Over the last few weeks the top question I get is–What do I gift a new mom? Honestly, every gift I received was awesome from the practical like diapers to the crazy– a mini G Wagon. But, not everything was used. We could only use so many blankets and onesies. So I thought why not round up the most useful baby gifts to give a better idea on what baby gifts new moms will actually use!
Useful Baby Gifts for New Moms
Breast Feeding
I like to give a “theme” gift so if I get a pump I get the accessories that go with it.
My favorite pump was this one by Willow☀️. I had a Medela pump from the hospital that was great when I had tons of help the first three weeks but after that, the Willow made life so much easier. I could pump anywhere discretely and it is the only pump that works while you nap. A major plus those first few weeks.
The Nursing Sling by Humble Bee☀️ is the coolest and most useful gift on the list. Those first few weeks while learning to nurse and when the tiredness was extreme this handy sling helped keep my arms from falling off. PLUS, it holds the Willow pump perfectly and now that my girl is older it is the perfect Mom bag for on the go. It holds a snack, water, my wallet, my phone, diapers, and wipes no problem!
Petunia Pickle Bottom Mickey Mouse Bottle Cooler This is one item I needed a ton of. We had 4 bottle coolers and I was constantly leaving them places. The Mickey Mouse print on this one is too cute and perfect for when Olivia goes to preschool in a few years.
Sweet Dreams
There are a few things that really helped us establish a sleep routine early on. The Little One’s Sleep Program. A good swaddle, easy-to-use jammies, a sleep noise machine, and a monitor.
I had two swaddles that I kept going back to because they were super easy to use, clean, and diaper change in. The first was the Ollie World swaddle. The velcro was strong enough for wiggling babies but so easy to use for a new mom. Plus, the gift box it came in was perfect to store Olivia’s first-year mementos. The other was the Halo Sleepsack. The two-way zipper made diaper changes a breeze and the instructions on the actual swaddle made sure it was always on correctly.
I have both the large and the travel size noise machine by Skip Hop. Puts Olivia right to sleep!
Jammies were something I learned early on needed magnets or a zipper! Buttons or snaps were too much work in the middle of the night. These organic cotton jammies from Hanna Anderson are a favorite for my super tall baby and hot summer nights. They are footless so they work better on her long legs and I just pop a pair of socks on her.
Sleep monitor. I SWEAR by the Owlet sleep monitor. The heart rate and oxygen rate tracking give me peace of mind. Plus, when you register, they send safe sleep tips and other tips in their newsletter. Olivia only has a few more months left that we can use our sleep sock and I don’t know what I will do after that. Go back to waking up every 20 minutes to check on her I guess! —Update the sleep sock now goes up to 4 years old!
Baby heating pad. Twice in the last 16 months, Olivia had tummy issues that made it hard for her to sleep. This Thermal-Aid zoo elephant works wonders. Just heat it in the microwave and let the baby cuddle it.
Dock-a-tot We use this for everything. Travel, playtime, reading time or just to prop Olivia up while I shower. It was our most used baby item ever.
Halo DreamNest I have talked about this portable crib/bassinet over and over. I LOVE it. It is totally breathable, easy to set up/break down, and with the changing table+caddy, it makes an all-in-one setup.
The Omie View bassinet mirror is BRILLIANT!! I clip it onto the crib or bassinet or stroller so I can see Olivia and then if she squeaks or makes a noise I can give a quick peek without waking her. This is one item I am seriously obsessed with.
Lollipop Baby Camera is the easiest-to-use camera ever. And, I would know, I bought three others before I discovered it. It clamps to any surface and the night camera is just as clear as the daytime. I even use it in the playroom for times I need to step out for a few seconds. We like that it syncs to our phones via an app instead of a bulky monitor to carry around.
Diaper Ideas
There are only a few diapers I tried and liked. These Made Of diapers and wipes are one of my favorites. NO LEAKS! Super gentle without all the yucky chemicals. For a gift, I just did for one of my friends, I grabbed size NB, 1 and 2 popped them in the Petunia Pickle Bottom Micke Mouse caddy with some wipes, diaper rash ointment, and disposable bags. Then I found this cute diaper wallet or changing table mat on Etsy. It fits a travel wipe+ two diapers. Perfect to throw in the bottom of the stroller or car for emergencies.
Coterie is also a diaper favorite in our house. They never leak and the wipes are thick so they work so much better than other brands.
For the Hospital
I got this cute hospital gown set + pillow to use for pictures after I delivered. My delivery was a bit dramatic so I didn’t get to use them. But, I have bought them for friends who have gone on to have the CUTEST hospital announcement pics. They also have robes and swaddles to match.
Clothing
Bobux shoes are actually made with the advice of podiatrists. So they are good for the baby’s feet. They are the only shoes we used because not only are they safe for baby but super cute too!
Picture Dress up outfits. I found all of my favorite Disney characters on etsy.
Travel
A good travel stroller is much more affordable as a gift and great for parents who like to go out and about. We use the Ergobaby Metro City Travel stroller. It folds up with one hand, is super lightweight, and can fit under a table or in the smallest table booth.
The Car Seat Key is something I never thought about but it is so handy if you have long nails or suffer from pregnancy carpal tunnel. Mine lasted almost 6 months! It is a handy tool I kept on my keyring to help unsnap the car seat and stroller straps.
Toys
Books, books, and more books! I loved that all my friends sent their favorite childhood books with sweet notes inside for Olvia. They are truly something I and I hope she, will treasure for years to come.
Lovery These play kits are awesome and come in ages from newborn to two years old! We have several and I am impressed at how well they hold Olivia’s attention. I wish I had found out about them earlier instead of wasting money on toys that weren’t the right age or held no interest for Olivia. Toddler Play Kits Are Now Available
What useful baby gifts do you love? Share in a comment below!
