As the mother of five, I?ve gone through the baby stage a LOT. (even in duplicate!) A seasoned mother quickly learns what are neccessities, what things are worth the splurge, and what things to leave at the store.
Are you shopping for a new baby? I?ll give you my best ideas for gifts for the 18 months and younger set.
1.Artwork
In the boy?s room, we have a print from a local artist that we bought when Rachel was small. We?ve always hung it near the changing table, and all of my little ones have been mesmerized by it.
I love pieces of artwork, especially customized. I found this shop on Etsy, and have poured over the beautiful personalized announcements there. I?d love to receive one as a gift for Maeve.
2. Carriers
Before babies can walk, they have to be carried. Save the back of a momma that you love and get her a good carrier. My friends swear by their Ergo, and I love our Baby Bjorn.
3. Amazing Blankets
Ready for a splurge? Indulge yourself and your baby with Aden + Anais blankets. I followed the advice of my friend Lisa and took the plunge with these swaddling blankets.
I?m so glad I did!
First off, they?re HUGE ? much better for swaddling than the hospital blankets. Made of muslin, they are light enough to use even in the hot summer. Now that Maeve?s bigger, she uses the blankets for a lovey.
4.Keep the Baby Clean
Everybody loves the smell of a delicious little baby ? in my house, the babies smell like oranges? Why?
Earth Momma Angel Baby body wash and lotion. I put this on my registry, and I recommend it to every one I know. If you?re not into online shopping, it may be available locally.
Bonus? They have some amazing pregnancy and postpartum products that I love.
5.Washcloths and Towels
For me, one of the best part about being the mother of an infant is bath time. You get to hang out with your baby, they?re happy in the tub, and they smell delicious.
These make a fun gift ? soft infant washcloths and fun hooded towels. A robe isn?t completely necessary, but scores MAJOR cute points.
6.Bath Toys
Since you?ve got the great smelling body wash and soft towels covered, how about some fun while baby is still in the tub?
I like these Sassy bath pals. Don?t forget something to keep the toys organized.
7. Nightgowns
I love these for when babies are small ? so much easier than wrestling a baby into a sleeper with snaps. Add some socks and you?re ready for bed.
Once babies are mobile, these aren?t as great. Imagine a baby trying to crawl. Not happening in these.
8.Socks That Stay On
Unless it?s really cold, the Robeez are enough for us. We keep our house pretty chilly, and if the baby?s toes are cold, we put on her Trumpette socks.
How cute are these?
9.Soft Shoes
I know they make those adorable infant Mary Janes, but I think you?re wasting your time. They never stay on, and with a wobbly baby learning to walk, barefoot or a soft sole is best.
Our favorite? Robeez. They?re available for girls and boys, in loads of hard to resist styles.
Once my little ones are walking well, we move up to leather shoes with flexible soles, like See Kai Run or Livie and Luca.
10. Girly Accessories
Part of the fun of having a girl baby are the clothes and accessories. How about some cute headbands or funky tights? These are great stocking stuffers!
11. Clothes
Be sure and check with Mom before you buy clothes. She may have a oversupply of gowns, but not enough t shirts.
I love Gymboree, but I always check out the deals on Totsy and Zulily every day, too. They will have smocked outfits that I love, as well as adorable swimsuits, raincoats, toys and more.
12 & 13. Faith Based Gifts
Are you looking for a gift for a Catholic baby? Every Catholic mother would appreciate a rosary for her sweet little one. I love these Lego Rosaries, as well as the beauties from Trendy Traditions.
Along with a rosary, a holy water font would be a welcome gift in a Catholic home. Since I married into an Irish family, I?m particularly fond of this one.
14. Children?s Bible
Don?t forget a Bible for baby. I love this Catholic Baby?s First Bible, with a handle for baby to carry! While I was looking at this, I also noticed board books for Mass. These would be perfect for us to take to church.
It?s cold here in Kentucky now, so it?s time for us to bring out one of my favorites.
15. Bundle Me
Keep baby warm without any bulk! The Bundle Me has been a lifesaver for us ? I used them for the boys, then bought Maeve a sweet pink one. The snuggly fleece cover stays in the carseat, eliminating the need for big coats or snowsuits. They also have versions for strollers and convertible car seats.
Need to keep the baby happy in the car?
16. Music
Do you get tired of singing? When your voice wears out, or your brain can?t think of anything fresh, try some new children?s music on for size. Some of my favorites? Elizabeth Mitchell and Lisa Loeb.
What about TOYS? Since Maeve has older brothers and sisters, she?ll get a lot passed down to her. I?ll share what we?ve played with in the past and what we have on our wish list.
17. Wooden Blocks
Haba is known for their quality children?s products, and these Zoo blocks are adorable. These would be perfect for Maeve.
18. Spill and Fill Sets
These can keep baby occupied while you get dinner on the table, or finish up homeschool lessons. We have had a fishbowl in the past, but Maeve?s getting this sweet girly purse under the tree.
19. Exersaucer
Is your baby sitting up with support? She might be ready for one of these. Maeve has enjoyed hers since she was 4 months old ? she?s able to stand and watch us, or sit down and play.
Ours is completely and totally girly, but there are versions that are more neutral.
20. Baby Jumper
Got a little one who needs to expend some energy? My boys loved this when they were small, and Maeve is about ready to give it a whirl, too. Bonus? It doesn?t take up a lot of floor space. We also have this floor jumper in case she gets bored!
21. Sophie the Giraffe
This natural rubber teether is all the rage. Since Maeve is chewing on everything in site, I?m going to pick one up for her. My only challenge? Keeping the dog away from it, because it squeaks!
22. Lots of Links
These are great by themselves for baby, or to connect toys to high chairs, strollers or activity gyms. My big kids use them now to make leashes for stuffed animals.
23. Balls for Baby
Balls can encourage babies to crawl, or help reinforce fine motor skills. I like these for the different textures and the hidden bell.
24. Board books
We LOVE books in our house, even for little babies. I have my favorites, but I?ll leave this list to my professional bookseller, Mary Jo. She?s got a wonderful list of books for babies to get you started.
25. Lamaze Play and Grow Toys
We?ve had a variety of toys from Lamaze, but one that has stood the test of time is ?Molly Dolly?. Abigail picked this doll out for Rachel when I was still pregnant. I was thrilled to find her in the basement to pass on to Maeve.
There?s a huge variety of Play and Grow Toys ? even an alien!
26. Mirror
Babies LOVE mirrors ? this is a wonderful toy to keep them entertained. (I need to add one to Maeve?s list!)
27. Activity Gyms
For the under 12 months set, a safe place to stretch out and play is important. We?ve always loved these activity gyms ? we?ve had ones from Baby Einstein and Fisher Price in the past, but I love this version from Tiny Love.
28. Baby/Toddler swing
Once your baby is able to sit alone, it?s time to put the baby swing away. You could add this infant swing to your swingset instead!
29. Musical Instruments
I?ve had two or three of these pianos in my house, in various colors! All of my children have loved banging on them when they were little ? Rachel and the boys still use theirs from time to time.
30. Bead Tables are amazing ? you?ll usually see big ones at the pediatrician?s office. Start your little one off on the right foot with this scaled down version perfect for babies and toddlers.
31.Shape Sorter
I love these shape sorters ? I?m looking forward to getting ours back out and watching the kids ?help? Maeve.
32. Baby Puzzles
Show your baby how these pieces fit, and before long, she?ll be working this puzzle on her own. I love these Melissa and Doug puzzles with the big knobs for babies to grasp.
33. Ball Popper
This toy is a classic ? I?m sure it?s driven moms crazy for years! My kids loved theirs, and I look forward to Maeve using ours next summer.
34. Nesting/Stacking Cups
As soon as your baby is able to sit alone, nesting cups are a great toy. We use these for learning colors, pouring water in the bathtub and more.
35. Baby Slide
I?ve had kids who were climbers and instead of fighting it, I like to provide a safe alternative. In our house, we love these scaled down slides for babies and toddlers.
36. Ride On Toys
When learning how to walk, babies can push this ride on toy along or sit on it and waddle along. These can go forward, backward and sideways! This wheelybug comes in different versions, even a tiger!
37. Baby Signing Time
I?ve been a big fan of these DVDs since Rachel was small. Maeve is approaching the six month mark, so we?ve been practicing our ?milk? sign around here. My big kids are going to be so helpful and these DVDs are a great refresher with fun songs.
38. Rocking Chair
My daughter Abigail?s grandparents bought her a rocking chair when she was small and I couldn?t have been more thrilled! 17 years later, it?s been well loved by 3 more children and is ready to be a seat for Maeve soon.
I love this style ? neutral, but easy to personalize with cushions or paint.
39. Piggy Banks
In our family, Aunt Shawna is known for gifting us with our banks. Maeve got her first bank for her Baptism present last week. These are great gifts for a baby shower, Christmas or birthdays, too!
40. Personalized Christmas Ornaments
Another tradition in my family started with my mother. She enjoys giving us personalized ornaments for the children, and someday, I?ll pass them on to the kids to decorate their own trees. I look forward to seeing what Mom picks out every year.
Is there a gift on your baby wish list that I?ve left off? Don?t forget to leave me a comment, and add this to your Pinterest boards. You?ll see me link this up with my friends at Top Ten Tuesdays, Works for Me Wednesdays, The Mommy Club and more.
Don?t miss more gift guides coming up this week ? check back for little girls, boys, moms, dads and teenagers. My Fabulous Forty series will continue on into the spring ? subscribe to keep up to date with all the happenings here.
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