What do new moms need most?

**KMonte85** · 08-02-2010 02:30 PM

Ok moms out there! I'm counting on you to help me out!

One of my dear friends is having a baby shower, and I would like to get her something special, something she maybe isn't expecting to get.

She's got a registry, which I plan on getting her a couple small things from there as well.. but... I don't want to get her the same junk that everyone else is getting her -I'd like to get her something she'll really need and use. As a new mom, I know she's kind of nervous about having everything she'll need for her daughter! I have to imagine there are things she didn't think to register for. And really, does she need 18 different onesies and 13 different pacifiers and a bunch of the same sized dresses and socks and blankies? maybe, but I'm sure there's more...

So, to all you mom's out there - when you had your first baby, what were some of the things you really really wished you had? What are the things you don't think about needing, until you actually need them? That's the stuff I'm looking to buy for her shower gift, but as I'm not a mom, I have no clue what kind of stuff that is!

Help!

**LanaBear** · 08-02-2010 02:43 PM

Everyone always tries to think of what is needed immediately after birth... IMO, think outside of that, what does she need in 6-18 months? She will be inundated with size 0-1 diapers, 0-3 month onesies, paci's, bottles, warmers, etc. Look for something that can be used when the baby is older. Although, trust me, one can never have too many onesies or burp clothes, lol.

6-12 month (season appropriate) clothes, an activity center, bigger diapers (they are expensive and will always be used), a toy box, Dr Seuss books, feeding supplies (for when they move up into solids), sippy cups, etc.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

**PJhavinfunagain** · 08-02-2010 03:49 PM

My favorite gift was a gift certificate to target. I was able to get things after the baby came that I needed.

What I wish I had gotten... a certificate for a pedicure or manicure. Frivolous I know but it's something I never spend $ on but love.

**KMonte85** · 08-03-2010 06:47 AM

all great ideas! Thank you!!!

keep em coming!

I'm making a list!

**mtaylor** · 08-03-2010 08:33 AM

Gift certificates to her fav. take-out restaurant, or a promise for a supply of prepared dinners from you.

A gift certificate for one or more sessions of a household cleaning service.

A big bag of rags. Not the most impressive thing to open at a shower, but the amount of cleaning and wiping and mopping up that is imminent makes this a good thing to have!

A nursing pillow.

A journal for taking to the birth and recording all those little things that are really big things.

**mom30** · 08-05-2010 01:48 PM

Things like crib and/or basinette sheets are always useful. IMO, you can NEVER have too many diapers and baby wipes, either. Diapers are expensive, babies go through tons of them, and a new mom will appreciate them. Also, packs of cloth diapers come in handy to use as burp & spit up rags. Sleepers, gowns, baby tees and onesies are always appreciated as well. You find yourself doing a ton of laundry with a newborn, so IMO, the more sleepers, gowns, onesies, burp rags, etc, you have to cut down on the frequency you have to do laundry, the better off you are. Also, maybe look at bath items: baby towels (the kind with the little hood on them), baby wash cloths and baby washes, lotions, powders, etc.

Another idea, maybe a mobile to hang on the crib that fits with the theme of her nursery, if she hasn't gotten one already.

**TheSparrowSings** · 08-14-2010 06:19 PM

When I had my daughter 11 months ago I really appreciated the little things that people don't usually think of. Yes, like diapers for one. But also baby grooming kits (nail clippers/files) and a thermometer.

**KMonte85** · 08-14-2010 06:41 PM

again, great ideas! I'm definitely going to get her diapers - something I know she can use for sure!

Thanks again everyone for your responses! This is really helping me, because I'm totally clueless about baby stuff so I want to get her something she's really going to use!

**jamie27** · 08-17-2010 05:44 PM

My baby is 3 months old and I wish I had this when he was first born. I got it when he was 2 months but it still works if I stick it in a baby tub. It's called a Puj tub. It's very convenient because you could stick it in any sink and bathe your baby standing as opposed to being hunched over breaking your back. She'll love it! I promise!

**KMonte85** · 08-20-2010 07:29 AM

Thanks everyone - I've written up my list and I'm hitting the stores tonight! Her shower is tomorrow... nothing like last-minute shopping!

But with all your fantastic ideas I KNOW I will get her something she will need, use, and hopefully love! She's had a tough pregnancy with lots of medical problems, so I want Olivia's arrival to go more smoothly than her "incubation" did lol