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t’s becoming less uncommon to see mothers nursing their babies confidently in public. But if you don’t belong to that same school of thought, there’s no need to huddle in the house. Sure, locating a private area to pump or feed your baby when you’re out and about is a challenge but decent private spaces are out there! Wise to the needs of nursing mums, many malls these days offer comfy, gussied-up family rooms that allow you to nurse privately. Mother & Baby travelled the length and breadth of Singapore to compile a comprehensive guide to the niftiest nursing rooms available. In our report, we not only tell you where to find the best baby rooms in each region, you’ll get the goods on plus points to look out for and most importantly, what its fresh factor is. So if you’re chary of latching on your baby in the open, stash this list in your diaper bag!
Central/Orchard
Great World City Rating: Where: 1 Kim Seng
ace of space mum’s
black book
Nursing your little one when you’re on the go need not be nerve-wracking. M&B lists the best baby rooms we give our collective thumbs up to! by Ng Hooi See photography and art direction Regina Wong and Lindy Tay
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fave!
Promenade, Basement 1 (near Unity Healthcare). Boasting pretty pastels in a whimsical fairytale theme, you’ll feel like you are entering a magical wonderland the moment you set foot in this very eye-catching space. Each of its two well-lit nursing rooms is furnished with a comfortable leather armchair. In both rooms, the mall management has also provided small round side-tables for your barang barang, wall hooks for your baby bag and soft, adjustable lights to create a calm environment for you to feed your little one. Not just clean, quiet and in excellent condition, we were bowled over by the attention paid to detail — there are lamps with a sequin trim, as well as a white chandelier that adds a luxe touch to the magical theme. Top marks for the tasteful decorations and impressive upkeep. Privacy: Two private rooms with lockable doors. Comfort: Comfortable baby-blue leather armchairs in good condition. Ambience: Stylish black-and-white baby photos in each nursing room help set the mood for nursing. Together with the fairy theme and soft, cosy lighting, it’s impossible not to feel relaxed when you are in here. It’s one of Singapore’s best nursing rooms!
Also worth checking out:
Tanglin Mall, Level Three (next to toilet) C l e a n and well maintained, this nurserythemed nursing space has two private nursing rooms with comfortable leather armchairs. Wheelock Place, Level One (near office tower) Tucked away in a corner next to Borders, this quiet, clean babycare room is done up tastefully and a pleasure to use. There isn’t a separate nursing area but since human traffic is usually low, this is no big deal. Paragon, Level Three (nex t to bathroom) Private nursing room with sleek dark brown leather armchair for you to nurse in peace. Besides hot and cold water, bags are provided for diaper disposal. It’s quiet, clean and comfortable. Tangs, Level Four, Playground (children’s department) Two private nursing rooms furnished with leather armchairs. There’s a steriliser and a hot water flask, as well as a hanging mobile to keep your tot amused during diaper changes. Its soft lighting and plush, comfortable surroundings make this spot very conducive to nursing. Isetan Scotts, Level Three (next to the cashier in the children’s department) Big family room with nursing and baby-feeding facilities. Apart from two private nursing rooms, its two high chairs are a boon for parents with young children. Besides a hot water flask and water dispenser, it also has a Yakult dispensing machine for older children. Mother&Baby August 09
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North
united square shopping mall Rating: Where: United Square
Shopping Mall, 101 Thomson Road, Level One (next to Mom Essentials and Growing Fun, # 01-29/30 at Connectz). L i m e g r e e n w a ll s featuring a teddy bear motif greet you as you enter this family room. Boasting three private nursing rooms, mothers can nurse their children in peace while dads keep themselves entertained in the waiting area by checking out the many United Square product placements on the wall. Brightly lit, clean and meticulously maintained, this nursing room is the one to dive into when you are in the neighbourhood. Privacy: Three rooms with lockable doors. Comfort: Comfortable lime green leather armchairs make nursing a breeze. Ambience: Clean and very well kept, the soothing yellow walls, bear/clown-themed wallpaper, and candy-coloured striped doors create a cosy and comfortable environment for breastfeeding. A hand sanitiser is placed strategically outside the nursing rooms as a gentle reminder to mums to be mindful of their hygiene.
East
South
Rating:
Liang court s h o pp i n g centre
Where:Bugis
Rating: Where: Liang Court
BHG Bugis
Junction, 230 Victoria Street, Level Three (children’s section). This nursing room is decorated with bold yellow alphabet wallpaper and feels ver y much like a nursery. Clean and cheer fully lit, the two nursing rooms feature cur tain partitions. We like the well thought-out changing pad design, since the raised cushion barrier prevents wriggly babies from rolling off! Just outside the family room is a huge waiting area and play area — a bonus for families with older children, who can play while their mothers nurse their younger siblings in peace. Privacy: Two rooms with curtains. Comfort: Comfortable yellow-cushioned bench. Ambience: Bright and cheery, clean and well-maintained, it’s a great place to nurse in since you get the feeling that you’re in a child’s nursery. Although only curtains section off the comfortable nursing rooms, you’ll still maintain your privacy. There’s a seating area outside the nursing room, as well as a padded play area for kids.
Shopping Centre, 177 River Valley Road, Basement 1. With classic Japanese kiddy pictures brightening the walls, this baby room’s decorations seem to be inspired by Japanese anime. Done up in jolly orange and white, this homey family room is brightly lit, very clean and well maintained. A cheerful yellow curtain divider around a white and beige cushion bench affords nursing mums some privacy. The only downside is the noise from the pipes near the hot water dispenser. Privacy: The room has a lockable door while the nursing area features a curtain divider. Comfort: New white and beige cushioned bench. Ambience: The orange-and-white theme, coupled with the brightly-lit room and cheery Japanese kiddy-themed wall pictures make this spot inviting and conducive for nursing mums. Definitely one to keep in mind when you are in the area!
Also worth checking out: Also worth checking out:
Ang Mo Kio Hub, Level Three (next to Chrysalis Premier and DBS Bank), Featuring three individual nursing rooms, each with a different kids’ theme, this very bright, cheery and pretty spot is a great place to nurse your little one. Singapore Zoo, Rainforest KidzWorld Who knew that the zoo would offer a sublime spot to breastfeed? Two clean and wellmaintained private rooms at Rainforest KidzWorld’s nursing room provide a welcome respite from the heat and a comfortable corner to nurse your child. Hot and cold water is also available.
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Also worth checking out:
IKEA Tampines (next to the restaurant) Prettily fixed up with Ikea furniture and accessories, this happy-hued nursing room is well stocked with a diaper dispenser, changing pad liner machine and hand sanitiser. It’s busy during weekends, so get set to wait in line if you want to experience a smidgen of this Swedish baby heaven. Changi Airport, Terminal 3 (several are located throughout the airport) Clean and brightly lit, the nursing rooms feature diaper and hot water dispensers, while frosted doors give mothers privacy while they nurse.
VivoCity, Level Two (next to Burger King) Located next to the outdoor play area, this big family room consists of six individual nursing rooms with several changing tables. But bear in mind that it can get noisy and messy on weekends. Raffles City, Basement, (next to Shokudo Japanese Food Bazaar) Modern nursing room with two private rooms. You’ll love the modern feel of this private space. A handsfree sink, automatic soap dispenser and speedy hand dryer make it easy for baby-toting mums to clean their hands. Also,
the family bathroom is just next to it, with cubicles and washing facilities for both adults and children. Raffles City, Level Three (next to Lift Lobby B) This nursery-themed family room features two private nursing spaces and diaper-changing facilities. Also has high chairs for feeding toddlers.
West
ikea alexandra Rating: Where: 317 Alexandra
Road (one is near the Ikea restaurant, the other is near the cashier). Because of its strong kidcentric focus, such as their Småland play facility, kids’ meals and cool toys, Ikea consistently ranks as one of the more child-friendly stores in Singapore. Their nursing rooms are no exception. Like a page out of the Ikea catalogue, its clean and well-maintained nursing room is thoughtfully decorated (with Ikea furnishings, of course). There’s even a diaper dispenser (50 cents a diaper) as well as a changing pad liner machine (20 cents a liner), great if you’re absent-minded or have just run out of these baby-changing essentials! Privacy: A room with a lockable door. Comfort: A comfortable fabric armchair with a side table for your diaper bag. Ambience: Bright kiddy pictures on the wall, colourful wallpaper and comfortable seats enhance your nursing experience.
Hot and cold water dispenser
Sink
Power point (for breast pump)
Soap
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