BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Customs. Acquire more about our review process here. We may earn a committee from shopping links.
The all-time gifts are things that people need and want but don't get for themselves, and exercise new parents ever need and want a lot of things. If you lot're going to get them the perfect gift, try something that solves new-parent problems - and helps them feel loved and supported.
Parents-to-be need lots of new gear: a place for the baby to sleep safely, a car seat to secure them while driving, dress, bedding, books … the list goes on and on. With so many new realities to prepare for – and so many people all buying gifts for the happy expecting family at in one case – information technology tin be overwhelming to figure out what new parents really need, and haven't already received.
What new moms and dads really need are gifts that soothe infants, help keep them entertained, or (a new parent's most fervent wish) keep them sleeping peacefully. And since they're likely to spend a lot more time around the house in the first few months of their baby's life, fledgling parents will also most appreciate gifts that go along the residual of the family fed and happy.
The following tried-and-true shower gift ideas are solidly in the "need" category and come up recommended from parents with loads of experience with what's well-nigh useful for those showtime few days, weeks, and months of parenthood.
Swaddling is ane of the most constructive means to soothe a fussy baby in the early stages of parenthood (and if you don't know how to exercise information technology and want to, hither's How to swaddle a infant). Having plenty of soft swaddle blankets to calm your baby's startle reflex volition help everyone rest – and new parents will demand plenty on hand for the frequent spit-ups and diaper snafus that happen often. Aden + Anais Classic Muslin Swaddle blankets are large and forgiving enough for new swaddlers who oasis't quite mastered the technique yet, and they're super soft and lightweight too, which is bang-up for babies born in all seasons. They come in 22 patterns, from classic or trendy, to match any décor.
New parents barely have fourth dimension to shower, much less prepare a healthy and nourishing meal. Providing families with an easy mode to tackle dinner without a fuss is a great gift – and can likewise aid relieve some stress during this period of adjustment. A gift card to DoorDash provides instant admission to nearly all the major food chain restaurants and even some local neighborhood restaurants. Food is ordered from a figurer or mobile app and is delivered right to the door.Dinner, washed.
When you're lugging around a heavy auto seat base, as is ofttimes the case with a newborn, a backpack diaper purse makes information technology much easier to deport your baby'southward essentials than in a traditional unmarried strap diaper bag – the 2 straps distribute the weight and prevent dropping. The Eddie Bauer Backpack Diaper Purse has a sleek gender-neutral fashion and features an insulated canteen pocket to keep milk at the right temperature longer. At that place are plenty of pouches and pockets to keep items organized and the straps are padded for comfort.
While some babies are good at blocking out racket while they sleep, others, well, just are not. To be on the safe side, a portable audio car will keep babies snoozing wherever you may be. They're not bad for the car, noisy restaurants, and tin oftentimes even drown out the sound of older siblings. HoMedics MyBaby On-the-Go SoundSpa is pocket-sized, battery-operated, and features a durable plastic clip for piece of cake attachment to a stroller or highchair. Information technology plays four dissimilar sounds, including a heartbeat, ocean, lullaby, or white racket, and the volume is adjustable.
Babies are used to hearing their parents' voices from the womb and often love hearing books read aloud. Finding a favorite book to read is an like shooting fish in a barrel fashion to establish a consistent bedtime routine from a young age. Manus, Hand, Fingers Thumb by Al Perkins is a great choice – its bright pages and pictures are eye-communicable, and the rhythm and beat of this story is captivating for little listeners and parents like.
Gift cards to a big-box retailer similar Target will give parents the flexibility to pick upwardly the terminal-minute items they need before or just after their baby arrives. Whether they need diapers, a different style of bottles, towels, or even household items, gift cards will never go unused and are often a favorite baby shower gift.
Baby carriers are a great gift because they make it a little easier to become things done around the house while keeping babies shut. Since newborns enjoy being held, wearing babies makes it easy to keep them moving which is helpful during extra fussy moments. Parents can wear their babies while emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, prepping bottles, or even grocery shopping with both hands free. The Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini is a small, easy-to-apply and super-soft infant carrier that'due south ideal for newborns between 7 and 24 pounds. Every bit your infant grows, she can be worn in either a facing-in or facing-out position.
Most babies love anything that bounces or vibrates – some experts believe that's because they're used to mom's movement in the womb. A seat that vibrates, bounces, plays music, and keeps babe happy is a souvenir that keeps on giving. The Fisher-Price Kicking 'n Play Musical Bouncer offers a colorful calorie-free show, music, and calming vibrations. Featuring an adjustable three-point harness, this seat safely holds babies up to 25 pounds. The colorful pad is machine washable and there's also a removable toy bar that is great for babies as they motility from newborn to infant and start reaching out to play.
Hooded towels are a great and practical souvenir that all new parents need. Just Built-in Pom Pom Hooded Towels come in a pack of two and are fabricated of soft and absorbent cotton terrycloth, so they'll feel great on your baby'southward skin. The hood keeps babies' heads warm – and parents volition love snapping ambrosial photos of their clean niggling infant all wrapped up in a hooded towel after a sugariness-smelling bath.
Parenthood can make getting out of the house for a morning coffee run a lot more than complicated. Giving the gift of a specialty coffee maker volition offer parents something to look frontwards to later on a long, sleepless nighttime. The Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker can brew your bones cup of joe or specialty coffee drinks (hot or cold) in only a few quick minutes. It'due south easy to apply, easy-to-clean, and tin can make up to 10 cups of coffee at a fourth dimension using java grounds (and not pods). For parents who adopt to run on motorcar-pilot in the morning, you can prep everything at night then all you have to do when you wake upward is press a button.
