Project Nursing Rooms: Takashimaya (Level 3)

It's been over a year since I posted my first nursing room review. Now, we hardly use the baby rooms because Kenan is no longer breastfeeding and we don't need to change his diapers as often. Even then, breastfeeding is one of those things I feel strongly about and the topic was one that I used to regularly post about, I feel I should continue with it whenever I can. So here's one more to add to the project: review of baby room at Takashimaya.

Access to the baby room is at the ladies' fashion department

We were there about a month ago and it was in the morning before the crowd arrived, so the whole place was clean and without any bad smell (which usually happen towards the end of the day).

The diapering area (pic above), which is to your left when you enter the room, is huge. There are seven changing tables  (and you can probably fit in as many strollers in that space), with a highchair, a sofa and some chairs around this area.

The breastfeeding room is located on the other side of the room (to the right of the main entrance).

The first time I used the baby room, I was there to breastfeed Kenan. I ended up being disappointed with the design of the nursing room. As I made my second visit months later, I was still disappointed as no improvements were made. Maybe my expectations have been high but given that it's Takashimaya, I sort of expected better standards.

Let me show you why I was disappointed:

The nursing room uses curtain instead of a door. Once you enter, you are immediately greeted by the armchair (or a mom breastfeeding her baby). If at this moment you think the room is only meant for one nursing mom, you are wrong!

Can you see another curtain at the side of the chair? Behind there are more 'cubicles'. Honestly, I don’t know exactly how many but from what I had observed previously, it's probably two others in there. Imagine the inconvenience in trying to access the other 'cubicles'! That's why I say the room is poorly designed. It's not a nice feeling when you're breastfeeding here, especially the one directly facing the main entrance (which I was using!) because whoever want to access the other 'cubicles' will end up disturbing you and people on the way to get water can peep in.

And speaking of water, there's both hot and cold water available. It's just next to the nursing room.

I really do wish that nursing rooms can be better designed to give breastfeeding moms greater comfort and privacy. For me, the nursing room was one of the factors I considered when deciding which malls to go to when I was still breastfeeding my boy. So we were going to Great World City quite a bit because I totally love the nursing room there. Of course, there is also one of our favourite Japanese restaurants at GWC.

So, can any moms help confirm if the Takashimaya nursing room can be used by three moms at any one time?


Ratings:
Cleanliness: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Ambience: 3/5


MORE REVIEWS: Hop over to Madeline's (otherwise known as the Mad Psych Mum) blog and see more nursing room reviews, she's done a great job doing this and there are lots of accompanying photos as well!

Project Nursing Rooms: Raffles City (Level 3)

Since I stopped breastfeeding, I seldom make use of the baby rooms. But this weekend, we were at Raffles City and had to give my boy a change of diaper, so we popped into the nearest one, which was the one on the third floor.

This baby room is located just next to Lift Lobby B and on the way to the washrooms. The last time we were here, there's someone else in the room so I didn't get a chance to take some photos. But on this occasion, despite it being a Saturday afternoon, there was no one else around and I got a good look at what's available here (it's usually very crowded during weekends).

There's only one nursing room, which is at the far left corner.

There are also a baby highchair, a wooden chair, four changing tables, and a sink.

There's also a cushioned bench.

A close up of one changing table. All except one has the attached toilet roll and covered wastebin. I like the convenience of this design!

Above are two chairs found inside the nursing room; besides these and the mirror on the wall, there's nothing else in here.

The entrance of the baby room.

There was a strong poo stench when we first went in but the cleaning lady came and sprayed some air freshener and it was fine.

It would do better with hot water dispenser and a more comfortable chair inside the nursing room.

Ratings

Cleanliness: 3/5

Amenities: 3/5

Ambience: 3/5

Project Nursing Rooms - BHG Bugis Junction

Last Saturday, I was shopping in Bugis Junction and needed to change Kenan's diaper. I first went to the nearest baby room, which was the one on the first floor near the ladies' toilet. But the room was so small, stuffy and stinky that I couldn't stay for another minute. I recalled seeing the baby room in BHG and decided to head there.

There are four changing tables, two on each side, and they are quite well spaced out. There are also two nursing rooms (covered by curtain and not a door) inside, as well as a sofa and a few chairs. There's also a hot and cold water dispenser and sink.

Two of the four changing tables - behind it is the sink and hot water dispenser

The nursing rooms

The sofa and chairs near the entrance

Ratings

Cleanliness: 4/5

Amenities: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5



A Safety Issue

Few weeks ago, I had a scare when changing Kenan's diaper at one of the malls.

I've just placed him on the changing table and turned around to take a clean diaper from the baby bag when he rolled around almost tumbled fell off the edge. Thankfully the spouse was around and stopped him in time.

Honestly, I'm still getting used to Kenan's newfound mobility and sometimes thought that he would stay still in whatever spot I've placed him.

Since this incident, it has opened my eyes to how well or poorly designed some of the baby rooms are.

Take for example the baby room at Harboufront Centre. I used to find the design of the changing table with a barrier at the front a bit cumbersome but now I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the designer -it's really to help prevent babies from falling off easily!

Designed for baby's safety: a barrier at the front; huge changing table and the ends are against the walls so babies can have abit of space to roll yet they can't roll and fall onto the ground easily.

A really thoughtful design - well done!

Where changing table is concerned, I think by far, the one at Harbourfront Centre is the safest. Let me know if you see other well-designed changing areas - in Singapore or even overseas. It would be interesting to see how they are like!

Project Nursing Rooms - Marina Square

Not sure how many nursing rooms there are in Marina Square but I have an inkling this is probably the mall with the most number of them. I have already been to three - two on the first floor and one on the second and they are all conveniently situated near to the toilets. So it seems to me there is likely to be one nursing room next to every toilet - am I right?

The nursing room comes with just the basic amenities- a sofa bench, a diaper changing area and wash basin. There is no hot water here. The room is big enough for me to push in the stroller and I found it comfortable breastfeeding the baby here as it has a nice cushy sofa rather than some plastic chair. The air can be a bit still though. In one of the rooms I went, there was a slight stench coming from the dustbin. But overall, I'm satisfied with the condition.

A cosy nursing room for breastfeeding; the amenities are minimal though.

The lively design on the ceiling - I like it!

Ratings:

Cleanliness: 4/5

Amenities: 3/5

Ambience: 4/5

Project Nursing Rooms - United Square

Positioned as a 'Kids Learning Hub', it's no surprise that this family-friendly mall has a really well-equipped nursing room (level 1). Everything that a parent needs is provided - hot/ cold water, three spacious nursing rooms that comes with a cushioned armchair each, a highchair, three changing units, a cushioned bench and even some magazines for reading.

My only complaint is the unpleasant stench that greeted me the day I was there. Perhaps it was already in the evening and the cleaning lady hasn't got the time to empty the waste bin in time (imagine all the soiled diapers in there!). Other than that, it's one of the best baby rooms I can find in Singapore.

Interior of one of the three nursing rooms

The three nursing rooms - the one at the far end is larger than the first two.

The hot/cold water dispenser is at the corner of the vanity top.

There are three changing units here. Would like it better if the two at the end are separated, so as to give parents more space.

A highchair is available here, next to it is the cushioned bench. The magazine rack is on the wall, just next to the entrance (on the right).

Ratings

Cleanliness: 3.5/5

Amenities: 4.5/5

Ambience: 4/5

Would have given higher ratings for cleanliness and ambience if not for the stench I encountered.

Project Nursing Rooms - Ion Orchard

Ion Orchard is a huge mall and not wanting to go around hunting for the nursing room, I approached the concierge counter (B3) for help. I was told there are two baby rooms are available: one at Basement 3, opposite Starbucks, and the other at Basement 4, inside the food court.

Since I was at Basement 3, I naturally headed there first (located near the toilet) but was shocked when I stepped in. I saw two groups of people inside the baby room, one group was changing baby's diaper, the other was feeding a baby (using bottle of course). I guess I wasn't expecting to see two groups of people inside what I thought is a single nursing room - and it was cramped with so many people inside.

Anyway, I knew I won't be able to breastfeed there, so decided to try the other one just one floor down.

Luck was on my side, there wasn't anyone in the baby room. When we went in, I realised we could actually lock the room from the inside.

With its beige marble walls and warm lighting, the decor in this spacious room resonated a modern vibe. There is an orange plastic chair, a changing table (secured to the wall and foldeded away) and a Pigeon bottle and baby food warmer. However, I wish there's an extra chair so that fathers can sit while waiting for their wives to finish breastfeeding.

There's no hot water dispenser in this baby room.

You can see the changing table (white) from the reflection in the mirror.

The tiny Pigeon bottle and food warmer on the vanity top

You can lock the door of the baby room from the inside. But how can we tell if the lock is spoilt or not?

Can you imagine a mommy breastfeeding inside, thinking the lock is working when it's actually not? It will  cause a lot of embarrassment.

Ratings

Cleanliness: 4/5
Amenities: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3.5/5


Update, 2 November 2010
I was at Ion Orchard on Sunday (two days ago) and used the baby room on the fourth level and noted that there's hot water dispenser and even a fan next to the armchair. There's also a power point above the armchair.

Project Nursing Rooms - Forum Galleria

The nursing room at Forum Galleria is located on the first floor. While it is tastefully done up, it's amenities are really minimal. There are two nursing rooms, one facing the main door (see photo) and one on the right of the entrance. There's an armchair plus a changing table inside each of the room (curtain provides the needed privacy). There's another armchair near the basin, I suppose the hubbies can sit and wait here while their wives are breastfeeding.

By the way, I couldn't find any hot water dispenser here, which is commonly found in many other baby rooms.

The decor is beautiful but amenities could have been much better, and there's no way you can have a stroller inside that nursing room with you

Ratings

Cleanliness: 4.5/5
Amenities: 2.5/5
Ambience: 4.5/5

Project Nursing Rooms - Isetan Scotts

The nursing room at Isetan Scotts is located on level 4, children's department. It is very well equipped with two nursing rooms, three changing tables, thermo flask with hot water, cold water, one highchair, washing area, a sofa just outside the nursing rooms (I suppose it's for husbands to wait for their wives while they feed baby) and even a machine selling Yakult!

Three changing tables, but I feel that they are placed too close for comfort, especially the last two. I can imagine the parents banging into each other when they change babies' diapers.

Too bad both nursing rooms were occupied when I was there, so I didn't get the chance to take a look inside, not to mention taking photos.

The washing area, together with supply of hot and room temperature water

Ratings

Cleanliness: 4/5

Amenities: 4.5/5

Ambience: 3.5/5

Project Nursing Rooms - CK Tangs

There are two spacious and well-equipped nursing rooms in CK Tangs (Orchard), both located on the fourth floor. Cheeful decor and warm lightings make this a nice, cozy place for breastfeeding. The rooms each comes with an armchair, bottle steriliser, hotwater flask, changing table and washing area.

The armchair for nursing/ feeding

Next to the armchair is a shelf where the steriliser and hotwater flask is placed

The changing table and washing area

I've been here a couple of times and remember on one occasion when there was an unpleasant smell in the room. But overall, it is still a nice baby room.

Ratings

Cleanliness: 3.75/5

Amenities: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5

Project Nursing Rooms - Raffles City

There are two baby rooms in Raffles City - one is located on the third floor, the other is at Basement 1, near to Shokudo. I decided to use the latter and was disappointed.

While the decor is sleek and stylish, the place is crammed and stuffy. I've expected more, given that Raffles City belongs to Capitaland.

Anyway, there are two nursing rooms inside, one on the left, the other on the right. Right in the middle is the changing table (only one), a washing area, and no hot water dispenser. The day I was there, the nursing room had a really foul smell - it's almost like S*** but since the other room was occupied, I had no choice but to use it. By the way, the nursing room is very small, there's no way to fit in the stroller. Even the main area is crammed and once we push in our stroller, there's hardly space for two standing adults.

The main area - includes changing table and sink

A closer look of the above

The nursing room - enough just to fit in the single armchair

Ratings

Cleanliness: 4/5

Amenities: 2/5

Ambience: 2/5

The score for ambience would have been higher if not for the unpleasant smell in the nursing room I was using.

10 Feb 2011 - Second Review

The weekend before the lunar new year, hubby and I were having dinner with friends at Chijmes when Kenan decided to do a big one. When I enquired with the restaurant staff, they told me there is no baby room within Chijmes. So I decided to hop over to Raffles City, which is just across the street.

Instead of using the baby room on the third floor, I thought I could just go one floor down and use the one at the basement. But it turned out to be a mistake.

Kenan is now a curious, no-staying-still one-year-old boy. When I put him on the changing unit that's situated right next to the sink, he kept wanting to get up and play with the tap and soap dispenser. In the end, I had no choice but to carry him away and use the one upstairs.

By the way, I didn't realise one major flaw the last time (because I was just there to breastfeed my son). The changing unit is placed in such a way that the longer side is parallel to the mirror, this means if your child is bigger like mine (not a baby who's jus a few months old), his/her legs will dangle out of the changing unit when you put him/her down facing you. However, if you choose to place your child sideway so that the legs don't dangle out, it makes changing diaper really difficult. What's more, there's no place for you to put your diaper bag!

In comparison, the one upstairs is soooo much more user-friendly! I wonder why two baby rooms in the same shopping mall can end up world's apart in terms of design (not the aesthetic part - though one is more chic/contemporary while the other is cozy and homely) and functionality. Maybe it's because of the limited space the designer can work with (but I really doubt that's the reason - aren't designers suppose to be creative to begin with?). But anyway, I think I'll not use this baby room again if I can help it.

Project Nursing Rooms - Compasspoint

The spacious baby room in Compasspoint shopping mall is located on the fourth floor, just next to the food court. Brightly coloured paintings of animals lined the walls of the room. There are two changing tables and nursing rooms here, but I don't remember seeing any hot water dispenser though.

One of the two changing tables

The two nursing rooms are at the end, they are spacious enough to push my bulky stroller in

The basins are across from the changing units

Ratings

Cleanliness: 3.5/5

Amenities: 3/5

Ambience: 3/5

Project Nursing Rooms - Great World City

Of all the nursing rooms I've visited, the one at Great World City is my favourite. It's easy to understand why - beautiful white furnishing, chandelier hanging from the ceiling, paintings with fairy motifs on the walls and cute cot mobile dangling above the changing tables - the efforts that have gone into it really touches my heart. The most recent time I was there, my cousin and friend were around. They were blown away and couldn't help snapping pictures too.

There are two nursing rooms here, each comes with an armchair and a small little table. I saw a powerplug at the side of the wall, but I can't really quite think of any use for it. Hm.. for breastpumps maybe? Outside, there are two changing tables, a hot water dispenser and washing area.

Beautiful white furnishing, pretty paintings and sparkling chandelier lend this baby room a classy and cozy ambience. By the way, this is one of the two changing tables, which are adjacent to each other

It's such a pleasant experience feeding the baby here!

Ratings

Cleanliness: 4.5/5

Amenities: 4/5

Ambience: 4.5/5

Project Nursing Rooms - Harbourfront Centre

Since I started breastfeeding, I've been to quite a number of nursing rooms in various shopping malls. Some of them are really impressive, while others, I hope I would never have to utilise them again. Along the way, I've started taking pictures of the nursing rooms, initially for the fun of it. But I thought, why not make it a project and share with other mommies here, especially the new moms.

So I've decided to start with one of those that I frequent - Harbourfront Centre. The one I'm reviewing here  is located on the third floor, on the way to the toilet that is nearest to the foodcourt. There's another one at the same spot, one floor down.

Nursing area - can fit in a baby stroller (and mine's quite bulky),and the seat can accomodate two persons

One of the three changing tables. There's a hot water dispenser and washing area next to it.

The walls are lined with cute wallpaper

The other two changing tables (opposite the one above)

Ratings

Cleanliness: 4/5

Amenities: 3.5/5 

Ambience: 3.75/5