Here come the winter holidays! So you observe a gift-giving tradition? Therefore, you’ve likely felt moments of confusion and panic over what to give your loved ones. And if you’re expecting, may not know how to answer the questions from those who love you about what you’d like this year. However, if you’ve recently had a baby shower, you might feel like presents are more than you need right now. And if you would like to give holiday gifts to the new parent on your loved ones list, you may think there’s nothing left that they need. But fear not! In the seasonal spirit of giving, Doulas of Baltimore is here to give you a list of perfect solutions to your dilemma.

Ideas to consider skipping

First, we will clear some potential ideas for holiday gifts for new parents off your list. New parents are frequently short on sleep and patience. As a result, they do not appreciate toys that make loud or repetitive noises, so avoid those! While newborn clothing is easy to shop for and seems downright irresistible, chances are good that parents of infants have an ample supply already of these tiny wardrobe builders. And newborns outgrow them in a matter of weeks. For practical purposes, you can also skip over infant snow suits. And while infant sleep positioners may look like a useful and valued gift, the evidence says that many of them are unsafe and as a result should be avoided.

What’s left, then? So much good stuff! We present to you some items and services that make great holiday gifts every new parent is likely to use and value.

Holiday gifts for new parents that do make the list!

Modern diaper bag

First off, parents know that diaper bags are essential, and good ones are worth their weight in holiday gold. This backpack from TwelveLittle is packed with features and comes in style-forward unisex colors, and even has a tech pocket for a laptop for multitasking parents.

Versatile baby carrier

A good baby carrier is a must for families! Because whether you’re on the go or getting things done around home, a carrier makes all the difference. This one from Baby Tula has an innovative design that allows parents to carry baby either front or back of the body. You’ll love the quick-adjusting straps for multiple wearers. And this carrier grows with your little one. Use it up to 45 pounds!

Infant sleep monitor

Anyone who’s ever heard anyone talk about life with newborns knows that good sleep is everything. The Owlet is an ingenius baby sleep monitor that parents have raved over. It is a far cry from anything parents of previous generations could have imagined. Check it out here: Owlet.

Simple white noise machine

Since good sleep is always a priority for new parents, white noise machines have been increasingly popular. Families love them for their sleep-assisting properties. And this one from HoMedics is a solid, affordable choice, perfect for families traveling over the holidays. 

Lasting, quality clothing

If, above all, you cannot resist the allure of buying clothing for that adorable baby, look for high-quality design and comfortable fabrics. Also buy in larger sizes that they can grow into. Therefore, check out Hanna Andersson which is a Swedish company that uses organic cotton in many of its products. They design their clothing in European sizing that allows for growth. If you buy a size 70 now would mean baby could wear the clothing next spring and summer. 

Toy subscription box

Since it takes some research off their plate, busy parents appreciate a subscription box arriving at the door with no planning or errand running involved. LovEvery provides kits packed with developmentally sound toys and products for growing babies, and the kits are backed by a line-up of impressive endorsements  

Best support money can buy

Another winning option for holiday gifts every new parent could use is a package of in-home postpartum doula services. A postpartum doula provides a range of services to help ease families into a happy and healthy new life together. Whether lending a hand to set up the nursery or sharing expertise for childbirth recovery, your doula is there for you! From infant feeding and sleep habits to assistance with older sibling care and light household tasks – our team of postpartum professionals and newborn care specialists from Doulas of Baltimore is here to help. To make it easy, we provide gift certificates for family and friends to purchase. Add it to your baby registry or holiday wishlist!

Happy shopping, and happy holidays!

 

It’s October and you know what that means! Pumpkin Spice Season is upon us! Check out these fun ways to ‘spice’ up your baby registry this fall and welcome your little pumpkin to the world.

 

No one can resist pumpkin butts on babies, right? This adorable custom onesie from PersonalizeItFreeNY is fun and functional for all those fall babies!

 

While not technically ‘pumpkin themed’, we love Doodle Bands from Pumpkin Doodle. Easily label any baby bottle without permanently marking it up. Perfect for bottles left with nannies or daycare providers!

 

 

Pumpkin Heads has you covered for all your harvest-themed family photos with adorable flannels, chinos, and hiking boots in sizes from baby through big kid. What’s not to love about photos of your well-dressed little one enjoying all that autumn has to offer?

Grab baby’s first pumpkin from The Wooden Wagon this year! This combo teether/lovey/rattle is perfect for little hands and comes made from all raw materials with permanently controlled bio-cultivation. Bonus? Each tiny pumpkin face is hand painted, making this a one-of-a-kind keepsake!

 

Baby might not be old enough for pumpkin pie or pumpkin spice lattes, but these organic pumpkin-apple-peach-buckwheat pouches from Mama Bear will make sure that they don’t feel left out at the table! Great for on-the-go feedings and creatively introducing new flavors to picky little ones.

 

Up the sweet-factor on those teeny baby toes with handmade, 100% leather pumpkin moccasins from EVTODI. Soft & supple, these are great crib shoes and perfect for early walkers, allowing baby to stabilize themselves and feel the floor easily.

 

 

Is it really even fall if babies aren’t wearing pumpkin hats?  Keep baby cozy in this handmade number from Peaces by Cortney. Hats are made to order in sizes up to 12 months and our favorite feature? Machine washable!

 

Every new season and holiday is an opportunity to make memories and traditions as a family. If you’re expecting a baby this fall and are looking for ways to ease the transition back into your routine and gain confidence as a new parent, our postpartum doulas and newborn care specialists are here to support you. If you’d like help with your baby registry, our maternity concierge specialists can help!