The Best Baby Gifts By Lisa Flam

Whether it's something practical or something extravagant, most moms can remember their favorite baby gift. It might be something to use soon after coming home from the hospital or an item to use several months down the road. Many mothers-to-be register their gift preferences at a favorite department or baby specialty store to help them get things they need and avoid duplicates. But for those who don't, many tell a close relative or friend to spread the word to shower guests and others on what they would like.

One of Jill Heslam's friends knew just what she would need to nurse her son, Owen, now three months old. Jill received a book on breastfeeding, a pillow, nursing pads and even a handmade footstool. "It was the best gift because you wouldn't know you needed that stuff," she says. Lyn Callan also received a useful item for her son, Isaac, born December 12 -- a baby bather. But there was a pair of hand-knit booties that she also loved. "It's something special that somebody made that," Lyn says.

Some mothers appreciate gifts for their babies that give them a little free time -- or at least a free hand. Yvette Sierra, expecting her third child on September 16, was thankful for the baby swing she received as a gift. "You just put them in and they seem to swing to sleep. It's so peaceful," she said. She was a little puzzled, however, when she got a potty trainer as a gift. "I thought I would get something I would need right now."

Although she used that gift as her children grew older, not all baby gifts are things your child will use. Just ask any new mom who has received a fancy baby china set. Marianne Lee received a beautiful set of china. "But I never use them," says the mother of Griffin, 3, and 4-month-old Eric. "As soon as they're eating out of bowls, they're throwing the stuff," she says. "It's a thoughtful gift, but impractical." She liked a Gymini and a musical pillow she received for her sons. But like many moms, she doesn't rank delicate hand-knit sweaters high on the list. Some women rely on friends and relatives to help them with the baby necessities. But for those who buy a layette ahead of time, the gifts they receive are all extras.

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The best gift that Deirdre McLary got after her daughter, Grace, was born 16 months ago was the crib she had picked out. She felt some relief that such an expensive item -- about $500 -- was purchased by her mother and mother-in-law. Deirdre registered for some small necessities -- everything from changing pads to sippy cups -- and said she got most of the basics on her list. But she also enjoyed the indulgent gifts. "She got a Ralph Lauren sweatshirt that I would never buy myself," she says.

One of the greatest presents that Sheryl Reich received for her nine month old son, Samuel, was a Gund caterpillar that was given by one of her husband's friends. "(Samuel) really liked it," she says. "It was the first thing that made him giggle, so it stands out." The three buntings he received were all taken back. "He was active from day one, so they're totally impractical." The fabric bibs he got also weren't used, either. Instead, Samuel wears a plastic bib she picked up at the 99-cent store.

There's no doubt that well-meaning gift-givers hope to delight with haute coutre babywear or fragile dishes. But the most beautiful gifts don't do much good if they just sit on the shelf or get returned. Most moms agree with Sheryl, who says, "People who have children give the best gifts."

Other articles in this series:

Showering the Mom-to-Be With Love	The Best Baby Gifts
Let the Games Begin	Organization For a Memorable Shower
The Coed Baby Shower	Tasty Treats for the Baby Shower
Baby Shower Gift Ideas and Tips

About the Author: Lisa Flam is a freelance writer in New York.