Best Baby Gifts to Shower on the New Mama
Memory makers, life savers and snuggles
by Annie Wiesman
Sep 04, 2017
What are the best baby gifts to buy when you discover someone you love is pregnant?
It can be tempting to buy every cute outfit and stuffed animal you come across in baby boutiques, but when buying gifts for a baby shower, the safest bet is typically to stick to the registry.
However, if you are an out-of-the-box thinker that wants to give a stand out gift, let me offer some popular baby swag that mom-to-be may not even know she wants.
Let’s be honest, some new parents don’t know what they need or want. The most ardent planners may do abundant research before they register, but I would imagine a good number just make a guess and hope for the best.
These hot items may have Mom saying, “I didn’t know this was a thing and now I can’t live without it!”
Top Baby Shower Gift Ideas
Life SaversCovered Goods Multi-use Nursing Cover
When they say multi-use they are not kidding! Not only is it just plain cute, but the uses are seemingly endless. Wear it as a stylish scarf to have handy when it’s time to nurse, stretch it over the car seat to keep baby cozy or over the shopping cart to keep baby safe from germs. Since baby gear accumulates so rapidly, it’s perfect to have one item that meets a number of needs.
Binxy Baby Shopping Cart Hammock
If baby’s not quite ready to be sitting up in the cart, this offers the perfect (and cutest) alternative to shopping with a young baby. Not only can baby be safely cradled above the groceries, it’s also durable enough to hold most infant car seats.
EzPz Happy Mat
The perfect plate for home and travel that suctions to the table! This adorable plate and place mat will make meal time so much more enjoyable. It even goes in the dishwasher and microwave and most importantly is BPA BPS PVC latex and phthalate free.
While Sophie is not new, she continues to be a well loved chew toy for every family. Now she can go into the bath and baby will never be without her.
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This essential set includes the pregnancy/nursing tank, pajama pants, robe, newborn gown for baby and a gift bag and is made of soft Bamboo, making it perfect to take to the hospital, lounge around the house, and of course, go to bed.
Memory Makers
C.R. Gibson Loose-Leaf Memory Book
Even though everything is so digital these days, it’s nice to have a tried and true memory book with printed pictures and hand written memories of baby’s first days, months and years. This book includes pages for all the important milestones, family information, key current events, pockets for special keepsakes and more.
Blush + Blue Monthly Memory Blanket
Most everyone has seen the First Year Belly Stickers, but I bet you haven’t seen these adorable memory blankets. This is sure to be a hit with every new mom. (Don’t forget to include the matching swaddle blanket.)
Snuggles
Little Giraffe Chenille Blanket
As if babies need anything to make them more snuggly, these blankets are so yummy and soft, the new baby may never be put down.
Bunny Roo, I Love You Book
Books are the perfect gift for new parents. Mommy and baby will love snuggling up with a sweet story like this one, which is sure to become a favorite for years to come.
Woombie Original Baby Swaddler
After a little snuggle time with a delightful book, zip baby into this cozy swaddle and she’ll gently drift off to dream land. No need to tuck or Velcro extra flaps with this one. Baby will be safely swaddled to keep from startling, but still have move to stretch and move.
On Becoming Babywise
Give Mom the gift of a good night sleep. This book will provide her with the knowledge she needs to develop a healthy structure for the home. Give this book with the Woombie Swaddler for the perfect combo.
Necessities from "Insiders"
These gifts may not be the most glamorous, but those of us who have kids know every mom needs these (hence why we call you the "insiders"!):
ZoLi's Breathe Nasal Aspirator
This is the most effective and convenient nasal aspirator on the market. Babies get stuffed up easily and parents feel helpless to relieve their congestion. The Zoli Breathe makes it so easy to suck any mucus out of baby's nose.
Zoli Buzz B Nail Trimmer
This battery powered nail buffer removes the worry of accidentally cutting an infants finger/ toe while trimming their quickly growing nails. No more worrying about a wiggly finger accidentally getting cut.
WubbaNub Pacifier
When babies are newborns, their tongue thrust doesn't always cooperate with mom and dad's desire to keep a pacifier in baby's mouth and therefore baby frequently spits out the pacifier. The weight of the stuffed animal is enough weight to keep the pacifier in the baby's mouth when they are younger AND the animal makes it easy to find the pacifier as the child gets older. This gift is a great "insiders" gift because most new moms don't even know that this is a problem.
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The Gift that Spoils Mom and Baby: Group Gifts
While the temptation to purchase the cutest onesie and the softest blanket for baby is great, getting together with a group of friends and family members and purchasing a larger more expensive gift is sometimes is what helps out the new parents-to-be best.
If you can pool together 5-6 people who would normally spend $50 on a shower gift, your group can purchase the infant car seat, stroller, or even the crib to help out the new mom and dad.
You can’t miss when choosing one on these fabulous gifts. With any one of them, mommy and baby are sure to feel showered with love.
Annie Wiesman
Annie Wiesman is the co-author of “Education Begins at Birth: A Parent’s Guide to Preparing Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers for Kindergarten.” She is a former kindergarten teacher turned stay-at-home mom who enjoys traveling, hiking in the mountains, and creating memories together with her husband and little girl.
