Ask new parents-to-be what baby shower gifts they’d like to receive. Take a look at their response – you will most likely see a look of real confusion on their faces! Or maybe they come up with a standard response like “diapers” or something similar.
Exactly what a newcomer needs is not obvious to someone who has never had a baby before. And many times, guests aren’t in a better position when it comes to deciding on baby shower gifts, either.
Of course, there’s a lot more to baby showers than just gifts. But helping parents stock up for the newcomer is an important part of these celebrations.
That is why the following list of the five best baby shower gifts can be very useful.
Best Gift #1: Monitors
Monitors are great for combating anxiety, especially for new parents. That is why they occupy the number 1 position on this list.
Once they can hear the baby from anywhere in the house, parents find that their confidence levels skyrocket. The latest monitors are very sensitive and can pick up the slightest sound from the baby, even her breathing.
If your budget allows it, go one step further and buy a video monitor. That will really ease the anxiety. However, they are much more expensive, so perhaps this could be a joint gift for a baby shower for two or more guests.
Top Gift #2: Baby Playmate
Babies love to play. Anything that helps them play and be active not only keeps them engaged, but also encourages all-round development.
One of the best products for them is an activity gym or playground. It is a soft fabric mat surrounded by a baby-friendly structure of bars and arches with many different toys suspended from various points. The baby can play in a safe environment.
Basic activity gyms make great baby shower gifts. There are also more advanced ones that include rattles and a variety of toys. The suspended objects have different colors and textures to help develop baby’s cognitive skills.
There are also great portable gyms and playpens to help parents move around with baby. These are lightweight and designed to be easy to transport.
Top Gift #3: Baby Carrier
Most babies love to be carried in a baby carrier. It’s the closest thing to being snuggled in mom’s arms. Many parents have had the experience of babies fussing and crying while wearing other types of carriers, but calming down immediately when placed in a carrier.
Baby carriers are believed to foster a closer bond between parent and child. Whether true or not, slings have another great advantage: they leave your hands free to do other things. It’s definitely a huge plus and is one reason why this baby shower gift is so appreciated.
Top Gift #4: The Baby Travel Package
Moving around with baby can be a chore – you need to pack an endless variety of baby stuff, even for short outings.
One way to alleviate this problem is to have one or more baby travel packs on hand. What is a travel package? Essentially, a diaper bag full of necessities. It may include disposable diapers, one or two small toys, a bib, a complete change of baby clothes, safety pins, and other supplies.
It is a great advantage that parents receive more than one travel pack. So a package can always be had ready when they want to go. No need to waste time picking up and stuffing items into a diaper bag at the last minute.
Best Gift #5: Car Seat
Many parents say that a well-designed car seat is a wonderfully useful gift to receive at a baby shower. In fact, it is useful from the moment you leave the hospital with the baby.
There are infant car seats available, as well as convertible seats for infants and toddlers. The former can be used alone until the baby weighs about 22 pounds (typically). While the latter can generally be worn until the first birthday.
Both are great baby shower gifts especially designed for the baby on the go!
Make sure these five baby shower gifts are part of the event you’re hosting. The guest of honor will end up thanking you long after the party is over!