The Baby Blog

As your delivery date nears, you’re probably running around, trying to make sure that everything is done and ready for baby to arrive. The nursery is set up and you are gathering all the necessary items to make sure that you’re ready for whatever happens with your baby. There seems to be a lot of essentials to get before your baby’s arrival. And pregnancy brain certainly doesn’t help. Don’t stress out: We’ve put together a list of all the things you need for your new baby.

Minimalist’s List

We start with the minimalist’s essentials. These are the things that you absolutely need for your new baby. Everything else is nice-to-have items, but these are the things you should absolutely make sure you have.

• Clothing
• Diapers
• Swaddling blanket
• Car seat
• Crib or bassinet
• Mattress pad and sheets
• Baby carrier or sling
• Baby bathing supplies (shampoo, soap, etc)

We all know that there will always be that overzealous mother-in-law or soon-to-be grandparents who won’t allow the new baby to be without all the new items. We’ll continue on with describing more specific items that can be purchase.

Baby Clothing Must-Haves

We’ve covered all the clothing that you need for your newborn in another blog post, but there are several essentials that you want to make sure you have. Here are the essentials you want to consider.

• Onesies are critical to have. You can never have enough onesies.
• Pajamas or sleepwear. Make sure to get a knotted baby gown (or two) to keep your baby snuggled during those longer sleeps at night.
• Shirts and pants. Pants with feet are really good for those who don’t want to be chasing socks everywhere.
• Sweaters or jackets. Especially if the weather is getting cooler during the time your baby arrives.
• Newborn hats or hair bows. 

Baby Feeding Must-Haves

A baby spends a lot of time eating during the first few months of their life. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, there are some essentials that you need to keep on hand.

• Bibs are essential. You’ll be grateful that you have plenty of these around. Or you could just admit that your baby’s clothes are going to need to be washed regularly. We recommend keeping bibs on hand.
• Burp cloths are so helpful to have. They protect your clothes too!
• Baby feeding pillow. We love the Boppy Pillow and Lounger. It fits comfortably around your waist and puts your baby in the perfect position to be fed (by you or a partner). 
• Dishwasher basket to clean all of your supplies quickly.

For Breastfeeding 

• There are so many options if you need a breast pump. We recommend getting the Philips Avent breast pump. It’s really comfortable to use and it’s lightweight so it travels well.  
• Milk storage bags are essential if you’re going to be pumping. You can store the bags filled with breast milk. 
• Nursing pads are something you should get if you’re worried about protecting your clothes as your breastfeeding. Pads can help soak up excess milk.
• You may need nipple cream if your breasts become sore or dry from breastfeeding. Whatever you use, make sure that it’s safe for your baby to ingest.

For Bottle Feeding

• Bottles and nipples are a no-brainer, but make sure you have plenty on hand. You will be surprised how quickly you’ll go through bottles.
• A Bottle brush will help you clean the bottles all the way in the bottom. A dishwasher may not always get every nook of a bottle, but a brush can make sure that everything’s clean. 
• If you’re not sure what baby formula to use, talk to your baby’s doctor. Make sure to mention any family allergies (especially to milk) so that the doctor can take that into consideration. 
• Bottle warmer is something you will be grateful to have! Your baby loves warm milk and by using a bottle warmer you can ensure that it gets to the correct temperature. Some bottle warmers even come with an app to alert you when the bottle is ready.
• Bottle sterilizer can help you make sure that you’re keeping your baby’s bottles clean. If your tap water is chlorinated, you don’t need to worry about this. If you don’t have chlorinated tap water, make sure you’re using a bottle sterilizer. 

Baby Bedding Must-Haves

You’ve probably worked through assembling the crib in the nursery. Now, you need to make sure you have all the bedding necessary to make sure your baby sleeps well. 

• Crib mattress should be the right measurement — less than two fingers should fit between the mattress and crib. This prevents your baby from possibly getting trapped between the mattress and the crib.
• A couple of crib sheet sets to make sure you have extra for when you need to do some laundry.
• Blankets are always good to have. Depending on the temperature of your house or the time of year, you’ll want to try everything. 

Baby Nursery Must-Haves

You’ll spend a lot of time in the nursery, especially during the first few months. You’ll want to make sure it’s a comfortable place, not only for you but also for your baby. These essential items will provide you everything you need to survive in the nursery (minus food and water).

• You want someplace to sit and that will help you lull your baby to sleep. A glider or rocking chair is the perfect furniture item. Make sure you find one that doesn’t squeak and that has a smooth gliding mechanism. You also want to make sure that it’s comfortable for you and your partner since you’ll both be using it from time to time. 
• Baby monitor or video camera. With so many options these days, you want to pick the one that’s right for you. Most new parents love having a video camera baby monitor to be able to see what your baby is doing. It provides some comfort.
• A humidifier will protect your baby from dry air. A baby’s skin is very sensitive so the humidifier can release moisture into the environment, especially during those winter months. Make sure that you’re cleaning your humidifier regularly to ensure that bacteria doesn’t build.
• Dresser with changing pad or a diaper changing table. There’s no need to scramble on the floor to clear some space to change your baby’s diaper. Besides, your back is going to feel that up and down motion. Having a dresser or diaper changing table is a huge must-have.
• A white noise machine is essential if you don’t have a humidifier. A white noise machine can drown out the ambient noises so you don’t have to tiptoe around the house after the baby has gone to sleep. 
• Even if your baby isn’t ready to pick their own toys, you know that well-meaning grandmas or grandpas are going to start bringing over plenty of gifts. Having a toy basket or toy storage area is a way to keep your baby’s toys organize and out of the way. 
• You may be surprised how much you love reading to your baby. A bookcase is a perfect piece of furniture to have in your nursery to keep all those books organized. 

Baby Diapering Must-Haves

You’re going to find that these are probably the most used item. You can choose to use regular diapers or cloth diapers, but make sure you have enough to last for plenty of time. You’ll also want a few other items to make sure you have everything you need.

• Baby wipes are essential for keeping your baby clean. Make sure to check the ingredients. If you’re worried about when to use wipes, a good rule of thumb is once they’re a month old. In those first few weeks, you can use warm water and an ultra-soft paper towel or cloth. 
• Diaper cream may not seem like it should be essential. But it is! Your baby wears a diaper all the time. Moisture can get trapped and that means that bacteria can get in and cause diaper rash. Diaper cream takes a preventative action so that your baby doesn’t have to deal with that irritation. 
• You may think that diaper pail isn’t something that you need. Maybe a regular garbage can or just a bag will do. It won’t. It won’t prevent the smell from escaping. You need a diaper pail to just make it easier when you’re done with your diaper.

Baby Bath Must-Haves

Whether you give your baby a nightly bath as part of their bedtime routine, you need to have some items to make sure that you’re giving your baby a bath that will clean them and give them some proper skincare.

• You need to select the right baby shampoo and body wash for your baby. There are plenty of options, but remember that your baby’s skin is much more sensitive so you need to select one that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
• Bath time should be a fun time. Make sure that baby has his or her own bathtub to relax. Make sure that just because they have a bathtub that you don’t leave them unattended. This is a good chance for some bonding is to play with your baby with the water. 
• Soft washcloths are helpful as you try to clean your baby. With all their adorable rolls and wiggles, you’ll find it easier to use a washcloth to clean your baby. 
• Hooded baby towels are perfect for when you pull your baby out of the tub. Quickly put the hood on and wrap him up tight before heading to his room for his diaper and pajamas. He’ll love that coziness he feels, especially after leaving a warm bath!
• Don’t forget to apply baby lotion right after their bath. This habit acts as a moisturizer because the lotion locks the water that the skin has absorbed during the bath. I

That’s a huge list of essentials! Hopefully, you’re not scrambling to buy all of the items right before your baby arrives. Make sure to make baby registries or suggest any of these items to your family and friends to bring for your baby shower. 

You’re at 37 weeks pregnant and have been nesting like crazy. The nursery is ready and your partner has spent a whole weekend assembling the crib and the rocking chair. You’ve folded the clothes and hung everything in the closet. All you need is your baby to arrive.

In all that excitement, you shouldn’t forget that you need to pack your “go” bag for the hospital. This is your bag, with all your essential items, that you leave near your door so that when you’re ready to go to the hospital, you can grab it. It’s recommended that you pack this bag several weeks before your due date — just in case your baby makes an appearance early!

What should be on your essential item list for your hospital bag? We’re going to share the 20 items you definitely need (and will definitely want) when it’s go time!

1. Paperwork

This is probably the most important thing you can remember and something that people rarely talk about. Make sure you have the proper paperwork in your bag. This includes several items:

Insurance Information

Take your insurance cards and all of your important insurance documentation. When you are admitted to the hospital, they’re going to ask for the information, so you should have it on hand.

Pediatrician’s Contact Information

Another piece of information you’re going to be asked when admitted is for information on your pediatrician. Have their contact information because as soon as your baby is here, your pediatrician will be notified. Within 24 hours, your pediatrician will give your baby a routine check-up. Don’t let your tired pregnancy brain keep you from remembering this important information.

Birth Plan

Hopefully, you’ve taken some time to create a birth plan to document your desires for your labor and delivery. You may have brought this to your last appointment and shared it previously with your doctor, but it would be a good idea to bring a copy with you. Your doctor may not be on call or available for your delivery. Having a copy of your birth plan will make sure that everything about your labor and delivery is in line with your wishes.

For Baby

Yes, your baby needs to have a few things you for your baby. You’re going to get several things for free from the hospital — like diapers and wipes. Talk with your doctor before your delivery to make sure that there isn’t something you might need. Here are a few good ideas to bring along:

2. Receiving Blanket

This is one of the most common gifts for new parents. Receiving blankets, also known as swaddlers, are thin blankets made from soft fabrics like cotton or flannel. The name comes from an old custom where a new baby would be wrapped in a blanket right after birth before giving the new baby to mom to “receive.” These blankets become useful after birth to keep them warm or give them a play area and more. 

3. Socks or Booties

Newborns don’t move around at all and that can cause their feet to get cold. While you may not think about it, your baby’s feet will be really sensitive to cold temperatures and can get frostbite easily. Keeping socks or booties nearby for when it gets cold is something you want to consider. They don’t take up too much space in your bag and your baby will appreciate warm feet.

4. Going Home Outfit

If all goes well, you’ll be heading home with your new baby 24 to 48 hours after you’ve delivered your baby. You want to make sure that you have a sweet little outfit for your new baby to wear on the ride home. Most people forget this essential item and then are scrambling to find something.

Bring a baby gown with you that you can knot at the bottom so you don’t have to worry or fumble with zippers or buttons. Just knot the bottom of the gown to keep their feet in and they’re going to be cozy.

5. Car seat

Yes, a car seat. You’re going to have to transport baby home somehow! Don’t forget to have the base all strapped in and ready to take baby home. Make sure that prior to your trip to the hospital that you’ve gone through and made sure that it’s properly installed. One of the most common reasons for a delay in taking baby home is the improper installation of the car seat. So double and triple check, and have your partner read the instructions while installing.

Do I Need Diapers or Wipes for the Hospital?

No! Lucky for you, the hospital has plenty of diapers and wipes for use during your stay. Many hospitals also gift parents with a whole supply of diapers and wipes for the first few days. Don’t worry about bringing your own — leave those at home. 

6. Extra Bag for All the Freebies

Since you’ll be getting gifts from the hospital or from visitors, you will want to pack a bag or two to help you carry all of the items out to the car in as few trips as possible. Make sure it’s a large, sturdy bag that can handle several items.

For You

Now you have been spending a lot of time preparing the bag for your baby and making sure that he or she has everything needed to make their first couple of days in the world pleasant. But don’t forget these items that you’ll need to pack in your bag. You’ll be in the hospital as well, so you’ll want to make sure that you have these items to make yourself comfortable.

7. Nightgown and Robe

After you give birth, you’ll want to sleep. You can stick with the hospital gown, but you’ll probably be more comfortable wearing a nightgown. If you plan to start breastfeeding your baby, make sure to select one that opens in the front to accommodate. A robe is also a great option to bring to cover up when you have visitors or when you have to walk to your bathroom. 

8. Slippers

Hospital tile floors can be cold. Have some slippers or sandals that you can easily slip on before walking to the bathroom. This will keep you comfortable without the surprise of icy tile floor waking you up!

9. Back Massager or Tennis Ball

Contractions and delivery may cause you back pain. If you want something to help you ease those back pains or the tension you feel, pack a back massager or a tennis ball. Use them as needed when you feel like you need it. You may even want to keep it nearby once you return home! 

10. Pillow and Bath Towel

Maybe you’re particular about your pillow. That’s okay. Having something familiar to rest your head on can make you more comfortable. Pack your favorite pillow. Make sure to use a bright colored pillowcase to help you remember to take it with you once you leave. Hospital towels tend to be small and rough — they go through a lot of laundry. Consider packing a big soft towel for you to use once you can shower after the birth. You can wrap yourself in that towel and feel so much more yourself.

11. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

You’re going to be in the hospital for a couple of days. Clean teeth make all the difference when someone wants to freshen up. Make sure to pack your toothbrush and some toothpaste so that you can continue to enjoy good hygiene. Plus, you’ll want to at least have good breath for any visitors who come to visit you.

12. Chapstick or Lip Balm

You’re going to get chapped lips during labor. It’s not a sign of labor, but rather a result of labor. You will be breathing out of your mouth during labor so your lips get chapped. Make sure pack your favorite chapstick or lip balm to help remedy this. Your lips will thank you, especially when you start eating ice chips.

13. Moisturizer or Lotion

Especially in the winter, your hands will get cold and dry. Having your own familiar moisturizer or lotion on hand gives you a familiar scent to make you feel at home. Keep the lotion by your bed for easy access. 

14. Books, Music, Magazines or Movies

Delivery can be long and boring. Make sure you’ve got plenty of entertainment to keep your mind off your delivery. Whether you love books or movies or magazines, make sure you have plenty of those options on hand. Load up your iPad or other device with your favorite movies or TV shows. Download any videos from your favorite streaming software. You don’t know how reliable the wi-fi would be and having a copy on your device eliminates any buffering delays. 

15. Snacks

In one of your last visits before your due date, check with your doctor to find out if there are any restrictions on what you can eat or drink during labor. Consider lollipops as a way to keep moisture in your mouth. Also, hospital food is notoriously underwhelming. It may be comforting to have some familiar (and favorite) foods to eat. You will also want some snacks for your partner to help fuel them through the process as well.

16. Drinks

Depending on how long labor lasts, you may need an energy boost or something postpartum to help you stay awake. Instead of scrambling to find something that you want, make sure that you pack a couple of drinks that you particularly enjoy. You may consider adding a sports drink with electrolytes to keep you hydrated.

17. Cell Phone and Charger

You’ll want to capture those perfect moments after your baby has arrived. Most phones have fantastic cameras so instead of bringing a large camera, just bring your cell phone and a charger. You can then make sure to update family when your baby has arrived and you’re ready to share the good news.

18. Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner and Soap

You will want to shower after delivery, especially if you’re expecting family and friends to visit you at the hospital. Make sure you pack your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and soap to help yourself feel more like yourself. Don’t forget to pack your deodorant as well. 

19. Heavy-Duty Maternity Pads

Let’s talk about after your delivery. It’s normal to experience lots of bleeding after birthday. Maternity pads are made especially for those who have had a baby. They’re extra long and thicker than regular pads. While the hospital may have some of these, you want to bring some of your own. You will need to change pads regularly to begin with — every couple of hours — until the flow decreases. Make sure you have several pairs of underwear that can accomodate these pads in your bag too. 

20. Going Home Outfit

Your baby needs a going home outfit, but you do as well! Make sure that you pack a clean set of maternity clothes because you still won’t be able to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothing. You may want to wait to buy a nursing bra until after the baby comes and your milk comes in so you can measure for your cup size. 

That list should supply you with everything that you and your baby will need for your stay in the hospital. 

Christmas is such a fun time of year, especially when you’re buying Christmas gifts for kids and most importantly, babies. For most, it’s also time to pull out all of the stops… Baby’s first ornament? Yup! How about photo with Santa? Uh-huh! Fancy new Christmas day outfit? Absolutely! 

What about baby’s first Christmas gift? If you’re struggling to figure out what to buy your newborn for Christmas, fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you. Below is a great little round-up of 10 gifts your baby will be going gaga over.

Cute Holiday Colored Clothes

What mom or dad doesn’t want their new bundle of joy to be dressed up in holiday colors? During December, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a baby, not in holiday gear. Our knotted baby gowns come in three different colors, two of which are very great colors for the holidays. Our maroon and olive green gowns are a great gift for the festive newborn.

Developmental Play Mat

Developmental play mats aren’t anything new. These great mats are designed by child development experts to give newborns and growing babies engaging activities to develop. This particular mat has five playful multi-sensory hanging toys and lots of loops to hang other toys high, low or on the mat.

Animated Stuffed Animals

These animated stuffed animals are anything but boring. They flap their ears, play peek-a-boo and sings songs to keep your little one in awe. These Baby Gund animals are one of the best baby Christmas gifts of 2019.

Plush Security Blanket

If you are thinking about getting baby a stuffed animal, you might want to consider this cute little lamb security blanket. This super soft and comfy blanket will see your little one through the first few years of his/her life.

Wubbanub

If your newborn is in love with their binky, a cute and fun gift to give them for Christmas is a WubbaNub. What makes these pacifiers different than the norm is that on the end of them is attached a cute stuffed animal. You can choose from lots of different types of animals including giraffes, dogs, unicorns, ducks, etc. The big bonus for you as a parent is that these are really hard to lose, so it’s a win-win for a Christmas gift this year.

Soothing Sleep Owl

As you already know, a good night's sleep is one of the best gifts you can give a baby, and also yourself. Getting your baby to calm down and get back to sleep in the middle of the night can be much easier if you have the right tools. One of the tools we recommend is the Bubzi Co soothing sleep owl. This cute, plush owl plays ten different lullabies and has an optional night light that projects a soothing starry light show. So if you need the gift of sleep in your life, this is definitely a gift to add to the list.

Oball Shaker Rattle 

One of the first gifts that parents usually purchase or get at a baby shower is a rattle. The Oball rattle will not only help baby develop the sense of sound with it’s rattling noise, but it also helps them learn how to grab onto things since the ends have really cool gripping balls on them.

Sassy Floor Mirror

Another tummy time gift that babies absolutely love is these Sassy Floor mirrors. Once your baby gets their eyes on this mirror, they will forget what they are doing and be mesmerized by their reflection. This toy was developed to help strengthen neck, shoulder and upper arm muscles and promote visual development.

Spiral Car Seat Activity Toy

Baby is going to be spending a lot of time in their car seat for the first few months of their life. As they get older, you’ll want to give them something that can encourage them to use their hand and eye coordination. A spiral car seat toy wraps onto baby’s car seat handle and makes it easy for baby to reach, pull or squeeze the objects. This toy can also be wrapped around baby's crib for some naptime or night time entertainment.

Soft Baby Book

I’m a big fan of books and this one is just perfect for baby. I believe that you’re never too young or too old for a good book. This soft baby book introduces baby to animals, but it has plenty of peek-a-boo surprises. It also has songs, melodies and sounds that it can play so the book grows with baby.

We hope that this list has given you at least a few good ideas. We hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your little one.

It’s your first night home and you go to lay your baby down in their bassinet or crib for the first time and then you realize that you’re not sure what they should wear. Do you put on the too big pajamas you received during the last baby shower? Do you keep them in a onesie and swaddle him in a blanket? How are you going to change her diaper in the middle of the night?

Bedtime outfits for your baby shouldn’t be a mystery. It’s all about safety, temperature, and comfort – for both you and your baby! 

Safety

Newborns have very little control over their bodies and tend to have lots of reflexive movements. That means that she can move around and since her body is still growing, she needs lots of support and to just rest. 

There is also the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) which is most likely to occur during the first four months of a baby’s life. The best thing you can do is dress your baby in clothing that isn’t loose and doesn’t have tops that could ride up and cover your baby’s face. She doesn’t know how to remove fabric from her face to keep her breathing. 

Our knotted gowns are made to not be loose on your baby. They’re all made from a stretchy rayon and spandex blend so that it fits comfortably on your newborn.

Also, make sure that your baby’s sleeping space is free of any blankets or accessories — even pillows, mattress toppers, crib bumpers, stuffed animals. Rest your baby on a firm crib mattress with one sheet. 

Temperature

Your baby’s body doesn’t yet know how to regulate changes in temperature. The room your baby is in should be between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s cooler than that, add a few layers. You don’t want to have a loose blanket wrapped around your baby since that could come undone and suffocate him. 

If it’s warmer than 75 degrees, consider bringing in fans or air conditioners to help keep your baby cool. If he’s wearing an Orchid knotted gown, you don’t have to worry about keep him tucked in. Knot the bottom of the gown so that his feet are snug and tucked in for the night. It will help his feet stay warm and cozy all through the night.

Comfort

Your baby may not remember the feel of her clothes, but for sure you will! Make sure you’re dressing your baby in something comfortable and soft. Itchy fabric may irritate your newborn baby and keep her awake when you really want her (and need her to sleep!) 

It’s not just about comfort for your baby. It’s also about comfort for you. When you’re looking at baby pajamas, you’re not thinking ahead to those middle-of-the-night feedings or diaper changes that await you. You don’t want to be trying to fumble with buttons and snaps when you’re half-awake and want to be back in bed. Luckily, your knotted gown makes it easy for you so you can get back to sleep as soon as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

These guiding principles will help you as you pick out good outfits to dress your baby in during the first few months of their life. But you’re probably more worried about the more specific questions. 

Should a Newborn Wear a Hat to Sleep?

Your baby should not wear a hat to sleep. Hats are loose fabrics that can move around and potentially suffocate your child. It’s best to remove the hat and make sure that they’re swaddled to stay warm. 

You may be confused since the nurses in the hospital usually place a hat on your baby. This is to help them stay warm and acclimate to the colder world than they have been living in before their arrival. Also, there is always someone there to observe and prevent situations. Once you return home, you will find that the times that baby goes to sleep is when you also take a nap or are able to do some of the things around the house that you have been neglecting. 

You can give them a hat to wear if you are holding them while they sleep and your attention is on him. Or when you’re heading outside to take a trip, this is also a good time to have your baby wear a hat when they’re sleeping. 

Should a Baby Wear Socks to Bed?

Do you like to sleep with socks on? Your baby probably likes it too. Not because they’re so comfortable, but because your baby likes to be warm. Babies are extremely sensitive to temperature because their bodies aren’t able to regulate their own internal temperatures yet. 

You should gauge how the temperature in a room feels for you. Do you feel comfortable? Or are you rubbing your hands on your arm and reaching for a sweatshirt? If you’re cold, your baby is probably chilly as well. Some good advice is to dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing. 

What Type of Baby Nightgowns are There?

You might be looking at all the options for baby nightgowns and wonder which is the best one. Truthfully, until your baby is 4-6 months old, you’re going to be up in the middle of the night for diaper changes. It’s important to consider that when selecting options for your baby’s pajamas.

Here is a quick summary of the different types of nightgowns for your baby to wear:

Knotted Baby Gown

We’re big fans of the knotted baby gown because these nightgowns are perfect all year round. With long sleeves and soft material, your baby will be comfortable in the warmer months and the cooler months. You can purchase your own knotted baby gown here.

Sleep Sack

Essentially, a sleep sack or bag is a blanket that your baby wears. You put them in a onesie and then zip them in and you don’t have to worry about loose blankets that could suffocate your baby. Our personal favorite is Ergobaby which you can buy here.

Sleeper Gowns

These gowns are different from knotted gowns because the gown is open at the bottom – there’s no way to knot the end. The bottom may have elastic, but it’s still open. You’ll need to put socks on your baby to prevent their feet from getting too cold. Our favorite is Simple Joys by Carter’s that you can purchase here.

Footed Baby Pajamas

Do you remember rocking the footed pajamas as a kid? I do! Maybe you rock them now. But these pajamas are good options once your baby is a little older and especially if they’re prone to the cold. You don’t have to worry about them kicking off their socks in the middle of the night or only losing one (which is the worst!). The pajama is one piece. The only issue is during those late-night diaper changes, you’ll wish you have something a little more simple. So hold onto this pajama set until your baby is sleeping more through the night. There are plenty of options, but Leveret has some beautiful pajamas that you will definitely want to purchase here.

Your baby is going to be sleeping for up to 16 hours a day during the first few months. To help her get the best sleep possible so that you can get the rest you need, make sure you follow these guidelines to keep your baby safe and comfortable.

Finding the perfect baby shower gift can be really tough, especially if you don’t want to go the traditional route and pick from a baby registry. If you are looking to give a gift that’s a little different and a little more unique than your traditional shower gifts, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this post, we will go through 25 pretty awesome gifts, 15 of them are specifically for baby and 10 of them are specifically for mom . . . Yes, mom needs her own gifts and she will appreciate and love them so very much. Let’s dive in!

Gifts for Baby

Knotted Baby Gowns

Of course, we have to lead with our very own knotted gowns. They are absolutely perfect for newborn babies and make diaper changing during the day and night a breeze.

Sound/Noise Makers

White noise machines are a great way to help keep baby from hearing loud noises and promote deep, restful sleep. Our two recommendations for sound machines are the Dohm and Hatch Baby Rest.

Pregnancy/New Baby Journal



We’ve heard that one of the best baby shower gifts is a journal that mom can keep her thoughts and feelings as she gets closer to delivery and after the baby comes. Our two recommendations for journals are Bump for Joy Guided Pregnancy Journal and Bump to Birthday: Pregnancy and First Year Journal.

Non-Contact Thermometer

Having a new baby can be stressful. Having a new baby come down with a fever can be even more stressful. There are so many different thermometers on the market, but for babies, moms are opting for non-contact thermometers. These make it super easy to take baby’s temperature without disturbing her. Our two favorite no contact thermometers for babies are the Easy@Home and DrKea.

Baby Sleeping Door Sign

Have you ever seen how a new mom reacts when someone rings their doorbell or knocks on their door? If you haven’t you don’t want to. Nothing is worse than waking up a sleeping baby and feeling the wrath of mom. Baby sleeping door signs are a great gift and there are some pretty cool ones out there. Here are two of our favorite from Wood Worx Designs and Sass or Salt.

On-The-Go Changing Mat

Most moms who have babies are typically on the go. Running errands, visiting family and friends and taking/picking up their other kids from school, sporting events and other activities can be a full-time job. Portable changing mats are perfect for changing dirty diapers wherever mom might be. Our two favorite changing mats are the Baby Loovi and Lil Fox.

Portable Diaper Changing Station

Along the same lines as above, having a portable diaper changing station that houses diapers, creams, wipes, etc. is a great gift for new moms on the go. Here are the two we like the most: the Skip Hop and the Comfy Cubs.

Gentle Nail Trimmer

We’ve never met a mom who likes trimming baby’s nails. It’s way too easy to clip them too short and hurt your little one. A great alternative to nail clippers is electric nail trimmers/files. Our only recommendation is the Little Martins nail trimmer — It’s the best around and you’ll be grateful to have it!

Pacifier Clips

When baby loses her binky, it can get really stressful trying to find it. Pacifier clips make it easy to locate binkies no matter where mom is at or doing. Two of our favorite binky clips are the Baby Goal and the Mushie.

Dockatot

Babies have their cribs to sleep in, but when mom wants them close to wherever they are, there aren’t many options. Dockatot makes it easy to co-sleep with baby, but also provides a safe place for baby to lounge while working out, making dinner, etc. You can check out Dockatot here.

Shopping Cart Baby Hammock

Have you ever tried to take a baby to the grocery store? It’s hard to get all of your food and safely transport your baby throughout the store. Binxy Baby sells a revolutionary product that makes it safe and easy to shop with your baby. You can check out their hammocks here.

Nose Frida

Boogers are gross. You know what’s even more gross, moldy boogers stuck in those traditional, light blue booger suckers. Enter, the Nose Frida. With just a little suck of a tube, the boogers come right out, with serious force. Mommas all over say they love this as a baby shower gift. You can buy the Nose Frida here. 

Solly Baby Wrap

New moms absolutely love the functionality and practicality of a baby carrier. You could go with a traditional carrier like the Ergobaby or you could go with a stylish wrap. The Solly Baby Wrap is the perfect carrier for the on-the-go mom and makes it easy to get things done while baby is awake or asleep. You can buy the Solly wrap on their website.

Milk Snob Nursing Cover

If the mom to be is going to be a breastfeeding machine, she’s going to need a really fun, trendy nursing cover. The really cool thing about these covers is that they also double as car seat covers! These covers come in a variety of covers for the modern momma and are pretty reasonably priced for what you get. You can buy them here.

Halo SleepSack

One of the scarier things a mom and dad will experience is wondering if your baby is sleeping through the night. You hear horror stories about babies being suffocated by a pillow or baby blanket. A sleep sack is a wearable baby blanket and makes it so nothing else needs to be in baby’s crib while sleeping. You can purchase a sleepsack here.

Gifts for Mommy

Nesting Olive Gown or Robe

After giving birth, new moms love nothing more than lounging in comfortable clothes. Two of the most comfortable items they’d love to get their hands on is a Nesting Olive gown (they have several variations) and their new robe. You can buy them on their website here.

Spa Day

In addition to being comfortable, new moms want to feel pretty. One of the easiest ways to do this is to give them a day at the spa. We can’t give you any recommendations since there are so many amazing spas throughout the country, but this is always a winner as a baby shower gift.

Meal Delivery Service

We’ve talked to many new moms who say one of the most thoughtful gifts they’ve received is a meal delivery service or pre-packaged meals. This gift makes it incredibly easy to continue to feed their family great meals while spending enough time taking care of their new baby. Home Chef and Blue Apron are two really great options.

Lush Bath Bombs

We’ve never met momma who doesn’t enjoy a nice long bath. To make bathing even more enjoyable for new moms, give her a bag of bath bombs from Lush. There are quite a few scents that promote a calming and relaxing mood. “The Comforter” is probably our favorite. You can buy them at one of their stores or on their website.

Made by Mary Custom Necklaces

Most women love getting jewelry as gifts. Moms especially love getting jewelry that represents their children, old and new. One really neat gift to give an expecting mother is a customized necklace from Made By Mary. You can select from different types of chains and pendants, which can be customized with initials or words. You can order on their website, but know that these pieces are hand made, so they do take about a week or so to ship, so make sure you order way before the baby shower.

Bamboobies “Boob Ease” Nursing Balm

New moms can suffer from chafed and cracked nipples for the first few weeks of nursing. Ask any new mom and they can attest to how painful this can be. Babboobies “boob ease” nursing balm will keep mom's nipples feeling soft supple. You can buy Boob Ease balm on their website.

Bamboobies Nursing Pads

In addition to nursing balm, Bamboobies makes a variety of nursing pads for the breastfeeding mother. Our favorite has to be their reusable and washable pads, which are fantastic for the “green” mother. Their pads are super soft and very comfortable. You can buy them here.

Coffee Subscription

One thing we can all agree on is that new moms don’t get a lot of sleep. Newborns are a ton of work, so it isn’t any surprise that they are tired all day until baby is sleeping through the night. One very thoughtful gift for new moms is a coffee subscription. Yes, you read that right, you can have amazing coffee sent right to her house each month. Two of our favorite services are Atlas Coffee Club and Trade Coffee.

Cleaning Service

Along the same lines as not sleeping, there typically isn’t a lot of time during the day to take care of the home. It’s not uncommon to visit a new mom and her baby and see piles of laundry, dishes in the sink and things all over the floor. Another great gift idea is to give mom the gift of a clean house. There are so many cleaning services all across the country, so we won’t list any recommendations here.

Gift Cards

One of the greatest things new moms can receive is gift cards. New moms feel weird, some don’t think they look pretty, etc. New clothes, pedicures, manicures, massages, etc. are great ways to help mom feel and look like a million bucks.

If you're running low on ideas for your next baby shower, be sure to consider these less traditional ideas to help the mom-to-be (and baby!) feel celebrated.

* Please note that some of these links are Amazon affiliate links and we make a small commission if you purchase the product.