Baby non-essentials. What do you actually need?

Following on from our discussion last week, in this episode of Milk and Madness, we discuss items that we consider to be non-essential. We'll break down the items most people fall into the trap of buying and what we found we didn't use at all. Whether you’re preparing for a new arrival or wondering if you should buy that 'baby product', this episode will help you focus on what really matters and avoid common pitfalls.

Key takeaways:
Pass on the gimmicky items:
With so many products marketed to parents, especially first-time parents, it's hard to know what you actually need. If something seems like a standard product dressed up to look like a baby-specific product, it's probably a gimmick. Our advice? Pass on it. Repurposing something you already have or making do for the short term can save you a lot of money in the long run- we promise.

Seek advice from friends and fellow mums:
When contemplating buying an item, especially one with a hefty price tag, seek guidance from your mum friends. They'll quickly tell you if an item was a lifesaver and worth the money or if it ended up collecting dust. Who knows, they might even hand it over to you to try.

Curve the enthusiasm:
We know how exciting having a child can be, but do they really need shoes when they're only a few months old? Like, really? It's fine to buy things for your child, of course, but try to remain levelheaded and practical. Kids outgrow things incredibly quickly, meaning they won't get a lot of wear out of that cute outfit. Don't be shy to tell family and friends what you need; after all, they want to buy something that your child will actually use.

What we discussed:
00:00 Welcome to Milk and Madness
00:28 Non-Essential Baby Items
01:12 Breast Pump: To Buy or Not to Buy?
03:45 Bottle Warmer: Yay or Nay?
05:18 Bottle Sterilizer: Necessary or Not?
07:52 Diaper Bags: Do You Really Need One?
10:19 Baby Monitors: Essential or Overrated?
14:04 Nursing Pillows: Any Pillow Will Do
16:39 Baby Items for Later Stages
23:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with us:

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Remember, you’re doing a great job!

With love,

Nhi & Dee

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Baby essentials.

With so many items out there, what do you actually need?
In this episode of Milk and Madness, we get pragmatic about baby essentials. We'll break down the practical items every parent should consider, from baby gear to nursery necessities, and share insights on what we found to be truly indispensable versus what might just be extra fluff. Whether you’re preparing for a new arrival or looking to streamline your current setup, this episode will help you focus on what really matters and avoid common pitfalls.

Key takeaways:
Safety over aesthetics:
Safety is paramount for every baby product and practice. Always prioritise safety over convenience or aesthetics. Stay updated on safety guidelines for baby products by regularly checking reputable sources such as government agencies and child safety organisations. Avoid secondhand items if the full history is unknown to ensure they are safe. Ensure that all baby products, from toys to furniture, meet current safety standards. Regularly inspect items for wear and tear and replace anything that poses a potential hazard.

Planning and budgeting:
Plan purchases considering long-term use and family growth. Be mindful of your budget and prioritise essential, safe, and practical items. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by researching and understanding your family’s specific needs before shopping. Focus on quality over quantity to ensure the safety and durability of baby products.

Accept hand-me-downs:
Where possible, accept items that are offered. Babies outgrow things quickly, so many hand-me-downs remain in excellent condition and can last through multiple children. Accepting hand-me-downs can significantly reduce the cost of raising a child, allowing you to allocate funds to nappies, wipes and other essential items. However, remember to check the current safety standards, especially for items like car seats, cribs, and strollers, as older models might not comply with updated regulations.

What we discussed:
00:00 Introduction to Milk and Madness

00:22 Navigating baby products: Essentials vs. Non-Essentials

01:33 Secondhand baby Items

02:19 Essential Baby Item #1: The Cot

10:24 Essential Baby Item #2: The Stroller

15:58 Essential Baby Item #3: The Car Seat

22:58 Choosing the right pram

23:57 Debating the change table

26:33 The baby carrier dilemma

29:24 Essential baby items list

29:36 Nappies and wipes

30:35 Baby health and safety

31:08 Clothing and accessories

32:08 Feeding essentials

39:02 Bath time

41:42 Conclusion

Connect with us:

Email us at contact@milkandmadness.com and let us know how you’re doing!

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Remember, you’re doing a great job!

With love,

Nhi & Dee

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Gender reveal parties

Are they a fun-filled surprise? Or a glitter-filled mess? Is it all in good fun, or just too much? In today’s episode, we delve into the world of gender reveal parties and what the future might hold.

Key takeaways:
Practical Considerations: We love celebrating milestones for friends and family, but we prefer keeping it low-key for ourselves. Big parties like gender reveals and elaborate showers feel too stressful and attention-heavy. However, both hosting and skipping the gender reveals have their perks. For us, we skipped the gender reveal, which avoided an excess of gender-specific gifts and kept things more practical and cost-effective.

If you do decide to host, below are some points for consideration:

1. Opt for Neutral Items: Choose gender-neutral baby items to ensure they can be reused for future children, saving money and reducing waste.
2. Prioritise Budget: Set a clear budget for any celebrations and stick to it. This helps avoid overspending and keeps celebrations manageable.
3. Communicate with Family and Friends: Let loved ones know your preference for practical, reusable gifts to avoid an influx of gender-specific items that may not be needed.

Fairness and Sibling Dynamics: The excitement of your first child can be overwhelming, often coupled with family pressure to host a party. However, with each new child, celebrations naturally become more subdued due to increased experience, time constraints, and the demands of managing a larger family. Not replicating the same celebrations for each child can be perceived as unfair. As our understanding of gender evolves, gender reveal parties may shift towards more inclusive celebrations or become less important. Consider if a gender reveal is truly something you want.

What we discussed:
00:45 Intro
01:15 Our yay or nay
02:14 Did we have a gender reveal party?
06:19 Gender disappointment
08:20 The cost factor
11:03 The future of gender reveal parties
13:42 Consistency with siblings
19:02 Outro

Connect with us:

Email us at contact@milkandmadness.com and let us know how you’re doing!

Follow us on:

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Remember, you’re doing a great job!

With love,

Nhi & Dee

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