So you just received an invitation to a baby shower. You are honored to be invited to this happy event but you realize that you are now faced with a difficult challenge. Finding a baby shower gift that is unique AND useful! We’ve reviewed some of today’s latest and greatest baby gifts and gadgets and have come up with 15 baby shower gift ideas that are WAY better than anything your mom ever got – guaranteed.
1. The Sleepy Hat
If you don’t already know the importance of keeping a sleeping baby asleep, then you’ll have to trust me on this one. Designed for safety, the soft fold-down flap blocks light from your baby’s eyes to keep them sleeping peacefully even when you’re out and about. Made from 100% organic cotton, this lightweight, breathable hat was clearly invented by a sleep-deprived mom.
2. MamaRoo Bouncer
This upgraded version of a bouncy seat offers five unique motions including car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock a bye and wave. I’m not sure what a “kangaroo” is, but this seat had me sold on “car ride.” With Bluetooth for motion and sound, this seat does everything but get your baby ready for kindergarten.
3. 3-in-1 Diaper Bag/Changing Mat/Bassinet
Most of us have moved apartments with fewer things than our babies require just to go to the park. But this diaper bag takes all the essentials and rolls them into one easy-to-carry tote. With space for all of the necessities, including an insulated cooler pocket, this bag easily folds out into a convenient changing station, as well as converting to a portable bassinet for napping on-the-go.
4. Daddy Diaper Changing Kit
There’s no reason why moms should have all the fun when it comes to changing diapers. This 14-piece kit combines laughter with some all-too-serious diaper changing tools that dads will find essential when their charming little one makes some less-than-charming messes.
5. Baby Brezza One-Step Baby Food Maker
We often start with lofty plans for making all of our own baby food. But after a few rounds of trying to juggle the baby, our own dinner and, well, life… good intentions can fall by the wayside. The Baby Brezza One-Step Baby Food Maker makes it easy to get back on track with an automated process that allows you to simply add your ingredients, set the steamer, and wait for the machine to do the rest.
6. Joovy Foldable Nook High Chair
There are plenty of portable eating chair options out there, but this one takes the cake. With a design that folds flat with only hand, this chair can go anywhere, including restaurants, your in-laws’ or on play dates. Best of all, the removable top tray and seat covers are all machine washable.
7. Baby K’tan Baby Carrier
There’s no doubt that slings are one of the best ways to keep your baby snuggly and safe while freeing your hands up for other things. But, figuring out how to wrap, tie and otherwise wrangle yourself and your baby into one? That’s another story. The Baby K’tan makes it easy with a patented double-loop design and customized sizing. And with multiple wearing positions, it will grow with your baby from 8 to 35 pounds.
8. The Pocket Nanny by Itzbeen
Sure, keeping track of your baby’s feedings, diapers and naps might sound easy enough when you’re still getting eight hours of sleep a night. But in the early days of newborn-mania, remembering your own name can be a challenge. The Pocket Nanny helps you track important information about your baby’s habits and schedule and keeps it all together in a single device, which is especially handy when you need to pass information back and forth with care givers.
9. Fisher-Price Smart Connect 2-in-1 Projection Mobile
I don’t care how good your ninja skills are, trying to turn a mobile back on without disturbing a fitful baby is pretty much impossible. Thank goodness for Fisher-Price. The Smart Connect 2-in-1 Projection Mobile offers up to 30 minutes of soothing sounds and light projection to help your baby fall asleep. But the real highlight of this device is that you can connect it to your smartphone with the Smart Connection app, allowing you to activate the spinning mobile and turn on sounds or lights if your baby becomes restless – all from the comfort of your own bed.
10. The Halo Sleep Sack
Doctors and new parents alike will tell you that swaddling a baby is the best way to ensure a peaceful sleep. What they don’t tell you is that every baby sleeps just a little bit differently. The Halo Sleep Sack provides three-way adjustable swaddling that accommodates your baby’s unique sleep style, including arms in, one arm out or hands-to-face. When it’s time to stop swaddling, the Halo serves as a wearable blanket that keeps baby warm, without constricting movement or causing overheating.
11. Silicon Teething Necklaces for Mom
Teething babies are like piranhas. They are vicious and nothing is sacred, not even your favorite necklace. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up fashion just because your little one is getting chompers. Teething necklaces like this one from ASSIS use non-toxic, BPA-free silicon that is completely safe for babies to gnaw on without hurting their tender gums or damaging the jewelry. With prices ranging from around $8 – $15, these make great gifts for moms at baby showers, birthdays…or just because.
12. Travel Bottle and Food Warmer by Tommee Tippee
Whether you are breastfeeding or using formula, the time comes when you need a bottle – and it needs to be warm. The only catch is that taking an electric bottle warmer with you isn’t always an option. The Tommee Tippee Bottle and Food Warmer solves that problem with a stainless steel design that safely stores hot water for warming bottles and food jars on the go without electricity.
13. Stroller Organizer
Strollers are, without a doubt, the cornerstone of childrearing from the ages of 0 – 3 years old. And considering the amount of time we spend pushing our little ones around while trying to keep track of phones, sippy cups and everything else we’re supposed to have on hand at any given moment, it’s a wonder we survive. That’s why a stroller organizer will become your new best friend – or at least your substitute purse for the next few years. Spend one day with this convenient, universal fit organizer from Simply Organized and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
14. Wubbanub Pacifier
It may seem a bit silly – a pacifier with an animal attached to it. But you’ll soon find out that this is one of the greatest inventions ever. Not only do little ones have something soft and cuddly to hold on to, the weight of the animal means the pacifier falls out less often, and when it does, your baby can pick it up and put it back in with greater ease. Really, it’s a win-win for everyone – and a must-have for new moms.
15. Gift Certificates
The first few months with a newborn can leave new parents feeling like they might have to choose between a diaper fund or a college fund. A gift card to Amazon or Target is a lifesaver at times like this. And while it may seem like an anti-climactic way to end our list, believe me, this will be one of the greatest gifts you ever give.
