According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3.9 million babies were born in 2013 in the US. That’s 12.4 babies for every 1000 people! If you’re scrambling to find the perfect baby shower gift for a friend or family member, here are some ideas to consider.
3-12 Month Clothing
New mothers are often inundated with newborn clothing, but babies grow very quickly. If you want to give clothing, consider buying the next size up so that the new mom doesn’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe once her baby grows out of newborn clothes. Make sure you consider the seasons in your choices, as a selection of fleece sleepers and long-sleeved sweaters might not be appropriate for summer in Florida. The same can be said for gauzy, light clothes in colder climes.
An Oversize Receiving Blanket
A generously sized, light baby blanket is essential and can be used in many ways. They are great as a floor cover for tummy time and can be tossed over the car seat to form a wind-screen in cold temperatures. It also works great as a nursing cover.
Personalized Ornaments
A baby doesn’t have to be born in December to get a personalized Christmas ornament. You can order them online year-round, and you can even have them personalized. For non-religious households, Companies like Lenox make ornaments and other personalized gifts in a variety of styles. Such ornaments become heirlooms and are usually passed down once the child grows up and has their own home.
A Basket for Mom
With all the focus on the baby, moms can get stressed out. Putting together a basket of her favorite treats will help her to be the best mom she can be. Consider items like chocolates, her favorite coffee, herbal tea, her favorite lotion or maybe some bath products to help her unwind as the little one sleeps.
Matching Baby Socks
After a harried night, no new mom wants to dig through a tiny stack of baby socks to search for two that match. Do her a favor and get her a dozen or so that all match. It will make dressing the baby so much faster, and losing one won’t make another useless.
Choosing the right baby shower gift can be difficult. All of these gifts will be useful to a new mom and help her get comfortable with her new routine. As always, if you aren’t sure of her specific needs, it’s always a good idea to ask the person throwing the shower as to what the mom-to-be would like to receive.
