Baby Shower Gift Ideas and Tips By Jessica Williams

The baby shower is a great time to give a pregnant woman gifts. In fact, baby shower gifts are very special to the mom-to-be, and many keep a list of what they received at their shower in their baby book. There are numerous items to choose from, and many guests like to give gifts they found useful with their own babies. If you aren't sure what to give, do some investigating before you begin your shopping.

If possible, find out what other guests will be giving so the guest of honor won't receive duplicates. And more important, find out what mom needs and wants. The parenting methods she wishes to practice are also important to know before buying gifts.

If she plans to breastfeed, bottles, pacifiers, formula and other accessories that help with bottle feeding would not be appropriate and probably won't be used. Instead, you could buy her nursing pads, nursing shirts or a breastfeeding book. Similarly, if she plans to return to work a few weeks after Baby is born, a breast pump or storage containers for expressed breastmilk would be a great gift.

Some parents wish to use a specific parenting style once Baby is born. This can also affect the items they need. If a mom expresses her desire to practice Attachment Parenting (a parenting method coined by Dr. William Sears where parents carry Baby frequently and respond to Baby's needs by providing closeness rather than using "gadgets"), a baby swing, play pen or other solitary items may not be great gifts. Instead, you might consider giving a sling, backpack carrier or nursing pillow.

Let your guests know what you really need. When birthdays or Christmas roll around, most people are humble when asked, "What do you want?" But you will need things for the new baby, and this is no time to get shy. Be especially clear about how you want to parent your baby (if you plan to breastfeed, use cloth diapers, etc.) and don't give the same gift ideas to everyone.

Many items can enhance a mother's daily life with her new baby while allowing her to keep doing what she loves. If your guest of honor loves to go cycling, a bicycle trailer and infant helmet would be great gifts. Or if she likes to take long morning walks, a stroller and diaper bag may be helpful. Because babies take numerous naps throughout the day, a mother who likes to garden may find a baby monitor useful for keeping tabs on when her little one wakes up while she is outside.

Sometimes, a mother may need extra safety items for her house. If she has stairs, a gate would be appreciated for when her baby is mobile. Stay away from items that might create dangerous situations, like baby walkers. Walkers not only pose a threat to babies who live in houses with stairs, but they can also be dangerous for little ones because they place them at a higher level where they might reach items that can cause injury. Safety items that are always important in any house are electrical outlet plugs, cabinet locks and corner bumpers for sharp coffee tables and counters.

Besides giving gifts that are helpful for both baby and parents, you might also consider giving special items to mom - for her use only. Comfort gifts such as bath baskets that contain dissolvable beads, fragrant soaps and lufas are a great relaxation gift. A special mommy journal or scrapbook accessories are good for moms who like to write or take photos. And don't forget Dad! Perhaps a book (Becoming a Father by William Sears [La Leche League International, June 2003] is a popular one) or a gift certificate to his favorite steak house would be appreciated.

For those who are on a tight budget, don't know the mother very well or aren't sure what to get, be sure to ask the hostess if the parents have registered somewhere. Many of the baby-oriented stores now have computerized registries that help guests find items that can fit their needs. Here are some items that are typically under $20:

• Packaged clothing like onesies and undershirts
  
• Receiving blankets
  
• Disposable and washable nursing pads
  
• Many safety items like bath faucet covers and bath thermometers
  
• Mobiles, night lights and other small nursery items
  
• Rattles, teething rings and other toys
  
• Baby nail clippers, shampoo, wash cloths and other baby-care items
  
• Cloth diapers (these are also great for burp rags)
  
• Crib, bassinet and cradle sheets
  
• Books to read to baby
  

Diapers may not be personable, but they sure can come in handy. Be sure to find out if the parents plan to use disposable or cloth, and then buy them in the newborn size. You can also buy diaper wipes or safety pins. Diaper bags are popular gifts, so be sure to check with other guests before buying one.

Give gifts you think are wanted and needed, and remember that the mom-to-be will probably be gathering items herself. Most of all, try to choose something you will enjoy giving. If you really can't decide, maybe a homemade picture frame or baby booties would work better for you. Take her to a La Leche League meeting, or give her a hand-made gift certificate offering three home-cooked meals, prepared by you, for after the baby is born. This is a special time in the mother's life. Always keep in mind that love, support and friendship are the best gifts of all.

Want to see more?

• Organization for a Memorable Shower
• Showering the Mom to Be With Love
• The Best Baby Gifts
• Talk about it!

About the Author: Jessica Williams is a Montana based contributing writer for iParenting Media and mother of three boys.