The truly appreciated baby shower gifts for real moms and babies
Baby showers are a special way to show support for a new mom and her family, but sometimes the gifts she receives can be impractical. Swaddle blankets and teeny-tiny newborn outfits are the cutest, but how many do they really need?
I've been guilty of answering the call of adorable patterns and miniature socks, too!
As some my best friends back home in Finland just had babies this winter – or are expecting any minute now! – I started to think about what baby shower gifts would be useful for real life, for both mom and baby. These might not be the cutest gifts for her to open, but she'll be thanking you down the road when your thoughtful gift comes in handy.
Promise of helping out
When I asked friends of mine who had babies their number one wish as gifts was babysitting promises. A couple hours that mom and dad can take to themselves, go on a date, get a nap, or just lounge around with YOU while taking care of the baby is someone else's responsibility. I heard of one group of ladies that "make a day of it" – they'll come babysit as a group and have fun catching up with each other while taking care of their friend's baby.
Other things you could do either alone or plan out in a group, is a promise to come and take care of laundry and vacuum the house, take older siblings out for an afternoon, or help take care of the meals for the family.
For meal planning, you can pass around a paper calendar at the shower or use an online service to have family and friends sign up for days they want to provide a meal. Pitching in a few meals yourself and being responsible for sending out reminder texts or emails will be a big relief to the new mom as she settles into a new routine, especially if she has older children to take care of as well.
Newborn or baby photo session
A photo session with a documentary approach will make for a wonderful gift for a sentimental family. Planning all the logistics of a session ahead of time will give mom-to-be peace of mind that all of the precious newborn details will be well-documented. Setting up an in-home session will give her the added convenience of not having to leave the comfort of her home to get photos done. The best part is she'll end up with tangible memories of this special went-by-in-a-blur time forever, which is such a priceless gift.
You can find a documentary newborn and family photographer in your area through the DFP photographer listing.
Nursing bra
A nursing bra is one of those things most moms are going to need, but few will splurge on a nice one for themselves – even though a nursing bra might get a lot of use. Having a cute bra that's functional could go a long way in helping a new mom feel comfortable during those first few weeks and months.
Tote Bag Insert
Almost every woman has specific purse requirements, which makes it so hard to pick out a diaper bag for a new mom! Instead of giving her a bag you're not sure she'll like or even use, try giving something like a tote bag insert. She can pack it up with her essentials and use it with her favorite bag she already owns, or simply stash it under her stroller.
Teething toys or necklaces
That day will sneak up seemingly in no time at all. Every baby is different in what they prefer, so when the teething kicks in it's such a relief for the parents to have them at home already.
Baby photography Ebook
If the future parents are snap-happy, you might want to get them an ebook for parents who want take better pictures of their baby. There is an option to send the ebook as a gift at purchase – just click the gift icon next to the email address slot.
Outfits in Bigger Sizes
If you really can't resist those adorable outfits in the baby department (who can, really?), try picking out clothes in larger sizes. A lot of babies are well beyond 12M clothing before their first birthday so help mama prepare by stocking her closet with a variety of sizes. If you are unsure of your friend's color preferences, go for basics and neutrals.
Babies generally won't need shoes until they're walking on their own so soft-soled shoes in larger sizes are perfect and practical, too.
Don't forget to consider the season baby is being born in so you can give her clothes that will be weather-appropriate by the time baby grows into them.