The best baby shower gifts make the transition to parenthood a little easier.
That means baby clothes, diapers, strollers, high chairs and more, but so are things for parents like bathrobes and meal delivery services.
Of course, you don’t want to show up with any old baby item. Really, you want to gift something that is that perfect combination of function and wow factor to help show you care.
You want your gift to be helpful and unique. So, you’re searching for the most forgotten baby shower gifts. These gifts are some of the essential items that parents forget and guests don't ever think of in their excitement to get the cutest baby gift ever.
1. White noise machine
A white noise machine is one of those things you never knew you needed until you have a baby. It may not seem like the most exciting baby shower gift, but it's a crucial gift. White noise machines are great for drowning out background noise that might otherwise wake a sleeping baby (neighbor's lawnmower, dogs barking). I purchased one for my grandson and it made a world of difference.
2. Nested Bean swaddle
I’m going to let you in on a hot tip. There's one must-have item that often goes overlooked on new parents' wish lists: a weighted baby sleep sack. It's a wearable blanket that has a small amount of weight sewn into a pocket in the chest area designed to mimic the sensation of being held.
3. Wet/dry bag and changing pad (to-go)
Babies are so incredibly wonderful, but let's face it: they're also messy, especially in the diaper department. It’s almost a guarantee that new parents will experience a diaper blowout while they’re out and about and need somewhere to clean up and put the mess away.
A travel changing pad is a perfect baby shower gift so they don't have to lay baby down on the ground or directly on top of a dirty changing table at a public restroom. Or, as we did when our kids were young, in the trunk of the car or back of an SUV.
Pair this with a stylish wet/dry bag to stash the dirty stuff until they get home. These wet/dry bags are made with a plastic-like material that wicks away moisture and doesn’t hold odors. That, and they last forever!
4. Bathtub cushion/bath kneeler
When bathing an infant or toddler, new parents don’t consider how uncomfortable kneeling on cold bathroom tiles truly is. Bath kneelers are made of soft, waterproof materials that provide ample padding when kneeling while bathing a slippery little one making bath time much safer and easier. It's kind of like the knee pads for when you're gardening outside.
A bathtub cushion is a simple, yet incredibly useful baby shower gift that will make bath time more comfortable for new parents. They come in many different sizes to match the decor of your bathroom, so you can match your bathroom kneeler to their nursery decor.
5. Meal delivery e-gift card
New parents need all the support they can get from loved ones during this new and exciting time in their lives. And, a meal delivery e-gift card is an amazing way to take that burden off mom and dad during their first few weeks of parenthood.
Food delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash have taken the stress out of eating with a newborn by bringing meals right to your door. What new mom and dad wouldn't love that?
6. Bottle cleaning basket, drying rack
The first few weeks of parenthood are busy! Learning to keep up with all of the feeding, washing, drying, and sleep schedules is exhausting. With so much to do and only two hands, parents could stand to have some cleaning support.
Bottle nipples, removable valves, straws, pacifiers — all of these little pieces can be tossed into a dishwasher safe basket and cleaned without worry of being lost in the dishwasher. Add a drying rack to help keep baby gear separate from other dishes and with air moving through.
7. Milk storage equipment
All babies drink milk: this is a fact. But, you'd be surprised at the number of parents who forget to pick up milk storage bags or severely underestimate the number they’ll need. Providing a new mom with additional milk storage equipment will ensure that their milk will always have a safe and accessible storage location.
8. Back seat mirror
The first few trips driving with a newborn are so nerve-wracking! A back seat mirror is an awesome choice because it provides new parents with a sense of reassurance.
The mirror attaches to any headrest and ensures that the driver can see the baby at all times. It is the perfect way to see if your little one is snoozing soundly in the back seat, looking out the window, or playing with their favorite pacifier.
9. A little something for new mama
New moms are always so grateful to receive items for their babies, but we think it's also a great idea to give something to the expected mother as well. Give a new mama the New Mama Deck. The New Mama Deck for first time moms eases the transition to motherhood and supports her mental health and wellbeing.
10. A little something for papa
Giving a gift for the new father at the baby shower is a great idea because it shows that you support him and recognize his upcoming role as a dad. During those first few weeks with a newborn, there are a lot of ways dad can help. Consider a practical, useful gift such as men’s skin-to-skin bonding clothing.
New Mama Deck and Hack Decks™
Being a first time mom is challenging, considering new routines that are different from your life prior to baby. These challenges might include reevaluating career plans. They might also include accepting that household tasks may take time to accomplish. Remember, your life goes from taking care of yourself to taking care of a newborn and yourself. The demands are completely different. Toss in sleepless nights, dirty diapers, spit up milk after an outfit change, and the to-do list gets exhausting. The last thing you want from anyone is unsolicited advice about how to manage it all. No, thank you. “I got this,” you think to yourself. And you do! But a few tips and tricks wouldn't hurt, either. For this reason, we suggest the New Mama Deck. It provides advice for new moms without someone looking over her shoulder.