Baby showers are a wonderful event for expecting parents to celebrate before the arrival of their little bundle of joy occurs. Ever been invited to a baby shower and thought what an earth do I buy them? There is SO much around in the shops that it can be very confusing as to know what is essential and what isn’t.

Practical Gifts For New Parents

Baby wear:

• Bibs– great when teething, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, etc to catch any dribbles and spills.
• Socks (in a variety of sizes)
• Singlets (in a variety of sizes)
• Button up singlets (in a variety of sizes)
• Homemade knitted goods- Blankets, jumpers, beanies etc.

 

Bath Time/Nappy Change:

• Face washers
• Bath wash– there are many great brands out there, we use Johnson’s
• Lotions– there are many great brands out there, we use Johnson’s
• Nappies (in a variety of sizes)- ask the parent if they have a preference. We use Aldi nappies and Comfy Bots from Coles.
• Swim nappies
• Wipes (disposable– we like Little Explorer and Huggies, and cloth wipes)
• Wipes container for change table
• Huggies Clutch N Go
• Cloth Nappy Towels
• Modern Cloth Nappies
• Bath towels
• Hooded Towels
• Bath toys 
• Nappy bin bags
• Nappy Cakes
• Sudocream
• Bath Thermometer

Bed Time:

• Cot sheets 
• Bassinet sheets (if they are using a bassinet) (quilt, pillow, sheet sets)
• Comforter set
• Mattress protectors 
• Swaddles
• Wraps
• Blankets
• Gro light- night light
• Sleeping bags

 

Food Time:

• Sinchies Reusable Pouches 
• Spoons
• Sippy cups 
• Silicon bibs for when they start solids
• Safety food feeder 
• Dinner sets– Plate, bowl, fork, spoon
• Straw Brush – to clean the inside of sippy cup straws, drink bottles etc

 

Teething/Dummies/Hygiene:

• Teething toys
• Toothbrush set
• Hands Hygiene set– nail clipper, nail brush, etc.
• Dummies- These are the brands we use: Closer to Nature, Kmart brand, Avent
• Bonjela
• Dummy clips

 

Breastfeeding/Bottle feeding:

• Breast Pads
• Breast thermopads
• Breastmilk storage bags
• Baby bottles– ask the parents if they have a preference
• Formula dispenser
• Nipple cream
• Microwave steriliser
• Bottle brush cleaner

 

Car/Pram/Out and About:

• Pram Toys
• Pram liners 
• On the go change mat
• Pram hook for shopping
• Stroller organiser 
• Stroller bag– Drink/storage holder
• Baby carrier – Baby Bjorn is the brand we have used and love.
• Seat protector- to protect the car seat while carseat is installed
• Car window shade
• Baby car mirror 

 

Mums:

• Maternity Pads
• Snacks for hospital and when they come home while feeding baby
• Maternity Singlets 
• Moisturising cream
• Hand cream
• Bobby pins
• Hair ties
• Chocolates
• Liquid soaps
• Face wipes

 

Toys/Books:

• Interactive toys
• Play mat
• Books
• Puzzles 

 

Cards:

• Milestone cards – fun cards to take photos with to record when your baby does each milestone.
• Bonds gift card
• Coles/ Woolworths gift cards

 

Health:

• Thermometer
• Panadol
• Nurofen
• Gripe water
• Infacol
• Cotton buds
• Vicks Vaporub Baby Balsam
• Baby powder
• Little Eyes

 

There are loads of other gifts you can gift to the expecting parents once their baby arrives. Think outside the box and offer your help in any form you think may make their life easier as new parents- meals, baby sitting, laundry help etc.

 

What kind of things do you buy for expecting parents? 

 

By Clare at Relaxed Parenting