Baby shower gifts today are not just about diaper bags, baby clothes and stuffed animals. If you have been invited to a baby shower and need the perfect gift, you can get almost everything you need online without the hassle of finding parking, juggling large packages and waiting in long lines. Here are some favorite baby gift ideas to choose from.
Breast Pump
Breast pumps come in many styles and price ranges and are a must-have for the mother who plans to breastfeed. They come in handy even if mother is planning to stay at home rather than return to work. Look for the electric, double-pump models such as Medela's Pump-in-Style that come with a carrying case. Prices for a good breast pump range from $250-400 but will pay for themselves within a few months rather than spending even more of your family's finances on infant formula. If your budget is tight, you can get a manual breast pump for about $35-50.
Baby Swing
Baby Swings are a favorite gift item for the new mother to help when babies are fussy or when mothers need to have a break. Be sure you purchase a swing that has at least 2 speeds on it. In order to use the swing safely, be sure the baby is buckled in. Baby swings range in price from about $70 to just under $200.
Port-a-Crib
Great for travel or just for an extra place to sleep, port-a-cribs are very convenient and useful. Some include a diaper changing area and storage for diaper needs. Many of these will easily convert to a playpen or play yard when the baby is older. Some port-a-cribs are even designed to be used outdoors and include a tent over the top. Port-a-cribs range in price from about $50 to about $150.
Co-Sleeper
If mom is planning to breastfeed, co-sleepers are without a doubt one of our top favorite gift ideas. Co-sleepers provide additional space for baby to be close by at night. They are convenient in the early weeks of frequent feedings and keep baby away from getting entangled in bulky bed coverings in adult-size beds. Co-sleepers are often designed to easily convert to a bassinet and typically cost between $140-180.
Breastfeeding Pillow
By far the best breastfeeding pillow on the market is called "My Breast Friend" and includes a velcro strap that helps to secure the pillow in place. The My Breast Friend pillow has handy pouches to store cell phones or tv remotes in. Unlike other breastfeeding pillows, it places the baby at an even level no matter what position the baby is in for breastfeeding. This is not only a favorite gift for breastfeeding mothers but also a bargain at $40-45.
Shopping Cart/High Chair Cover
One of the best and least expensive baby shower gift ideas is a shopping cart cover. They typically run about $30 and they are one of the best ways to protect your baby from illness while shopping in grocery or department stores. Most shopping cart covers are machine washable and many also convert to high chair covers.
Swaddling Blanket
For fussy babies, one of the most tried-and-true techniques is using a good swaddling blanket. Square blankets that are between 40-42 inches in length work the best as baby grows. Swaddling blankets are also an inexpensive shower gift at about $20. Keep in mind that most receiving blankets on the market are not sufficient for swaddling purposes by the time your baby reaches about 8 pounds so getting a larger swaddling blanket will grow with the size of the baby.
Breast Milk Storage Kit
Storage kits for breast milk is a must-have for the breastfeeding mother who plans to return to work. Look for kits that use BPA free plastic or glass storage bottles. Some breastfeeding storage kits also include an insulated bag for safe storage. These kits range in price depending on what is included but are another good bargain gift at around $30.
Baby Sling
When moms need to have their hands free but baby is fussy, slings are one of the most useful things for a new mother to have on hand. Research shows that babies cry less when they are held and slings also offer privacy for breastfeeding in public. Some slings are available with adjustable straps and others have a more custom fit. They come in many fabrics including cotton and other organic materials and typically run about $40 -100 or more.
Moses Basket/Baby Carrier
The Moses basket is a great extra place for baby to nap inside or outdoors in the shade at summer picnics or at the poolside. These baskets work great to "shrink" the size of your crib so that baby can have a smaller space in the early weeks when they are much more used to confined spaces. Moses baskets generally cost between $45 to $200.
What are your favorite baby shower gift ideas? Leave a comment here!
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