15 Must Have Baby Products With Money Saving Tips

Most of the parents are living in a nuclear family, say about 60% are having a small family. Those who are living with their parents are the luckiest ones. It may have some pros and cons but having family and elder ones around is always helpful. Pregnancy and delivering a baby require lots of money, especially in India. It is always better to save money wherever you can.

PS : Pixababy

When you are in the last trimester and if you are living in a nuclear family then you have to prepare many things for the baby. Although in India our elders tell us not to bring any baby-related things in advance. If you are alone means without elders or family members nearby you, then you have to prepare in advance. Because once you deliver the baby, you will be stuck to the bed and baby. There is always a new requirement and maybe your husband is unable to bring it. To avoid any trouble you have to have these 15 must-have baby products at home in advance.

Now coming back to the point why our elders do not allow us to buy any new things for babies because they believe let baby arrive in this world safely. The earliest, in their era baby mortality rates, are high. But now medicine has cures for everything. So keep positive vibes and if you are the only person in the family then began in advance.

So what actually does the baby need?

I am a second-time mommy so have personal experience. During my first child, I bought a lot of stuff that was not used by us. This time I swap many things with friends and siblings. Actually, our baby doesn't need too many things. 

We are fully captured by social media. 24 hrs scrolling gives tons of products and we are tempted to buy them, as they are available with a single click. 😀 New parents are overexcited and want to give everything to the baby. so they are easily trapped by these advertisements. I don't say every ad is wrong. Yes, there are many companies which give a good product. 

These tips are for minimalist families/budgeted families or those who want to save money. I am not against any other baby-related products. 

Okay. Before buying any new product think twice, yes think twice is it really necessary? Does it really helpful to my baby? Will it go in the long run? 

15 Must-have baby products with money-saving tips.

1. Swaddle : 

We all swaddled our babies tightly so that we can hold them properly. In the market, there are new types of a swaddle, and sleep bags are available.  I prefer to have an old cotton sari which is long enough and we can cut according to our requirements and swaddle our baby.  The baby feels so much more comfortable and sleeps well for at least 3 hours.

2. Godhadi - small baby bed :  

A small baby bed which is made of soft cotton fabric can spread on our mattress. I prefer to have homemade. My Attya (bua) made it from cotton sarees. I think in India everyone has it. Grandma's favorite. Still, if you do not have then get it stitched by your local tailor. Give them some old cotton bedsheets and an old cotton sari or dupatta. Else you can buy it. They are not that much costly. But it depends on where you are buying.

3. Baby Clothes :  

We have rituals to wear only used soft clothes. I have my elder daughter's baby clothes. I do not buy any clothes.😊

Even if you are purchasing try to take cotton and simple clothes. Because a baby is going to sleep most of the time and above that, you are going to swaddle them. So choose soft cotton Zabala only.

You can save tons of money. You can use your sister's or brother's baby clothes. 

4. Cap, socks, and mittens : 

If your baby is born in the winter or rainy season you have to buy it. Try to buy as per season. Do not buy any fancy items which trouble the baby's soft skin. 

5. Nail clipper : 

In the market, there are so many fancy clippers available. Once I purchased but I was not comfortable with that. So try to buy the thing which you are aware of. Newborn's nails grow so quickly and we have to trim them regularly. This is a must-have product. 

6. Soft blanket :

If your baby is a winter baby then purchase a soft blanket. I have one so I used that. You can buy it or prefer to have your siblings one.

7. Cradle : 

Try to take the used one. Because the cradle is going to use from 1months to 7,8 months. I prefer the traditional one. The electric cradle is also useful. But if you want to save money then try to take a used one. I took it from my friend. 

8. Toiletries : 

Baby oil, baby soap, and baby moistures are the only products that are useful. Babies don't need powder and kajal. But I know in India people used it. It is everyone's preference. The money-saving tip does not purchase it.  Whoever coming to see your baby they are going to bring this kit. 😊 

9. Baby Towels : 

In my opinion, you don't need this baby towel. Use old cotton soft fabric. Because though baby towels are new and soft but cotton fabric absorbed water very well.

10. Baby Books : 

There is no need for any toys for babies. They are not that big enough to play with it. Don't waste your money on buying toys. Instead of that buy baby books. 

11. Dry sheets : 

You must have it. These are available in every size and pocket friendly too.

12. Milk Bottle : 

Only if you are unable to breastfeed your child. And off-course as per your requirement.

13. Diapers: 

If you are okay with cotton langot then keep diapers for travel purposes or use them at night time. This is also as per your preference.

14. Mosquito Net: 

This is the most important product you must-have for babies. 

15. Baby wipes: 

Always use cotton and plain water to wipe the baby bump. Keep baby wipes for traveling. Try to use soft fabric pieces or cotton balls and lukewarm water to wipe. It is always safe for babies.

This is the must-have list for your newborn with tips. Some people prefer to have everything new. Some people are ready to have used products, like me😀. Different people and different choices. But all these are the required items only. Apart from this, there are many products which are not going to use. The above-mentioned products also required lots of money.  You can save money by using above mentioned tips. 

Bonus Tip: We have siblings and each one has kids. We used to swap up almost most of the things including clothes (if they are in good condition). This is the best option to save money. 

If you are in a nuclear family then try to have all these 15 must-have products in advance. So that you and your partner are ready to welcome a newborn without worrying. It will save your time, and money and bring a lot of mental peace.

You may like to read 

मी आणि माझी सई.........(From dad's corner)

Hope this post is useful to new parents and budgeted families. Share it with needy ones. 

Do you have any tips to save money while buying a baby product?  Please comment down.  Do you swap things with your siblings?

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' 

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

Indian diet for Twin Pregnancy

Having a second baby is my dream and we tried it for so long time. Finally when we decided not to have the universe gave us the blessing. From this point, I started to believe that if you wish for something from the bottom of your heart the whole universe will try to give you the same thing. This is called the law of attraction.

PS: Pixabay

Finally, we were pregnant with twins and I was in the air. The whole family was happy. Everyone was suggesting what to eat and how much to eat. You are going to give birth to two babies so you need to have a diet for three people. Everyone was giving advice on the well-being of the mother and baby in the womb. This happens with every mom, right mommy?

Mr. Hubby asked my Gynecologist regarding my diet and he strictly told me not to do any google searches. I also nodded like a good girl. 😊 I always wonder how these two babies get enough nutrition. Do mothers of twins really need to eat an excessive amount? What kind of problems she is facing? She is having twins so problems must be double like this and many questions are traveling in my monkey mind. But when I got pregnant and consulted my gynecologist she simply told me, Be positive and eat all homemade food as per your requirement.  Do not eat in excess. Drink milk and have a balanced diet.

 

Twins pregnancy is a challenging period. Our bodies have to go through a lot of problems like nausea, eating dislike, and many more.  Sometimes we are unable to have our favorite food and sometimes we carve for the food which we don’t like at all in our life.  All we need to eat properly otherwise the baby in the womb will not get proper nutrition. Our babies' growth is totally dependent on the mother's diet. A mother’s diet should include all vitamins and minerals then only she can have a healthy baby. In my case, I was totally normal till the mid of my first trimester. Then the roller coaster started and it was stop at the end of my 9 months. I had evening sickness and was so unable to have my morning and evening tea as I am a tea lover. Unable to eat a lot of fruits and non-veg food. My babies were not ready to take any external (hotel-made) food or junk food. Even if I eat that my babies immediately throwing it out. 😇

 

Disclamier : I am not a professional or nutrionist. I delivered a twin baby in the month of December 2021. Whatever I am sharing is the advice given by my gynecologist. Before having these diets consult your gynecologist.

 

My doctor suggested having a balanced diet and also explained to me the benefits of a balanced diet.

Why pregnant lady should take a balanced diet?

# With a balanced diet you consume the required nutrients in the right amount.

# Mother remains healthy throughout the pregnancy.

# The growth and development of the fetus is appropriate.

# The growth of a pregnant ladies' uterus and milk gland is in the right way.

# The pregnant lady gets the strength to have a normal delivery.

# The mother can able to have proper milk after delivery.

# Apart from physical health a pregnant lady can have happy mental health too.

When I went in the third month I started to have vomiting and acidity issues. But still, my doctor advised me to have plenty of water. Eat-in short duration can say after every 2 hours.

How to eat when you have several health-related problems during pregnancy?

The first point is you have to take your prenatal supplement. Some women have a tendency not to have it. But it is the requirement of our body and hence you have to take it. I am still taking these supplements of iron and calcium.

With this supplement, you have to take a food enriched with calcium and iron.

Drink Kokum Sarbat (Juice) to reduce the dehydration and acidity in your body.

Eat-in small proportions, after every 2 hours. I used to have this kind of eating habit and still I am following it. Now my babies are 6 months old but still, I had to take a meal every 2 hours. Breastfeeding makes me hungry.

Drink lots of water it helps to keep you hydrated and also reduces the constipation problem. I prefer to keep a 1 ltr bottle everywhere in my bedroom, on the dining table, and in the kitchen so that I am having a proper amount of water. If possible try to drink boiled water.

Eat green vegetables and fruits as much as you can. Have 1 bowl of each every day. Do wash it properly before having it. I love to eat leafy vegetables and during pregnancy, I had most of them. From leafy vegetables, you can get iron and calcium. This also helps to avoid the constipation problem.

Eat salt in a moderate amount. I was carving mostly for chips which finally increase my blood pressure. The doctor advised me not to have pickles, papad, chips, and salty food items. So please control your salt intake.

Do not eat any spicy and oily food. It will increase acidity.

Try to eat fresh food. If you are a non-vegetarian like me try to cook meat fully and make it less spicy.

Have milk twice a day. I didn’t drink it because I had a vomiting issue. But I consume curd, lassi, and yogurt.

Here I am sharing my diet chart for one day which is provided by my gynecologist.  

Time	Food items	Measurment /Comment
Morning 7 :00 a.m	Milk	1 cup  (sometime I drink )
9:00 to 9:30 a.m.	Tea Palak Paratha/Alloo paratha/ Methi paratha Curd	1 cup ( I don’t drink it) 2   ½ cup
11.00 a.m.	Lemonade/orange juice Or Fruit Or Nuts	1 glass   Seasonal 1 Fistful
Afternoon 12.:30 p.m.	Roti Sprout (Maharashtrian usal)	2 1 cup
2:30 p.m.	Rice Lentil (Maharashtrian varan/Amti) Ghee Vegetables	1 cup (I had 2cup) 1 cup  1 Tsp 1 cup
4:30 p.m	Tea/coffee Biscuit/Toast	1 cup (I had it in my last trimester) 2/3
6:30 p.m.	Salad-fruit /sprout Or Soup	1 cup   1 cup
9:00 to 9:30 p.m	Ragi roti Green vegetable Pulav/Khichadi Salad Fruit	1 no 1 cup 1 bowl 1 cup 1
Before sleep night  11:00 p.m	Milk	1 glass (Sometimes I had )

 

You will get an idea of what to have in your diet. You can have plenty of vegetables and fruits. I used this chart throughout my pregnancy. Only I was unable to have dinner in the third and fourth months due to a vomiting issue. But I try to have at least soup, khichdi, or bhakari. I never kept my stomach empty. In the last trimester, I was able to have proper milk.

Following are the options which I used. I am Maharashtrian so giving out the same food items.

Breakfast options: Upma, Poha, Paratha, Puri bhaji, Sandwich – very few with only whole wheat bread, thalipeeth, sabudana khichadi, dhokla, missal paav, vada paav- homemade, dosa, idli, uttapam.

Lunch /Dinner options : Khichadi, Sprouted khichadi,  vegetable pulav, green leafy vegetables, Dal, rice, amti, all kind of green vegetables, paneer.

Non-veg: chicken, mutton, egg – all this should be made in less oil, less spicy, and fully cooked.

PS : pixabay 

Hope this chart and food options are helpful for the pregnant lady. Whether you have a single baby or have twins this is the right amount that you have to consume. If you want to eat more you can always eat. This is the basic measurement of the meal. I consume rice 2 to 3 cups and love to drink dal at least 2 cups.

If you find this post helpful. Do share with your pregnant mothers. I must say not a pregnant but every mother should have at least this kind of meal in one day.

What kind of food do you eat during your pregency? Do you find the diet chart helpful? Comment below.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' ---

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

Bhatukali in vacation

Bhatukali -How many of you know this game? 

I guess kids in the 90s and before that must know BHATUKALI. Still, if you don't know, not to worry, stick to the whole post.

End of an era of online school

Gyan we learn from our kids : 

Be calm, accept the situation and enjoy it to the fullest. Our kids enjoyed the school in the same way (like offline)Irritating the teacher by asking questions like which subject is today? Can we write? Which lesson mam? Are you sending this in what's app group? Etc. 

For kids, it was more fun but the truth is they missed school, friends, and teachers. Due to online schooling, we are able to evaluate our kid's performance as well as " teachers" performance. We get to know the flaws and strengths of our kids. As a parent, we should utilize it.

Now it is vacation time and still, we have to schedule our kid's day, is it really necessary? This means, nowadays schools have everything in their syllabus from guitar to painting. But still, every parent feels to keep them busy.

Why?

Let them get bored. Let them allow to play in the sunlight. Let them play in the mud.  Let them play barefoot. Let them be tired. Let them decide what they want to do on a vacation. Introduce a few indoor board games and play as a family.

Do you remember, when we were kids, how much we used to play?  At that time we have no restrictions on playing from our parents. We used to play from morning to night with lunch n snacks break. Right? Then why do we putting such restrictions on our kids? Is it overparenting? What do you think?

Bhatukali in summer camp.

Now summer camps are flooded all over social media.  I don’t like to spend a huge amount on such a summer camp. But this time our colony had a summer camp. They actually conducted "sanskar Varg" for kids, which was very good for parents 😀because nowadays kids are arrogant and they have no compassion or kindness. (Not all but yes 60%) Even they don't know how to talk politely. 

Anyway, so I called them for the details. They said they have bhatukali. I literally jumped and without giving a second thought enroll my daughter.  It was ₹300 for 5 days with a unique activity. My daughter was also ready to join just because of this bhatukali.

OK, what is BHATUKALI?

My daughter asked the same question. I told her, that Bhatukali means real cooking with toy utensils. We used to prepare real meals like puri bhaji and dal rice with a toy kitchen set.

What to do?  Can we do it at home?

Well, the answer is yes, we can make it at home.

But this should be done with adult supervision. My Attya (bua-fathers sister) helps us with cooking. She actually built a small Chula ( gas with brick). We all friends bring cooking materials. Some bring oil, some bring potato, some bring wheat, and each one brings the necessary ingredients for the dish. We all cook and have a meal. This game took around 5 hours and we loved to play during our vacation.

During this summer camp, they decorate a toy kitchen set. Teachers teach kids how to knead the dough for poori, how to roll small puri, and how to fry it in oil. They allow each kid to perform these things. Cool  na! 

Then they also teach them how to boil potatoes and prepare a Sabji. They put the flame on Candle and made this "puri-bhaji" in the toy kitchen Kadai. Each child thoroughly enjoyed this. Because their mums do not even allow them in the kitchen and here they do so many cooking-related things.

How was the summer camp from my daughter's view?

It was fun and lovely. She enjoyed makings poori but got upset as she did not get a chance to fry them. I told her it was for everyone. One kid can not be allowed to do everything.  I assured her that I will allow her to fry the poori in my kitchen.😃 

Coming back to summer camp, she liked all activities except two -making Ballon girl and pot painting. 

I asked, Why?

Because we do pot, bottle, Diya painting every time mom. I am not able to make that Ballon girl so I don't like it. 😔

But I was happy that she enjoyed this small summer camp.

What were the activities?

pot painting 

Even a small child can do this Varali Painting. They give this pot with the Tulsi plant. They taught children how to plant the small tulsi.

Ballon girl

lifafa making from scrap

Bag from old t-shirt

stamping of leaves

Finger painting 

Candle painting

and some jumping 

I took one week from her vacation only when she was ready. The rest of the time she played with her friends. Every time she reminds me, mom it's my vacation. I will decide how to have fun. I said, yes madam.😇

But yes, she has a time limit too. Because once children start to play they forget to have a meal. I am happy because she is away from the screen. 

Conclusion: Reminder to the parents-

It is a children's vacation. 

Do allow kids to play outdoor.

Do not pack their schedule with unnecessary things. 

This is the best way to keep them away from the screen. 

This is my opinion. Do you agree mom? 

Do you introduce any such kind of old play to your kids? Did you play Bhatukali? Comment below. I would love to read.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' ---

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.

Badam Shake for pregnant and beastfeeding Moms

Hello all,

Hope you are doing well. It’s been a long gap being an active on my blog. I enjoyed my twin motherhood journey but I wanted to get back on my blog too. Nurturing twins without any help is really exhausting. Now we are adjusted to the routine and I wanted to have my “ME” time to upgrade myself. I am ready to brush up my writing skills and eager to read our talented fellow bloggers blog.

Many thanks to Cindy and Blogberry. I was so happy to see your email in my inbox and Mr. Hubby also assures that now I can get back to my writing. Hope I can write well and will not make you bored.

PS : Google

When I become second time Pregnant one of my friend advised me to have Badam Milk Shake – Bacche fair honge ( jokes apart) but I never had it. I don’t like to drink milk, but as a breastfeeding mom I have to drink milk regularly.  Milk is the important diet of lactating mothers. All babies nutrition’s requirement is fulfilled by mother’s milk. Mother need to take a balanced diet and drink milk regularly. I don’t like to drink plain milk so I always try to make it delicious by adding nuts, custard powder and in different kinds of milkshake form. Have you been this through mummas?

 What is BadamMilk Shake?          

Badam Milk Shake is a milk blended with almond paste. Almond milk is different and almond milkshake is different. Here we use a milk as a base and add almond paste in it. It is delicious plus nutritious

Which milk we can use for making Badam Milk Shake?

I used amul’s cow milk. You can use any cow, buffalo, Amul, Gokul, Motherdairy milk. I don’t know how it will go with coconut milk, soyabeen milk etc. I never had these kinds of milk. So Please use regular milk which we are drinking since our childhood.

Can lactating mother eat almonds?

Yes, my gynecologist advised me to have fistful nuts every day. Even pregnant ladies can also have this badam milk shake subject to condition it should be made at home. Frankly speaking I can’t eat soaked or dry nuts daily. I always forget to have it in my diet. My mom, friends advised me how to have nuts in your diet. So I am trying each one’s nuska 😀 and experimenting with milk. My ultimate goal is to have a milk in my diet. 😎

Can we make this Badam Milk Shake at home?

Yes, now everything is available on Youtube. This is my versions of milk shake which is like by everyone in my family. I am having it regularly.

BADAM MILK SHAKE   Prep Time : 10 minutes Course : Beverage Yield : 4 person ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ingredient : Badam/ Almond : 1 cup Milk : 500 ml Sugar : 3 Tbsp or As per your taste (optional) Shatavari : 4 Tsp. Saffron strands : few (optional) Eliachi powder : Small Pinch Vanila Ice cream : Scoop (optional)   Direction :   Heat a pan and add milk. Add sugar as per your taste. If you are adding Shatavari powder then skip sugar.  Let it boil.   Soak Badam overnight or 5 to 6 hour. Peel the cover and grind it to make a fine paste with little bit of water.   Soak saffron strands in ¼ cup of milk.   Add this badam mixture to boiled milk and mix it very well. Give it stir and let it boil for 1 minute.   Now add saffron mix milk and eliachi powder and mix well. Let it sim for few minutes and then put off the gas.   Now add shatavari and mix it well. Make it cool at room temperature.   Then pour it in your glass and keep this glass in a fridge for at least 2 hour. Your Badam Milk shake is ready.                                       Cremy, thick milkshake taste awesome when you add a spoon of ice cream on top of it.   Variation :  You can make it with variations. 1.      Custard powder : Add 2 tbsp custard powder in ¼ cup of milk. Make a lumps   free slurry. Once your milk is at boiling point add this mixture slowly and stir it continuously till milk becomes thick. Put off the flame.   2.       Add ice cream: Once your milk is ready you can garnish it with a scoop of ice-cream.  Or You can take this room temperature badam milk in a blending jar, add  vanilla flavor ice cream and blend it till smooth and fluffy. Lastly garnish with a scoop of ice –cream on top of it.

 

Who can drink this BadamMilkshake?

Off course this nutritious milk shake is beneficial to everyone including kids to an adult. It is highly nutritious to breastfeeding mommy and pregnant ladies. Only if anyone have almond allergy then do not have it. 

What are the benefits of this Badam Milk Shake?

# Badam / Almonds are rich in vitamin E and it is one of the important antioxidant.

# Vitamin E can lower the risk of serious health conditions like stroke, heart disease and even a cancer.

# Almond is a good source of magnesium. Magnesium is important for controlling blood sugar levels.

(Link : www.webmd.com)

Do you like milkshakes Moms? Have you enjoyed milkshakes with your kids ?

Disclaimer : I am not a professional or nutritionist. I am just a mom of three girl kids. I am sharing my experience. 

 

Everyone know this Badam Shake because it is readily available at roadside specially in India. Share your versions of milkshake recipes with me if you ever made it.

If you find this article useful please do share it with pregnant ladies and lactating moms.

'This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.' ---

©Neeta Kadam. This article and image are the property of Memory Flies. Any unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author is strictly prohibited.