Here are some gift ideas for this holiday season (or anytime you need one of these items.) These are things I know and love, so if you’re looking for something and aren’t sure which to choose – maybe I can help. Have fun shopping!
(The links & images in this post are affiliate links. This doesn’t change your price or shopping experience, it simply means that Amazon gives me a small payout for my time & recommendations. If you purchase via my links, I appreciate your support!)
Let’s start with a few baby gear favorites…
K’tan Soft Baby Carrier
I’ve used many different carriers and this one is a clear choice for me from the day of birth to about one year old. Soft, comfortable and easy-on, easy-off, plus they make them in sizes – we have one for the petite ones in the house, and one for the giant Daddy. I still use it for my 9-month-old grandbaby, Hunter, when he doesn’t want to nap – and he’s asleep in minutes. Once he’s asleep I can lean over and gently un-sling him if I want to put him in bed – which, <cough-cough> usually doesn’t happen.
This carrier is just a bit more complicated to put on and take off, but is perfect for longer walks and bigger babies. Very comfortable for parents to wear, and great if you have any back problems or for wearing up high when healing after a c-section. There is even a newborn insert option so that you can begin using this carrier right away.
This carrier is excellent for older babies who sit up independently. It is awesome for long walks, hikes or a day at the zoo. Baby gets to see everything around him, be covered from sun or rain, and you have an easy comfortable way to carry the little one around.
Grocery Cart Seat Cover
Because you KNOW it’s dangerous to put a car seat up there, and those handles can be covered in germs. This great insert even has a crescent cushion for the little ones.
White Noise Machine
For a very low price this is the best one I’ve found at any price. Pleasant sounds (I like ocean waves best), dependable, and small enough to travel with.
Breastfeeding Milk Catcher
When you’re feeding baby on one side does the other side drip into your breastpad? Such a waste of the liquid gold! Instead, put this catcher on the opposite side and catch the drips. Pour into a bottle for Daddy or Nana to use later! Brilliant!
Swaddling Blankets
There are many options available for of baby swaddlers, and you can experiment and change styles as you go. Even if you have pre-made swaddlers, I like to keep simple muslin blankets on hand. Once you master the technique of a hip-friendly-froggy-leg swaddle it’s easy and convenient.
High Chair
If you have a small kitchen, or if you’re like me, and you’re a Nana who only has the baby a couple days a week this is a smaller, fold-up chair that works perfectly.
Backseat Mirror for the Car
Is there anything worse than having the baby crying in the backseat and you don’t know why? Or worse, a baby who suddenly stops crying? This is an easy-to-attach mirror that allows you to glance in your rear-view mirror and see the baby’s face. EVERYONE needs one of these.
Jogging Stroller Waterproof Rain Cover and Wind Shield
Fits most 3-wheeled joggers. Protects the baby from wind and rain. I don’t mind being out in the elements with my coat and hat, so this allows us to continue our daily walk routine no matter the weather.
Onto some favorite baby toys…
Exersaucer Activity Center
These seats can provide a wonderful, safe and fun place for or your baby in those months before mobility. A great spot for Baby when you’re cleaning or cooking! There are many of these on the market, so take your time when shopping. Here are three more of my favorite exersaucers: Evenflo Beach Baby, Evenflo Life in the Amazon, & Bright Starts Springin’ Safari.
Every baby benefits from one of these in early months, since floor time is so important for development. Here are a couple of my favorites: Fisher Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights, Fisher Price Piano Gym, and Infantino Grow-with-Me Activity Gym. Big enough, colorful, lots of cool attachments, and non-annoying music, too! Easy to add a few extra toys as well, trading out the old ones every week or two, to keep it interesting.
Every baby needs this classic toy.
Well, yeah! Because every baby needs a four piece band! Fostering your baby’s love of music can be great for their development.
Playskool Busy Poppin’ Pals Toy
The first year I avoid electronic toys for babies. But it’s getting harder to find good ones that aren’t electronic. This is an old favorite.
Roll ‘n Swirl Ball Ramp
Ball play – plus cause and effect learning. Over and over and over again. Too much fun!
New walkers love this noisy push-pull toy.
Great for developing hand-eye coordination, while keeping baby entertained for a long time.
Another great toy for hand-eye practice and, well, putting small things through slots – babies love that!
Hours of fun with this one!
Great blocks for the little ones.
And last, but not least, favorite baby books!
Books always make great gifts! There are so many great ones to choose from. Here are just a few of my favorites.
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (I Can Read It All by Myself)
The No-Cry Solution Books
Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic Series
