The Best Baby Shower Gifts, According to Two Moms You Can Trust
Hint: They don't need more newborn clothes!
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New moms, especially when it's their first, don't always know what they need for a baby. Trying to set up a registry is overwhelming for many parents-to-be, and it can be tempting to pick out things that are nice on paper, but aren't practical in reality. But we're moms and we've gone through it ourselves, so we know what future parents actually need—and we're unapologetically opinionated on the topic.
It's tempting to buy the tiny clothes and shoes, but everyone gives that and babies live in onesies for their first few months anyway. Buy her bigger sizes instead that baby can wear as they grow. Diapers and changing pads aren't as cute, but they're guaranteed to get daily use. If they have a registry, give them exactly what they asked for—going rogue on a stroller or breast pump is a big no-no. No registry? Here are some thoughtful ideas we guarantee they'll love.
This sweet otter is more than just a plush toy—it has a belly that moves up and down in rhythmic fashion. It also lights up and plays soft music for when you're winding little one down before bed.
There's one thing all new parents need more of: Diapers...and, well, sleep. We can't help with the latter, but Mom and Dad will be stocked on diapers with this cute cake.
Post-labor moms need a bit of aftercare to help them recover from delivery. This kit comes with an assortment of pads, disposable underwear, hot and cold packs, a peri bottle, cooling pad liners, and an herbal spray.
Start their library with this elegant copy of the Winnie stories. The hardcover was released for the 100th anniversary of the silly old bear, and has colored versions of the classic illustrations inside.
You might be tempted to splurge on your favorite mom-to-be and get her the aesthetic baby swing that costs twice as much as this on—but don't. Every parent I've talked to admits that their infant hated the expensive swing (including mine). Go ahead and buy this less-cute but beloved one.
Chances are that everyone will be gifting things for the baby, but you'll stand out with a cozy throw for mom. Help her stay warm during those late night feedings with this cozy pick.
I was so thankful to get a first-aid kit like this at a baby shower, and I've used it more times than I can count. This travel kit has all the essentials baby might need on the go, as well as a section to store essential medications.
There's a reason this is an iconic playmat—nearly every baby loves it. It'll keep them entertained from their backs to tummy time, and transitions with baby as they grow.
Those big blue bulbs that suck snot out of baby's nose have been a staple in homes for decades, but this aspirator from Grownsy is next level. It has calming lights and music to make the process a little less scary and there are spray and mist functions to help keep small nasal passages clear.
This colorful fish is a perennial favorite from Melissa & Doug. It has interactive elements like a shatterproof mirror and a squeaky tail, along with a variety of textures for baby to touch and explore.
This super-soft lounge set is one she'll want for post-delivery at the hospital, but also for nursing and lounging at home. It's cute enough to wear around company during the day or to bed at night.
While we hope that no parent ever has to use CPR on their infant, it's best to be prepared. This online class is taught by a Registered Nurse on the basics of choking safety and infant CPR. It's not a traditional gift idea, but it's one the expecting parents will be so thankful for, especially considering how little it's often covered in birth classes and at the hospital. P.S. Moms on Call has many online resources for new parents, including sleep courses.
Baby books are a great place to record written milestones, but they often lack a place to keep physical memories, like favorite outfits or hospital keepsakes. This box gives parents a place to tuck away all those sentimental items that are too big for a book.
Here's the thing about newborns: It's always at 3 a.m. that they end up screaming and you need something from the store to help. Stock parents-to-be up on essentials like saline spray, gripe water, gas drops, and diaper rash cream now to save them tons of headache later.
Babies grow fast, so any product that can adjust to accommodate their rapid change is a winner. This bathtub is suitable starting when baby is a newborn through 2 years old. I love how quickly it transitions and that the sling is machine-washable.
It's easy to think before baby is born that you could never forget the day they took their first step or what their first word was, but, as any parent will tell you, time passes and memories fade. This in-depth baby book gives parents a place to record all the milestones.
Paci and bottle preference is so specific to individual infants, so there's no reason to stock up on one brand too early. This pacifier box includes seven of the best-selling pacis on the market, so baby can find a favorite without Mom and Dad spending a fortune. They make a bottle box, too!
You may not know what pacifier baby will love just yet, but parents can always use extra paci clips! Trust a mom: Pacifiers defy every law of physics, so it is necessary to secure those suckers.
If baby is going to any sort of group childcare, from daycare to Mother's Morning Out to the church nursery, then parents will need bottle labels. Help expecting parents get ahead by gifting them these dishwasher-safe labels.
New parents are flooded with cute bibs and burp cloths at baby showers, but no one thinks about baby needing a full-coverage bib once Mom and Dad introduce real food (it gets MESSY). These full-coverage bibs are easy to wipe clean and have a pocket to catch food that falls—a lifesaver when at a restaurant.
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