Yahoo Finance The 45 Best Baby Shower Gifts, According to Real Moms
When you’re purchasing a gift for a baby shower, chances are the first place you’ll look is the mom-to-be’s registry. After all, she’s taken the time to carefully select what she wants and needs. But if you’re late to the list and everything’s already purchased—or you want to wow her with something she didn’t expect to receive—we’re here to help. We asked real moms to dish about the best baby shower gifts they received: From fab strollers to hackproof baby monitors and everything in between, here’s what they revealed.
RELATED: 37 Amazing Gifts for the New Moms (That Are for Her, Not the Baby)
1. DockATot Clutch Changer
For the Fashionable Lady
“Baby gear tends to be drab and utilitarian or covered in rainbows and kittens,” says Candace Davison, PureWow's executive editor. “I love this changing pad as a chic gift—after the 1-year mark, it can replace your diaper bag when you go out (it can hold diapers, wipes and a little hand sanitizer or snack). People stop and ask where I got my clutch…not realizing it’s a changer. Win!"
2. Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer
For the Durability-Minded Mom
Not cheap, but super durable, this try-it-you'll-love-it product gets big ups from one mom reviewer: "Please please please give new parents this changing pad rather than one that is cloth. Your kid will—I repeat, will—pee or poop mid change at some point and you will be so thankful you can just wipe down the pad and get back to changing. Also it's lasted me through two kids and it still looks good!"
3. Boba Baby Carrier Classic
For the Hands-Free Mom
This ergonomically designed harness works for both front and back carrying and has an infant insert, "so you can still have some semblance of a life without having to put a fussy baby down," according to one reviewer. "Mine lasted through two kids until they were both about 2."
4. Mockingbird Stroller
For the Lightweight Stroller Seeker
It’s no secret that a stroller is a must-have when bringing a baby into the world. A mom of six was gifted this stroller for her youngest and couldn’t get over how easy it was to use. “For my previous children, we just used whatever stroller was given to us, but this one made our lives so much easier,” she says. “There are so many different positions the baby can be in, and we didn’t have to buy a new one once he became a toddler.” You can customize your color on the Mockingbird stroller, and it’s also compatible with a wide range of car seats.
5. Zipadee-Zip Straight & Arrow Fleece Swaddle
For Mama Who Wants to Sleep Through the Night
All mamas need some shut-eye, and one mom of two boys says the Zipadee-Zip is her go-to for getting her baby to sleep through the night. The best part is it’s available in various sizes, so as her baby grows, she can continue his bedtime routine. “It keeps him cozy and warm, and he still sleeps in it at 11 months,” she says.
6. Baby Brezza® Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser
For the Midnight Feeding Shift Worker
One dad reviewer deemed this "a godsend when we transitioned to formula." It mixes, heats and dispenses formula seemingly instantly: "It's like a Keurig for babies and saved a ton of time in the middle of the night when my son was hungry and crying."
7. Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit
For the Woman Who Can't Wait to Swaddle
One mom raved to us about what’s deemed a swaddle transition product for use beginning at approximately three to six months —essentially a weighted blanket for babies. "Your child will look like the Michelin Man, but it’s supposed to prevent those startle movements that wake a baby up prematurely," she says. "My daughter didn’t love getting zipped into it, but oh, how I loved her sleeping a bit longer."
8. Robeez Soft Sole Baby Shoes
For the Stylish Shoe Fan
Even though most gifts received before the baby arrives are geared toward newborns, one mom of two toddlers says she wishes she’d received quality walking shoes for her kids. “They’re only babies for so long, and then in a blink of an eye, they’re walking,” she says. “I never knew how important it was to have a quality walking shoes for first steps.”
9. A Nursery Center for Two
For the Parents of Twins
“I was shocked when I found out I was having twins, so any baby item that accommodated both babies at one time was a godsend to me,” says one mom. The Baby Trend Retreat Twins Nursery Center allows mom to keep both babies near and in the same space without having to buy doubles of everything. It’s a bit of an investment, but it can be a great group gift option.
10. Date-Night Gift Cards
For Parents Who Say "What's Date Night?"
New parents deserve a night out, and restaurant gift cards are a great way to encourage them to take some time alone. (Bonus points if you volunteer to watch the baby!) One mom says she had no clue how helpful this would be, but it’s now her go-to gift for new mamas.
11. Nordstrom Moonlight Eco Short Pajamas
For the Jammies Devotee
“Since the first few months are generally spent at home with the baby, I always found myself searching for comfortable pajamas that I could stay in all day long,” says one mom. This supersoft modal-spandex two-piece set has contrast stitching and loose, comfy tap pants.
Size range: XS to XL
12. Moby Wrap Baby Carrier
For the Minimalist
It’s no surprise a baby carrier made it to this mom-approved list. They’re great for trips to the store, evening walks with the family and even wearing around the house while doing household tasks. We love this one because it’s easy to use, it’s stylish and it doubles as a nursing cover.
13. Richard Scarry's Busy Busy Boxed Set
For the Canon-Loving Parents
"I have to say that I loved all the books I received from various relatives and friends," says editor Rachel Bowie. This set of board books by beloved classic children's author Richard Scarry will keep parents and children charmed from birth to three years old and beyond.
14. Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
For the Design-Minded Mom
OK, this sleeper comes with a huge price tag, but there’s nothing wrong with everybody going in on a group gift. Various moms raved about how this bassinet made naps and nighttime sleeping a lot easier for their little one. One mom even found that her 2-month-old was sleeping 10-plus hours a night, and she gives all the credit to the bassinet keeping baby snug and comforted.
15. Comotomo Silicone Bottles
For the Weaner
Everyone winds up finding their preferred bottle brand, but Comotomo’s silicone bottles have become a breakout favorite. A mom of two toddlers says they made bottle-feeding way easier than other brands. “It looks and feels like a breast, so my baby never fussed when it was time to bottle-feed,” she says. Plus, it is made of hygienic silicone and features dual air vents to prevent colic.
16. WubbaNub Lil’ Lamb Infant Pacifier
For the Relaxed Mom
If you’re looking for a small addition to a baby shower gift, this pacifier is too cute to pass up. The adorable stuffed animal attached to it makes the paci harder to lose—and easier for little hands to grab.
17. Nanobebe 25 Breast Milk Storage Bags and Organizer
For the Organizational Pro
This milk organizer was one new mom’s favorite gift based solely on functionality. “After pumping for what seemed like all day, it was nice to have an organized system to store my breast milk in the fridge,” she says. The stackable frame takes up minimal space and makes it easy to quickly grab a bag and go.
18. Goumi Mitts
For the Careful Caretaker
A mom whose newborn seemed unsettled most of the time says she wishes she’d received more scratch-guard mittens. “My little one scratched herself a lot, but mittens were something I knew nothing about,” she says. “After buying a pair, I only wished I knew about them sooner.” We love this pair for its adjustable fit that keeps them in place.
19. Leachco Podster Sling-Style Infant Lounger
For Busy Moms of Small Children
One mom of an infant and a toddler said she thought nothing of this little padded seat when she opened it at her baby shower. But that all changed when she used it. Cleaning (or getting anything done, really) with a new baby can be tricky, but this lounger was so cozy that her child happily napped as she tackled chores nearby.
20. Frida Mom Perineal Comfort Cushion
From the Mom Who's Been There
"A shoutout to the moms who discreetly give out things like this, who understand the highs and lows of those first eight weeks," says editor Candace Davison. This donut-shaped device with a removable cover has a cooling function to reduce swelling as well as a hollowed area to sit on to reduce discomfort.
21. WildKardVintage New Custom Name Boho Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanket
For the Name Procrastinator
A handful of mamas agreed that personalized items are special keepsakes they’ll hold on to well after their baby has outgrown it. This sweet Etsy find is a perfect way to celebrate the newborn’s name—and if the parents are waiting until the birth announcement to reveal it, you have the perfect excuse if you, um, procrastinated a bit in ordering a present.
22. DIAPERS, DIAPERS AND MORE DIAPERS
For the Moms Who Know What's Coming
Most of the moms we talked to immediately had the same answer: “More diapers, please.” It may not seem exciting, but boy, do they come in handy. Take your gift up a notch and give the mom-to-be Pampers for a month.
23. Instacart Express Membership
Best for Nutrition-Minded Moms
Let’s be real: Getting to the grocery store can be quite a hassle. A mom of three says the year-long membership to Instacart is the gift that keeps on giving and it was by far the best gift she received.
24. Bugaboo Stardust Pop-Up Playard
Best for Travel with Baby
This sturdy and attractive playpen will become your best friend, a portable little safety zone to keep pets away from the baby, and once he starts crawling, keeping the baby away from those light sockets and table corners. Especially when you travel to non-childproofed destinations.
25. BEABA Babycook Solo 4 in 1 Baby Food Maker, Steam Cooker & Blender
For the Foodie Mom
This handy countertop device turns chicken and potatoes from raw to cooked and pureed in 15 minutes...and veggies even sooner. It comes with a recipe booklet to make any stage of baby food—from the first nom nom morsels to applesauce and soups for the whole family. And of course it's dishwasher safe.
26. Honest Diaper Duty Gift Set
Best for Better Bath Times
Inside this handy case there are five newborn-sized diapers, a little tube of all-purpose balm, another of diaper cream and a big bunch of wipes with a touch of non-irritating fruit and flower extracts. We like this little kit, which unfolds to become its own changing mat, to keep in the car or in the bottom of the stroller so you're never out and about without supplies.
27. Frida Mom Breast Care Self Care Kit
For Breast-Feeding Moms
This kit contains a 2-in-1 lactation massager that uses heat and vibration to get milk flowing, two sets of instant heat breast warmers and breast sheet masks for hydration and lactation—basically everything your hard-working boobs need to keep the milk freely flowing.
28. Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
For the Assembly Challenged
"I love this car seat because it's a tank," says one single mom of a three-year-old, "and it has really great ratings for safety." But this technically challenged mom says the seat (which accommodates from five- to 65-pound critters) reassures her with its simplicity. "Mostly, I love it because I don't have to go to the fire station every time I have to adjust it as she grows—even I can figure it out."
29. Skip Hop Diaper Bag Backpack
For the Always-Prepared Woman
This hold-everything backpack has an insulated inner compartment to keep a bottle fresh, a machine washable changing pad, a multipurpose mesh cube to keep you organized and stroller straps, so you can walk around relatively fancy-free.
30. Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Baby Monitor
For the Watchful Mom
For new mom Rachel Gulmi, PureWow's managing editor of branded content, it's what this baby monitor doesn't do as much as what it does that makes it her recommendation. "It’s no hassle and doesn't connect through WiFi, which was really important to me because people are creepy and hack into them," she says. "I also didn't want anything connected to my phone because I didn't want to be obsessed with always looking at the baby when he's sleeping."
31. Bumbo Floor Seat
For the Active Mom
This supported floor seat is a classic. "It helped my daughter learn to sit up, so I bought the Bumbo to use for the new baby," one user says. "The Bumbo comes in handy with feeding and playing with toys especially when baby learns to roll over."
32. BEABA Shnuggle Baby Bath Tub
For the Water Lover
"This is my third child and this has been the best baby bath tub that I have used," says one reviewer about this tub with back support. "It is super light and empties the water pretty fast. My newborn is able to sit in a comfortable position. It fits in my sink perfectly without moving."
33. Aden and Anais Baby Bonding Playmat
For the Floor Time Trainer
Varied textures on this generously sized muslin mat make this fun for tummy time, interesting for baby to use for touch practice while keeping them off the un-vacuumed floor.
34. Ubbi Diaper Pail
For the Sensitive Sniffer
Powder-coated steel looks great and one user says "the lid fits tight, no odors leak out whatsoever."
35. Bump'n Solid Knit Power Mama Maternity and Postpartum Pregnancy Leggings
For Those Curious About Post-Partum Waist Training
Designed to be worn after giving birth with powerful compression and a slender fit (and constructed to avoid irritating c-section scars), these leggings are both comfortable and help wearers remember that yes, they do still have abdominal muscles.
36. Muslin Burp Cloth for Baby Boys and Girls (8 Pack)
Best for Minimalist Moms
These are the MVP of your baby bag: They're swaddle cloths. They're burp cloths. And they can sop up spills and clean up messes in a snap. And parents agree, there are never enough of them.
37. XMWEALTHY Cute Newborn Baby Boys Girls Blankets Plush Swaddle Blankets White
For the Classic Cotton Lover
Plush and cozy, this cute hoodie is multipurpose: It's a swaddle, a blanket with feet, a little bear onesie for riding around in the stroller on breezy days. And also, it's possibly the cutest little Instagram look before baby's first Halloween.
38. Simple Joys by Carter's Baby 8-Pack Short-Sleeve Bodysuit
For the White T-Shirt Loving Parent
We grown-ups have sweats and t-shirts. Babies have these little cotton bodysuits. Same-same. And baby will need a bunch of them, because spit-ups and leaky diapers might require multiple changes in a day.
39. Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
For the Dry Climate Dweller
Ultrasonic cool mist from the 1.5 liter tank is generated for up to 16 continuous hours so that your nursery air doesn't get too dry and stale. And the humidifier comes with its own cleaning brush, to keep it as fresh-smelling as your baby.
40. BabyBjorn Bouncer Bliss Convertible Quilted Baby Bouncer
For the Energetic Family
Is her family always doing something active? Chances are, baby's going to have a lot of energy. This will keep the young 'un busy, with their back, neck and head supported as this chair rocks gently every time they kick and wiggle. This allows the parent to have their hands free for a few moments while the baby has a clear view of them folding laundry.
41. Hatch Rest Sound, Night Light & Time to Rise Machine
For the App Lover
This app-controlled night light has customizable colored lights that, along with a collection of soothing sounds, will wake your baby up or soothe them to sleep.
42. Body Restore Essential Oil Shower Steamer Set
For the Spa Lover
Made to toss on the floor of a hot shower, these mint and eucalyptus-scented tablets will wake the new mom up with a spa-like experience during even the quickest morning shower.
43. Safety Nail Clippers with LED Light (2 Pack)
Best for the Super Cautious
Moms and dads will be thanking you for thinking ahead to when they are standing over their baby with a pair of nail clippers, wincing in fear. This clipper has added extras to make the job quick and foolproof: A light. and emery board and a curvy grip design so that snipping baby's jagged nails is fast and safe.
44. Shynerk Baby Car Mirror
For the Commuter
What's your little one doing in the back seat, anyway? Find out by strapping this safety glass mirror to a back seat headrest, and you'll be able to look in the rearview mirror and see, reflected in this mirror, what's going on in the backwards-facing car seat.
45. SOPHIE LA GIRAFE 'Sophiesticated' Ring Teether & Teething Toy
For the Francophile
Created in 1961 in France, this cute phthalate- and BPA-free teething ring is made of natural rubber and food-quality paint.
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