Throwing a baby shower for a loved one or looking forward to a baby shower of your own? There are lots of ways to host a baby shower and we’ve talked about baby shower themes and party ideas both here in the Baby blog as well as in the Pregnancy blog. In honor of July 10, we’re going to talk about the top 10 baby shower gifts you can receive or give to others
The Bouncy Seat
Sure – not all parents care for the bouncy seat, but it is a great way to soothe and stimulate the baby. It’s also a great way to entertain the baby for a little while to give moms and dads a much needed break. Most bouncy seats are very portable, which means you can take them with you when you are going to grandma’s house or to your sister’s. Go for the battery-powered models to ensure the availability of the soothing bounce.
Baby Monitors
Baby monitors are great for first time parents or third time parents. The monitor lets mom and dad settle the baby down in his or her crib or sleeping area and still be able to hear them if they are downstairs or in another part of the house. The baby monitor keeps your finger on the baby’s needs and you don’t have to worry about not hearing them cry.
Baby Sheets
Extra baby sheets are great for any parents. You can choose a pattern that matches their decorating choices or give them a few extras for taste whether you like teddy bears, farm animals, Noah’s ark and more. If you give fuzzy blankets, remember – those are for out of the baby’s bed cuddling rather than to sleep with.
Baby Sling
Baby slings are great because they let mom or dad keep the baby close to them and snuggled up while also keeping their hands free. We loved the sling because when she was little and napping for short spurts during the day, I could snuggle her up in the sling and get the kitchen straightened up pretty easily and never have to put her down. It’s also worth mentioning that the close contact that a sling offers helps encouragement attachment and bonding.
Playtime Gym
Yes, your baby is developing every single day. While a newborn may have no use for this activity gym, as early as ten weeks old, they will enjoy the visual pleasure of the cloth toys on their arches. Mirrors, music makers and more encourage the baby’s attention span and eventually their hands and as they start reaching – it’s great for them to practice their physical skills.
Children’s Books
These are rare baby shower gifts, but setting new moms and dads up with a collection of children’s books can help them to relate to all the things they have to look forward to when it’s time to read to their baby. If you’re anything like my husband and I – we started reading aloud to our daughter when she was still an infant – she loved listening to our voices.
Diaper Bags
Diaper bags are a great gift and we had a few ideas in our suggestion for diaper bags blog a week or two ago. You can check it out here.
Bathroom Supplies
Babies need baths too – so you might invest in a bathroom kit that helps them set up for their newborn as well as a few bath toys for when they get older. That rubber ducky is a great chew toy in the months leading up to their chance to take a bath.
Night Lights & Mobiles
Every baby’s nursery needs a night light of some kind. It can be comforting for baby and save Mom some stubbed toes for when she has to move around in the baby’s room. Too many new parents don’t realize that a night light can help you and baby to see well enough to do what you need before you get the baby settled back down – when you turn on the lights – baby can wake right up. Mobiles are another comforting form of entertainment. My nephew loves his mobile and he’s in the habit of listening to it and watching it for a bit both before he goes to sleep and when he wakes up from his two naps every day. It’s a great routine that provides relief for everyone.
Maid Service for a Month
This might be an expensive baby shower gift, but if you chip in with a few members from the family or guys and girls from the office – the new mom and dad may fall down and kiss your feet. When mom comes home from the hospital – the maid service will already have cleaned the house fully and trust me – whether you are a mom for the first time or the fifth – coming home to a maid cleaned home is one of the greatest gifts – you can concentrate on getting well, enjoying your new baby and basking in the warmth of your family. Throw in a catering service or a few pre-prepared meals and the new mom will have it made.
Do you see any baby shower gifts that didn’t make it into the top ten?
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