Help! need ideas for baby shower gifts.

[philosophie_en_rose]

I've been invited to three baby showers (a cousin, a coworker, and an acquaintance) in the next three weeks. I don't know anything about newborns. Nothing. I don't want to burden the parents with things they won't use. For the moms and dads out there, please share your suggestions about good gifts and warning about bad gifts.

[Karmageddon]

1. Diapers. Those won't go to waste. And baby wipes

My friend "just" had a baby (like yesterday), and has a closetful of clothes for newborn to 3 months. She'll outgrow most of them before she has a chance to wear them even once. But she'll be going thru diapers.
Especially get a couple cases of the ones for a little older (like 3-6 months or whatever).

At least that's what he and his wife said when I asked them what they need.

[Mutley]

4. Agreed.

Diapers in pretty much any size. They'll never go to waste.

[philosophie_en_rose]

5. Thanks!

My cousin is using cloth diapers.

Unnecessary things are sometimes a burden, but I think diapers are a great idea.

[Karmageddon]

8. Cloth diapers? Cool. In that case diaper service might be a nice idea.

[grace0418]

2. I always get something really small and cute like

a little onesie or something. Then I get a gift card to Babies R Us or Target. That way the mom can just get diapers or a breast pump if she wants, and she doesn't have to worry about what to do with 5000 little toys or outfits. She can buy what she needs even if it isn't very glamorous.

[philosophie_en_rose]

9. That's a good idea, too.

They could even get something for themselves, which I think they deserve.

[grace0418]

11. Yes, and then you don't have to worry about getting the wrong kind of diaper

or the wrong size. But she still has one little cute thing to open and get all emotional over. I mean, who can resist tiny little baby clothes?

Oh, but don't get anything newborn size. Get a bigger size. Some babies are big from the start, the rest will grow into the outfit.

[haf216]

3. Baby Basket

I usually put together a basket (you can use a baby bathtub depending on how much money you want to spend)of everyday things the new parents will need: diapers, baby powder, bottles and baby wipes. These things will always be useful.

[philosophie_en_rose]

6. That's a cute idea.

Practical gifts are neat.

[blueraven95]

7. I like to get something slightly useful

like an outfit that for a 6 month old or something, so the parents can use it after the baby has grown out of all of the other baby shower gifts. And I always, always give a book of some kind - I highly reccommend "Goodnight Moon" or "Make Way for Ducklings" but there are a ton of great books out there.

[alphafemale]

10. Gift Certificates for take out places. Especially those that deliver.

They'll welcome not having to cook.

[AllegroRondo]

12. See if they are registered somewhere

so you can just pick from a list.

[davsand]

13. Incontinence pads to put the baby on.

Don't laugh--I'm serious! Buy some of those "incontinence pads" they sell in the Depends aisle. If the child gets diaper rash they can lay that baby out on the mat to air out (the BEST thing for diaper rash no matter the cause) and not have to do a bunch of wash.

They are also excellent to carry in the diaper bag as a disposable changing mat because those rest-room changing tables never look clean enough for your kid--no matter HOW poopy that child is!

I also suggest diapers. You know they will get used as long as you don't buy the newborn size. Buy the next size up which is something like 8-14 pounds (Been a while since those days forgive me if I got that size range wrong!)

Baby clothing is ok, except, again, do NOT buy newborn size--go with the 3-6 month size. The kid will wear it longer. Stretch terry sleepers are a great gift for newborns because then they stay warm (Not as much of a problem with warm weather babies.) Onesies are good for warm weather babies because they keep the tummies covered but are not too hot.

Have fun!


Laura