Taimaobi And Umbilical Cord Stamps

All my 5 kiddos had their heads shaved but if you ask me why, I can only answer you that it was because my my parent told me to, and they said it was just tradition when I asked why. I did my little research into why Chinese shave their babies' hair at full-month on the world wide web and found that the main reasons basically boils down to warding off all the bad stuff that babies may carry from the previous 'incarnation', and the belief that babies will grow thicker and fuller hair after a clean shave (which is not true btw) as well. But I do know one thing for sure, and it is that I would like to keep their hair for sentimental reasons.

Little Starri getting her first haircut!

Everything about our babies are so precious, be it the locks of baby hair or even the umbilical cord stumps. It is not only the Chinese or Asians who keep such mementos of their babies, but across different cultures as well, simply because we treasure our babies. For Steffi, we had her baby hair made into a calligraphy brush (also known as Taimaobi or 胎毛笔) and her umbilical cord stump embedded in a crystal name stamp (also known as 脐带印章), both destined to only be displayed, and never used. Back then there was only one company Huaxia Taimaobi 华夏胎毛笔 that does that, and things got pretty expensive when you factor in all the additions such as engraving of parents name on the pen, engraving of kid's name on the box and whatever is not covered in their package. As such the price range can be pretty misleading if you do not probe more about the pricing beforehand. I definitely felt the pinch, but the real PAIN was when Leroy, Stacci and Louie came along! My wallet bled.

There are so many different types of brushes one can choose, which can cost up to a few hundred for one!

Hence when Starri came along, I actually tried searching for more (cheaper) alternatives in advance, because I knew I needed to 'confirm' her Chinese name too. Lo and behold, I googled and found that in the few years between the birth of Louie and Starri, a new company offering Taimaobi and umbilical cord stamps in the Singapore market had sprung up! So I dropped them an email enquiring about the prices for baby naming, as well as for the making of brushes and stamps for Stacci and was pleasantly surprised that their prices were upfront and reasonable. But one thing did struck me at that point in time, was that the name of this new company, Taimaobi Huatsing Souvenirs 華新胎毛笔 (with website address - https://babysouvenir.com.sg/) sounded like a blatant knockoff to the company we used previously for our first 4 kiddos. Of course I am also old enough to understand the fact that CHEAP does no necessarily means GOOD, so I was naturally cautious too.

This James had actually met all my 5 kiddos and gave them their first full shave!

However my concerns were put to rest the moment I met up with the company sales representative and found out that he was none other than James, the same person whom attended to us, from Steffi all the way to Louie! He was the same friendly salesperson whom did their first haircuts, who happened to set up the new company after his resignation. I tried looking up the website of Huaxia Taimaobi but was unable to find the prices I paid previously for my earlier brood, thus I went along with his assurance that whatever I had bought before, will still be available and at a fair price as well.

The naming package consisted of a printed Book of Naming once the name is finalized.

I also engaged the new company for its naming services for Starri at an affordable price of $88 nett, which comprised of a detailed analysis of 10 names, followed by another 100  possible combinations. The process was fuss-free and everything can be confirmed through email and e-payment, with the physical naming book printed after the name is finalized. He was also prompt in replying to my emails on the concerns we had, because the names given in the first round were not to our preference. We ended up with 'Ting Ting' which sounded perfectly fine, but consisted of different Chinese characters that best suited her 'Ba Zi'.

We are just one of the many families who did the brushes. 

Lots of samples to choose from. 

These are examples of the different types of stamp they carry.

They offer special bundled promotions as well.

Display stands can be simple.

Or of the classic Chinese designs.

To the really elaborate (and expensive) types.

They also carry special tooth boxes for you to keep the fallen tooth of your kiddos and James is doing some engraving here!

Making the appointment for the hair cutting of Starri was as simple as sending a few Whatsapp messages, and he really had the same type of brushes we wanted when we went through the company website, Best of all, the prices for the brushes were transparent and inclusive of all the necessary engraving! Since I already knew what we wanted, our order was placed and fulfilled in no time. I popped by their shop located at 21 Woodlands Close, #02-08, Primz Bizhub Singapore 737854 to collect the brushes, and was wowed by the sheer number of choices for customers to choose from, from the stamps to the brushes and even the cases. Thankfully we already knew what I wanted, otherwise I cannot imagine how long I will take.

Nope, I did not do 5 brushes for Starri. She do not have that much hair also! But I got a frame to display all the brushes of my 5 kiddos instead!

In any case, I would treat this as a public service announcement to all parents who are looking for reasonably priced Taimaobi for their kids. Very often we may be swayed by discount vouchers or limited time offers, but one really needs to do a little homework, There are some 'competition' out there now and that is good for us consumer. In short, check well before making that big purchase, and you may wish to have a look at Taimaobi Huatsing Souvenirs 華新胎毛笔 first! Tell them The "Perfect" Father sent you, and who knows? Maybe you might even score some discount or freebies on top of the already good prices they offer. *wink*