Need Advice on What to Get as a Baby Shower Gift

New moms need a lot more than just more stuff. You could combine with others and let her hire a doula for her birth, or a postpartum doula for help afterwards. You could also hire a maid service to come in before she gets home, or give her a few visits from a maid and let her choose when she would like to use them. All these things would help out a new mom so much!

Hi M., the most valuable gift I received as a new mom was diapers, especially size 1 and 2. The baby shower gift I like to give is a "medicine cabinet". I get baby tylenol, motrin and symethicone (for gas) as well as diaper rash cream, baby lotion, nail clippers, pacifiers, hair brush, teething ring and any other small toiletries or OTC meds a baby could use. I just wander the baby aisle and add what looks interesting and potentially useful. That will save her from running to the pharmacy at midnight when the baby won't sleep because of gas, like I had to. Have fun!

I'm about to have my 3rd baby after a long hiatus between the last one, so we gave almost everything away and get to have the fun of registering again.
One thing I really want this time around is a "Bumbo" seat.
Some of my friends have had these for their babies and they LOVED it. I remember having to follow my 6-12 month olds around the house with pillows because they wanted to sit independently, but tended to fall over a lot. The Bumbo will be great, you can just plop the seat down anywhere and they have an instant chair.

You got so many responses I didn't read through all of them.
But I LOVED my "Boppy pillow" for brestfeeding. It is also SO handy to just have it on your lap and to read magazines or books. It is SO practical for anything, even besides baby.

Or, get her a gift certificate, for herself... like for a pedicure or something. To treat herself to, when she needs a break. (which all Moms do!)

Also great is a "journal/diary" so that she can write about her baby and all the "new" things he/she will do and to track all the special occasions and developmental achievements they do. For me, I LOVE my journal and write in it for both my kids. THEN, in the future, I will give it to them as a special gift... so that they can see how they grew up and what they did. And then share it with their children.... It is a timeless gift and irreplaceable.

All the best,
Susan

off the top of my head, id say a moby wrap, ergo or other baby carrier; a Miracle Blanket; and this may sound weird, but a case of water. when i first had my daughter, i was bfeeding and CONSTANTLY thirsty at all hours of the day and night.

Wipes warmer!!!!!! I love it, and so does my daughter!

The absolute best gift you could give is the book HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS, HAPPY CHILD by Dr. Weissbluth. I have 15 month old twins and tons of moms recommended it to me. It has totally saved us! I have followed it religiously, and it takes a ton of consistency and work, but it really pays off!
Other than that, we were given a "Sound Screen" machine that makes white noise that mimics womb sounds and I absolutely believe it works. We travel with it too and it makes bedtime so much easier. It's called the MARPAC SOUND SCREEN 980A and it's about $49.95 on Amazon.com.
Other than that, a Moses basket is a wonderful gift too, but it's only needed for the 1st 6 months at most. The other gifts will keep on giving for a while!
Good luck!

If your friend is planning to breastfeed....I think a "Hooter Hider" by baby au lait is the gift that I used the most! I absolutely LOVE it! My daughter loves the peacock toy by Lamaze and the dreamsie sleepsak by Kiddopatamus (not sure if I spelled that brand right)! Its super soft and comes with a matching hat!! And of course the basics like diapers and wipes! Also, on redenvelope.com there is a photo frame that comes with putty to make your own hand/foot prints of your child then place the childs photo in the middle. I hope these ideas help!

Hi M.,

I loved the bouncy seat I think its about $30-$40. This is not so much a must have but something she might love. My friend and I got our recieving blanket together that we used for our babies. cut them in squares and made our friend a quilt for her first baby. She loved it.

a baby monitor is always helpful i bought myself one and it was wonderful

Sign Language Resources!

www.WeeCanSign.com/products.htm

Let me know if you need recommendations.

S. :)

I would say one of the heartbeat bears that sounds like the mother's womb (www.target.com)...the brand is Prince lionheart. It was the best thing I ever got. If you need other suggestions those sleepsacks (www.halo.com) That company also makes fitted sheets that velcro under the crib mattress. And you can never go wrong with diapers. Hope this helps.

Hi M., I would give her time for herself. Give her gift certificates made by you for as many hours of babysitting for her to take time for herself. Especially in the first few months. Volunteer to look after the baby so she can take a nap, long shower, to have her haircut or nails done. But make sure to follow through on your gift of time.

I really liked it when my mom made me a pharmacy kit for baby...

You can find a kit already made at Babies R Us or make one yourself.
Include: Gas drops, infant tylenol, nasal aspirator, neosporin, little bandaids,
A bottle of Johnson's vapor bath, q-tips, cotton balls, etc.

A kit for Mom and for her car are essential for little ones.

some of my friends all got together and prepared one meal a week for about a month and a half after my baby was born. It was awesome. They got to drop by and see the baby, and we got one meal a week all prepared for us - just had to heat and eat!

I love to give board books to first time moms. I had
a handful when my first child was born and we read
them at least twice every day. There are some great
books out there.

I'm sure you got a lot of wonderful responses, so I'll just add a few of my own favorites. My cousin gave me some very cute and comfy drawstring sleep pants and a matching zip up sleep sweater that felt like butter. It is so very soft and warm. It was great for nursing, but it also was such a comfort to me and the baby. It was a very thoughtful gift that I still use 14 months later. Another gift that I found indispensable was a nursing stool. I used that so much more than my boppy pillow. I only stopped using it about a month ago. Finally, we received a blanket from Pottery Barn Kids that is amazing. It is a two-tone soft velour blanket. I used it when nursing and it's now my son's blanket in his crib. It came with a wonderful soft musical bear, which my son still loves to listen to all the time.

M.,

I always tend to give receiving blankets, bibs and if I do buy them clothes, I go for a size a little bigger so they have something to wear later on. Most people tend to give newborn size and then the parents have nothing for the baby when he/she is 9 months old.

I had 2 girls 10.5 months apart and gifts like these were most appreciated. Especially the clothes in the bigger sized. My girls are now 21 months and 10 months. I am busy...but, I love it.

K.

Practical 1:
Diapers, wipes and a wipes warmer - my little guy didn't stop screaming at diaper changes until we got the wipes warmer. Made a huge difference for him :)

Practical 2:
Make her 2-3 (or more) meals that can be frozen and then thawed for dinner. My best friend came to our home a couple of days after our son C was born, went to the grocery store for us (refused to let us pay, which was over the top!), then cooked enough meals for us that we were set for 10 days! It was wonderful to just focus on C and not worry about dinner :) If your friend is going to breastfeed, check out the La Leche League website to see about foods to avoid, (caffine, citrus, that type of thing), so the newborn doesn't have any tummy troubles.

Fun:
Babies r Us has a WONDERFUL selection of super-soft velboa blankets for baby to lie on or get snuggled up in (not for the crib until they are older). They also carry a great line of velboa swaddles and sleepsacks - we used ours until C didn't fit in them anymore.

Chance are, anything you do your friend will love. Its thoughtful of you to check here! Good luck!!

I loved basics like nice cozy blankets (not just receiving blankets), onsies (white, long sleeved with the little cuffs for their tiny hands), diapers, formula/born free bottles (if thats her route), changing pad covers (there are usually a lot of accidents on the changing table in the beginning), burp clothes and one piece newborn/0-3 month pj's and rompers.

Diapers and wipes! They never go unused!

Hi i just had my third baby 12 weeks ago and i didn't have a shower but my favorite thing i bought and use are the the Aden & Anais swaddling blankets they are little bit pricey but the most amazing blankets ever. I hope this helps.
A.

There are several things. For the baby shower, everyone buys stuff for the baby, why not buy things for the year old, or give her savings bonds for the child's education. You can start a small savings account for the child, with the parent' name on it. Or even a small stock account. A few shares now, alot of shares in 18 years. I bought one of my friends, a collection of things, bottles, diapers, bibs, night outfits, etc.... just have fun with it, a good friend will appreciate anything you do for her.

Hi M.,
I would advice getting her an eletric sterilizer with the bottle set. I personally use the Dr. Brown bottle brand myself and I love it.
Good luck,
M. A.

How about something for Mom? Lotion, a candle, a yummy tea- these are the simple pleasures we can indulge in while we have newborns. My mother-in-laws friend gave me a bottle of delicious smelling lotion and I thought that was the most thoughtful gift I'd recieved. After all, It's not just about the birth of the new baby- It's about the birth of the new mommy.

M.,

One gift I loved and used so much, especially if your friend plans on breast feeding, was my Boppy pillow. It came in handy for so many things. We don't use it that much anymore now that my little guy is 14 months, but even now he will lay on it sometimes. I'm sure whatever you get your friend will be appreciated and well used!

Hi M.,
Diaper and more Diapers...Lots and lots of Wipes. In the first months and almost the first year I loved using the onsies, I just think babies are more comfortable in those than bulky baby cloths.

As a first time mommy again after 12 years, the one thing that I got for myself (it's expensive) that I absolutely am looking ofrward to using with my next baby is the baby bjorn carrier. I got the "Active" when my baby was 3 weeks old and she loved it then and loves it still at 16-almost 17 months, though we use it less. I really wanted the "Synergy", which is teh same as the "Active" but in lighter, more breatheable material, but it wasn't available here yet. http://www.babybjorn.com/en/American/products/ Like I said it is over $100 (I think about $120-$160 for the Synergy. The active can probably be found for less than $100 now. The best prices can be found on-line and they usually will deliver free and no tax. Only it is ground so it requires about a week to arrive usually.) Again, I know it is a lot, and depending on just how strong your friendship is and your budget it may not be possible. I just thought I would share the about the "ONE" best item I really found useful for soothing her and making her feel loved and safe. Whatever you do get, she will appreciate it. Good luck to you.

Hi M.,
One of the best presents that I got at my babyshower was a one year membership to Picture People- it came with great coupons and perks for the first year of my sons life. Since I'm an aspiring photographer and picture happy, it was wonderful, I took my son to get his pictures done once a month for his first year and love them. Also, diapers and wipes were a great gift as well. Or maybe just something for her, a gift certificate to get her nails done or a pedicure or free babysitting so she can take a nap. I also really enjoyed getting the Baby's First Year book/ calendar, it's been a great keepsake. There is also a company in the Ventura area, that does ceramic hand and feet impressions, a gift certificate for that is a great gift. Hope this helps.
Take care,
H.

My favorite gift was a mirror that goes in my car so that when my daughter was facing backwards in the car seat, I could look in my rear-view mirror and see her face, see that she was still breathing, etc. It greatly reduced my paranoia and it was wonderful to see her smiling face. It is a rectangular mirror that secures near the headrest in the back seat. They are sold at Walmart, Target, etc.

Hi M.,

Why not something for the new Mom...get her a key finder for her keys so she doesn't have to search for her keys when she's out at the doctor's office or just about anywhere. I think having to carry a diaper bag, baby in the car seat or stroller is enough to concentrate on without having to be stuck in the parking lot digging in your diaper bag and/or purse for your keys.

www.4mypurse.com

Also, their is a "Baby Cruise" going on in May that would be perfect to celebrate her 1st year as a mother if she has her baby before then. Or, a great way to celebrate her upcoming move into motherhood with her friends and family. You can check out the info at this site.

www.exclusivebabycruise.com

So many good suggestions already! I'm in agreement that diapers and wipes are by far and away the best gift to give because the cost for them in the first year alone is tremendous! Photo session gift certificates are always great too because the mom will really want to document the growth of her baby in the first year. If you want to get something for mom, how about gift certificates to local restaurants? She'll be so tired with a new baby that saving her some time having to cook will be appreciated! Or you could make her a bag full of stuff to take with her to the hospital (PJs, socks, magazines/books, toiletries, etc).

As a first time mom (4 weeks and 3 days ago) the thing that I have found very useful is - swaddling blankets from the Pump Station in Santa Monica. A friend got them for me and they're great - they're linen so they're very light - perfect for night sleeping and really big and square. Also, a gift card to Target is ALWAYS greatly appreciated and used! Good luck! L.

I would definitely get the wipe warmer. Babies do not like feeling cold when you take their diapers off, much less the cold wipes! :)

I'm sure she'll appreciate anything you get for the baby though...

I am a photographer and always give a newborn photo session as my gift and mom's LOVE it! So, my advice would be to get her a gift certificate from a photographer for a photo session.

If she doesn't have a bouncer yet, that was a must have for us. I didn't even register for one because I thought the swing was enough, but my son ended up living in his bouncer for the first four months (even sleeping in it because the incline helped with reflux) and hardly used his swing. If you want to go with a bunch of little must-haves, the swaddlers by Kiddopotamus were way easier than trying to keep him in a receiving blanket, zippered sleepers were easier in the night than snaps, and vibrating teethers were much better received than the cold ones. Someone made me a diaper cake which was a huge hit at the shower. Here's a link on how to make one but there are tons of others out there...http://entertaining.about.com/cs/showers/a/diapercake.htm. Have fun!

What about getting a gift for DAD? I always bring a pack of DAD'S Chocolate Chip Oatmeal cookies and the book "Guess how much I love you". It is usually the HIT of the party. People forget the role that dad had, remember him.

As a first-time mom, my sister-in-law put together a wonderful baby basket for me. She chose a rectangular basket with a fabric liner that matched the baby's room, and she filled it with all those essentials that you don't know you need (yet!) Such as Lansinoh (I nursed), Boiron Camilia (teething and upset tummy), Unpetroleum jelly, Hylands Teething Tablets, Children's Tylenol, the Beetles Music for Babies (all instrumental and so soft and soothing), organic wash cloths and bibs, plain white organic onesies, Burt's Bees sunscreen, etc. You get the picture! It was my favorite gift of all!

How about a baby sling? I found that I used mine everyday, and rarely used the expensive stroller that we bought. I really like the Baby K'tan sling. It has the benefits of all the popular models on the market all rolled into one; plus the price is reasonable compared to some of the most common choices. Check it out at www.babyktan.com.

Hi M.,

I would recommend diapers and wipes. The diapers of different size because she will get mostly newborn, but if you do a size one or two that would be great. Many times babies don't wear newborn.
But if you want to me more creative you can purchase a picture package from babies r us or JC Penny. She will love that because pictures are forever and they are so expensive.
Good luck.

I always went with either a basket or pretty bag full of little useful items that first-time moms tend to overlook like:

Diapers
Wipes
Bath thermometer
Plug covers
Fever Thermometer
Baby bath soap and lotion
Diaper rash cream
Onesies (can't have enough of those)
Receiving Blankets (I knit blankets, so I include one of my homemade blankets)
Teething rings
Small soft toy

Check out this new product to prevent diaper rash. Remember how sensitive newborns are. This wipes are perfect. They are made here is Redondo Beach - sold online and at Bright Beginnings and Beyond.

www.bummas.com

Definitely diapers. I received a lot of diaper gifts at my baby shower. I didn't have to buy new diapers for 3 months. It was great!

Hi M..
in regards your question, you know sometimes we tend to forget the mother when it comes to gifts.
I am the type of person that always likes to get gifts for the mother, such as a nice set of PJ's, or slippers or just something personal for her only. I love buying baby presents,but they end up getting so much sometimes duplicating them.
I'd day personally go out & grab something for the mom to be, I'm sure she'll appreciate.
have fun!
D.

How about a gift certificate for a hand and foot print in ceramic clay which is kiln fired to a beautiful finish. Very personal and you can have all the babies info written on the back. I can give a link or you can find more on internet for your area. clayfulimpressions.blogspot.com

Adding soft pockets to infant carrier, car seat, and strollers makes mom's life easier. She can run errands taking baby in infant seat in and out of car and load one pocket with her wallet, keys, phone and more and other pocket with baby needs such as bottle, pacifier, diaper, wipes and more! She then can leave diaper bag and purse in car making errands a breeze. When baby gets older they can stash and retrieve their own bottles, sippy cups, snacks, toys and more making travel whine free. Order Kiddie Kangaroo from www.kiddiekangaroo.com! I love mine!

How about something for "her". Like a gift certificate for a mani-pedicure. Also, Diapers are always great , My one muct have was a snuggly that I carried my kids in when they were little it was the only way I got things done. If she is using bottle bottle brushes are a must. Also I always give a book Dr. Mendelson called "How to raise a Healthy Child inspite of your pediatrician" It has lots of great advise on when you really need to take a kid into and things you can do at home first for most things. I order it from Borders for all new moms.

Hi M.,
Let me just tell you how wonderful it was when I recieved boxes and boxes or diapers. I don't think I bought a box of diapers for 4 months. Boy did that save us some money!!!
If you have some cash to spend, I would get the biggest box of diapers (80 pack) The best diapers are Pampers swaddlers or cruisers. You could also do a care package of wipes, diaper rash medicine, baby tylenol...stuff like that.
Or you could do a gift card to Babies R us. That was also nice to get. Have fun at the party!

I'd say the Halo Sleep Sacks...they help prevent SIDS related deaths and are so easy for late night diaper changes!

Diapers are always good. Something she can use a little later like 6-12 months. I love my Jumperoo my son loves it too. Every time he gets in it its like he has just gone to Disneyland for the first time! I also was given a Moby wrap that I absolutely love! My suggestion would be to limit clothes, my son is 8 months and I still have not bought him anything, he has too many clothes! I try to give a bath set. The tub, towels, soap (stick with something hypo-allergenic) and of course a rubber ducky. It is functional but still has that awww effect at showers! Good Luck!

Robeez shoes (baby mockasins)
swadling blankets that have velcro (or any swadler that is large)
a collection of baby and children's books

I was suprised at how many things I needed for me (new comfortable wardrobe and panties that didn't hurt my c-section) so a gift certificate is always nice.
collection of infant medication and lotions (little tummies gas drops and infant tylanol)
supply of diapers via costco gift certificate
also someone bought me a set of Avent bottles (i was going to breastfeed so I didn't see the need, but boy did they come in handy)

Hi M.,

Please check out the babyface gift sets that we sell. They include all-natural, organic baby bath products from San Diego Natural Soap Co., along with a signed copy of my book - What Haven't They Told Me? Practical Tips for Surviving and Thriving During Baby's First Year. All the items are tucked neatly inside a clear, reusable spa pouch. It makes the perfect baby shower gift!

http://www.offramppublishing.com/bookstore/product_info.p...

Thanks and good luck.

L.
www.OffRampPublishing.com

I would say a variety of some board books with nice colorful pictures. That's the gift that keeps giving. Goodnight Moon, My World....We read to our kids from birth and now they both LOVE books and started to read at early ages. It's also a good bonding time that either mommy or daddy can enjoy. They may just try to eat the book the first few months, but, just wait....

I second the baby wipes warmer.
And some Advil . . .for the mom. :)

A cute breastfeeding cover, or cute baby sling. Those would be my favorites!

In my experience most of those "must have" items don't get a lot of use. I know you want a special gift for your friend so here are some ideas for your consideration:

~A Moby Wrap http://www.mobywrap.com/t-mobywrap.aspx This is the gift I've used the most in the eight months since baby arrived!

~ Organic baby clothes or a gift certificate from a company like sagecreekorganics.com

~ Personally, a housecleaning or Dream Dinner gift certificate is a gift I would have very much appreciated but that's just me

~ A gift certificate from a 'scrapbook for you' service (Your friend just supplies the adorable pictures)

~ A Baby & Mommy massage gift certificate http://www.skinspababy.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage... for when baby and mommy need some pampering :)

Hands down Diapers. In size 2. wipes, Stuff for mom. A spa kit or something. I did a raffle for people that brought diapers. I ended up with diapers for about two months.
Get the essentials. Diapers, wipes, Butt Paste diaper rash cream. If she is breast feeding lanolin for her. Baby Soap. And of course one really cute outfit. Oh and stuff to sanitize the house. Like lysol or clorox wipes. She will be to tired to clean so anything to make it easier. Volunteer a day to clean up the house. Or a day to let her sleep.
Make up little coupons.

Hi M., A unique gift and something I am sure she won't get from anyone else is a Scentsy plug in warmer. It is perfect for a nusary, and will keep it smelling great all the time. you can find them at www.scentsy.com/danacarey Hope this helps.

Dana
www.scentsy.com/danacarey

Gas drops were given to me at my baby shower and I have given them at every baby shower I have gone to since then. They were SO helpful when my son was little. Another helpful thing is a nice pad of paper & pen. Since you are trying to keep track of what time your infant eats and you eat and/or take medication it is helpful to have this readily available so that you can write it down and not have to remember. Baby wipes are also great. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the kirkland brand from Costco. Its a great deal and they are a very good quality. Other things... nipple cream, receiving blankets (used them as burp clothes - fabulous!), infant tylenol or fun warm socks for her hospital stay.

Everyone always wants to get the great gifts. I find that diapers, the basic baby clothes (nothing fancy), baby bottles, etc. are so much appreciated. I went to a baby shower recently and there was a drawing for the people who brought a bag of diapers. I brought extra because that is one of the biggest expenses. Swaddling blankets are a good one too. Have Fun!

oh jeez so many ideas but I would recommend photo albums, scrapbooks, or a memory box. I also recommend the bumbo seat, I got it for my daughter who was experiancing some weak muscles and after using it for a couple of weeks she was up to speed with the rest of children her age! Big blankets for swaddling, oh yeah and a sanitizer for bottle nipples and pacifiers, it also works for breast pump attachments. I also couldn't live without that book what do the first year it has everything you need to know about. But honestly what I have always done was get one of those small diaper bags and filled it with lotions, baby wash tylenol, diaper rash creams, teething tablets, orajel etc... oh yeah and baby monitors, can't live without those!

You could get her a gift certificate to a Gymboree Play and Music Class. Their newborn classes are wonderful and great for new moms.
I also like the idea of a photo session for the new baby/family. And i always love giving personalized stuff, like those books that you personalize with baby's name so the story is about him/her. I got my friend a sports themed scrapbook (his nursery theme) that had a spots on front to include his name and his photo (I used his ultrasound photo). If all else fails...DIAPERS!

Diapers by the case that are larger than infant. Have them delivered from we-us.mychoices.biz. She will love them! They are alwasy the perfect gift.

I know you usually get quite a few blankets at a shower, but I absolutely love the muslin blankets that I bought for myself (eventhough I had a million blankets at home). They are big enough to swaddle and light weight enough to not worry about smothering an infant. We used them to cover the stroller and bjorn when he was too young for lots of sun screen. Again because they were light weight he never got too hot. We still use them (but not as much) and my son is almost 2. I got them in South Redondo at Bright Beginnings and Beyond Store. They are about $50 for a pack of four. If you want to spend more, I would pick up the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD to teach her how to swaddle. I am heading there soon to get some for my friend who is about to have her 2nd and really wanted the blankets.

I would stay away from clothes. They can be soooo cute, but I ended up with over 30 onesies just for 3-6 months (as well as tons of other clothes). I hate feeling like I "wasted" a gift by not using it enough.

When I had my daughter we also received a lot of our bigger items before our shower. when our shower rolled around we received 2 items that I still love to this day. One is a picture frame for a ultrasound photo. It hangs on a wall in my room and not only do I enjoy looking at it but my daughter will also tell people that that is her when she was in my belly. I recently bought one at Toys R Us as a gift for a cousin for her shower and she was so excited and said she had really hoped she would get one. The second item was a blanket. It is a blanket that is a stuffed animal, it has a face that is made of stuffed aniaml and the corners of the blanket are the feet. We can not go anywhere without it, she LOVES it. When my sister told me she was going to have a baby, I ordered one for her as well and now my nephew is the same way, his blanket goes everywhere. The company that makes them is called Baby Gund, there are a couple of different websites that sell theses blankets. There are also a couple of different sizes, a smaller size to just play with or the bigger sizes that can be used to cover them up. I hope that this helps and if it does I hope that she loves the gift as much as we have. I also hope she appreciates how much you want to find her that special something. Good luck!!