One more thought regarding helpers ... We don't have one, and it's a good decision for our family, BUT, our big frustration is that there aren't other options for childcare like I'm used to at home, since it's just expected that everyone has helpers. You can't just call up the neighbor teenage girl to come watch the kiddos, people don't really do "babysitting coops," there's no mother's day out, etc. Basically the only option is to get a part-timer, as has been suggested, but that's technically illegal. Don't know how risky it is or how likely to get caught. This is the one thing that drives me CRAZY about HK--very few options for childcare if you don't have a helper. If money isn't an issue and you get an apartment with adequate space, I would get a helper just so you have the possibility of going out if you want to!
hoping for help from all you hk yummy mummy's
- Thread starter indi'n'zai'smum
- Start date
I love HK and like you I had so many questions when we first moved here from the US two and a half years ago. I'd like to add that you can hire a part time helper as long as the person is a "local" Hong Kong-er. I have hired a part time helper before my baby arrived, then I hired a full timer. If you have any other questions you can PM me or ask here and I'm more than happy to provide some input.
Good luck on the move and I hope you'll like HK as much as we do!
Michelle
Baby, Children, Family, Maternity photographer
Hong Kong, photographer, Newborn, baby, maternity, family, children, photographer hong kong
Good luck on the move and I hope you'll like HK as much as we do!
Michelle
Baby, Children, Family, Maternity photographer
Hong Kong, photographer, Newborn, baby, maternity, family, children, photographer hong kong
indi'n'zai'smum
Registered User
hi guys- sorry i am as new to technology as i am to hk - bit sad really - so hope i am responding in right place - don't know how to respond to u all individually!!!
Musical mama - how do u legally hire a part time helper. From what the other ladies have kindly advised me - this might be a great option for me as being an aussie i have never even known any one with a helper - let a lone a live in one - and like all of b4 hk - have done it all on my own the last 6 yrs! having said that i totally agree with one of the earlier posts - u can still do the school run - baths, stories, bed - cook tea- but have some one do the irritating little things that rob u of time with the kids like ironing!!!!
i would really appreciate info on that - also if u know a way i could hire some one even just for a week or 2 while i am unpacking.
i have another totally unrelated question - can any one tell me with baby bottles of formula- do u boil the tap water there and give it in the bottle - or used bottled water to prepare formula.
also when moving onto fresh cows milk - is there fresh cows milk to be had in hk???? didn't see too many farms!!lol - i know they import the long life stuff from aus, but that would have preservatives.
thanks ladies - keep it coming!!!!! any gems u have that u wish u had known - or that now after time u have found make yr life easier i would appreciate!!! thanks!!!!!
Musical mama - how do u legally hire a part time helper. From what the other ladies have kindly advised me - this might be a great option for me as being an aussie i have never even known any one with a helper - let a lone a live in one - and like all of b4 hk - have done it all on my own the last 6 yrs! having said that i totally agree with one of the earlier posts - u can still do the school run - baths, stories, bed - cook tea- but have some one do the irritating little things that rob u of time with the kids like ironing!!!!
i would really appreciate info on that - also if u know a way i could hire some one even just for a week or 2 while i am unpacking.
i have another totally unrelated question - can any one tell me with baby bottles of formula- do u boil the tap water there and give it in the bottle - or used bottled water to prepare formula.
also when moving onto fresh cows milk - is there fresh cows milk to be had in hk???? didn't see too many farms!!lol - i know they import the long life stuff from aus, but that would have preservatives.
thanks ladies - keep it coming!!!!! any gems u have that u wish u had known - or that now after time u have found make yr life easier i would appreciate!!! thanks!!!!!
we use boiled filtered tap water for baby formula. for fresh milk we use Australian imported fresh milk (Pura Masters) which you can get in all the big supermarkets. Just personal preference/taste etc as there are quite a few cheaper local options (HK or China dairies) which i know are fine.
also, think longlife milk doesn't have preservatives - it's just been treated by UHT? but there is fresh import avail. and the fancier deli's offer organic options for a price.
also, think longlife milk doesn't have preservatives - it's just been treated by UHT? but there is fresh import avail. and the fancier deli's offer organic options for a price.
indi'n'zai'smum
Registered User
excellent pura it is - so glad to know that - my husband works in freight so i can get stuff here cheap - but i don't think fresh milk will make it!! lol. MayC - that is a good tip about the customising of furniture - could u reccomend any places that do this....i think u and the other ladies have pretty much convinced me to just buy it over there - we have a king bed too - but would be really upset if it didn't fit. also think hk may have more funiture designed with space saving in mind - like with storage under beds? any one know? am looking at bringing over loft bed with trundle and storage for my daughter - has built in book case can get it made her for 1000 aus $ - ( which is 5000hk) should i do this - or could i buy similar over there for same price...any one know - once again thanks ladies yr help is really appreciated!!!
carang
Registered User
i would definitely wait and get it here. if your hubby can get stuff shipped to you cheaply, then i would wait.
you REALLY have no idea of the size of place you will get. not just that, but the layout of the rooms. it may be that the place you get has a closet or door or window or something where the bookshelf will be etc.
you REALLY have no idea of the size of place you will get. not just that, but the layout of the rooms. it may be that the place you get has a closet or door or window or something where the bookshelf will be etc.
indi'n'zai'smum
Registered User
true true - i think it is time for a massive garage sale !!!!
I was so heartened by the outpouring of support from everyone! I just moved to Hong Kong for the 2nd time three months ago and I'm rediscovering this community. Just one thing I would like to add to everyone's great suggestions is PriceRite, a local furniture and furnishing shop. I got quite a bit of furniture from this place this time as their furniture is great for small spaces and is very reasonable, even compared with IKEA! There are a number of stores, so please choose to go to a larger one to see a wider selection of furniture.
indi'n'zai'smum
Registered User
i'm back!!! school holidays in australia - it has been frantic!!! just trying to arrange my kids passports has kept me busy enough!!!
you are right - the support and advice from other mums who u don't even know is beautiful and amazing and heartening that that is the community i am moving towards.
I am starting the "pack, store, buy" list.
i was wondering about electricals - small and large appliances. do u cut the cords and fit them with hk plugs - or just use adapters.
typing this one handed with wriggling 16 week old so more soon!!!!!:smile:
you are right - the support and advice from other mums who u don't even know is beautiful and amazing and heartening that that is the community i am moving towards.
I am starting the "pack, store, buy" list.
i was wondering about electricals - small and large appliances. do u cut the cords and fit them with hk plugs - or just use adapters.
typing this one handed with wriggling 16 week old so more soon!!!!!:smile:
karmah1
Registered User
Regarding electricals you will need an adaptor as the HK plugs are the same as UK plugs, 3 big and fat prongs. I bought all my electricals in HK and got the plugs changed by an electrician when I returned to Australia. Depending on how long you will be in HK I would just use adaptors otherwise you would need to cut the cords again to return to Australia and the replacement plugs are never as nice as the originals.
Also alot of the apartments in HK don't have ovens, expats usually buy those small bench tops ovens. We just made do with a convection microwave, gas burners and BBQ.
As for furniture, visit IKEA they have so much stuff and its easier to fit in your new apartment rather than try and make your exisiting furniture fit. You can always sell it before you leave on the Asia Expat or GeoExpat websites.
Good luck with the move.
Also alot of the apartments in HK don't have ovens, expats usually buy those small bench tops ovens. We just made do with a convection microwave, gas burners and BBQ.
As for furniture, visit IKEA they have so much stuff and its easier to fit in your new apartment rather than try and make your exisiting furniture fit. You can always sell it before you leave on the Asia Expat or GeoExpat websites.
Good luck with the move.