Buying a Baby Gift

A great site for advice about the plethora of items that a new baby needs is Baby Center – US Baby Center. UK visitors can see their customized content on UK Baby Centre.

You can also contribute to and read other articles on buying baby gifts at LoveToKnow Baby.

Baby Clothing

Clothing is the obvious option when it comes to buying a baby gift. Obviously, all babies need clothes, and lots of them! There are a few items that are essential for newborns, and you can easily buy a baby gift that is practical. The main items of baby clothing are:

• Bodysuit [aka onesie] – short or long-sleeved
• Romper, one-piece or coverall
• Bibs [and lots of them!]
• Caps
• Scratch mittens
• Socks [in cooler weather/climates]
• Pull-on Pants [again, cooler weather/climates, good over onesies]

Traditional colors for baby clothing are often pink for a girl, and blue for a boy. Why not be unique and buy pastel shades of yellow and green or go for brighter reds? The only advice when it comes to the color of baby clothing is that it is advisable to avoid too much white or ivory. This may look lovely when it is clean, but keeping it that way is [almost] impossible for a new mother!

It is possible to be practical and creative or unique, though! There are many fun and silly options for baby available. Why dress your baby up in plain, boring blue or pink when you can poke some fun at all the baby-isms?

Bedding

The sleeping arrangements for newborns can vary depending on the parents, but they all need some form of bedding. Blankets are useful at all stages of a baby’s development, and you are sure to find something to match the décor of any nursery. Crib sets are also a great option when you are buying a baby gift as these contain sheets, blankets, and bumpers to protect the baby as she starts to get mobile.

It is worth spending as much as you can on baby bedding so that it is long lasting. Also be aware of possible allergies, and try to buy items with high cotton content.

Baby Equipment

The amount of paraphernalia that is available for a modern baby is truly mind boggling. The only consideration, apart from cost, when it comes to what to choose is usually space! Here is just a short list of the possible items that you can buy:

• Stroller
• Changing mat
• Diaper bag
• Car seat
• Baby carrier
• Towels
• Baby bath
• Baby monitor
• Diapering essentials
• Bathing items
• High Chair

And the list goes on. You can buy a baby gift that is part of a matching set that the parents already own, for the stroller for example. Don’t worry if you can only afford a small gift, even an extra packet of diaper wipes will be appreciated. It is often the most practical items that are forgotten when it comes to gifts. Bathing and diapering essentials cover a multitude of items that are all constantly needing replenishing. You can never have too many diapers or towels!

Baby Gift Wish List

The best way to buy a baby gift is to check with the parents to see if there are items that they really need or want. Some parents-to-be have been extremely organized and set up a wish list with a store to help prevent duplicate gifts. This works in a similar way to a wedding gift registry. Some of the stores that have an online wish list or gift registry facility so that you buy a baby gift that the parents want are:

• Target Home Page
• Baby Bedding TownHome Page
• Mother’s Bliss Home Page
• Babies R Us

Gift Certificates

If you really are stuck when you are buying a baby gift, then a great alternative is a gift certificate/card. Choose one for a store that the parents use regularly, and your gift is sure to be valued. A great idea is Target or Wal-Mart...someplace the parents can buy staples like diapers and wipes. You may think your gift card is "boring", but the new parents will be silently thanking you as they stand in line to buy more formula, diapers or wipes.....