New baby visit dilemmas: what gift should we take for a newborn

Are you off to meet a new baby? If you are short on ideas, stay with us and we will help.
What sort of present would you most like to give? Something practical, developmental, memorable, surprising, made from organic and eco friendly materials? If you are not sure yet, by the end of this article you will be much closer.

Why do we take a gift when we first meet a newborn

The arrival of a new little life is special for everyone. We can hardly wait to admire that tiny face and chat with the parents about pregnancy, birth and baby care. In our culture, a present for a new baby visit is a natural courtesy that lets us share in the parents’ joy and happiness. We also feel, or already know from experience, that this time is not easy, and we want to help with practical gifts. It is our way of saying we are here with you, to support you and make this period a little easier.
So a new baby visit gift carries a deeper emotional meaning as well.

Do you prefer practical baby gifts

Most of us pick surprises that mum can use for baby care and dressing. This can really help with day to day life. It is a good idea to ask the parents in advance what they need and which products they would like to use so the gift will truly be useful.
What could you consider

• A baby blanket is a staple. It is useful for sleep, pram trips and health visitor appointments.

• Bath products and extras such as baby wipes, nappy creams, barrier creams and baby oil are also helpful. If you want to be especially thoughtful, choose organic and hypoallergenic items, or ask the parents which products have already worked well. This matters because not everyone likes introducing new things due to possible skin irritation or allergies. You can add a baby friendly towel or hooded towel to the bath set.

• Nappies are often included in a gift bundle because they are used up quickly. Check size and preferred type with the parents first.

• Baby clothes top the popularity list. They are useful, adorable and beautiful. Do not just look at the type and style. Check the fabric and the cut as well. With gifts it is worth being careful about quality. Natural materials are gentler on a baby’s delicate skin. Choose cotton, linen, hemp, wool or bamboo rather than synthetics. Also consider how easy the outfit makes dressing a tiny baby.

We recommend bamboo fibre as a material. Our baby clothes made from it contain 95 percent bamboo viscose, which gives exceptional breathability and temperature regulation, while 5 percent elastane provides extra stretch and comfort so they are easy to put on and take off. These beautiful colours and prints are a joy for both mum and baby to use.

For newborn gifts you can choose a baby sleeping bag in 0.5 to 2.5 TOG, long and short sleeve popper bodysuits in vibrant colours, neat close fitting zip up sleepsuits, soft footed trousers with a higher waistband, plus accessories such as bows and hats.

• You could pick feeding related gifts as well. Again, it helps to speak to mum first because she can share how breastfeeding is going at the moment and what they already have at home. Bibs are always useful, though some people do not like them for newborns as it can be tricky to fit them around a short neck, so they prefer muslin cloths.

• Sleep related gifts also work. Think soft, breathable blankets, lovely bedding sets check the cot bedding size with mum, sleeping bags and soothing sleep toys.

• If you want to make going out easier, look for practical travel items. A strong, well sized changing bag can serve a mum for years, and a portable changing mat is clever. A bottle warmer bag is another option, and if you know mum would like to babywear, a quality, safe wrap or Mei Tai will be a joy.

• Although not directly for the baby, food support is very welcome for the family, especially right after birth. Cooking often slips down the list, so a few portions of homemade goodness or a meal delivery gift card can be a big help.

• If we are talking gift vouchers, they are a great solution when ideas run dry.

Prefer to give developmental toys What to think of first

A newborn is tiny, but development is rapid. You can think a little ahead and buy toys that are high contrast at first, then soon become interesting to look at, and later to grasp.

• For the senses, choose soft, washable cloth books, rattles, teethers and crinkly plush toys. Figures that play a gentle melody are favourites.

• For movement, try play mats, light soft balls, foam blocks, roly poly toys, peekaboo games, musical mobiles and comforters.

Want something unique and creative

• A hand and footprint kit gives parents a lasting memory

• Handmade blankets or crocheted and knitted amigurumi toys with the baby’s name have special sentimental value

• Picture a charming wooden keepsake box for the baby’s first little treasures

• A star map shows the night sky at a specific place and moment. That instant is one of a kind. Makers print and frame a map based on the baby’s birth time and location for a touching gift

• Do you love making things Think about what you could create for a baby with your skills. Can you knit or crochet Perhaps you paint beautifully. The key is to use baby safe materials.

• A gift hamper can be truly creative if you fill it with useful, well chosen or cute items

• A voucher for a parent and baby class, yoga or a family photoshoot

Gifts with health and eco awareness in mind

If this matters to you, and you like to show how many thoughtful products there are today, use your imagination. Here are some ideas.

• Cosmetics for babies with natural ingredients

• Baby clothes made from bamboo fibre or organic cotton

• Reusable nappies in cotton or bamboo

• Handmade plush toys and blankets from natural yarns

• Bedding sets made from natural materials

• A health food shop gift card

• Organic foods, herbal teas, seeds and dried fruits

• Items made from recycled materials, such as a pram bag

• Baby swing or baby nest made from natural fabrics

If you are a man choosing the gift yourself

You may be sorting a new baby visit without help from a woman. No problem. There are plenty of presents that will delight the family.
A traditional gift basket from a shop, piled high with goodies, is a kind gesture for everyone. Baby stores sell similar gift bundles with clothes and nappies. You only need to know how old the baby will be when you visit. Gift vouchers are made for you. Look for cosmetic and baby shops, or a store the family is likely to use at this stage. A bookshop may not be the best choice. You could order a cake for the family and give it with a pretty bouquet for the new mum.

If your present is not only for the baby, be thoughtful and wrap a little something for each family member. Most of all, your presence, sincere interest, thoughtfulness and well wishes are what matter.

Sources:

NHS Best Start in Life — What to buy for your newborn baby

NHS — What you’ll need for your baby