Chasing MOMoirs

I was a frustrated (preschool) homeschooler/home educator. It was so hard for me (at times, exasperating even!) to get my little girl’s attention during our learning sessions, that I had to finally make a decision to enroll her in a preschool. After all, it was high time (lil E is now 4 years old), and I felt that her profile as a child may not be fit for homeschooling. And I was right! We’ve only been in school for 2 weeks, and every day she is excited and so pumped for school! Her teachers rave about her interest in crafts so I decided to carry on at home, the lessons they have in school. This week is all about the “letter E”.

Here’s a low down of our preschool “crafternoon”. Feel free to adopt these ideas, and share your own as well:

                                           E is for EARTH

                              E is for EUNICE (my little girl’s name)

                                                  E is for EGG

                                          E is for EGGPLANT

                                           E is for ELEPHANT

                                     E is for Eskimo puppet

                                     Stamping the letter Ee

Momma Arsenal (Materials Used):

Scissors

Construction paper

Recycled card board

Popsicle stick or any recycled stick

Elmer’s glue

Wobbly eyes (got these from the bookstore/school supplies section)

Oslo paper

Recycled/repurposed brown paper from brown shopping paper bags

Black permanent marker

Letter stamps (you may also create your own using colored foam “paper” from a craft store, or with sponges you have around the house)

Yellow chalk (to draw the “stars” in the “Earth” craft, but you may sub this with paper or whatever material you have lying around at home) 

Momma Resources:

The WEB: pinterest and googled images “Letter E Crafts”

Here is a photo of lil E so engrossed with our crafternoon.

It’s lil E’s first day in preschool. She’s now in pre-kinder in a quaint little progressive preschool called Playlab, just five minutes away from where we live. I couldn’t tell who was more excited between me and lil E. We barely slept, with both of us tossing and turning in bed last night 😜 But today turned out to be so good for both of us. She quickly blended with her little preschool group. They’re about 8 students (mostly boys uh-oh! Daddy will surely be on close guard), a teacher and a teacher aide. At the end of her day, she couldn’t stop talking about everything she did and learned in school. And she got 2 stamps today! 1 on each hand! I got good feedback from her teacher, too. One saying she was an eager and fast learner. Second saying she blended in quickly with the group. Just one area for improvement, she is still a bit territorial and was always wary every time a classmate would come too near. An unintentional shove was already a push for her. But that was that. No crying, no tantrums! She didn’t even asked me to stay with her inside the classroom. Oh, what joy! So, there…Today was quite a day. Another milestone for my lil girl, and our lil family of three.

Few things on our preschool decision. But first, let me note that it was a personal choice for hubby and me to enroll her late (at age 4 years and three months versus current trend of enrolling as early as 1.5 years of age). Not that I am not a big believer of preschools, but since I am a SAHM (stay at home mom), I felt that I am the best person to educate her. I wanted to be her first teacher. And to prepare myself for this feat, I attended a couple of preschool homeschool seminars, read up on it, and got pointers from homeschooling moms (shout out to ate Sanne and The Learning Basket). We also enrolled lil E in Kindermusik classes to address socialization with other kids. After all, during my time, kids didn’t go to school until 4 or 5 years old and we turned out A-OK. I also wanted lil E’s learning to be fun, natural, spontaneous, and not forced. Another is for selfish reasons, obviously. I wanted to spend more time with her for as long as I could. It was also a lifestyle choice, in that we traveled a lot as we wanted to maximize this time we had with her to travel and bond with her. And it worked out pretty fine for us, basing it off today’s success.

As for choosing the right preschool, I was not very choosy on the curriculum. I wanted an environment where Lil E would have fun learning, and at the same time be safe and secure. After all, I know that in the event that the preschool ever falls short on expected output, I could supplement with informal homeschooling. Proximity was a priority for us, too. We didn’t want lil E to be on the road for a long time, prior and after school. The preschool we chose is only five minutes away 👍 We also took into consideration the kindergarten requirements of the big school we plan to transfer Lil E to, come next year. We also needed a preschool that was flexible, in case there is ever a need to travel with the hubby (for conventions, etc).

We have come across preschools that offered pretty much the same, but for a much steeper price. I also came across a very good preschool, facilities, learning approach (traditional integrated with progressive and montessori) and security-wise. Even if price was almost double the preschool that we chose, you knew you’d get your money’s worth. The only red flag for me is when I was told: “7 subjects & home works” for lil E’s level. Pressure! I didn’t want to run the risk of lil E not liking her first school experience, which may in turn dictate how she views school, growing up. And so here we are. I can’t wait to share more as we go along our preschool journey.

We always hear people rave about motherhood but seldom do we hear any mom rant or complain about it. Maybe because it doesn’t sound right when a mother does? Oh, but we’re only human. We feel. We get tired. We get saturated. This is mostly true for full time moms. And yet, at the end of the day, we realize that it is all worth it. And then we do it all again the next day. Only better.

The main challenge I see based on my own experience is getting lost in the sea of day to day chores, tasks, schedules. My take is, we full time moms need to maintain something of our own, an outlet, a passion, a hobby, and in a way a form of escape from the busy world of motherhood. I admit I have yet to find mine. And I will definitely write about it once I do. I think by next year when my toddler attends preschool I will finally get to have my daily scheduled quiet time to discover or rediscover a passion.

What I love about being a full time mom is having the time to afford one such special project: making my toddler’s birthday cake! Or (mini) CAKES, in this case.

We are currently into this line of toys “Lalaloopsy” and I wanted to blow her away on her birthday! This year we are not planning on anything huge. We are only checking into a hotel in the metro (my daughter loves hotels! Diva lang!) with her first cousins for a quick candle blowing and a simple treat for the kids.

I made these cakes with upside down muffin molds (which I used as “doll skirts”, ready-to-use icing and icing dyes to decorate the “doll skirts” from Chocolate Lovers (a baking specialist store along Quezon Ave near the Welcome Rotonda) and ready-to-use colored fondant icing (also for decoration) from Gourdo’s (also a baking specialist store found in malls in the metro). The actual cake base was from ready mixes available in leading groceries. The toppers are my daughter’s actual lalaloopsy dolls.

This was fun to make! Make room though for trial and error, and allot extra time as these projects, especially for a non-baker like me, can be unsuccessful on first try. I also chilled the cakes afterwards to make them fit for travel from home to hotel the day after.

If there’s one thing I’ve really immersed myself into as a mum, it’s staking out the best products for my family, most especially my lil one. Anything natural, chemical-free appeals to me, as I know how delicate and sensitive a tot’s skin can be.

I know they’ve been in the market for quite a while now but I’ve only recently made HUMAN NATURE products a part of our daily family and home care routine. They’re so awesome (I kid NOT!) that I decided to become a dealer to avail of their dealer discounts! (Or so I’d like to justify the need to become one! :P What can I say? I am what you’d call a “coupon mom”, always after what and how much I can save in the long run!) Prior to this entry, I sampled their products via their littlest sizes to see for myself what all the rave was about.

And boy oh boy was I blown away! I’m definitely hooked! Here’s a snapshot of the products I use on me and my toddler:

For MOM-me:

Mandarin Fresh Shampoo and Conditioner - this is my ultimate favorite combo! I’ve tried various commercial shampoos and conditioners on my mommy mane. Name it, I’ve tried it! I’ve got shoulder-length-annually-relaxed-hair and a good shampoo and conditioner combo is a must. A combo that softens and tames my mane and lengthens the effectivity of my hair treatment IZ IT! You could really tell these products are free of chemicals because they don’t bubble the way commercial shampoos do. Its soft lather gently cleans and conditions the hair. I once loved Face Shop’s Peppermint Shampoo and Conditioner but this Human Nature combo does make for a quality and affordable alternative! You’ll surely adore the Mandarin Fresh scent this leaves you that’s oh so delish. I hope they formulate a body wash very soon to go with this yummeh scented line

Mommy tip: try letting the shampoo and conditioner stay on for 2-5 minutes for maximum effect, softness-wise and scent-wise!

Orange and Elemi Balancing Facial Wash - prior to this, I was using Celeteque which did my skin ok, but THIS was UH-mazing to say the least! It leaves my skin feeling fresh and squeaky clean. And boy do I love the lil bits of rind that scrub and rub my skin just right. Seriously not exaggerating here. This product is the MOMMY SHIZNIT! :) Pair it with Orange and Elemi Balancing Facial Toner and you’ve got yet another winning combo! No sting, and your skin is left smelling like orange delight, just as other products in Human Nature’s citrusy-fruity line. THIS is a must try for any mommy wanting a low maintenance skin regimen.

Mommy tip: Try giving your spouse a weekly treat by giving him a facial massage using the Orange and Elemi Balancing Facial Wash, to reward him for a week’s worth of hard work :) You’ll get thanks-a-plenty for this refreshing treat!

To combat skin aging, I complement this combo with Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil which I apply right before bedtime. Just a teeny tiny bit of this product does moisturizing wonders to my skin! I hear it also rids of dark spots not just on the face but any spot in your bod! Woot!

Mommy tip: Try it on your elbows, knees or any other dark spots you may have and see incredible results in no time! Insert picture here

For the babe:

Human Nature Kids Natural Shampoo and Body Wash - I’ve been using J&J on my lil one since I can remember and their products have been wonderful, but having sampled Human Nature’s mandarin line on my mane, I wanted to try their citrusy baby products which my good mommy friend Ada has also sworn by. Just as their adult shampoo, this product gives out a very gentle lather just right for my toddler’s skin. The smell is fresh and…as if I haven’t used this pseudo word enough in this entry…DELISH! Bath time has just become lots more fun for me and my tot!

Mommy tip: I usually let the shampoo/body wash stay on my toddler for 2-5 minutes depending on her patience to let the scent really rub off and stay long on her. (Huge thanks to bath toys!) Citrus Burst Sanitizer I discovered this product during my toddler’s Kindermusik class. The class starts off with ensuring all the toddlers, mommies and caregivers have clean hands and they use this product to sanitize. Awesome yummy smell, plus unlike alcohol, this product doesn’t dry up the skin. I’m really itching to try out a lot more of Human Nature’s products. I like that aside from enjoying the awesomeness of their products, I also get to help my country, the marginalized and the environment! Truly, kudos to the winning (sister) tandem of Anna Meloto-Wilk and Camille Meloto, founders of Human Nature! And they happen to be former Theresians, too! More reason for me to rally behind this power duo Ü

What Human Products have blown you away? Do share mommies!

I’ve come across so many write ups about motherhood. One side claiming that being a working mom is the way to go, and another claiming that being a full time mom is. But, whichever route you take, I would say, is just as challenging. And I say this because I’ve experienced both.

When my daughter was born, up until she was over a year old, I was a working mom. I would slave each day for 10 hours in the office, 3 hours on the drive to and from work, and another 5-6 hours of “mommy duty time” when I get home and before I head off to work the next day. I was neither 100% at either jobs. There were countless times I was made to choose between work and home, with each choice bearing huge repercussions, either on family or on my career. I was a “zombie” both at home and at work, only figuring in a max of 4 hours of sleep per day. One day of the weekend is spent catching up with sleep, and the remainder to make it up to my husband and daughter. On most days, I just felt like crying from frustration and exhaustion. I remember days when I would feel guilty because every time my daughter cried, I had no clue why and what she needed, and I would look to my husband and her nanny for clues.

I made it work for over a year until I finally made a decision to devote my 100% to my daughter and my husband. It was a decision I fought against, and fought for. I was torn between a career I loved and devoted myself to over the years, and realizing my dream of starting/building a family. No offense to my own parents who both worked very hard as we were growing up, to provide us with a good future, but I observed and made comparisons of family success rate (based on my own vision, which is ultimately how the children turn out in later life) between families with both parents working full time and those with one parent at home. What I have found was that those with one parent at home devoted to the family, fared better in terms of how the kids fared in school up until their grown up years. The children are more balanced, are more whole, made sound decisions, and are successful in their chosen fields. Take my husband’s family for one. My in-laws have successfully cultivated their children’s God given gifts that led to successes in school and more importantly in their grown up lives.

Since then, my family life has been easier in a way that marital arguments are virtually rare to non-existent. When my husband and I talk, I am 100% there and not counting how many minutes of sleep I am losing, or what I have to do at work the next day. My daughter is well fed, well dressed and even brighter these days. My husband did a superb job taking care of her prior, but it’s true what they say that a mother’s touch is incomparable, and it is. I have never seen my daughter and husband as happy as they are now that I am 100% a mom and a wife. And that makes me whole in a way that having a successful career would never achieve.

A lot of people, especially those who have not experienced motherhood just yet, pass judgement as if being a full time mom is the lazy route, that we moms are just too lazy to work, or that we “leech off of our husband’s outcome”. The truth is, I’ve never been more tired physically and mentally now that I am a stay at home, full time mom. But it’s the happy kind of “tired”. Motherhood truly is a 24/7 job. If you take it seriously (and seriously I do!!!), planning your family’s schedule, preparing daily meals, doing the laundry, budgeting everything from groceries to bills to family trips, and every chore in between, can be exhausting. Add to that informally homeschooling my toddler and ensuring she learns and grows well everyday, is one tough job. My mommy list goes on and on. And yes, I do get to indulge myself in little shopping trips on rare occasion/s, or go on vacation trips once in a while, but it is to bond as a family and in little ways to reward myself with some “me” time for allowing my husband, giving him the time and freedom to do what he loves and be successful at it, by taking care of our family and home.

As for me, although I know I could have achieved more in my previous career if I hadn’t changed routes, THIS is my career now…my vocation…my willing and whole hearted sacrifice. I am blessed to be given this chance to focus on family, to witness my family’s every milestone. I am thankful to God and my husband for making this possible. And I am making this blessing count by being 100% a mom.

Working moms albeit “hands on” continue to amaze and inspire me as to how they could juggle and be optimum at both roles. The sacrifice of not being there all the time, missing some milestones, can be very heartbreaking, as I have experienced once upon a time. There is simply no “one” easy route in motherhood.

My toddler received this pair as a gift for her second birthday from one of her “ninangs” (godmother).

And who wouldn’t fall in love with this pair?

They’re so easy to wear! 1 button to fasten and/or take off the shoes! My toddler can even wear ‘em on her own! *clap! clap!*

They’re comfortable to wear! She uses this pair during active play and they never get off, nor do they leave sore areas on her feet.

My toddler’s feet smells so good even after prolonged use. #1 proof of the brand’s anti microbial claims of this product!

They’re stylish and can be paired with mostly anything! Pants, shorts, even some dresses and skirts! Oh, and have I mentioned how I’ve loved red shoes since I was a little girl? Stripes! I love ‘em stripes and anything nautical! 

I can’t say it enough: I just really love this pair!

Oh, and let me mention too that every time I let my toddler pick which shoes to wear, she always goes for this pair! They’re her absolute fave!!!

Haha! Look at ‘em now! Boatful of stories to go with that “run down” look!

This only means one thing: It’s high time for a 2nd CIENTA!

Here’s a link to learn more about CIENTA as a brand, what it offers and their designs! CIENTA is available in Rustan’s Department Store and online.

This pair (as I’ve found in Rustan’s prior to posting this) retails locally for Php1700. A bit pricey but worth the value it gives you in return. More so in my case because it was given as a gift. I am very picky with Eunice’s footwear and I only buy pairs that I know would last for months of active use (until she outgrows them). And this product IZ IT! :P

Mommy verdict: 4.5 out of 5! (and only because it’s a bit on the pricey side)

Fall in love like we have!

Do you or your toddler have a favorite pair of shoes you just can’t retire?

Share, mommies!!! I’d love to hear from you!

The toddler bag I use is a Skip Hop back pack. It's a gift my toddler received from one of her "ninangs" (baptismal godmother) last Christmas...thanks Digz!). I personally love it because:

it's very spacious

this "back pack type" bag makes it easier for me to move around, run after my toddler or carry her, even as I have the bag on 

exterior pockets FTW (for the win)!

the animal design is cutesy patootsie! 

For more info on Skip Hop back pack bags, its dimensions, features and other designs, click here: SKIP HOP

TAKE A PEEK INSIDE!

Water tumbler with snack container (I got this water tumbler from one of our trips abroad and it has proven to be oh so useful!)

Baby bottle (Avent is 💗!)

Drinking water (my toddler's pedia allowed her to transition to natural drinking water from distilled water...as distilled water, studies show, is more acidic)

Milk dispenser (3 servings)

Cloth diaper (used for either wiping or to put on toddler's back when s/he gets too hot and sweaty)

Wash cloth (extra-for wiping)

Change of clothes

Disposable diapers (2 pcs)

Sanitary Wipes (for diaper changes and wiping)

Alcohol spray (used for sanitizing my toddler and myself especially before meals)

What's in yours?

Do share, mommies!

Would love to know!

This remained a huge question mark hanging above my head until I met Erick. I was single for 7 years prior…busying myself with advancing in my chosen field and helping my family out…rarely dating. Mind you, at the time I was already 28 years old and, well truth be told, I was in a little bit of a panic mode. Much as I wanted to take my time, I had to mind my biological clock and crazy as it sounds now, I was worried all the good options then would be married off soon.

Every so often, I would travel to my favorite escape, Baguio (via bus!), searching for myself and for life’s BIGGER meaning. I was restless. Career-wise, I have exhausted what I had wanted to achieve. My family reaped the benefits of my successes. But one huge chunk was amiss. I was alone, I FELT alone, and I had no one to share my successes with. Like I said, my family was there but it just didn’t “feel” enough. I became way too restless some time after and lost a big part of my motivation…mostly where work was concerned. I kept looking for more everyday. Call it fate but while on a 3-week leave, Erick, a friend of my elder brother’s (some 15 years back) reconnected with me. And that was the start of a very unlikely love story.

Fast forward 4 years (I am now 32 years young) and I am now a mum to an awesome 2-year old toddler, Eunice Padme, and wife to my best friend and dream-partner, Erick. There is nothing more I could ask for with this family Erick and I have built. And I owe that to an unlikely choice back in ‘08. Erick was nothing like the "juveniles"/"boys" I dated in the past (I had a few back in the day). I did not have any one type but I did prefer taller, lighter-toned and most of them (looking back now) were blue-blooded (blame my younger bro’s influence on all things blue). Of course, intellect and humor were staples in my standards. Erick, on the other hand, was just a couple of inches taller than I (haha, yes we are vertically challenged, or atleast in our standards we are! :p), darker-toned and (can you believe it?) oozing with GREEN (unspeakable back in the day)! But boy did he woo me with his constant truthful e-mails (I still gush as I read them now), sincerity, straightforwardness, persistence and love for family. I was just blown away. Cliche as it may sound, he was different from any I’ve ever liked in the past. I remember being very confused during the entire courtship. There was a time I liked him but not enough to be in a relationship with him. I almost gave up but he wrote me an e-mail after I told him I just wanted to be friends and gave me a line up of reasons why we should continue getting to know each other and exploring our friendship. Suffice to say, his persistence, depth and flawless grammar (yes I’m a sucker for the latter) and, let me say it again, sincerity and truthfulness got me thereafter. But all throughout our relationship, it was a struggle to depend on and follow someone, as I was self sufficient for 7 years prior. But boy oh boy am I glad now that God enlightened me and showed me many times over that Erick was the ONE. Our marriage has been anything but smooth sailing but despite the lows, blows and rough patches, we have always solidly chosen to stay together.

So let me end this note with lessons I have learned on finding the ONE:

1. Think long term. You can potentially end up with whoever you’re dating right now. So make sure you choose carefully. Be careful not to overdo it though. Don’t choose someone who’s good only for right NOW. Rather, choose someone who’d stick by you through your best and worst you. Someone who would embrace all of you NOW, and who promises to love you even as you evolve.

2. 8 dates before you strike out. And I say 8 because by then I am sure that any doubts or confusion would have been cleared out. Even if it’s not someone you’d typically like, as long as there’s a major trait you like in him and you’re not completely sold on giving up or striking him out, give it a shot and get to know the person well enough, see how the person responds to you on varying moods and circumstances. Look at how the person enhances and enriches your life. After 8 dates (more or less), make an informed and well thought of decision.

3. Choose someone who shares the same vision or merges his with yours. Make sure that as you grow into the courtship or relationship, you make it a point to converse about each other’s visions about marriage, kids, retirement, roles and responsibilities! Make sure these are clear on both ends before the I do’s.

4. Mind games are a NO-NO! By this time you’re probably too old for them anyway. Plus, I don’t know with you but I’ve always hated playing mind games mainly because I never win! :P Someone who seriously wants you would always want to be straightforward and clear, and would hate mind games just as much or even more than you do.

5. Don’t seclude yourself. Sometimes you don’t realize you do this but you do! Especially when you drown yourself in work and realize that the only friends you spend time with are also the ones you work with. Not to say that’s bad but you may be unknowingly limiting yourself and your circle by doing that. When I met Erick’s circle, I soon realized how many good men there are left (clap clap to Erick’s friends!). My social circle on the other hand was way too limited and saturated by the same circle I have at work which was a bad sign given how there were just very few viable options (taken pa!). You just really have to explore outside of your comfort zone. For example, joining organizations and charities, attending conventions, exploring referrals (from good friends who know you well enough to pair you with someone you can potentially mesh well with), even running…well, you know what I mean! Strike a conversation with a fellow runner while you’re out doing your rounds. There are loads of stuff/activities you can do, places you can go to, to broaden your circle! You just have to MAKE TIME because this is not just something that happens. I’m sure you know that by now :)

6. Prepare yourself. As you look for your life partner, you have to work on being the partner you aspire for. “Playing around while you wait for the right one to come along” believe me, does YOU no good. And why (pray tell me) would God even give you so much as a glimpse of THE ONE if your actions are screaming “immature” and “not ready”? No one is ever that lucky. Believe me.

I most definitely am not an expert on relationships, courtship…nor am I on marriage. I’m merely someone speaking from experience and sharing what’s worked for me.

To date, I am happy and brimming with fulfillment as I speak and share about family life. I have a hardworking, thoughtful and loving spouse who always makes it a point to enrich and enhance both my and my li’l one’s lives. I try to do the same for him everyday, too. I also feel both privileged and blessed to be given the chance to witness my toddler’s every milestone as I am now a full time mom. I thank Erick for making me realize that family gets top spot (over career) and because he has worked so hard to make this set up possible. In return, I get to happily play the dutiful wife and support him in his endeavors. And although we live simply, we get to enjoy occasional family travels and have our needs (and even some wants) met! We have also helped our respective families. We have really been blessed! But I know that this blessing comes from thoughtfully and carefully choosing THE ONE I partner with in life.

I hope my insights have helped and somewhat inspired you.

Good luck and God speed on your own journey!

Love,

Phoebe

I know not every mom would recommend the use of disposable diapers because of the effects it could have on the environment and because not all babies respond well to diaper use (i.e. rashes, UTI, etc). However, for moms on the go (working moms or nanny-less moms such as myself) disposable diapers have become part of my “mommy essentials”.

I am always on the lookout for the best value-best quality combo out there. Before I let you in on my recent find, let me clarify that this is NOT A PAID AD. I searched and paid in full for this product.

Huggies Snug & Dry (Box of 120 diapers)

Price: Php 1699+ (Php 14++ per diaper pad)

Purchased at: S&R Congressional QC Branch

This product is the imported version. I’ve only seen it available at S&R. I first got to try the product when my “balikbayan” SIL (sister-in-law) who also has a toddler had me try it. This is the brand they use on my toddler nephew in the US.

What I love about this product:

1. It doesn’t leak when left overnight on Eunice (2.5 years old). When I change her nappies in the morning, her “bum-bum” remains dry and rash-free.

2. I also love how it doesn’t bunch, separate or leak even when Eunice runs around, climbs monkey bars and does all of her usual hyper toddler activities.

3. I love its cottony feel “inside” and its breathable cloth-like cover “outside”. Also love how the snug fit waist band is easily adjustable.

4. It comes in 2 adorable Mickey Mouse designs—so cute and adorable!

5. Lastly, I like how it’s priced just the same or even lower than the local brands. I really wish our local brands could perform just as well, as I always prioritize promoting and buying our local goods. Sadly though, I’ve tried all local diaper brands but have not found a single one that gives me the same quality.

The only 2 damper(s) I have on this product are:

1. It’s only available in S&R and there are times when they run out of stock. I have found a runner-up alternative at times I don't get lucky which I will post in another (blog) entry.

2. The diaper hardens when it’s full. It doesn’t make it difficult to walk or perform activities though.

So far though, the good outweighs the not-so-good where this product is concerned.

Living in a tropical country at this day and age requires one to be dengue proof! With dengue’s incidence and mortality rate to date, it makes me deathly afraid to ever experience it myself or through anyone I care about, most especially my toddler Eunice.

Click here to know more about dengue, its signs and symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.

Here’s how I (personally) protect and dengue-proof my child:

1. Moskishield Mosquito Repellant Patch

A box worth Php 150 contains 24 patches. Each patch works its wonders for up to 24 hours. They also come in 6 cutesy animal designs (see photo above). The patch is 100% natural DEET free with no harmful ingredients and has full FDA approval. I usually put the patch at the back of Eunice’s shirt so she wouldn’t take it off or play with it.

Moskishieldis available at: National Bookstore, Watsons, Pure Gold, Office Warehouse, Handyman, Landmark, SM Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, and other leading supermarkets nationwide. (Click the link to know more about Moskishield)

Mommy verdict: 5 out of 5 

2. Giga Baby Insect Repellant Spray

What I love about this product apart from it being organic is that it smells oh so good and is light on my baby’s skin (not at all sticky). It also adds protection to the patch I use on Eunice, but just as effective when used on its own. I have started using this on Eunice as soon as birth (on her clothing) and on her skin from her 3rd month onwards, focusing on extremities and exposed skin.

Giga Baby Insect Repellant Spray costs Php 165 for a 100 ml spray bottle (1 month use for my 2 year old toddler!) and is available at the following Giga store locations: SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, VMall Greenhills, Robinson’s Place Manila, Robinson’s Galleria, Robinson’s Metro East, Robinson’s Magnolia.

Mommy verdict: 4.5 out of 5 (just because you need to reapply from time to time to ensure effectiveness is optimum)

3. Use pajamas/long pants/leggings when outdoors.

Studies show that dengue carrying mosquitoes fly low and usual bites are found on lower extremities (thighs, legs, feet). This serves as added protection for my toddler.

4. Ensure your child is sweat-free!

There are studies that show dengue mosquitoes are attracted by the smell of sweat. I always make sure that my toddler as much as possible smells fresh and is sweat-free!

5. Ensure that where your child plays or frequents is not a dengue breeding ground.

According to studies dengue carrying mosquitoes frequent dark and damp places. Also, ensure that your house is dengue free by getting rid of potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes like areas or objects that can catch or contain water.

6. Plants that can shoo away mosquitoes like Citronella, Eucalyptus and Oregano can boost your protection against dengue!

Check Out My Complete Dengue Arsenal:

Stay safe and dengue-free babies and mommies!