18 Of Our Favorite Gifts For New Parents
The Tot Founder and mama of three, Nasiba Adilova, shares her 14 must have items all new parents need. From a four position baby carrier to a soothing device that literally and figuratively “shushes” your baby, these gifts are total winners and perfect for new moms and dads.
One of the things expecting parents ask me the most is: “What do I really need during the first year with a baby?”
While there are numerous products I could recommend and positively rave about, I’ve done my best to narrow my suggestions to 12 tried-and-trusted products for you to consider. I know it’s tempting to go out and buy an adorable tiny tutu or tuxedo, but I promise your friend/family member will be forever grateful to have something a bit more useful once their baby arrives.
To help you find the best gift, I’m going to go over:
- Chemicals to avoid in baby products
- Baby gift ideas for new parents
- Non-baby gift ideas for new parents
Scroll down to learn more!
Chemicals to avoid in baby products
The main reason I founded The Tot was to create a central place for parents to find truly non-toxic products for their families. This resulted in The Tot Test. Before we use, recommend or decide to sell any product, we look deep into third-party testing, examine ingredients lists and ask in-depth questions about a product’s composition to ensure it’s free of the chemicals we avoid.
When it comes to products for babies, I’m particularly strict because they spend so much of their time on a lounger, play mat or mattress and tend to explore things with their mouths. Below is a list of the main chemicals I always avoid:
- Bisphenols (BPA + BPS)
- Flame Retardants
- Harmful Phthalates
- PVC
- Formaldehyde
Click here to see the full list of chemicals I avoid and why.
14 baby gift ideas for new parents
Whether you’re looking for baby shower or Christmas gifts for new parents, here are a few useful ideas to consider:
- Developmental play & learn set
- Baby carrier
- Nursing pillow
- Feed set for nursing
- Baby bouncer
- Clothing gift set
- Baby food prepper and cooker
- Baby grooming kit
- Mother & baby skincare gift set
- Play gym
- Baby lounger
- Sleep sack & swaddles
- Backpack diaper bag
- Personalized dribble bib
Keep reading to see my product picks for each.
1. The Tot Play & Learn Set 0 – 3 Months
Helping your baby reach developmental milestones like reaching, grasping and shaking is incredibly important. That’s why we worked with an early childhood educator to create a booklet of activities and helpful advice based on age. We then compiled six of the best toys to help facilitate play-based learning.
The Tot Play & Learn Set 0 – 3 Months
$120
EXCLUSIVE
9 different sets available for 0 to 6 years
2. BabyDink Classic Organic Carrier
The thing I love the most about the BabyDink Carrier is the fact that it goes on like a T-shirt, and there’s no fiddling with complicated wrapping or adjusting buckles and straps. I also love that it’s machine washable, lightweight and a total life-saver at home or on the go.
BabyDink Classic Organic Carrier
$149
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
BUY NOW
3. Nook Sleep Systems Niche Organic Feeding Pillow
The Niche Organic Feeding Pillow does quadruple time as a pregnancy pillow, feeding pillow, infant lounger and even as an aid to sit up! It absolutely saved my neck, back and arms.
When you gift it, be sure to tell the mama to take it to the hospital. It’s a must-have!
Nook Sleep Systems Niche Organic Feeding Pillow
$119
Available in more colors
4. The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing
If the mama you’re shopping for is breastfeeding, I highly recommend The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing.
Consisting of a booklet packed with helpful advice and tips from a registered lactation consultant as well as nipple cream, breast pads, a nursing cover and silicone breastmilk storage containers, it contains all the nursing essentials I swear by for fuss-free feeding!
The Tot Feeding Sets: Nursing
$139
EXCLUSIVE
5. Bombol Bamboo 3D Knit Bouncer
Bouncers have been around for a long time and it’s because they work! What I love about the Bombol 3D Knit Bouncer is that it’s made out of breathable and hypoallergenic bamboo fibers. I also love that it transitions into a toddler chair.
Bombol Bamboo 3D Knit Bouncer
$249.99
Available in more colors
BUY NOW
6. Hart +Land Organic Cotton Baby Clothes Set
This HART + LAND Organic Essentials 10 Piece Set will be one of the most appreciated gifts by the new moms and dads in your life. Not only is it really practical and useful, but parents will also fall in love with how soft the organic pima cotton material is on their baby’s skin.
HART + LAND 10 Piece Unisex Gift Set
$250
EXCLUSIVE
BUY NOW
7. Beaba Babycook
The Babycook by Beaba is an innovative food prepper that does it all! It can transform fruits, vegetables, meat or fish from raw to any stage baby or toddler food in 15 minutes. Parents will love it because they can prepare several meals at once, refrigerate or freeze leftovers, then simply defrost and reheat right in the Babycook.
Beaba Babycook
$154.99
Available in more colors
BUY NOW
8. Fridaybaby Baby Grooming Kit
Did you know it’s important to clean a baby’s gum after they’ve had breastmilk or formula? I didn’t either! Luckily, Fridababy knows exactly what parents need to groom their baby. I highly suggest their handy kit!
fridababy Baby Grooming Kit
$24.99
BUY NOW
9. Pleni Naturals Gift Set
Consisting of an Apple & Broccoli Hair and Body Wash, Cucumber & Grape Baby Oil, Berry & Olive Barrier Balm, and Enzyme Cleansing Oil, the Pleni Naturals Mother + Baby gift set helps nourish the skin of both Mom and Baby and can provide a beautiful bonding experience.
Pleni Naturals Mother + Baby Gift Set
$84
EXCLUSIVE
10. Aspen & Maple Play Gym
Designed with your baby’s developing eyesight and hand-eye coordination in mind, this awesome play gym by Aspen & Maple includes features that help them develop their physical strength, coordination and vocabulary.
Aspen & Maple Activity Gym – Bear
$75
BUY NOW
11. DockATot Deluxe+ Dock
One of the top selling items on The Tot, the DockATot Deluxe+ dock is the ultimate docking station for your baby ages 0-8 months old. It’s the #1 item I recommend to all new parents. Multi-functional and multitasking, the Deluxe+ offers a safe and comfy spot that lets baby lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes.
The safe and non-heat harboring mattress allows baby to breathe openly and unobstructed. The DockATot is a place where you can lay your baby down to sleep that’s free from harmful chemicals and substances. If you’re looking for a good gift for new parents, this safe, non-toxic dock is the way to go.
The Deluxe Dockatot
$175
BUY NOW
12. Sleepsack Swaddle and/or Sleep Bag
As little ones get older they start to wiggle around, which inevitably causes their blanket to fall off of them. THEN they get cold, wake up and cry, and wake you up. The solution? The Halo organic sleepsack swaddle. It keeps tots safely tucked in all night long. Trust me – this swaddle is a game-changer you don’t want to live without.
If you want a sleep sack without the swaddle attached, you can opt for a classic bag from Kyte Baby like the one below!
Halo Organic Sleepsack Swaddle
$34.95
BUY NOW
Kyte Baby Solid Sleep Bag
$49.99
Available in more colors
13. Diaper Backpack
Not only easy to match with any look, the Jem + Bea Eco Backpack diaper bag lets you stay organized and comfortable on the go.
Complete with a travel change pad, the bag also keeps your hands free so you can easily pick up and carry your baby.
Jem + Bea Eco Backpack
$245
Available in more colors
BUY NOW
14. Louelle Personalized Apron Bib
It’s no secret that babies dribble and drool which can leave their chests prone to rashes. I loved having these pesticide-free organic cotton bibs on hand! The best part: you can personalize them with a name!
Louelle Personalized Apron Bib – Harbor Island Stripe
$64
Available in more fonts and prints
4 non-baby gift ideas for new parents
While we know baby-related items are extremely important for moms and dads with a newborn baby, here are some thoughtful gift ideas that aren’t for the baby:
- Keepsake items like a parents journal or birthday letters to celebrate the new tot in their life
- Gift cards for a restaurant for parents to enjoy a date night
- Gift cards for a food delivery service so they don’t have to cook dinner
- Massage or facial
- Self-care items to remind parents that they deserve to pamper themselves
- A gift set with coffee or tea for when they need a little extra energy
- Cozy pajamas
Emily Rollings Parents Journal & Birthday Letters
Baby brain is very much a real thing, which is why I love journaling! It’s also a great way to practice mindfulness.
These beautiful options from Emily Rollings will be treasured for years.
Emily Rollings Memories From Your Mother Journal
$50
Emily Rollings Memories From Your Father Journal
$50
Emily Rollings Birthday Letters To My Baby Book
$58
Available in more colors
Evereden Mama Collection
Giving the gift of postpartum recovery and relaxation is always a good idea! Made from organic ingredients, the Mama Collection from Evereden is just what every mama wants and needs.
Evereden Mama Collection
$96
EXCLUSIVE
LOLI Beauty Face Masks
When it came to my post-pregnancy skin, I needed HELP. But I also needed things that were free of harmful toxins, which is what led me to the wonderfully luxurious and effective face masks from LOLI Beauty!
LOLI Beauty Pank Pitaya Mask
$38
LOLI Beauty Matcha Coconut Paste Mask
$38
Petite Plume Flannel Pajama Set
Since moms tend to pretty much live in PJs during the first three months of their baby’s life, may I suggest these stylish, soft and easy-to-breastfeed in PJs from Petite Plume?
Petite Plume Women’s Navy Gingham Flannel Pajama Set
$88
Continue exploring
- If you’re looking for other baby related present ideas, check out our gift guide sections, which offers ideas for both children and parents.
- What We’re Reading: Being Mama – Lauren Roseman Schwartz
