What should you put on a baby shower gift list or birth list?
Useful things you'll actually use in those first weeks with baby. Not twelve blankets and eight stuffed animals (however cute they may be), but the real essentials that will make your life easier when you're in full-on new parent survival mode.
A little tip between us: if this is your second (or third!) baby, you've probably already got plenty of gear at home. In that case, focus on what needs replacing or on consumables like diapers and wipes. But for a first baby? Here's the list of essentials to add to your baby registry!
Sleep and Comfort
In the first few weeks, your baby will sleep a lot. But not always easily. A reliable baby monitor will give you peace of mind when you're not in the same room.
For the trickier moments (colic, teething, minor discomfort, settling to sleep), a Béké-Bobo therapeutic bear quickly becomes a trusted ally. Filled with a patented blend of organic grains, it can be used warm or cold to soothe baby naturally. It's also a product classified as a medical instrument by Health Canada and the European Union, which makes it much more than a simple heating pad.
In short:
- Baby monitor;
- Béké-Bobo therapeutic teddy bear.
Shop Béké-Bobo Therapeutic Teddy Bears
Bath and Care
You don't need twenty products to take care of a newborn. A good basic care kit with a thermometer, a nasal aspirator, nail clippers and a small brush is pretty much all you need to get started. Add some soft wash cloths and you're ready for those first baths.
In short:
- Basic care kit;
- Thermometer;
- Nasal aspirator;
- Nail clippers;
- Brush;
- Wash cloths.
Feeding
Even if you're planning to breastfeed, having a few bottles and pacifiers on hand is always a good idea. It lets your partner take over once in a while, and it takes the stress away if your plans change.
A nursing pillow will become your best friend, both for feeding baby and for positioning them comfortably. And if you're breastfeeding, a breast pump will give you flexibility for outings or those nights when you'd like a little more sleep.
In short:
- Bottles;
- Dummies;
- Nursing pillow;
- Breast pump.
Transport and Outings
Here we're talking about the big-ticket items. The infant car seat and stroller are major purchases you'll probably want to choose yourselves, but there's nothing stopping you from adding them to your registry so your loved ones can chip in together.
A baby carrier is a game-changer for parents who want to keep their hands free while keeping baby close. And a well-organized diaper bag will save your life on every outing.
In short:
- Car seat;
- Stroller;
- Baby carrier;
- Diaper bag.
Essential Clothing
Here, the key word is: practical. Footed onesies in newborn and 0-3 month sizes (because yes, they grow fast), little hats, no-scratch mittens and socks.
Pro tip: ask for a range of sizes. Everyone buys newborn, but your baby will only wear them for two weeks max.
In short:
- Onesies;
- Hats and scratch mittens;
- Socks;
- Bodysuits.
Diapers and Changing
Diapers are the least glamorous shower gift, but probably the most appreciated, whether cloth or disposable. Ask for newborn and size 1 in bulk. Add wipes and a good changing pad, and you're ready to face the (very) many diaper changes ahead.
In short:
- Diapers (reusable or disposable);
- Wipes;
- Changing pad.
For the Home
A bouncer seat or baby swing is often what allows you to take a shower or eat a hot meal. And a colorful play mat will stimulate your little one's curiosity from the very first weeks.
In short:
- Baby bouncer;
- Baby swing;
- Play mat.
A Little Something for Mum
We'll end with an important reminder: during a baby shower, we celebrate the arrival of baby, but we often forget the person doing all the hard work. A little gift for mom (a spa gift card, gift cards for their favorite restaurants, a self-care basket, or even just a heartfelt note) makes all the difference. Will you add it to your registry?
After all, a happy, well-rested mom is the best gift you can give a newborn.
