New Baby Gift Ideas
As a second-time mom, these are two questions I get asked often:
What gift should I give a family with a new baby?
What needs to be on my baby registry?
For the latter, I refer them to websites like Babylist or What to Expect. Those sites share, in great length, about items you need when a new baby arrives. So, instead of focusing on that, I want to share with you the fun items I’ve been reaching for throughout Austin’s first year. He is 9 months as I write this, so I will continue to update it until he is 12 months old.
Sakura Bloom Ring Sling (from $88) - Over the course of having two sons, I gained five Sakura Bloom ring slings. They are different fabrics because each one offers unique types of support (that’s how I justify). A ring sling is clutch for your first year with a baby because once you learn how to use it, it’s the fastest carrier to assemble. Plus you look great with a baby snug to your chest. It takes some practice at first, but with the help of YouTube and following @lovesakurabloom on IG, you will be a master ring slinger!
Jack & Link Heirloom Rattle ($20) - Austin was gifted this classic rattle when he was 3 months old. It is a popular toy he still reaches for 6 months later.
Baby Merlin Magic Sleep Suit ($40) - I discovered this Magic Sleep Suit when I was feeling desperate. Austin was in his 3-month sleep regression phase. Ryan was still deployed at this time so I was in frantic search for a sleep suit that would help my baby who had just transitioned out of his swaddle. The Magic Sleep Suit regulated his temperature well - how it’s designed is that heat flows out of the arms and leg spot. We used this sleep suit for both naps and nights until he reached 6 months.
Tubby Todd All Over Ointment (from $16) - This ointment is for all the things. If your baby’s face is covered in baby nail scratches, apply the cream. If your baby has eczema patches, apply the cream. I’ve even been known to use it on my toddler’s cuts and scrapes. Moms, you can use it too on yourself for all the above. It’s odorless, made from plant-based extracts like jojoba, beeswax, and honeysuckle.
Ryan & Rose Pacifiers & Clips & Utensils (from $12) - These are Austin’s favorite pacifiers. They double as a teether too, which is great during the painful teething days. I personally love the style of these products. The colors are bright, which also makes finding a missing pacifier easier. Every week there is also new color launches and they’re available at Target now!
OggieBear Booger Tool ($22 for set of 2) - I honestly hate using a “booger sucker” and both my sons hated it too. The Oogiebear changed the game. It’s so fast and easy to use. This product gets the boogers and earwax out in a fast scoop. You can find it on Amazon or via their website.
Upseat ($89) - this seat isn’t like other seats you’ve seen. It is designed to keep your baby properly aligned as his core muscles develop so he can sit up on his own. It promotes better posture for ages 4 months to 2.5 years. Use it on the floor or connected to a chair for feeding time.
The Birth Poster (from $65) - I didn’t think I’d love this poster as much as I do until I opened it. This poster is a perfect reminder of my first days with my boys. Seeing their size, to scale, hanging on my wall reminds me how small they once were and how much I’ve grown as a mother. This is the perfect gift to give a family to help them slow down time just a little.
Malarkey Kids Munch Mitt ($12) - this was Austin’s favorite thing to chew on from 4-7 months. It was essential during long drives in the car if (when) his pacifier fell out. You simply attach it to their hand and they start gnawing. This mitt also has crinkle paper inside, which the babies always love.
Lopa Baby Booties ($34) - these booties are handcrafted in small batches by women in the PNW. They come in gender neutral prints. Their unique design supports your child’s malleable bones as they enter through the crawling to walking stages. I personally love these more than moccasins. You can get 15% off with the code: Austin15
Squeasy Gear (from $14) - now that we are introducing Austin to solid foods, the mess comes too. Austin currently loves soft carrots (Cracker Barrel restaurant style), macaroni and cheese, and bananas. He’s caught on that fruits are more tasteful than vegetables so the best way to steady his vegetable intake is to mix them with fruits. I love Squeasy Gear because they reduce the mess when I make his “veggie/fruit” smoothies. The pouches are soft and easy for your child to hold. There is also a little hole to attach the lid to a pacifier clip so the cup doesn’t fall to the floor while he’s eating/dropping his food.
Woolino Sleep Bag (from $69) - when Austin was ready to transition out of his sleep suit because he was moving around his crib, I tried putting him to sleep in a footed pajama. However, this failed because his legs and arms would get caught in the slats of his crib and he’d wake up in distress. Then the search for the right sleep bag began. Austin literally has three different types of sleep bags but this one is the favorite. It feels weighted which gives him an extra sense of security while he sleeps. What I love about this company is the bags are made with certified organic cotton and certified merino wool. The one Austin wears is a universal size that starts with ages 2 months to 2 years.
I hope you found this list helpful!
Comment below with any items you’d add for parents with a new baby!