Gifts for Expecting or New Parents

Becoming a parent is a big change in a persons life. A lot is taking place during the pregnancy and preparation of the new arrival. As friends and family members of those expecting, we can't forget to pamper the parents-to-be during all of this. Unexpected gifts or gestures are always a nice welcome to any mom or dad. As one of the contributors to our website, Kerry Hayward from Missouri, has put together a list of items that would be great gifts for expecting or new parents. This list also includes some gift ideas for the baby as well. Kerry is a mother herself, so she speaks with experience as she helps the rest of us find the perfect way to pamper expecting or new parents.

In this article:

- gift ideas for expecting or new parents
- gift ideas for baby
- a couple tips for new parents

gift ideas for expecting or new parents

*disposable camera

*roll of stamps (so you don't have to run out and get some with thank you notes to send--one less errand)

*pedicure before due date (you can do your own at home, but a friend once that with all that goes on during labor, etc. at least her toes would look great!) This can also pep you up that last week or so,

*rotation of dinner meals arranged by friends or neighbors, maybe for that first week postpartum after coming home from the hospital (good to check if the parents have any food allergies or restrictions ahead of time, and good to set a time to be dropping off the meals, or at least a ball park) - Get your friends together and plan a week or two or month worth of meals that you, friends and neighbors can do for the new parents.

*arge size exercise ball (very helpful for use before, during and after labor--also comfortable to use to sit on while working at the computer and for exercising)

*bottles of water for nursing moms to keep at each nursing station since it is so important to stay hydrated while nursing babies

*quick, healthy snacks/breakfast items (It becomes to easy to eat junk food, since it's quick and easy to use only one hand to eat it with - but it's not good nutrition for you OR your baby.)

*restaurant gift certificates (for places that have carry-out or delivery option as well, since sometimes that is easier)--this gift is very nice again later when the baby gets past four months and it becomes a little more challenging to go out to eat

*movie rental gift certificates (Blockbuster, etc.)

*books on tape (easy to listen to while feeding the baby, rocking, etc.)

*cozy slipper socks/slippers

*save newspaper headlines and local news clippings from the day the baby was born and make a collage and frame them for the parents and baby - this way they can see what was going on in the world when they were born

Below are just a few gift ideas for the baby that Kerry found useful being a new mom.

gift ideas for baby:

*diapers and wipes (they add up and go so fast! But probably not newborn size since the parents probably will already have a couple of packages of these and they aren't in this size for very long)

*easy-on footie pajamas (i.e., zipper, snap or button up style, NOT over the head)

* sleep-sack

* waterproof crib/bassinet/lap pads

*Boppy pillow or Boppy 5 in 1 activity center

*sling or soft carrier (highly recommended--these are awesome!!!!)

*possibly a digital camera (we don't have one of these, but I think it would be great especially for those who have family and friends spread out)

And here's just a tip for new parents:

*create multiple diaper changing stations if you have more than one level in your house (we found this to come in very handy!!)

* An idea from something I attended recently:

For those who are having their 2nd or 3rd child, instead of having a baby shower, the host had something called a "Sip and See" where she served brunch and coffee, etc. and friends could come and meet their babies. Also instead of bringing gifts, they asked the guests to instead bring change to put in a piggy bank (which the hostess had bought as her gift) to start there college funds or savings account.)