Knowing what to give a new mum or baby can be a tough decision. They can often be overwhelmed with a huge range of cute soft toys, booties or bodysuits, lovely gifts, but in reality, there are only so many cuddlies or bodysuits a baby needs.
When choosing a gift, think outside the box and give something that may not be quite as pretty, but could be an absolute lifesaver and something the new mum may not have thought of yet.
When we talk to our customers, these are some of the gifts they wished they'd received for their new bubs.
1. Merino Singletsuit
One of the most versatile pieces of clothing for bubs is a merino singlet suit. You can use it as a baby's only layer in the heat of the summer and as a base layer for winter, keeping their core body temperature nice and cosy. Natural merino is temperature regulating and will help your little one stay warm in the cold and cool in the heat. Its moisture-wicking properties also help with keeping your baby comfortable. Our Merino is also supersoft on baby's skin and is a lovely natural fibre for sensitive skin.
2. A Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a safe way to keep your baby warm and comfortable for every sleep as there is no loose bedding to get trapped under or kick off and become cold. Not only is it safe, but it's also the perfect cue for sleep - every time a baby gets into the sleeping bag, they'll know it's time for a few zzzz's.
There are so many options for sleeping bags including merino, cotton, blended and more. We'd recommend a Woolbabe 3 seasons Sleeping Bag or 1.0 tog cotton bag to cover most of the year. You can remove layers when it's hot and add extra layers on bubs to keep warm when it's cold. Choose a size that is right for the age of the baby, or the age they'll be when they will wear it. A great choice is the Woolbabe mini sleeping bag which is sized from 0-9 months.
3. Silver Nipple Cups
New mums are often surprised at the pain breastfeeding can cause, especially if their newborn is struggling to latch. Our Silver Nipple Cups utilise the natural healing properties of Silver to help prevent and soothe nipple pain, cracks, cuts and inflammation that can occur during your breastfeeding journey.
Our customers rate these as a "must-have" and "life saver" and love just how quickly these can help heal their nipples and prevent issues when used from the beginning.
4. Personal Thermometer
A personal thermometer is one of those practical gifts that every new parent will be grateful for. When bubs has a temperature, the last thing you want is to be scrambling to find a thermometer or making a trip to the shops. A good quality thermometer gives you an accurate reading quickly and easily, giving you peace of mind and helping you decide whether a trip to the doctor is needed. Look for one that's easy to use in the middle of the night, ear or forehead thermometers are popular choices for babies and young children as they give a fast, reliable reading with minimal fuss.
5. Reusable Baby Wipes
These super soft wipes can be wet with water for a super gentle and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable baby wipes. But these aren't just for bums! They're great to have on hand for quickly wiping up spills, cleaning sticky hands, faces and more. Chuck them in the nappy bag, use them on the change table, in the bathroom and the kitchen, one of the best all-round baby products. We especially love these Bumkins ones!
6. Muslin Swaddles
Muslin swaddles are one of those gifts that keep on giving long after the newborn stage. Lightweight, breathable and incredibly versatile, a good muslin swaddle is an absolute staple for new parents. In those early weeks, swaddling can help your newborn feel safe and secure, mimicking the snugness of the womb and helping them settle to sleep more easily. But the usefulness doesn't stop there, muslins double as a pram cover, a nursing cover, a change mat liner, a burp cloth, a beach blanket and so much more. Look for 100% cotton or bamboo muslin for the softest touch on delicate newborn skin, and choose a generous size so it can be used well beyond the swaddling stage.
7. Baby Nasal Aspirator
Not the most glamorous of gifts, but when your baby has a blocked nose, a baby nasal aspirator is a lifesaver! It's a simple device that's used to suck mucus out of your baby's nose (see what we mean about glamorous…). Babies are obligate nasal breathers, so being able to clear your baby's nose of mucus can result in a much happier baby as they can breathe and feed more easily. It's safe, hygienic & easy to use.
8. Crane Humidifier
Coughs, dry tickly throats, congestion and colds can disrupt a baby's sleep and it can be hard to get them to settle when they are under the weather. A Crane humidifier can be used to increase air moisture for easier breathing. Best used with just water (we don't recommend essential oils for babies), the Crane Humidifiers are a safe must-have for newborn babies, especially over the winter months.
9. Things for the Future
So often, the gifts received are for the newborn or 1st-trimester stage (up to approx 3 months of age) and often, this is where the new parents have stocked up on most things themselves. Why not purchase something in a larger size that the baby can grow into? Things like singlets, bodysuits and zip suits are always useful, and many of our customers say they would have loved to have received more clothes in larger sizes, in particular the 6-12 month size. It's not just clothing where this applies, but also feeding. Babies tend to start solids between around 6 months of age, so consider buying something to start their journey to solids.
10. Room Thermometer
Knowing what temperature the nursery is can help you dress bubs appropriately for their sleep. If a baby is too hot, the risk of SIDS is increased and if they're too cold, they're likely to wake up, especially in the early hours of the morning when the temperature is lowest. The room thermometer, along with the sleeping bag or swaddle you're using for the baby will guide you as to how many layers your baby might need overnight. We always recommend checking bubs' temperature by placing your hand on their chest or the back of their neck. If they're red and sweaty, they're too hot.
Shop Gro Egg 2 Room Thermometer >
11. Wet Bags
Wet bags are great for so many reasons. They're perfect for storing dirty reusable nappies, paint-covered or wet clothes from being out and about having fun. Not only good for mums, but they're also handy for older kids - think messy play & swimming. We love the practicality and fun designs of the Nestling Double Pocket wet bags.
12. Portable White Noise Machine
White noise is a helpful settling tool for newborn babies who are adjusting to life outside the womb. The white noise mimics the sound they've heard for the past nine months which can help babies settle and stay asleep longer. And it's not only good for babies, it's also useful for blocking sounds for toddlers who may easily get distracted or woken in the early hours as the world starts to wake up. We have a range of White Noise machines including the ever-popular Hushh and Dohm, as well as newer styles like the Travel Mini and Nod.
Shop all Yogasleep White Noise >
13. Postpartum Undies
A great alternative to single-use sanitary products, many of our customers have recommended our Postpartum Undies for use post-birth and beyond. They're super comfortable, good for the budget (long term), low waste and easy to wash and care for. Plus they look pretty good too!
14. Sunshade & Car Mirror
If you're on the fence about a sunshade or a car mirror, go for it. Babies are in rear-facing car seats for at least six months, if not more and if you're the driver, the only way you can easily check on bubs is in the mirror. Use a car shade to shield your baby's eyes from the sun and make them more comfortable.
Shop all car shades & mirrors >
15. Freezer Meals
Without doubt, there will be days when the new parents just can't muster up the energy to cook and when you have a tiny baby and perhaps older children as well, cooking dinner can be the last straw at the end of a long day. If you're not yet a parent yourself, you may be surprised at just how much a frozen meal will be appreciated, but we can assure you it will be. Something like a lasagne or curry or pasta sauce that can be taken out of the freezer, thrown in the oven/heated and served is ideal. You may be tempted with the subscription-style food boxes, but these may add more stress as they can require some assembling, plus there's nothing better & more nutritious than a home-cooked meal, that someone else has cooked for you!
16. A Dim Nightlight
It's one of those things that can easily be forgotten, but a dim nightlight can be hugely helpful in your room (or baby's room) at night. From nappy changes to feeds to just checking what all those noises are, a night light is super handy. After all, who wants to be startled with a bright light in the middle of the night? That's a recipe for tears and not being able to go back to sleep!
17. LUMA Bath
LUMA Baby baths are a popular product for babies. They're super compact, so great for houses that don't have a bath or to use in warmer areas of your home (when bubs is little and not splashing so much!!). Plus they're ergonomically designed which makes it so much easier to hold your baby whilst bathing over the traditional style baby baths, where you sometimes need two sets of hands.
18. Plain Old School Nappies
Never underestimate the number of cloths/wipes you'll go through! Old school nappies are so versatile; they can be used for everything from burping to wiping up spills, to nappy-free time, to using as a mat on the floor when changing nappies. We recommend having a few on rotation and in different areas of the house, especially if you have a spilly baby. One in each room that you can just grab is super handy. Our Flannelette Flat Cloth Nappies are a great option.Â
19. Breast Pads
It's a bit of an unknown before you start your breastfeeding journey, but you're likely to have leaky boobs at some point as your body adjusts its supply to your little one's needs (or even before giving birth). Reusable breast pads are a comfortable, budget-friendly way to absorb minor leaks and protect clothing from dampness and staining, not to mention giving you more confidence when out and about.
20. Nail Clippers
Trimming tiny, wriggling fingernails can be hard work, but it needs to be done, especially when babies don't have much control of their hands and arms and are scratching themselves left, right and centre. Nail clippers are one of those often forgotten, but necessary items. Sure, you can use a nail file to gently file bubs' nails, but a pair of tiny nail clippers is much easier and quicker on a wriggly babe. This is a great add-on if you're gifting bath related items such as towels or baby shampoo. We have the cutest Baby Grooming Kit that has all the little essentials you'll need.Â
