Gift Ideas for new parents
A new child is an exciting arrival in anyone’s life. When you know someone who is about to bring a new life into the world, you have the perfect opportunity to show them how much you care, and to welcome the new arrival with an amazing gift.
Of course, new parents will have a host of things to worry about, including ensuring good health for their new child, and learning how to bathe them for the first time. So, it’s important for you to make sure that you buy a gift that’s going to be both fun and useful (rather than something that will add to their stress). Whether you’re providing a gift as part of a baby shower, or you just want to show your love, here are some great gift ideas for new parents.
Sleep sack
Over the years, research has shown that the safest cribs available on the market today are those that come without stuffed toys, blankets, or pillows that could be a threat to a child’s health. Because of this, many modern parents are opting for ‘sleep sacks’ to keep their children warm at night. These sacks are like sleeping bags and are designed to keep a child cozy without the threat of tangled sheets.
Play mat
As babies grow, new mothers and fathers will soon learn that these little tots love to explore and play. A safe play mat, where the child can relax and enjoy new sensations, gives mums and dads some much-needed peace of mind when watching their children play in a calm and organized way. For example, the foam play mat from http://www.skiphop.com/playspot-geo-kid-foam-tiles supports the child as he or she interacts with new experiences and colors in a way that promotes growth and development.
photo Alyson Jones
Car seat
If the new parents you’re buying for are drivers, they are going to need a way to keep their little bundle of joy safe on journeys. Since a car seat can be a pretty significant present, you might want to check whether they already have one before you go and buy something. But most of the time, these gifts will be well-received. Make sure you buy one that is suitable for the weight and age of the child.
Diaper bag
Speak to just about any parent and they will tell you how difficult searching for the ideal diaper bag can be. Not only do you need to find one that’s stylish and attractive, but also something that has the right amount of space and compartments for the many essentials that need to be carried along on trips with the baby.
Nursing pillow
If you are aware that the parents you’re buying for are considering breastfeeding, then you should know that a nursing mum is going to need a lot of extra support. This can include lotions and creams to help soothe her skin and nursing pillows that will allow the new mum to relax and support her child at the same time, during feeding. A nursing pillow can reduce some of the back strain and aches that come with holding a child for long periods, so it’s something that most mothers will thank you for.
Plenty of new clothes
Finally, you might assume that everyone is going to be buying the new parents a basket of tiny shoes, baby-grows and socks during those initial weeks. The truth is that you still can’t go wrong with some high-quality clothing. Young babies go through clothes faster than you can imagine, and those new parents are going to be over the moon with any items they can get their hands on, from several pairs of tiny socks, to miniature gloves.
The perfect gift
At the end of the day, when you’re purchasing gifts for new parents, the same rules apply as when buying presents for anyone else – it’s the thought that counts. Whether you give your friends or family a year’s worth of diapers or a brand-new bottle station for their kitchen, the important thing is to make sure you’re buying something that’s practical, functional, and useful.
Stay away from things like teddies and toys, and stick to the things that are going to make the parents happy. After all, they are the ones that are going to be doing a lot of new work.
