As a new Mum, we got bought a LOT of lovely gifts when my son was born. There's also quite a lot of stuff we've not used so I thought it would be useful to share my experiences to help anyone buying gifts for new parents!
Clothes
Baby clothes seem to be the go to gifts for new parents. Babies need a lot of clothes, leaky nappies and sick account for lots of outfit changes so personally I don't think you can have too many! Having said that, some parents might have clear ideas on what they will or won't dress their kid in.
I'm not a fan at all of slogans on baby clothes (I love my mummy & daddy and they love me, Mummy's little dude/princess etc...) I just think we shouldn't be putting words in our babies mouths and basically, they're tacky. I also don't really like the whole blue for a boy pink for a girl thing either.
If you're buying for someone you know really well then you'll probably know their views on baby clothes. Maybe try showing them a few outfits to gauge opinion. My best friend got the most gorgeous outfits for my son, she knows my taste!
Unless you're really close to the parents, it's probably wise to stick to plain basics. Vests and sleepsuits in neutral colours are so useful! Hats not so much, we seemed to get a hat to go with every outfit and as most of my babies cardigans and jackets had hoods, he never really wore them! It's always a good idea to include a gift receipt and also buy clothes in larger sizes 6-9 or 9-12 months as that age is when maternity pay dwindles! Just make sure you buy for the right season too, we had a lot of knitwear in 3-6 months which was April-July...
Nappies
Always handy, in the early days it's good to try loads of different nappies so a pack of nappies in size 1 or 2 will be gratefully received - just make sure the parents aren't planning on using reusables!
Water Wipes
I still use these now, they're so gentle on babies skin but a bit more expensive than other chemical filled wipes. They really get your baby clean too. You tend not to use baby bath or shampoo for the first few months, we still don't use lotion and health visitors advise not to use baby oil or powder any more, so rather than a bumper pack of products that probably won't get used, a big box of wipes while not as pretty will be much more useful!
Muslin cloths
You just can't have enough!
Jumperoo/play gym
Big toys that will give a new mum her hands back once baby is big enough to enjoy them! look out for baby events where you can get them half price.
Cuddle dry towel
I was given one of these and they're brilliant! You hook it over your head before bathing your baby (like an apron) so when it's time to get your baby out you aren't juggling a towel and your slippery baby, plus the towel gets the baby dry really fast, much quicker than normal towels. I thought it was a bit gimmicky but honestly really made my life easier (I'm not being paid to say this!!).
Sophie the giraffe
I don't know what it is about this rubbery squeaky giraffe but every baby I know seems to love her! Apparently more of these are sold in France every year than babies born - work that one out! It's a cute teething toy, you can also buy a harness off eBay for 99p to strap to Sophie so she doesn't get thrown out the pram (I use these for loads of toys they're so handy!).
Books
My favourite part of the day is snuggling up with my son and reading him a story, he seems to love it and it's a really nice ritual. We also have a lot of the "that's not my..." Touch and feel books which he loves playing with during the day. I really like "on the night you were born" for bedtime.
Why not get something for mum rather than the baby? Trust me, this will be really appreciated! Here's a few ideas:
Chocolates
When you're exhausted there is nothing like diving face first into a box of sugary treats to temporarily lift the spirits.
Magazine subscription
I really like Gurgle magazine, it's not "mumsy", it's an easy read with plenty of advice. It's hard to read books - physically they're hard to juggle with a baby & mentally require too much concentration in those first few weeks whereas a magazine can lie on the sofa next to you and is easy to dip in and out of.
Netflix/Amazon prime subscription
It's so nice to stick on a box set when you're tired and in a fog of feeding/ changing/ rocking. No one deserves to be stuck watching Jeremy Kyle. Amazon prime has the bonus of prime delivery too, and if you join Amazon family (free for Prime members) you get discounts on baby essentials like nappies.
Bath products
You feel so grubby as a new mum and there's nothing like a bath to relax and cleanse you while someone else looks after baby! Lavender oil is especially good for healing stitches.
Vouchers for baby classes
Going to baby classes is a great way to meet other parents, you could buy a baby yoga or massage course for mum, these are lovely bonding experiences for mum & baby too!
I hope this has given some inspiration! I'd love to hear your thoughts, what was your best baby gift?
