The Best Baby Shower Gifts for a First-Time Mother
Baby showers are not only a tradition for mothers-to-be, they are a way to begin the daunting task of collecting all of the things that new parents will need for their first child. Since the entire parenthood experience is new, mothers-to-be will need everything, particularly staple items that will need constant replacement. Shower gifts need not be extravagant. Simple, thoughtful gifts can relieve a great deal of pressure for new mothers-to-be.
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Basics
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A pre-packed travel bag is a practical baby gift. Some items will always be needed for babies, and new parents who are already finding themselves overwhelmed by expenses and choices will appreciate not having to worry about having basics on hand. Staples such as diapers, wipes, bath products, or formula if appropriate are always welcome, according to Baby Center. Consider combining staple items such as these in a diaper bag with a few spare outfits and toys to make a ready-to-go baby travel kit.
Group Gifts
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A group can pitch in to buy a large gift like a crib. New parents might find the extra expense of preparing for a new baby challenging. Consider chipping in with others on a shower gift of a bigger, more expensive item, such as a car seat, stroller, or changing table, suggests Rookie Moms. Most new mothers will even appreciate gifts of used baby furniture, especially items that can be used for a longer period of time, such as a combination changing table and dresser, or a crib that converts to a big kid'd bed.
Technology
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A baby monitor provides new parents with peace of mind. New parents will appreciate the ways in which technology can make parenting easier. A traditional voice or even video baby monitor is a practical gift that will save steps and add to the new mother's peace of mind, according to the Gift Idea Center. Baby Center suggests a white noise machine to help baby sleep. Another electronic aid is a mechanical breast pump for those mothers not wishing to breast feed, according to Rookie Moms.
Clothing
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Babies outgrow clothing quickly enough to make buying too many outfits in one size impractical. Clothing is a must for a new baby. Rookie Moms recommends not buying too many outfits in one size. While babies grow quickly enough to need new clothing every several months, several sleepers or T-shirts in the current size and the next size up are a good idea for gift-giving. The same applies if the season is about to change. Several items that are currently seasonal and several for the season ahead will be greatly appreciated. Remember less obvious items such as socks or starter shoes, as well.
Linens
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New parents will need assorted linens, such as crib sheets, receiving blankets and soft towels. Baby linens are another necessity. Rookie Moms recommends soft bath towels, crib sheets, pack-and-play sheets (not the same size as crib sheets) and receiving blankets. As with clothing, hand-me-downs will surely be welcome, and needs for different seasons should be considered.
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