What to bring from States?

[TravelingTexans]

Hi, we are moving to Singapore in mid-January with a 5 month old. I'm curious if y'all could share what particular items you suggest bringing (as opposed to waiting to purchase in Singapore). We expect to be in Singapore until my daughter is 18 months old.

We have a Bob Revolution stroller but I've read on a lot of posts that the Maclaren Volo is best for getting around. I was in Singapore 7 years ago before not with a baby so wanted to see how hard it is to get around w/ a stroller on the MRT (I understand there is a step up on the busses which may present a problem with a jogging stroller but the MRT too?) Is it required to fold up the stroller when getting on the MRT?

Also, I know that Singapore has BRU and TRU, has anyone compared prices to their stores in the States? Is it recommended to bring the toys I know I'll want to get her for the next year or should I wait to purchase in Singapore (their website isn't very extensive in their offerings - hopefully the stores have more options?).

Thanks in advance for your insight!!!

[durain]

the volo wont be suitable for a 5 months old. you need something that will fully/semi recline. once your baby is about 1 year old, the volo should be OK with an extra head pad/guard.

[beppi]

We gave up on using a stroller at all, because it's just too difficult to maneuver the ubiquitous stairs, curbs, parked cars and other obstacles. Singapore just isn't handicapped-friendly! We use a baby carrier exclusively and until now (8kg) that has been the better option.

[tjwonders]

Most MRT stations have Lifts, so no problem on this. I've seen many strollers on the train itself. so there is usually no need to have to fold it up. there are alot of wheelchair accesible public busses in Sinapore now with ramps to get on and off the bus. If you need help, just ask the driver. Most of the time, they would help. I usually see people fold their stroller up on the bus so a train would be an easier way to commute. definitely the easiest is a cab but also the most costly.

[movingtospore]

The smaller and lighter the stroller the better as you will forever be getting baby in and out of it to go up and down stairs, get on the bus (they insist on it being folded even on the handicapped bus), get in taxis, etc. We have a maclaren quest which I started using when our little one was five months as it semi-reclines. She was a tad too small for it at that point but it seemed the best option. I would buy your stroller before you get here as you will get a much, much better price in the US and likely have much better selection.

In fact, I would ship any big baby gear - cribs, car seats, etc - as you will pay 2x as much here as you would at home.

If you are shipping stuff over by container, pack the container full of diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, and unscented/baby laundry detergent. They cost a ridiculous amount of money here. Also if you are a fan of stores like Gymboree and Stride Rite stock up before you come. There are plenty of kids clothes and shoes here but again the prices are absurd. They are lots of cheap varieties too, but the quality is really poor and the sizes are tiny for chubby toddlers like mine.

[singmom]

Strollers on MRT - no problem. Big hassle on buses though. I simply don't travel by bus anymore and have only seen a handful of handicapped buses.

Movingtospore is right. Everything "baby" costs an arm and a leg here. And there is much less selection. If you really like a particular brand of whatever, you might stock up ahead of time. I don't think I've seen a Babies R Us here. Would love to, though!

Also, don't trust what you see on a website here. Countless times I have referred to a website before going to a store, only to find that the employee doesn't even know about that product.

Oh, just in case you use formula, they only have powder here. If you like the concentrated liquid or ready-to-use, bring it with you.

Diapers by the same name are different. E.g. Huggies here are slightly different than Huggies in the States.

[Amandiene]

I have the feeling that almost everything is more expensive in Singapore than in the States. I'm expecting our first child and if I'd known before that the baby items are that much more expensive than in the U.S. I would have bought more things over here!

[Texpat]

I just moved here a few weeks ago and have a 4 month old. It's probably too late to suggest anything for you to bring (I see you posted a while back), but I brought lots of diapers as well as a variety of books, clothes and toys. Since the apartments here are much smaller than we're used to in the US, I didn't bring too many large toys - there's just no room!

If you need any advice or help when you get here, or just want to meet up with another new mom in Singapore, let me know. My email is: jmiletic@gmail.com