“And so, he went through the dark doors of pink and blue ribbons, as a group of monstrous figures with pronounced bumps on their wombs yelled high-pitched cries that made him run in a panic to the closest bar.” Yeah, that’s sort of how it went the first time I went to a friend’s baby shower. I was in unknown territory, and one thought had haunted me since I got the invitation: what on earth can I give to these first-time parents that would be of actual use?
It’s true that sticking to the baby registry is the easiest way out. However, if you want to go the extra mile, these are some of the things that they may not know they’ll need. Or maybe they do know they’ll need them, but they don’t know that there’s no such thing as “too many” of these items. So, I asked my friends who have babies, and these are the top ten gifts they find practical and necessary.
@michellemilwardphotography
1 – Diapers
Plenty. Lots of them. They simply don’t know that a two-year supply of diapers will barely cut it. My advice is that you buy eco-friendly diapers. The ones made of cotton cloth are washable, so parents will save money, help the environment, and the baby won’t get as many rashes and skin problems as with disposable diapers.
2 – Baby Bottles
They may not know this, but finding the right baby bottle is a challenge. A baby needs at least three bottles a day, and there are some with advanced technology that protects the baby from gastrointestinal complications, hiccups, and reflux. Also, make sure you get dishwasher-safe bottles.
3 – Spa day for Mom
Why is this number 3 on the list? After the first month after giving birth, Mom will need pampering at a local spa. Get her that VIP treatment, hire a nanny, and be her official driver.
4 – Baby Wipes
Get a large supply of these, and get the good ones: scent-free, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. Here the tip is that you check the expiration date. They’ll need to be good for at least two years after the baby is born.
5 – Lots of Baby Clothes
Babies are messy. Way too messy! So, new parents need lots of clothes for their cute little one. Keep in mind that babies grow fast, so look for ones that will last at least a few months. Buy some extra sizes and get dark colors such as navy blue, grey, or red. These are practical for stains.
@thelittleswanboutique
6 – Baby Toiletries
A great supply of shampoo, soap, and moisturizers for the baby. Keep in mind that babies have sensitive skin and that some of them may have a tendency to be allergic to some ingredients, so go for an hypoallergenic brand such as Mustela.
7 – Bed Pads
Sometimes, after a natural birth, some moms may have natural yet messy recoveries. So, bed pads will keep new moms from ruining the mattress. And boy mattresses are expensive. It’s an unusual gift, I know, but sure they’ll both thank you later.
8 – Skin Care For Mommy
Go to a specialized drugstore and ask for hypoallergenic products that are suitable for moms. Moisturizers with collagen are the best to help their skin heal.
@happymomeveryday
9 – Nursing clothes
Most people give lots of clothes for the baby, but what about the mom? Besides, do you even know how ridiculously expensive maternity clothes are? I know it is hard to buy a bra for a friend, but she’ll need a couple of these. Go to the nearest maternity store, ask for the best brand or the most popular one, and get her a gift certificate that equals the price of the bra. Not all heroes wear capes!
10 – Money
It may seem tacky, but sometimes it’s the best gift you can actually give. Why? Well, once they baby comes, unexpected needs may come along. So, to have some extra cash, or money in the bank, or even a gift certificate from a supermarket would do the trick.
I know that Daddy has responsibilities too, but let’s be honest, when in comes to babies, the hardest part is always for mom. So, these are the best baby shower gifts according to parents, yet an extra gift (one they’ll really thank you for) is that you remain close to them, get to know the baby and learn how to care them, so you can eventually give them the ultimate gift: a babysitting night for them to have some time off from all the hard work.
Cover picture @fraeulein_wunderwaffel
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