Are you planning a baby shower and wondering what to ask for as gifts? We’re joined by Cora Gold of lifestyle magazine Revivalist for ten practical suggestions of items for baby shower gifts that we’re sure your friends and family will love picking out.
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Why Make A Baby Shower Gift List?
Baby showers let you celebrate your little one’s new arrival with friends and family. However, you may end up with a pile of cute outfits that your baby will outgrow in a month. Explore practical, often-overlooked baby shower gifts that will make your life as a new parent more enjoyable.
1. Postpartum Care Package
While you’re busy buying clothes and supplies for your baby, it’s easy to forget that you’ll need things for yourself as a new mum. Proper care during postpartum is essential for mums to feel their best and stay healthy while they take care of their newborn. A postpartum kit can include items like:
- High-waisted underwear
- Nipple cream
- Maternity pads
- Abdominal binder/support belt
- Healthy snacks
2. Nappy Bin – Baby Shower Gifts
Many parents know the unpleasant scent of used nappies. While nappies are an obvious gift, a nappy bin may slip your mind as a necessity until your normal bin is full. A nappy bin is a specialised waste disposal container that helps prevent the spread of unpleasant odours and germs.
Look for a product that’s large enough to hold enough nappies without requiring frequent emptying, especially at night. You’ll likely change your newborn’s nappy around 10 to 12 times a day, so bin size is important.
3. Baby Bath Set
One of the most exciting and rewarding moments is bathing your baby, but this seemingly easy task can become overwhelming without the right tools. Ask for a baby bath set with shampoo, soap and lotion to soothe your little one’s delicate skin. Gentle items help prevent irritation and dryness, while hypoallergenic options are also a good choice if your baby has allergies.
In the newborn stages, you can just use warm water to bathe or ‘top and tail’ your baby. Look here for NHS advice on how to top, tail and bathe your baby safely.
4. Baby Carrier
A good baby carrier helps calm your little one while keeping your hands free. It’s a rewarding way to be physically closer to your newborn while allowing you to get on with your day. Moreover, it helps reduce crying and boosts infant-parent attachment, helping make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Request a model that ticks off various factors, like ease of use, healthy positioning, comfort, style and value for money.
Always check current safety advice around slings and carriers. Make sure your baby’s airway is free and always take them out of the sling or carrier to feed. Here’s more safety information from the Lullaby Trust.
5. Weekender Bag
With a newborn comes more stuff, making this an ideal time to upgrade your bag. It will be your companion for checkups that may become an overnight stay, delivery day and early adventures with your little one. Picture nappies, clothes and wipes, all neatly organised in a stylish weekender.
A bag with plenty of space and compartments makes managing baby essentials a snap. Ensure it’s not too bulky to lug around but not too small that you can barely fit in a set of nappies.
6. Towel Cake – Baby Shower Gifts
This gift will have your creative friends excited to put it together. Requesting a towel cake as a gift is a smart move because it’s a practical gift that can double as a decor for your baby shower. Plus, it’s easy to make — it requires two large bath towels, two regular-sized hand towels, two washcloths, diaper pins and a ribbon.
7. Baby Sound Machine
A baby white/noise sound machine creates a calm and cosy sleep space for you and your newborn. It plays soothing sounds like white noise, rain and ocean to block out other noises. Simply play it and help your baby get more peaceful slumbers. Opt for a portable device with night light features so your infant can sleep well at grandma’s house or in the pram after a morning of outdoor adventures.
8. No-Touch Thermometer
Did you know newborns get six to eight colds during their first months? A no-touch thermometer provides a convenient way to check their temperature. Just point it at your baby’s forehead for a quick reading, allowing you to catch any changes early. Plus, you can use it to check friends and family before they visit, helping protect your infant from potential illnesses.
9. Smart Baby Monitor – Gifts For Baby Showers
The biggest gift a smart monitor gives you is peace of mind. Think of it as an extra set of eyes and ears on your little one, even when you’re not physically there with them. Suggest a device with features like two-way talk for your soothing coos, temperature, and humidity sensors to ensure your baby’s comfort and recording abilities that let you look back at those adorable snores.
10. Hands-Free Breast Pump
Unlike bulky, traditional pumps that require new mums to hold them for minutes, a wearable breast pump allows you to pump hands-free anytime, anywhere. It’s more lightweight and discreet, making it ideal if you balance breastfeeding as a working mum.
Because it allows more convenient and frequent pumping sessions, it can help create and maintain a healthy milk supply for your little one. Choose a product that provides ample suction power, comfort and minimal cleaning time.
Make Your Baby Shower Memorable With These Gift Ideas
When someone asks what you want for a gift, consider these unexpectedly practical items. These ideas can make a real difference to your life as a new parent. Remember to share your wish list with your loved ones in advance so they have time to save up and buy your suggestions.
Thanks To Cora Gold – Parenting Writer And Editor Of Revivalist
Cora Gold is a parenting writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. When she’s not spending time with her little ones and pets, she loves crafting, doing yoga and reading. Cora has also written for CafeMom and Scary Mommy, and she can be found on LinkedIn, X and Pinterest.
Want To Get Out And About, Have Fun With Your Baby Or Toddler, And Meet Other Parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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