Oh, Baby! These Baby Shower Gifts Will Make Parents-to-be Feel So Special

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As a new mom, I can easily recall the days of planning out my own registry for upcoming baby showers and being absolutely clueless about what I'd actually need. Fortunately, I've now had almost a year of parenthood under my belt and can share the baby products that I think parents truly cannot live without versus ones that I wish no one had wasted money on.

My top tip as a new mom: don't be afraid to buy things that aren't super cute but are considered necessities. Everyone wants to give moms to be cute baby clothes or a personalized blanket, but parents rarely need any more clothes for babies — after all, they grow out of them so fast! There are tons of baby essentials that Mom and Dad need that aren't as adorable as that monogrammed baby blanket but are far more useful, like a diaper pail, changing pad, and sound machine. These gifts may not get the "oohs and ahhs" from fellow shower attendees, but you'll definitely get a well-deserved and genuine "thank you" from the parents.

Of course, if the expecting couple has a baby registry, then that should be your first stop when shopping for a shower. If you're doubting what they want, there's no better resource than the list of needs they compiled on their own.

Finally, don't be afraid to get something special for Mom or Dad. So much focus will be on the baby during those first few months, so anything that reminds the new parents to give a little extra love to themselves will be appreciated.

More ways to spoil your favorite new mom:

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• The Sweetest Amazon Baby Gifts to Buy Your Favorite Mom-to-Be

• Unique Gifts for New Moms That Will Make Her Life Easier

Pillow

The Boppy might be listed as a nursing support pillow, but any parent knows that it serves so many more functions than that. I've used it as a tummy time helper, an independent sitting support, a feeding pillow, and so much more.

Diaper Cake

There's one thing all new parents need more of: diapers...and maybe sleep. We can't help with the latter, but Mom and Dad will be stocked on diapers with this cute cake.

Sync Backpack

A functional diaper bag that both Mom and Dad will love to carry around is worth the investment! After nearly a year of frequent use, I've found that this bag has more than enough storage that's efficiently laid out in a way that keeps me organized while on the go.

4-in-1 Grow-with-Me Baby Bathtub

Babies grow fast, so any product that can adjust to accommodate their rapid change is a winner. This bathtub is suitable starting when baby is a newborn through two years old. I love how quickly it transitions and that the sling is machine washable.

Plus Hands-Free Diaper Pail

It's not cute, but it's necessary — much like changing those diapers. This pail has a hands-free disposal thanks to the foot pedal and two lids to double seal odors inside. Personally, I love that the waste bag system comes in the form of a ring rather than individual bags, so I can tie off the trash bag before the pail is full if things are starting to get a little smelly.

Eva Baby Changing Pad

I don't know why fabric changing pads ever became popular. I can't imagine how many times we would've had to throw our changing pad cover in the wash if it was made of fabric. A wipeable one like this is an absolute game changer, especially in those early days when things are especially...messy.

Pacifier Box

Paci and bottle preference is so specific to individual infants, so there's no reason to stock up on one brand too early. This pacifier box includes seven of the best-selling pacis on the market so baby can find a favorite without Mom and Dad spending a fortune. They make a bottle box, too!

Infant CPR & Choking Class

While we hope that no parent ever has to use CPR on their infant, it's best to be prepared for the chance. This inexpensive online class is taught by a Registered Nurse and Certified CPR instructor on the basics of choking safety and infant CPR. It's not a traditional gift idea, but it's one the expecting parents will be so thankful for.

Stacking Cup Toys

My daughter is thoroughly obsessed with these stacking cups. They've become a go-to toy for us because there are so many ways to play with them. You can stack them like a tower, nestle them inside one another, and even use them with sensory water play thanks to the drain holes in the bottom. When she's older, I'll use them to help her learn colors and numbers, too. I especially love that they're dishwasher safe, making them great for travel.

Wooden Monthly Milestone Photo Cards

It's hard to imagine that the tiny baby parents take home from the hospital will one day be a one-year-old that's nearly three times as big, but time flies with an infant! That's why parents will appreciate the chance to record how their little one looks every month with these milestone cards.

Baby Hand and Footprint Kit

Babies don't keep, which is why new parents will definitely want to record how tiny those footprints and handprints once were.

Grooming Kit

New parents will be amazed at the outrageous hairdos those little ones can rock! Mom and Dad can smooth out that bedhead quick and easy with this set, and it comes with fingernail clippers and a gum/toothbrush to seal the deal.

Baby First Year Book

It's easy to think before baby is born that you could never forget the day they took their first step or what their first word was, but, as any parent will tell you, time passes and memories fade. This in-depth baby book gives parents a place to record all the milestones, from pregnancy through baby's first birthday, as well as those precious everyday moments they don't want to forget.

Mom's One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book

Speaking of those everyday moments, as years pass it can be hard to remember the little things, like what an average day looked like or how much you once loved rubbing your baby's back while they fell asleep. This simple journal has Mom write a sentence or two every day — the good and the bad — so she can look back in years to come and see just how much life has changed, and remember all those little moments that felt so big at the time.

Baby Floor Seat

This is one of our most-used purchases for our daughter, hands down. As soon as I started transitioning her out of the swing I swapped in the Upseat and I don't think it's gone unused for a single day since she was six months old. I opted for the Upseat over cheaper baby seats because it was developed by physical therapists and is designed for longer use than most seats. I use the Upseat as a booster seat, a secure spot for contained play, and even a bath seat (in desperate times!). It is, without a doubt, one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine

I highly recommend parents to have a sound machine that they can take on-the-go, and this one has been a winner for my family. It's the only sound machine we use, so my daughter doesn't have any issues adjusting to two different white noise sounds.

InLighten 5-Speed Baby Swing

You might be tempted to splurge on your favorite mom to be and get her the aesthetic baby swing that costs twice as much as this. I have one word for you: don't. Every parent I've talked to admits that their infant hated the expensive swing they bought (including mine). Breaking down and buying the far less cute baby swing is an inevitable outcome, so save the new parents some time and money and go ahead and buy this beloved one. I love that it has a mobile and light and can swing straight or side to side.

Baby Wrap Carrier

They might want to invest in a longer-use wrap when baby is older, but a simple fabric wrap is most newborns' favorite carrier style.

Crib Mattress

The days when baby transitions to their own crib will be here soon enough, and Mom and Dad will thank you for how easily they sleep knowing their bundle of joy is resting on this totally breathable mattress. The core is made of a woven material that's designed to significantly reduce suffocation risk. Bonus: that woven core is also 100% washable.

Mess-Proof Easy Bib

New parents are flooded with cute bibs and burp cloths at baby showers, but no one ever thinks about baby needing a more full-coverage bib once Mom and Dad introduce real food (it gets MESSY). These full-coverage bibs are easy to wipe clean and have a pocket to catch any food that falls — a lifesaver when out to eat.

Pack 'n Play

Our parents swore by Pack 'n Plays, and now it's our turn! This travel yard features a bassinet top attachment that's sleep safe, so it could be used as baby's full-time bassinet for the first few months, if Mom and Dad want to save space. I detached the bassinet and used it as an on-the-go sleeping space for my daughter, in case I wanted her napping beside me while I was folding clothes or laying on the couch. Now, we use the Pack 'n Play as a travel crib. It has plenty of space for her to spread out and is so easy to travel with.

Mobile Medicine Cabinet Travel Kit

I was so thankful to get a first-aid kit like this at a baby shower, and I've used it more times than I can count. This travel kit has all the essentials baby might need on the go, as well as a section to store essential medications.

Manual Breast Pump

This manual pump is a more cost-effective alternative to a wireless breast pump, but it's definitely not hands-free. Many Moms love using it to catch let down that happens from one breast when feeding baby on the other, too. Every drop counts!

Shyft DualRide Infant Car Seat and Stroller Combo

While many parents might appreciate the multipurpose use and extended lifespan a typical stroller might provide, others love the convenience of a stroller/car seat combo. If you know your favorite parents to be are looking for a stroller that's easy to grab and go, then invest in this one from Evenflo. It has great safety reviews along with an attractive faux leather handle.

Hanging Bath Toy Storage

Here's one thing all parents know for a fact: the toys start piling up quickly. Help Mom and Dad wrangle the mess fast with this bath toy storage system. The handle allows parents to quickly scoop toys out of the water and the quick dry mesh makes sure no mildew begins to form.

New Baby Essentials Kit

Here's the thing about newborns: You don't really think you need something until baby is up at 2 a.m. screaming and you can't go get said thing. Get those parents-to-be stocked on essentials like saline spray, gripe water, gas drops, and diaper rash cream now to save them tons of headache later.

Postpartum Kit

Birthing an actual human takes a toll on your body, and many mothers forget/aren't able to prioritize their recovery along with caring for their newborn. Prepping her with a postpartum kit like this is a great way to take a little bit off Mom's plate and feeling back to normal.

BassiNest Swivel Sleeper 3.0

This swivel bassinet is a huge difference maker in infant sleep for babies who want to be next to Mom all the time. The bed is designed to lay slightly above Mom and Dad's mattress as a safer alternative to co-sleeping. The bassinet is also detachable and can be used stand-alone on the floor if needed.

Orbit Labels

If baby is going to any sort of group childcare, from daycare to Mother's Morning Out to the church nursery, then Mom and Dad will want to have these on hand. There's so much to prep for that first childcare stay that it's easy to forget bottle labels with enough time to get them personalized. Help expecting parents get ahead by gifting them these dishwasher-safe labels now!

Hooded Baby Towel

Sure, they can always use a regular towel, but have you seen how cute those freshly washed babies are in these hooded towels? The little gingham ears really take the adorableness to the next level.

Sophie la Girafe

She's been around for more than 60 years, so it's no surprise that Sophie la Girafe is considered an absolute must-have by so many parents. The teething toy is easy for little hands to grasp and even easier for parents to clean. Sophie is in my diaper bag 24/7 and my daughter loves the chance to play with it!

Linen Baby Pacifier Clip Holder

You may not know what pacifier baby will love just yet, but Mom can always use extra paci clips! Trust a new mom: pacifiers defy every law of physics, so it is necessary to secure those suckers.

Portable Diaper Changing Pad

The definition of something you never knew you needed, this diaper changing envelope has been a life saver for me when changing my daughter on the go. It easily folds out and gives quick access to storage spots for her diapers, wipes, and rash cream. The changing pad is also wipeable — a must have!

DXR-8 PRO Baby Monitor

If Mom and Dad travel frequently, then they'll love that this baby monitor doesn't require a WiFi connection, instead using a FHSS closed circuit camera system that will automatically connect the camera and monitor every time after the initial set up. It also has active noise reduction, meaning my husband and I don't have to listen to the blasting noise from our daughter's sound machine all night.

Toy Straps

As soon as baby learns to throw, it's game over for keeping toys clean. These toy straps are so easy to attach to high chairs, car seats, and booster seats so toys, pacis, and teethers don't end up on the dirty floor.

Welcome Little One Gift Basket

Stock the new parents up on all the bath-time essentials with one easy kit. This set includes both a full-size and travel-size baby shampoo, calming comfort bath, lotion, and gentle cleansing wipes for on-the-go clean ups.

Floating Thermometer

It's so important in those early days to make sure that baby's bath water isn't too hot or too cold since newborns aren't able to regulate their own temperature well. But parents will also appreciate this floating duck thermometer for months after, too.

Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser Machine

Get ready for any older parents to be jealous that this product wasn't around in their day. The Baby Brezza Forumla Pro automatically measures and mixes powder formula and water to the specified bottle size all with the push of a button. No waiting for the water to warm and no scooping and leveling off formula at 2 a.m. with a screaming baby.

Swaddle UP

Swaddling an infant is not for the faint of heart. For starters, trying to get a wiggly baby to be still for long enough to completely wrap them is hard enough on its own. But then add to the fact that some babies don't like the restrictions of traditional swaddling — it's enough for many parents to throw in the towel...or baby blanket. The Swaddle UP is a great sleep sack alternative because it allows babies to safely keep their hands close to their face, which is a calming mechanism.

Breast Pump Hands Free M5

If you know Mom wants to breastfeed, then consider getting her a wireless breast pump. She can most likely get a simple wired one for free through her insurance, but a wireless breast pump is basically a necessity if she's caring for her newborn by herself most days. After all, you can't go get a crying baby from the crib if you're attached to an outlet on the wall!

Play Kit

Babies change rapidly, making it tough for new parents to keep up with what infants might need for their development. Lovevery takes the guess work out of buying age-appropriate toys by packaging up a variety of books and games designed for baby's specific developmental age. Get them an individual play kit or a subscription.

Dream Sock®

I'll admit that I thought getting the Dream Sock® was a little overboard before my daughter was born, but nothing prepares you for the anxiety of those first few nights out of the hospital. It took me one week to break down and get the Dream Sock® and we've used it every night since. I no longer obsessively check the monitor to see if her chest is still moving up and down and can rest easy knowing that her vitals are constantly being updated. After three months, the Dream Sock® even starts to predict your child's expected nap times based on the quality and time of their last sleep session.

Ypsi Travel System

There are baby essentials you can go cheap on (see: baby swing and bouncer), and then there are those that are 100% worth the investment. A great travel system is the latter. The ease of transitioning my daughter's car seat directly onto the stroller is unmatched, and we've been using the stroller seat (reclined and with an insert) since she was about four months old. The Ypsi stroller is incredibly adaptable, and I mainly got it because I loved the way it transitions to allow for multiple children (the toddler seat faces outwards). I'm positive our family will get years out of this travel system, so the price is 100% worth it to me.

Float & Play Bubble Baby and Toddler Bath Toy

The interior of traditional bath toys can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which is why completely-sealed toys like these are the way to go. This set comes with four toys for under $10 and is so much fun for little ones to play with.

Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer

Coming from someone who splurged on a cute, trendy, very expensive bouncer, let me tell you that it is not worth it. This Baby Delight option serves the exact same purpose and is just as nice looking.

Water Based Wipes, Pack of 12

You might not know what diaper brand the new parents are using, but these water-based wipes are great for almost any baby. They are gentle on sensitive skin and work just as well on those messy jobs as their cleanser-laden counterparts. This pack of 12 will keep them stocked for a while.

SmartSense™ Soothing Baby Bassinet

Smart bassinets can easily cost over $1000, but Graco recently released their version for under $400 and it's changing the game for parents. The bassinet automatically senses when baby cries or gets upsets and rocks to soothe them back to sleep, so Mom and Dad won't even wake up.

Breastmilk Chiller

On-the-go breastfeeding moms will love this stainless steel chiller. She can even pump directly into the storage container or baby bottle. It keeps milk chilled for up to 20 hours, so it's great for travel or work days.

New Mom Self-Care Kit

Every mom can use a reminder to take care of themselves, especially those in the throes of postpartum who are also juggling caring for a newborn who requires almost all of their attention. This kit is filled with little luxuries — like silk scrunchies, chocolate bar, and a therapist-written guided journal — that will remind Mom to indulge a little every day.

The Vault Baby Keepsake Box

Baby books are a great place to record written milestones, but they often lack a place to keep physical memories, like favorite outfits or hospital keepsakes. This box gives parents a place to tuck away all those sentimental items that are too big for a book.

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