Happy Monday, friends! Is 2020 the new baby boom? It seems like everyone one I know has someone close to them that is expecting a baby or just had a baby. This got me thinking about the best baby gifts of 2020! So, I did a little research, and asked a few people with new babies, including my sweet daughter-in-law…..
Times have really changed since I was pregnant with my boys. Thirty years ago the cutting-edge technology was a baby monitor and wipes warmer. We didn’t have cell phones, so there weren’t any baby apps that allow you to watch your baby from their nursery on your phone, or a count-down app or an app that keeps track of feeding and changing schedules. (All of which I think are amazing and innovative!) So, now when I’m about to purchase a baby gift for a shower or new baby, I refer to baby registries to find out what are truly the most requested items. Many of these items I didn’t know existed so they may come as a surprise to you too!
I did a little research, but then asked my daughter-in-law which products she uses the most and enjoys best? Her baby is just a little over one month old, and she had some great suggestions. Here are her top 10 baby gifts! (in no particular order but items they use on a daily basis!)
1- Boppy Newborn Lounger: $32-42.00 This lounger is a baby support pillow with a recessed interior, perfect for baby’s bottom. Baby can safely lounge giving you hand’s free time allowing him to sit at an angle so he can enjoy his surroundings. Our grandson seemed bored simply laying in his bassinet staring at the ceiling, so sitting at more of an angle allows him to see what’s happening. (And to watch his doggie, Belle!) The cover is machine washable and also available with different, colored covers. There is a built-in handle for easy transport.
2- Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner $39.00 This pillow has been around for a while, and become a staple for new parents. It gives extra support while nursing or feeding the baby. Later it transitions into tummy time for baby and a prop for learning to sit. The cover is also removable and washable. Other covers in patterns and colors are available too for around $13. My daughter-in-law even got one with the baby’s embroidered initials as a baby gift!
3-Baby Breeza One-Step Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer $99.99 This machine quickly and easily sterilizes and dries baby bottles and parts in one easy step! It kills 99.9% of germs with natural steam. My daughter-in-law swears by this one!
4-Baby Breeza Formula Pro $199.99 Although this product is a little pricey, it’s amazing! It automatically mixes, heats and dispenser formula to the perfect consistency and temperature. You just add water and powdered formula mix! It works with all types of formula brands and accommodates small and large bottles. And, there are 3 different heat settings so you can choose which one is right for your baby.
5-Dr. Brown’s Baby Bottles-Pack of 3, 8 oz. bottles for $17.99 (Target) The unique vent system reduces gas, colic, burping and spit-up by preventing air bubbles in baby’s tummy. The bottles are available in 4 ounce sizes as well.
6-Munchkin Diaper wipe warmer $24.99 These have come a long way in the past 30 years! This model even has a built-in night light. It holds 100 standard size wipes so you can use most any brand you choose. I found some nice wipes by Noodle & Boo (Ultimate Cleaning cloths) which are hypoallergenic, for sensitive skin. Babyganics brand wipes are also another great brand.
7- Babyganics -(all of it!) hand sanitizer, dish soap bottle soap, shampoo and body wash, lotion, insect repellant, laundry detergent stain remover, all-purpose wipes, diapers and more. Priced from $9.99-11.99 (diapers are more expensive @$64.99 for 160 diapers.) This Babyganics Essential Gift set retails for $27.99 at Target. It includes daily lotion, bubble bath, body wash and shampoo, dish and bottle soap, toy and high chair wipes and alcohol-free hand sanitizer. My daughter-in-law and my niece both got one of these gift sets as shower gifts and fell in love!
8- Activity playmat gym by Pottery Barn from $74-$99 This playmat is a soft, quilted mat with a plastic frame covered with fabric. It features 5 multi-sensory toys such as rattles, a mirror and animals. The fun sounds, “encourages learning and engages your little ones.” (according to PBK) The arms can detach allowing you to wash the mat and for tummy time as baby gets a little older. It helps develop mobility and muscles in their arms, legs, neck and back. This playmat comes in several different styles and colors, but all for about the same price. My grandson is only one month old but is already enjoying his playmat. They either lay him on his back or slide his infant lounger underneath and he can kick and bat at the rattles and toys. (He is already brilliant.)
9- Halo Sleep Sack Swaddles approx. $25- Keeps baby safe and cozy at night with this 3-way adjustable swaddle. I imagine babies have been swaddled since the time of Jesus, but now it’s been made easier! The conventional wisdom is swaddling helps soothe your baby and not allow them to be startled by the Moro reflex, and wake themselves up. And it simulates the security of the womb. My son and DIL love these swaddles for their simplicity and ease of use. They even ordered a few more. This would definitely make a great baby gift~even have it monogrammed?
These swaddles gently wrap the baby with multiple options shown. (Photos courtesy of Halo Sleep Swaddle Sack)
10- Snoo Smart Bassinet-Happpiest Baby Smart Sleeper-Retails for $1,295.00. (However you can rent one for $118 per month.) The Snoo, ” responds to fussing with gentle rocking motion and white-noise sound, often calming baby in under a minute. It’s the only bassinet that holds baby in place with secure swaddling to prevent dangerous rollovers.” ~via Snoo’s website.
This smart bassinet got 4 out of 5 stars but did have a few mixed reviews. Which, just goes to show you that every baby is different! Our son and DIL decided to give it a try because their son was cluster feeding at night, and they were desperate for a few consecutive winks of sleep. They said it was amazing the first night, but our brilliant grandson figured it out within 24 hours. He’d rather be cuddled by his Mommy than rocked by a bassinet! They still use it but with mixed success. Some folks absolutely rave about it and claim it helps their 2-3 month old baby sleep for 9 hours at night. That’s pretty incredible! If you are curious to try it, you can simply rent it for one month and return it if you aren’t satisfied. http://www.happiestbaby.com
Almost all of these items are available at Target, Buy-Buy Baby, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn Kids and of course, Amazon. In addition, several expectant mothers I know have requested many of these same items on their baby registries. The prices range from around $10 up to hundreds of dollars so there’s probably something available within your budget.
TIP: When purchasing items from a registry, be sure you let the cashier know it’s a registry item, so the parents-to-be don’t end up with duplicates.
So, I hope this helps give you a few ideas when purchasing that next baby gift. It certainly was an eye-opener for me; I had no idea that many of these things existed! Or, if you are expecting a new baby, consider a few of these “must haves” for your registry! Any or all of these would make excellent gifts. And a BIG thank you to my lovely daughter-in-law, Brie, for compiling this list for me to share with you. She said they use all of these on a daily basis!
Well, I hope you have a lovely day! Thank you for stopping by! xoxo Dell
