SWW Mums Share Their Best Parenting Products & Purchases Of The Year

As a parent or parent-to-be, you'll know just how many additional things you start needing (or wanting) in your life. Things to get you through pregnancy and postpartum. And things for parenting in general, so you can be the thriving, responsible and role-model parent that you dream of.

But what exactly is worth spending your hard-earned $ on?

We grill mums on The Weekly team to reveal their top #notsponsored family-related purchases over the last year. Stuff that have made their parenting journey that much easier, more meaningful, and even enjoyable. Full disclosure: These things are unlike what you'd find from mumfluencers' posts and affiliate marketing content.

We swear, these are truly the *real deals*. In our world of parenting, at least.

Best part: Some cost as little as $8.90.

Indoor swim classes for kids at Happy Fish Swim School

"Indoor swim classes for my daughter — they have allowed my daughter to overcome her fear of getting water in her face. After a year of weekly classes at Happy Fish Swim School, she can now swim in more styles than I can, and doesn't fear getting splashed as much. Indoor classes mean they happen rain or shine, no need to be at the temperamental weather’s mercy! And we all know that consistency is key for momentum and improvement.

My daughter still detests the idea of going to swim class every week but I’m glad to put my foot down for a cause I care about. She can thank me 10 years later when she’s planning for a girls’ trip to Maldives."

- Estelle Low, editor and mum of two

Prenatal osteopathy sessions at Amo Clinic

"I was dealing with back pain in the second trimester of my pregnancy, and my editor suggested that I see an osteopath. Amo Clinic was the winner of Most Effective Prenatal Osteopathy for The Singapore Women's Weekly Spa Awards 2023, so I knew I'd be in good hands. From the very first session, my therapist Ana was able to diagnose the issue (apparently I tend to look slightly to the left while working at my desk because of my large screen) and gave me light exercises to try at home. I'm happy to say the back pain is now gone.

I've gone back for a few more treatments to help my body adjust to the ever-increasing demands of pregnancy. The bonus is that I've not needed a single prenatal massage session since the first visit — a common staple for pregnant women — so I've saved money overall."

- Melody Bay, contributing associate editor and mum-to-be

Munchkin Miracle 360° Spill-Proof Cup

"We bring this Munchkin Miracle 360° Spill-Proof Cup with us everywhere we go, so our toddler can sample the juices (diluted) that we order for the rest of the family without making a mess. She gets serious FOMO if she doesn't get to try what we eat and drink, so this cup has literally saved us from suffering her meltdowns many times."

Get it here

- Ng Mei Yan, contributing associate editor and mum of three

Ikea Trofast system

"My best purchase this year as a mum is ongoing — we are currently redoing our growing toddler's room to make it a better space for her toys and for her to play in (and finally reclaim our living room a little!). Naturally, we're doing this at Ikea. I've gone down the rabbit hole of "aesthetically pleasing children's rooms" Instagram Reels, and am all about putting together the Trofast system into something that works for her.

We've just bought the mid-size vertical shelves and will get the shorter, easier-to-access one for her in a bit. The area already feels better used and I think she likes that it's all in her room. As for aesthetically pleasing, I don't believe there's any way to really clear toddler mess but here's hoping for that in 2024."

Get it here

- Karen Fong, SWW contributor and mum of two

Hangrui digital camera for kids

"A kids' digi cam! I’ve seen parent buy fake iPhones for their children so this isn’t that luxe. It’s a real digital camera with amazing settings, functions, and filters. You can export your child’s pictures and this keeps them off screen time and gets them to observe the world. My daughter learnt the traffic light song in school. And during a 20-minute bus ride, she spent the whole way capturing pictures of every traffic light she saw."

Get it here

- Jill Lim, presenter and SWW contributor

Babies Bellies prenatal massage package

"Being a pregnant mum with two active toddlers, prenatal massages are now an almost weekly imperative, especially in my third trimester. The massage therapists at Babies Bellies have consistently upheld a professional standard, providing relaxing and relieving massages for me through two pregnancies now. The biggest perk — their no-frills package pricing is unbeatable, and I can share it with friends or family!"

Get it here

- Gwyneth Goh, SWW contributor and mum of two

Decathlon 0.5kg and 1kg dumbbells

"My husband and I bought these dumbbells from Decathlon to inspire our toddlers to start an active lifestyle early on in life. By modelling it for them with our regular workouts — often done at home and, in front of them — these baby weights have kept them excited about 'copying mama and dada', while we strengthening our muscles and form."

Get them here

Dawn Cher, financial blogger, SWW contributor and mum of two

A dishwasher

"A dishwasher. My third son is in charge of clearing the dishes, and having a dishwasher keeps the family sane."

- Eileen Chia, publishing director and mum of four