Frequently Asked Questions...
Who makes Puang?
Each Puang is lovingly handmade by me in my home workroom upon your order :)
Does my baby really need a Puang?
That depends on your definition of "need". My personal belief as a mother is to provide my children with whatever makes them feel more secure, loved and soothed. If a cute little pillow can add to that, why not? If you have yet to, check out The Story of Puang for how it came about from my own experiences.
Isn't it unhygienic to have a 'smelly pillow'?
Smell plays a very important part in a baby's recognition of his/her environment. I found that having a lovey helped my children to settle down faster in a new and unfamiliar environment. This is especially helpful if you intend to send baby to infant care, or childcare in a few years. Even a 1.5 hour playgroup will seem less scary when baby is clutching his/her Puang.
A 'smelly pillow' can be forgiven when it smells of Mummy or Daddy :) I compromise my hygiene expectations by having two Puangs so I can alternate and launder them when one gets too stinky.
I am afraid my baby will get addicted to his/her Puang...
Don't be. Studies have shown that children usually outgrow their 'addiction' by the age of 5. What remains are fond memories of the childhood Puang symbolizes.
How is Puang different from a normal baby blankie or soft toy?
A baby blankie is flat and limp. I find that it doesn't have that 'fullness' that provides security when clutched. A soft toy does, but then soft toys also take way too long to dry after washing. You never know if the filling is thoroughly dried, especially if it contains styrofoam beads. Those tend to fall out too, when a few stitches come undone.
With Puang, you know there is nothing but non-allergenic polyester stuffing inside. The pillow seams are double machine-sewn, so there is 99.9% chance that the filling will not escape. Unless baby turns out to be a super-biter :)
Puang has variations in facial expression, so you can get two of the same fabric print, but with a different smile. That gives baby quite a kick! More fun in personifying and making Puang your baby's best friend. Having duplicates is also a good strategy to prevent toddler melt-downs when the lovey gets lost.
Why does Puang cost so much?
Because it is customized to your options, and handmade :) Your baby will be the only one with that particular Puang with his/her name emblazoned on it.
Most importantly, you will be reassured that it is a pillow safely made in a family home with quality material, and not mass-produced in a 'sweatshop' factory far away with dodgy safety practices.
I source my materials from established fabric shops or import them from USA and UK:
- The crinkle material I use is commercial-quality and free of Lead and Phthalate. It is used in real baby toys, and not like the cheap plastic linings many DIY toys use. Sourced from USA, it meets CPSIA and EN71 standards and will not shrink, curl or lose sound when washed. It is also strong and can withstand vigorous play.
- The rattlers are sourced from the same USA supplier. My rattlers have thick sides and will not disintegrate easily like cheaper imitations. The quality water-tight body ensures that they stay rust-free.
- Embroidery thread used are good quality ones from Brother and will not fade with repeated hot water washes or stain other fabrics when washed.
- Organic fabrics used brought in from US. They are printed with low impact dyes on GOTS certified and fair-trade organic cotton, making it not only a healthy choice for your baby, but also textile industry workers. Read more on GOTS here.
But my Puang is not perfect!
As with everything handmade, there will be a 'rawness' to your Puang. I give my word that each and every Puang is lovingly and carefully brought to life, but do forgive me if you find the occasional crooked stitch. In return I promise the upmost professionalism in your buying experience, as with the care I've put into this website and Puang's packaging *grin*
How do I pay?
You can pay by bank transfer to my POSB account or through Paypal. Do email me with your order and I will confirm availability and provide the exact details for payment.
Delivery modes?
I strongly suggest using Ta-Q-Bin courier service for door-to-door delivery. You will need to pay $6, which is the minimum price it charges. I made sure Puang's packaging stays within the minimum dimension, and I do not mark up the delivery charges :) I think it's a great deal for safe delivery, and you can even specify the day/timing for them to drop by your place!
I have had very bad experiences with Singpost where even Registered Parcels go missing and they don't feel responsible for it :( Why pay $2.50 for that? However, if you really want to try it out, do let me know and I can arrange it for you. Do note though that Oh!Puang cannot refund your money or replace the product if it gets lost.
Alternatively, you can choose to pick-up at my home in Punggol. I am not able to provide pick-ups at MRT stations etc due to my family commitments.
I'm loving my Puang! Where can I share it?
I would love it if you can email me a photo of your baby with Puang, as well as whatever you wish to say about your Puang experience. I'll post it up on the Testimonial page, and thank you with a personalised surprise gift!
