15 Really Useful Items For New Parents

New parents have an awful lot to think about, both during the latter weeks of pregnancy and immediately after the birth. Although most future parents will have themselves organised well before the main event, there are still plenty of useful and thoughtful gifts you could buy, to either help, smooth or soothe them into their new role.

Read on for a list of useful items for both baby and new parents – which may help with the purchase of a thoughtful and well-planned gift.

For Baby

1. Temporal Artery Thermometer – a non invasive way to check that baby is the right temperature.
2. Swaddling gowns, wraps or blankets – babies love to be swaddled when they are sleeping.
3. Mattress protectors and cot sheets – Newborns are particularly messy creatures so protecting the crib mattress is essential and many of us underestimate just how many changes of bedding can be required on an average day in the life of a newborn.
4. Burp cloths and bibs – Newborns regurgitate their milk a lot so it’s always advisable to be armed with plenty of protection!
5. Bath time products including Cotton wool/buds, wipes, nappy rash cream and nappy bags are all essential and combined with some natural cleansing products you have a lovely gift which is both useful and thoughtful.
6. Baby sling or carrier. As your baby adjusts to life outside the womb they will love to spend as much time as possible snuggled close to you or your partner.
7. Hats – babies lose most of their heat through their extremities so hats, booties and mitts are all very useful. Don’t forget sun-hats for the summer babies.

8. Baby Sleeping Door Sign – There are absolutely gorgeous templates which can be downloaded totally free from the internet. How cute would it be to create a bespoke sign specially made for that snoozing newborn?

 

For Parents

9. Breast Feeding Kit – Nipple cream, breast pads, and a nursing cover are all very thoughtful gifts to aid and soothe mum during the first few days of breast feeding.
10. A nursing pillow will help mum adjust to a comfortable position for feeding. Dad’s may also enjoy using this whilst bottle feeding a young baby.
11. A post-partum health care kit could include Arnica, Witch Hazel, Lidocaine spray and Epsom salts and could be a total life saver for a tired mum with sore areas.
12. Comfy clothes – a comfortable but stylish outfit will help a tired new mum feel extra special. Yoga pants and a loose top which is suitable for feeding would make an ideal new mum gift.
13. Unscented toiletries make a thoughtful gift – Your newborn baby loves and will grow used to its parent’s natural scent and therefore masking it with scented products could unsettle the baby. A great selection is available right here!
14. Healthy snacks and a large water bottle – new parents don’t always have the time to think of, let alone prepare, healthy snacks to munch on. A funky new water bottle to have whilst feeding is a great gift for a new Mama!

15. Earplugs and sleep mask – essential items to help new parents catch a little sleep whilst someone else takes over for a couple of hours.

 

Any gift which is lovingly purchased for new parents and baby will always be gratefully received but taking the time to come up with a more unusual gift will be appreciated that bit more, particularly if it is something that helps both parents and baby settle into their new life together.