Women who've been to baby showers Before AND After they've had a child totally get this.
Non-Mom Friend gives - the most adorable outfits, blankets and stuffed animals you can find
Mom Friend gives - the most practical things that saved their life with a new baby
I always say when In doubt STICK TO THE REGISTRY. I know it's tempting to buy 1 blanket, 4 outfits, a stuffy and the CUTEST hooded towel you've EVER Seen...BUT 99.9% of that is not helpful to a new mom. If you don't want to stick to the registry get an outfit or 2 and a gift card (gift cards are ALWAYS a Win!)
Here is a simple list of items that, even if not on her registry, she will find functional and practical.
- Fisher Price Sit Me Up
This little Gem is under $40 on Amazon and comes into MAJOR play around the 3month mark. The baby will need good head control prior to use. However, this is a GAME CHANGER in my opinion once they can hold their head up well. We put our daughter in this on the bathroom floor to take a quick shower, on the dinner table so we could all "eat" together and pretty much anywhere in between. It's a fantastic alternative to a highchair when you are starting those first feeds. It also collapses flat making is SUPER easy to transport.
- Triple Paste
This Diaper Cream (combined with baking soda baths) was the ONLY thing that Cured a Month Long Diaper Rash Battle. We tried EVERYTHING, over the counter, prescription, you name it we tried it. This is not your cheap diaper cream BUT in my book it is worth EVERY PENNY. Every new mom I know gets a jar from me. We won't use anything but this now.
- Swaddle Me Swaddles (size small)
Oh did I have pre-baby delusions that I was going to swaddle my baby like a PRO only using a swaddle blanket....WRONG! The Velcro on the Swaddle Me swaddles is worth its weight in gold. So much so that during week 1 of our daughter's life I made my husband go out and buy more so we had a full weeks worth lol. You can get these swaddles so snug that those little baby arms won't budge. We used these in small and then upgraded to large until she could wiggle her little arms out on her own.
- Back Seat Mirror (usually one for each parent)
You want to go Quality on these. The clearer the image the better for the parents. These are essential for making sure baby is safe while rear facing. My daughter is 2yo and we still LOVE and depend on our mirrors. Plus, once she started to get older she loved looking in them too!
- Nuby Teething Ring
Adorable and Functional!! One of my daughter's favorites!
- Hook n' Stroll
FORGET the Mommy Hook! These stroller hooks are THE BEST. They don't slide and you can even hang both corners of a diaper bag from them since there are two. These are a stroller must have in my book!
- Aden + Anais Classic Burpy Bib
These Bibs are My ABSOLUTE Favorite. Yes you can find cheaper but the quality is unbeatable. AND they are multifunctional. They have a snap on them to make a full surround bib when it's time to start eating! We rotated through about 8 of these. Well worth the extra money in my opinion.
Hope this list helps keep those 1st time Moms in your life Happy! Let me know if you have any other "Must Haves" for a first time mommy!