and side, as well as in the front position.

Those two little niggles aside, I absolutely love my Stowaway.  It keeps both of us happy and is a great alternative to dodging potholes with a stroller.  It's Little Miss's favourite place to snooze and the best way to get anything done around the house on those clingy sorts of days.  A great buy.  In fact, I'd go so far as to say I may never need to buy another carrier again.  Well, until a new model comes out anyway...


The Ergobaby Stowaway is available at Mothercare in Malaysia.  You can also visit Ergobaby's official website for more information.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).

The Definitive Guide: Fun For Kids In Malaysia

My husband is the king of travel coordination.  He has the enviable skill of being able to upturn hidden gems with just a glance at a map (and he can even fold the damn things up properly too).  He's the person least likely to end up being taken for a ride (literally) by a taxi driver expecting a nice commission from his wife's sister's cousin's neighbour's family rug making business in Egypt (and take it from me, that's not a travel experience you want to be part of).

But now I'm looking forward to showing him a thing or two thanks to a book I (okay, my husband) recently stumbled upon called 'Fun For Kids In Malaysia'.  It basically has our travel/weekend/evening plans mapped out for us for the rest of our time here.

The book breaks down regions of Malaysia, outlining attractions, adventures, sports, nature, shopping, performing arts etc on offer in each area.  All the listings are geared towards families and provide transport and price information along with a brief overview.  All the big attractions are there, but there are also lots of less well-known activities too.  Who knew, for instance, that for RM4 you can visit a hot spring in Melaka?  Or if the notion takes you, watch an annual squid scooping contest on the Kuala Cenang jetty?  I've earmarked the Royal Malaysian Police Museum in Kuala Lumpur for my emergency-loving preschooler.  And I'm intrigued to learn about Bread Town in Shah Alam, where I can visit a bread factory and take home a goody bag too.

If you're only in Malaysia for a week or two a standard Lonely Planet should provide more than enough fodder, but for families taking longer holidays, or for expats or even locals, the plethora of information stored here is a godsend.  It's written by Lydia Teh and published by Marshall Cavendish.  My husband bought our copy at Kinokuniya in KLCC.  Speaking of which, where is that man?  I need him to tell me how we're going to get ourselves to that squid scooping contest...

Breastfeeding On The Hop - Covering Up In Style (Nurse Ease by Bellies & Beyond)

I don't know about you but the first time I fed my baby au natural in public it felt, well, distinctly weird.  Until that point I just wasn't in the habit of pulling up my t-shirt in front of random strangers.  Happily I transitioned from those early nerves and can now proudly say that I breastfed baby number one through to toddlerhood - on a ship, sitting on a stone fence in a quaint Greek town, in the cellar of a Roman castle (yes, really), on the most turbulent plane trip of my life and by the pond at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

I plan on doing similar things this time round with Little Miss, though omitting the scary plane flight if at all possible.  And there's one thing that will be helping me do so again - my feeding cover.  I use a Nurse Ease from Bellies & Beyond.  I came across this little gem after doing the rounds with a number of other cover up options:  I never did master the old 'throw a cloth over the shoulder' technique that some of my friends swear by and as for those apron-type cover ups, well, I don't look good in one when I'm cooking, let alone while trying to balance a baby and a coffee in Starbucks.

The Nurse Ease is basically a big piece of elasticated fabric that goes over the shoulder and covers the entire area from shoulder to waist, including the crucial back area.  It's roomy and comfy and doesn't draw a lot of attention when you're trying and failing to get that nursing bra clip undone in one swift manoeuvre.  There are no hideous pink florals or cherub motifs, just simple, neutral patterns and shades that go with most outfits.  It's made from organic cotton, is durable, machine washable and rolls up easily to fit in a change bag.

Less is more - the simple fabric of my Nurse Ease

You can see the Nurse Ease in action on the Bellies & Beyond website.  You can also see a list of stockists - it's widely available across the USA, online and also in a number of other countries as well, including Australia, Canada and the Philippines.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).

The Essential Travel Handbook: The Rough Guide to Travel with Babies and Young Children

Everyone knows that unfortunately babies and children don't come with manuals attached.  (And I have to admit, I've vowed never to read another parenting book - I can't be doing with the extra lashings of stress/guilt/why-does-my-baby-never-do-what-the-book-says phobias they seem to induce in me).

But here's a book I'll be reading from cover to cover.  You see, the idea behind this one is that it will make your life easier.   Can't argue with that.

It covers everything from tips on coping with bizarre toilets in far-flung corners of the world to packing the car for a long drive.  In essence it's everything I wish I had the time (and the experience) to write about here.  I hope you'll find it as useful as I do.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).

In Search Of The Perfect Maternity Dress: Mum2BeMaternity

Ah, that perfect maternity dress.  In my first pregnancy it was a grey number from funky European brand, Prenatal.  It was a simple long-sleeved, knee-length design with a drawstring waist, covered in little storks and old-fashioned prams.  Sounds naff, I know, but it really wasn't.  I suspect it was designed by a modern-day genius; it somehow made my legs look longer and my bump all pert and 'out front'.  I wore it to death.  In fact, I gave birth in it (but that's another story).

Fast-forward three and a half years, to another country, another climate and a whole new world of maternity fashion.  And I've finally found my perfect maternity wardrobe staple, mark two. It only took me 31 weeks.  Better late than never!  Where did I find this gem?  Right here in Malaysia at the online store Mum2BeMaternity.


After months of scouring what seems to be a fairly limited (and often overpriced) selection here in Malaysian shops, I stumbled across the brand during an internet search.  They had me at their strap line: 'Australian designed maternity clothing at Malaysian prices'.  I brashly went ahead and ordered two items: the aforementioned 'perfect dress' for the grand sum of RM49.99 (see left) and also a pretty nursing/maternity top for RM29.99.  Delivery to Kuala Lumpur set me back just RM10.  I ordered the items on a Thursday morning and they arrived at my door the very next day.   A good start!  (Note to non Malaysian mamas - international shipping is also available at a flat rate of $US20.)

I don't know about you but I always feel a tinge of trepidation when I try on internet buys.  There's always that lingering doubt that the actual item will resemble the one you saw online.  So when I tried on my two items and discovered that they looked as good on as I'd hoped I found myself mentally composing this blog post right away.

Here's why they're keepers:

The black dress works overtime.  It looks equally good thrown together with thongs (that's flip flops to you non-Aussies, not the other type of 'thong') for a casual daytime look or with a pair of heels for evenings.  I think I could just about make it work on the diplomatic reception circuit.  It fits snuggly without being clingy and has a flattering neckline.  If you hate floral maternity 'tents', you'll love that this looks like a dress you would have worn before you fell pregnant.

The maternity/nursing top I bought (see left) is well-made, comfortable and flattering.  It's one of the few v-necked nursing tanks I've found.  It's also not encumbered by that odd-looking 'lift-up' panel that some feeding tops have.  At RM29.99 it's no more expensive than a normal tank top.







All in all, I'm delighted that I found this brand.  I'll be back scouring their website soon for more nursing gear.  For now, I'm stepping into my polka-dot Mothercare pyjamas, but I have no doubt the dress will be back on duty tomorrow.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).

An Inspiring Mum On The Move

I've just come across the very inspiring Lindsay Hawdon, a UK mum who bundled up her two boys and spent a year travelling around Asia and Australia.  Her Sunday Times blog 'Have Kids, Will Travel' makes for entertaining and encouraging reading for those of us who dream of showing our kids the world.

I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

How Cute Is This?

Just wanted to share this gorgeous find.  It's a children's water bottle holder in the guise of a lovingly hand-stitched bunny.  We found this at the wonderful Reaching Out store in Hoi An, Vietnam.

I really recommend a trip to this beautiful shop.  And if you're not in the vicinity, just take a peek at their website.  Reaching Out is a Fair Trade concept shop showcasing beautiful and unique gifts made by people with disabilities.  Proceeds are reinvested in training and employing people with disabilities all over Vietnam.  Do take the time to browse - it's beautiful.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).

A Perfect Little Handbag Toy

I love Japanese toys so I was delighted to find this little gem at Mothercare in KL.  Although it says the recommended age is 5+ and we are still two years away from having a creature of that age in our family, I couldn't resist snapping it up (the 40% discount was an added incentive).

I'm glad I did.  My husband and I had a ball playing with it at lunchtime today.  And Master Three was duly impressed by the little helicopters and trains we created with the little interlocking pieces.  The kit comes in a little box that's small enough and light enough to pop in a handbag, and in my opinion, is a perfect toy to use when dining out, or when trying to create 'quiet time' for overtired little travellers in hotel rooms.  The one place I would not use it is on an airplane - there are 175 pieces in this kit and they are tiny.  One turbulent bump and I suspect you'd have a confetti situation.  But if you can find a steady table, and a bored child (or adult), this is a real winner.  You can see their English website here.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).

The Ultimate Book For Little Flyers

This cute book from Ladybird has to be the most enjoyable way to teach small children about airports.

It's full of bright pictures and fun lift up flaps, showing everything from the people behind the mysterious door our bags go through after check in, to how our luggage looks when it's been xrayed.  The book takes you on to the gate and finally onto the plane itself.  On this last page, you can see the story book children sitting down nicely in their seats, quietly reading a book and playing with a teddy bear, without so much as a crumb in sight.  If only!

A perfect book for young travellers, seasoned flyers or newbies - adults included.  Just ask my husband.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).

Lugging Car Seats Around The Globe

I once saw a motorbike carrying six people.  A whole family had carefully counterbalanced themselves onto the vehicle and were happily zooming through the streets of Hanoi.

It was an impressive feat, but knowing full well that we can afford to travel safely in a car, and bearing in mind that it's the law back home, we've made it a priority to make sure our little one travels as safely as he can when moving around in taxis during our travels.

One of the best pieces of kit we bought when moving to KL was our Kiddy Energy Pro car seat.  I'm not writing about this product because I've been asked to, just because it has been a lifesaver for us.  It's a UK group one car seat, meaning that it is suitable for toddlers (not infants) up to 18 kg.

We love it because of two key things.  It is light.  And it is very, very easy to fit.  There's no need to harness it in with complicated seatbelt manoeuvres (haven't we all been there...).  It's a matter of placing it on the seat, popping in the clever impact shield and running a seatbelt over it.  Voila.  We tend to get grumpy stares from taxi drivers around the world when we produce the carseat.  It's always funny to watch their surprise as child is popped in in under a minute and they are having to hurriedly put away the newspaper they thought they'd be cosying up with for the next ten minutes.

Of course, there's one more vital factor in all of this.  It has excellent safety ratings.  I'm no safety expert and of course your best bet is to speak to an advisor when you choose a car seat, but from the point of view of a mum who moves, this is a great option.

And just how do we get it around the world with us?  Why, in a delightfully tacky £2 striped canvas bag.  Throw it in and check it in.  Couldn't be easier.

(Please note that all of my endorsements are based on my own experiences and preferences.  I do not endorse products for money or upon request).