5 Favorite Baby Gifts

Please note that the following post does contain affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these links, I will receive a small percentage back to support this website. Thank you! Still, I would recommend these gifts regardless of where they are purchased!

As a new Mom, we received many thoughtful and generous gifts when Nathan was born. I promptly wrote the thank you notes, and we have since put these gifts to good use. That said, three months into caring for a baby, there are couple gifts that I use more than others. Some we received and others I purchased on my own, on the recommendation of others. These five things are the items I will now give as baby gifts because they are so useful! I realize every baby is different but if you are looking for something unique and / or practical to give a new Mom, here are my top recommendations, coming for a new Mom who’s tried and used them all.

1. Aden and Anais Swaddling Blankets

Before I had a baby, I thought these blankets were overrated. Then, a teacher from Andy’s school gave us two of these Aden and Anais swaddling blankets and I quickly learned why everyone raves. First, they are the perfect size of blanket, whether you are laying the baby on the ground or swaddling. They are lightweight enough that you can use these blankets year around. I especially like them to cover up when I’m nursing. The price is a bit higher, but you could do as the one teacher did, buy a set of 4 blankets (as they are sold) and divide it into two baby gifts. We’ve been perfectly happy with two of these marvelous Aden and Anais blankets. You can find these at Target and Babies R Us as well as online.

2. Booginhead Pacifer Clip

If a baby uses a pacifier, they are going to need a pacifier clip. Regardless of what kind of pacifier they use, there is one pacifier clip I recommend. It’s called the Booginhead. It’s a strong clip that doesn’t damage clothes and can attach to any pacifier. Plus, it’s available in lots of cute colors and patterns! We ordered ours from Amazon but I later saw it at Walmart. It is the best investment and will save you countless times of searching for and washing a dropped pacifier. Buy one of these sooner rather than later.

3. SwaddleMe

Swaddling has received a lot of attention in the recent years. Our hospital swaddled Nathan in the NICU and even sends all parents home with a sleep sack / swaddle. Nathan liked being swaddled, then didn’t for a small window, but then really liked it again. From week 3 on, we’ve used the SwaddleMe swaddle to help him get a good night’s sleep. We’ve found that it keeps him from jumping as little babies do, especially when they are sleeping on their back as now recommended by all doctors. The SwaddleMe is easy to use as it wraps the baby securely. We laugh that the baby looks like a little burrito, but he really seems to like it and sleeps soundly – which makes me like it. Again, you can buy these at Target or Babies R Us as well as online. I just purchased the bigger size at Once Upon a Child, a child resale shop.

4. Coordinated Onesies and Bibs

Let’s be honest. There are so many adorable outfits for babies. Boys or girls, it doesn’t matter. When you have a baby, your dresser and closet will be filled with the cutest assortment of outfits. What gets worn the most? The onesies. In my experience, the overalls and sweaters and pants are worn occasionally. They are too much work for a new Mom who is happy to be in clothes herself. Buy the baby some cute onesies – with bibs that coordinate – and she’ll be happy that the baby is dressed so cutely and simply. When the drooling starts around 2 months, as it will, she will be extra glad for those matching bibs and onesies. I’ll give bonus points if you buy bibs that wrap around and snap on the side of the neck instead of velcro-ing on the back. Those are my favorite bibs because they are easy to fasten and stay on securely. Here’s an example of some matching sets, but they can be found anywhere you buy baby clothes.

5. Pampers Diapers and Wipes

I stockpiled a lot of diapers before Nathan was born. I stockpiled diapers in all sizes and in all brands. Nathan hasn’t had a problem wearing any of the diapers and rarely leaks in any of them (no more so than the typical new baby). Of all the brands we have used, I have decided that Pampers are my favorite brand. These diapers fit securely and hold the most, especially in the newborn days. As for wipes, Pampers are also my favorites. I know some Moms don’t like these wipes because they are most moist than other wipes. To me, that is what I like the most about them. I feel like I can really get the baby’s bottom clean with these wipes. I will still buy the ones that are the best deal but am watching harder for deals on Pampers.

There you have it. If you are looking for practical gifts to give a new Mom, these are my personal recommendations. Of course, board books, baby wash and baby shampoo are also nice practical items always needed to round out your baby gifts. Freezer meals are also appreciated, especially once the baby is born! What would you add to this list? Are their other items Moms have appreciated as baby gifts? I’d love to hear in the comments!

I’m linking to Thrifty Thursday at Living Well, Spending Less.