Having a baby can be quite exciting. From finding out you’re pregnant, to picking out the first items on your registry, each step builds in anticipation until the day you get to hold your bundle of joy. However, no one can quite prepare you for how inundated you might feel with all the STUFF. I remember being pregnant with my first born and receiving nearly two dozen swaddles and almost as many blankets. I quickly realized there might need to be a dos and don’ts of gifting baby items. Most expectant parents create registries, so of course that’s always a great place to start, but in case you feel like going rogue, or (like I’ve done a few times) you only have a few hours to obtain a gift, here are some mom-approved suggestions for gifting.
I polled our readers and here’s what they had to say:
Yes, please, we love these gifts
Diapers and wipes – these were mentioned by quite a few mamas. However, it’s super helpful if you purchase the specific type requested due to possible sensitivities.
Footie zipper onesies that start at the foot – these are awesome for diaper changing because you don’t have to completely undress the baby.
Basic onesies – they can go through A LOT of these in one day
Contribute money to a large gift – many online registries now have this option and could include many of the popular gifts amongst experienced parents such as:
Baby wearing baby carrier
Bedside bassinet
Travel system
Vibrating rocker/baby swing/floor seat
Baby Shusher/white noise machine – the portable options are game changers
Sofie Giraffe teether
Nursing pillow
Moses basket
Love to Dream Swaddle
Postpartum care items -these items are often overlooked but super helpful and needed.
Nursing pajamas/bras/loungewear
Nipple cream
Breastfeeding pads
Milk collection bottle – mamas rave about the Haaka
Baby bath items – washcloths, shampoo, baby bath tub
Thick “cloth diaper” style burp cloths
Humidifier
Baby medicine/tools – check the registry for specific brands, but things like Tylenol, Motrin, Mylecon, a thermometer, nose sucker, etc. They are all necessities and SO helpful to have in stock before they’re actually needed.
Give a gift to the mama – massages and mani/pedis are popular among the expecting mamas
Gift cards to Target or Walmart
Meals or meal gift cards – immensely helpful when trying to adapt to postpartum life; no one wants to be in the kitchen cooking
Signed picture books in lieu of a card
Items best left at the store:
Baby shoes – get some they can wear once they actually start walking or avoid them altogether
Bottles – these are finicky because babies are all different when it comes to bottles.
Clothes in general – Some readers mentioned people have their own styles so unless they register for it, it’s probably best to avoid.
Fluffy blankets – these and swaddles were the top mentioned item of which parents received WAY too many.
Hats
Newborn and 0-3 month clothes – Babies outgrow these sizes so quickly and it’s quite helpful to have items they’ll fit in later down the road. If you really feel the need to purchase clothing make it season appropriate and 6 months or bigger.
Photo albums/baby books – these might not be used or the parents might have specific books they want to use.
Stuffed animals
Swaddles/receiving blankets
Expensive baby trinkets – One mama mentioned a $200 silver cup from Tiffany’s. Avoid things that won’t be usable.
I know, I know, sometimes it’s fun to go rogue and purchase something unique, just try to remember, functionality is crucial when it comes to babies and sometimes the least exciting gifts are the most needed. Regardless of what you purchase, make sure you include a gift receipt (incredibly helpful with duplicate items or even items that just aren’t used). Now, onward, go equipped with this information to purchase some epic baby gifts. Moms and dads everywhere are thanking you for taking these guidelines into consideration.