* The Wacky Duo | Singapore Parenting and Lifestyle Blog

Thursday, 5 December 2013

Choosing a School Bag For Primary One

Ergoworks

In about a month's time, Big C be embarking on his Primary One journey. One of the main changes in Primary one would be that he would need a bag to carry his school books. Compared to Kindergarten where he does not bring bag to school, this will be major change in his way of life.

From zero to a packed bag that probably weighs 3-5 kg, the possibility of Big C hurting his young spine is real. Given that this would be a daily routine in his primary school days, we are determine that he gets a bag that is suitable for his age.

Not all bags are built equal. Base on our research , we should look for ergonomic bags that is purposely build to suit the size of young kids. An ergonomic bags also comes with a higher price tag. Some bags are price upwards of Sgd 200. We wanted a good bag, but we do have a budget in mind. As such we settled on Impact bags found at Ergoworks, Marina Square.

Impact school bags

The Impact brand is the ONLY ergonomic brand medically endorsed by The Chiropractic Association & Singapore Physiotherapy Association. This gives parents like us a peace of mind on the quality of the bags produced.

Big C was quite excited by what he saw, as a result he literally got attached to it.

There is a wide selection of bags with different designs and functions for different age groups at the store. We picked three designs that are best suited for his height (118cm). Naturally these bags are smaller in size than the standard bags. As Big C prefers his bag to be blue, we took the blue options for the different bags we short listed.

The short list

First up is the grey and blue bag Model IPEG-087. (sgd 79.90).

IPEG-087

The bag comes with an Active Backcare Systems(ABS) . It comes with 2 separate compartments for files and books. There are 2 side pockets for water bottle and knock knacks. It weighs in at 700g. Well padded , it fits Big C body shape. Overall the bag is of the right size. However we decided to test a few more before making up our mind.

Active Backcare System

During the testing phase. We learn a few pointers from the staff while choosing a bag. We think these are great tips to share with you.

The proper way to wear a bag

While wearing a bag, the top edge of the school bag is to be in line with the shoulder.
The school bag should not be significantly wider than the shoulders for a proper fit
The bottom edge of the school bag should rest on the hip bones
It is always good to adjust the shoulder straps when taking up and removing a bag
A cushioned , ergonomically shaped bag is good for a child
The weight of the bag and content ideally be not more than 15% of the child weigh

Impact bags

The next bag we tested is the model IPEG 091 (Sgd119).

This bag is more structured than the earlier bag. It comes with an Orthopaedic Spinal Protection Systems. This is the top line ergonomics system from Impact.

Orthopaedic Spinal Protection System

Model IPEG 091

It weighs more than the first model, but the Orthopedic Spinal Protection System is specially designed for younger child. Thus it is able to distribute weight evenly , so use will not will the 'heavy' load. The boxy appearance does make it look bulky on Big C.

Ergo-Comfort Spinal Protection backpacks

The last bag that we tested is the larger version of the first one. This is the model IPEG 84 (Sgd 79.90)This models weighs in at 900g and is measured at 43.5 cm x 29.5cm x 18.5cm.

Impact IPEG 84

In terms of the compartments space, it is similar to the first design. Big C likes darker blue and black combination as he feels it is more sleek and grown up. As seen above, it is a perfect fit with the top in line with the shoulders and the bottom sitting nicely at the hips.

The compartments

Given that it is slightly larger, we decided to pick this bag. After all kids do grow fast nowadays and before you know it, a smaller bag would not fit them in a couple of months.

Other features of the bag includes

USA 3M scotch lite reflective materials for better visibility at night.
EZ parachute rings to provide quick and easy adjustment of shoulder belts.
Detachable waist belt to stabilize and distribute the weight of the bag.
Internal belt to hold heavier books for weight distribution
Mesh Pockets on both sides ( to hold water bottle/rain coat/wet shirt)

Big C bag

With a fully packed bag, this bag and the contents weights in at 3.5kg . Big C weighs in at 25kg, so this comes in within the recommend weight limit.

Impact for girls

Impact brand is unisex and there are colours for girls in store. There are ongoing promotions such as trade in a used Impact bag for 20% discount or 15% discount for Passion Card, Cordlife and SAFRA Card.

Add caption

Ergoworks is located at various locations such as Centrepoint, Marina Square and Causeway point. We visited the Marina Square branch during our bag hunting. The bag selection is extensive for all various ages, thus it is a good one stop shop for school bags and a wide variety of ergonomic furniture.

Visit www.ergoworks.com.sg or www.facebook.com/ergoworkssg for more information

For those who are embarking on the search for a school bag... Good luck!

ERGOWORKS Marina Square

6 Raffles Boulevard #03-337
Opening Hours 11am to 9pm

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

Children Playground @ Gardens by the Bay

Friends of GBTB (FOG) Invite

FEO children's playground

Sssshhh....

We are going to tell you a secret... There is a new playground in town. It is one of the largest we have been to date, comprising of 5 different stations catering to children from age 1-12. Best of all, it is free!!!

Come step into the world of adventure, water play and a magnificent treehouse right in the heart of the island at Gardens by the Bay. This $10 million , 1 hectare children' playground by Far East Organization ( FEO) is located between the Cloud Forest and Satay Club.

1 Adventure Trail

Adventure Trail

Our discovery started with the adventure trail. This play area is targeted at children age 6-12. Loaded with mini obstacles, it promise to expose the child to different exciting outdoor challenges.

Entry to adventure

The entrance to the Adventure trail is near the entry to the FEO children's playground. We recommend to do the dry activities before the water play. Give the weather in Singapore, it would be pure bliss to cool off after a workout round the dry play area.

Balancing bridge

The Adventure trail is more suited for older kids (6-12) given it's numerous obstacle courses such as balancing bridge, monkey bars, balancing beams and more.

Balancing bridge

It does not faze Little Lou one bit as he takes on each challenge with unbridled energy.

Pull up station

One of our favourite spot will be the Giant Spiderweb located on a mild slope.

Spiderweb

This allows us to make our way up with skills imparted from Spider-Man. This new concept is both challenging and amusing as we work our way up.

Manovering the Spiderweb

It was not too difficult to pull us out of the web, especially when we saw a series of slides next to it.

Open and enclosed slides

There are 2 variant slides , one open and the other enclosed. It wasn't long when Big C decided to give them a spin. The slides are made of metal so it may get a tad hot during sunny days.

Here I come!

Little Lou was slightly disappointed as these slides are meant for kids age 6 and above.

I can't slide

That is where Daddy comes in and did a tandem slide with him.

Let's slide!

Although it was hot and sunny, the adventure area is sufficiently shaded, so you do not feel the heat. Nevertheless, it may be better to explore the area in the early morning or late afternoons to avoid the blazing Sun.We love the lush fauna settings, this is one trail that is close to nature, making one liberated from the concrete jungle that we are so used to.

Balancing act

2 The Tree House

The Tree house

Our next stop would be the treehouse. 2 tree houses at 4 metres and 7.5 metres tall are located within the dense rainforest tress. Linked by timber and rope bridges , it spans across130 metres round the play area.

Rocking bridge

Walked past the rocking bridge to the main treehouse. This area has a variety of play equipment to entice the little ones. This is potentially a favourite for those ~~little monkeys~~ rope climbers. If you need a break, just lie down on one of the swing at the treehouse,

Lots of ropes!

There are 2 mega slides located in the treehouse. A sure hit with the adventurous kids. We reckon these slides could complete with the slide@T3.

Tree house slides.

Be warn, the area is more suited for older kids age 6-12. There are some potentially dangerous blind spots to look out for. The fireman slide could be a potential hazard given its open strucuture. A careless (small) child could easily miss it and fall into it. Likewise for the numerous captive pods found in the treehouse. So do supervise your child while playing in the area.

Fireman slide.

3 Toddler Play

Toddler play

For the younger ones, we think the toddler play ( for age 1-5) would be a safer bet. Located next to the Water play area, it has balancing beams, see-saws, slides and swings.

Toddler play area

4 Water Play

Water play area

It was not long before we decided to venture to the Water play area. This area is recommended for children age 6-12. The centerpiece of the children playground, it features hydro vaults, splash leaves and splines. The ever changing water direction is determine by sensors detecting movement of the children. The flooring are also well padded, so it is quite safe for children to roam about the water play area.

Water Play at Gardens by the Bay

This creates an interactive landscape of water effects. Just check out the video of us at the Water Playground.

How cool is that?

Enjoying the outdoor.

There are changing rooms avaliable at the Children's Garden. Lockers and water coolers are avaliable too. Do note the shower area is an open shower meant for kids. Adults may participate in the fun, but during our play, we were mostly left to our own devices. This is a children's playground after all.

For adults , there are more than sufficient seating places available including a 320 seater covers Amphitheater next to the Water play area. We recommend the older folks to sit back and enjoy the soulful music piped in the background .

Wimbaway, Wimoweh, the lion sleeps tonight...

5 Fish Fountain

Fish Fountian

If you have younger kids and want to watch over them, do park them at the Fish Fountain. The area is smallish enough to keep a close eye on the toddlers, while letting them roam about play area.

Fish Fountain for kids

The water spouting from the fishes mouth guarantees a splashing good time at every turn.

Splashing good times

Just check out the delight written all over Little Lou's face. It was a great workout for us as we spend a good 2 hours exporing the children's playground.

Loving it!

The FEO Children's Playground will be open in the first quarter of 2014. From what we saw, there would probably be food and beverages outlets opening within the vicinity.

Fish Fountian @ Gardens by the Bay

We think this is a great addition to Gardens by the Bay. Together with the Flower Dome,Cloud Forest, OCBC skyway and the open gardens , this new kid on the block will complete the puzzle. This will make Gardens by the Bay one of the hotspots for families with its numerous attractions and activities.

So get your wet suits ready. Come 2014, kids will have another spot to get wacky!