Plastic Use # 345
Now that the little darling has arrived, you'll want shell out big bucks on all sorts of bits and bobbles for your baby's entertainment. Luckily, babies are amused by just about anything, so instead, how about paying a visit to Wal-mart for some good ol' Tupperware? Place one inside the other and voila! A fun, safe and, more importantly, durable toy without breaking the bank. The best part? When the little one is all giggled out, just pop it in the washer for some extra storage containers. If you still find yourself eyeing that must-have item, try dropping a hint to the relatives and getting them to do the splurging. Tel: 6316-8905

Knitting is for Grandmas
The little one is asleep (talk about a miracle) but your mind is going a mile a minute. Forget knitting, now is the perfect time to begin your own little shoebox of memories. The equivalent of a scrapbook, the box is a perfect place for everything that you couldn't fit into the photo album but didn't have the heart to throw away (like what's left of the baby blanket). We're absolutely addicted to the savvy selection of boxes at IKEA that come in all different colors, shapes and sizes, and even have little frames on the front for your most prized baby photo. The men can stop rolling their eyes now... Tel: 6479-2345

Kodak Moments
We all love to tickle and coo over the new bouncing bundle of joy, but talk to any parent about their teen and you're bound to hear"Boy, do they grow up fast!" So before the little one's got one foot out the door and is on their way to college (and while you still have some authority), capture your baby's special moments with DKids Photography Studio. Specializing in family and children's portraits, your tiny tot is guaranteed to have fun, with amazing results. Besides, it will be something for you to embarrass the kids with once they're older, and honestly, we can't think of anything more fun than that. Tel: 5869-1527

Say "Ommmmm"
Every once in a while, moms just need to get out. We suggest venturing over to the Yoga Yard and having a go at one of their post-natal meditation classes, ideal for calming the senses and easing those frazzled nerves. The best part is that you'll actually get to bring the giggling babes along, meaning a little extra one-on-one time for moms, and a little more uninterrupted couch time for the dads. Tel: 6413-0774

Lights, Camera, Action!
We all know that new babies mean new toys. But that doesn't mean that dads can't get in on the fun as well. Truth of the matter is, the newborn is the perfect excuse for dads to get out and spend some green with some serious camera shopping at Zhongguancun. After all, how else would you make sure that no memory goes unnoted?

Buying for Baby
Baby items can get expensive, but before you plunge into a shopping frenzy, check out the range of new and used goods to buy or rent at Nu2Yu Baby Shop. Got time to spare? Step out when the weather's nice and spend an hour or two at nearby Chaoyang Park beforehand for a mini-family day out. Tel: 6508-2388