Whether you are a parent-to-be or a baby shower invitee, knowing what to gift can be a challenge! Let’s discuss some “baby registry must-haves” (although I personally dislike that phrase) and items that make great baby shower gifts.
I want to take a moment to reiterate that I do not like the phrase “baby registry must-haves”. Phrases such as these imply that certain items are mandatory for birthing or raising a child. Everyone’s needs are different, which is why I am supplying a baby shower gift guide rather than a baby registry must-have list. Take or leave these suggestions as they are just that—suggestions.
Related Posts:
– No Wrap Baby Shower
– Baby Shower Games
– Baby Shower Themes
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Baby Shower Registry Tips
Which baby registry is best?
There are loads of website options for hosting your online baby registry. Most major online shops have options for creating a baby registry directly on their site. This is a fantastic option if you typically only shop from one, maybe two, different online retailers.
However, if you are wanting to add items to your registry from many different stores, I would recommend using Baby List.
Baby List is a one-stop-shop platform that allows you to link items from all different websites. Instead of sharing your Amazon Registry, Target Registry and other additional store registries with your friends and family, share just one link to your Baby List registry. You can even link items from Etsy or online boutiques that you might not otherwise be able to share on a registry!
Most baby registries, including Baby List, offer a discount for any items still remaining on your registry not yet purchased. What I did was use Baby List as my main baby registry hub, then I also created a separate Amazon Registry for a few random items I knew people didn’t want to buy.
“Baby Registry Must-Haves”
Again, I do not like this phrase but if I were to pick my top baby registry and baby shower gift recommendations, these would be it.
Safe Place for Baby to Sleep: Crib & Mattress
You know your baby best and you know where the safest place for them to sleep is depending on your situation. My experience: My first slept in a bedside bassinet for many months until we shifted her into a crib in her own room. The bedding item I love the most is the Newton breathable mattress for her crib.
Links: baby delight bassinet | nestig crib | newton baby mattress (discount link)
Feeding Baby: Nursing, Milk Storage & Bottles
FED IS BEST. Period. This is one area where people shame others and that bullying is not tolerated here. However you need to feed your baby is up to you and your situation. My experience: I nursed my first for as long as I could. During that time I was also pumping and collecting milk to save for bottles. We now keep formula on hand for when she gets sick and can only keep down fluids.
Links: haakaa breast pump | milk storage bags | baby bottles
Traveling with Baby: Carseats & Strollers
Please refer to the most current carseat safety standards for where you live. This may vary from place to place, car to car. My experience: We were constantly going somewhere, in-and-out of the car during the first few weeks after giving birth. I loved using the Doona infant carseat that had wheels attached to it. We didn’t have to transfer her into a stroller upon arrival as the Doona is a stroller as well. We now use a convertible carseat that should grow with her.
Links: doona infant carseat | graco 4ever carseat | mockingbird stroller
Baby’s Health: Thermometer & Nose Tools
How you approach your baby’s health may vary from person to person depending on your situation. This is another area where people shame others and again, that bullying is not tolerated here. My experience: We were lucky in that my first was a strong, healthy baby. She didn’t get her first cold until she was almost a year old. I would recommend every household purchase a thermometer and have a plan for how to help a sick child.
Links: braun thermometer | saline spray | snot sucker | nose cleaner | lifevac
Baby Shower Gift Guide
Gifting Etiquette
First, if a specific item is linked on the parent(s)-to-be’s registry please purchase that exact item from the registry. People register for specific items for a reason, so please respect their wishes. Do not find something “similar” to gift unless the exact item they requested is unavailable.
Second, it is perfectly acceptable to contribute a small monetary amount towards a group gift (typically a more expensive item like a crib or carseat) should purchasing an entire gift be unobtainable. Anything helps, truly!
Third, handmade gifts are darling!
Fourth, freezer meals are one of the best ways to support a growing family. Please check in with the family first to ensure they have room for your freezer meals prior to delivering them!
Now on to the fun stuff! Check out my post about No Wrap Baby Showers for ideas on how to package and present your baby shower gift!
Some of these items I would highly recommend to any parent-to-be, borderline declaring them “must-haves”. And other items are extras that either make life so much easier or are simply cute gifts! The items above will be linked again under their category here.
Bathing
Tubby Todd Soaps | Tubby Todd All Over Ointment | Aquaphor | Towels | Sink Cushion | Bathtub Knee Cushion | Rubber Duck Safe-Temp | Hair Brush | Washcloths (I just used burp cloths)
Clothing
Convertible Zip Sleepers | Knotted Gowns | Onesies | Swaddles/Receiving Blankets | Bibs | Booties
Diapering
Diaper Bag | Diaper Caddy | Changing Pad & Scale | Diaper Pail | Diapers | Costco Wipes | Aquaphor
Feeding
Nursing Pillow | haakaa Breast Pump | Milk Storage Bags | Baby Bottles | Baby Bottle Sterilizer | Drying Rack | Burp Cloths | Silicone Bib | High Chair
Health
Braun Thermometer | Saline Spray | Snot Sucker | Nose Cleaner | LifeVac | Nail File | Nail Clippers | Humidifier | First Aid Kit
Playing
Teethers | Sophie la Girafe Teether | Soother | Wood Baby Gym | LOVEVERY Play Gym | Crinkle Book
Books: You Are My Happy | Brown Bear, Brown Bear | The Very Hungry Caterpillar | Guess How Much I Love You | Pat the Bunny | Little Blue Truck | Goodnight Gorilla | Goodnight Moon + The Runaway Bunny | Boynton’s Greatest Hits | Are You My Mother? | Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Books | Winnie-the-Pooh Collection | The World of Peter Rabbit
Sleeping & Nursery
Newton Baby Mattress (discount link) | Nestig Wave Crib | Crib Sheets | Baby Delight Bassinet | Love to Dream Swaddle | Sleep Sack | Nurture& Glider | Hatch Sound Machine | Baby Monitor | Hamper | Outlet Covers
Travel
doona Infant Carseat | Graco 4ever Carseat | Mockingbird Stroller | Stroller Toy | Stroller Caddy | Pack N Play | Stroller Fan | Portable Sound Machine
Misc. Baby Gear
Front Carrier | Hip Carrier | Wraps | Bouncer | Hiking Backpack | Baby Book
For Mom
Postpartum Kit | Disposable Nursing Pads | Disposable Underwear | Peri Bottle | Hot & Cold Therapy Pads | Nipple Covers | Lactation Support Bars | Nursing-Friendly Pajamas | Stain Remover Spray
Top 15 Favorite Baby Items (Newborn through 1-month old)
Conclusion
I hope there is something you were able to take away from this Baby Shower Gift Guide. Remember to Pin this post for when you are ready for next steps.
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So many great ideas for mom and baby❤️
Love these! I need to show these to my mom who is hosting a shower for someone soon!
You have some really great ideas on here! I’ll have to send my family members your link when it comes time for baby #3!