Best Baby Shower Gifts

So a few people lately have asked me what is the best baby shower gift?  My first answer is check their registry (Babies R Us, Target, BuyBuyBaby, Amazon, Magic Beans, Giggle,  etc.).   If you know a few other people going to the same shower, its nice to all go in on a large gift together (or better yet a large gift card to the store she's registered at).

If they don't have a registry or you don't like what they've registered for - which is totally fine - my favorite baby shower gift is a giant box of diapers.

Go to Target, Walmart, or Costco and pick up the largest box of size 1 diapers that fits in your budget.  If your budget covers two boxes, get size 1 and size 1-2.  Any experienced mom will tell you that you can always make a size 1 diaper fit and this is the size that you will go through the most of.  I'm a fan of Pampers since they make extra soft, very absorbent newborn diapers.  But Pampers vs. Huggies is sort of like asking a mom which is better red or blue.

Everyone loves to give cute little clothes (in tiny, tiny sizes because they always seem cuter) or adorable stuffed animals.  Unfortunately all a newborn really wears for the first few months are basic onesies and a lot of those adorable little clothes will never get worn.  Most of the stuffed animals - no matter how cute - will gather dust and drive the future parents crazy for years to come.  Go for the practical bet.

Plus, a giant box of diapers when it is all wrapped up looks like a very large, very fancy gift.  And you know that at 3am some morning they'll thank you for them.

If you're invited to a shower across town, or across the country, and you can't make it in person you can send a giant box of diapers from Diapers.com directly to the new mom-to-be.  If you spend more than $49 they ship for free (if you're a Delta Skymiles member you can also get miles for ordering them by clicking through the Diapers.com link on Skymiles Shopping).

Hospital Bag

Ok, so I'm going to break the "strictly baby gear" rule already.  A few of my pregnant friends recently asked me what you need to have in your bag for the hospital.  Here are the essentials.  Pack it at least 4 weeks before your due date.  In fact, while you're thinking about it, pack it now.  Make sure your husband/partner/significant other/labor coach knows where it is.  Maybe just park it by your front door (or toss it in your car).

Small bag for Labor and delivery:

• Plastic bag of Essentials (copies of hospital paperwork, insurance card, doula/doctor/pediatrician names and phone numbers)
  
• Clear hard candies in flavors you like (life savers, jolly ranchers, etc.)*
  
• Gatorade (powder mix if you can find it)*
  
• Large bottle of water (~1L)
  
• Bendable straws
  
• Extra hair bands
  
• Camera
  
• Flip flops
  
• Chapstick
  
• Magazines, Book or iPod w/ headphones (you could be there a while and might need a distraction)
  
• 2 Pillows with COLORED pillow cases
• Eye glasses (if you have them)
  
• Exercise ball and pump (if you’re using one)
• Gum and bland snacks (for your Significant Other)
  

* if your OB will let you have them.  Make sure to ask at your next appointment

Small Suitcase for your stay in Maternity:

You:

• Cardigan or zip hoodie
  
• Lightweight cotton bathrobe
  
• Medela Comfort Nursing bra (1-2)
  
• Underwear (3-4)
  
• Nursing nightgown (1-2)
  
• Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hair stuff, a little blush + lip gloss for pictures, extra contacts + saline, deodorant)
  
• Outfit to wear home (not involving pants/tights/leggings)
  
• Balance Bars or some other pre-packaged snacks
  
• Cellphone charger

Significant Other (if they are "rooming in" with you during your stay in Maternity):

• Underwear (1-2)
  
• T-shirt (1-2)
  
• PJ pants
  
• Flip flops
  

Baby:

• Outfit to wear home (sleep suit or similar coverage)
  
• Outerwear (depending on the season - a sweater for spring/summer or a jacket, hat, mittens for fall/winter)
  
• Carseat
  

Have Someone  - i.e your parents or a close friend - Bring You:

• FOOD and SNACKS (hospital food really is terrible)
  
• Bottled water (4-6, 20oz+ size bottles are best)
  

Contractions Anyone?

Ok, so this isn't gear, but this contraction timing tool is fantastic!  Practice a few times before you need it just to see how the tool works.  It will take a little while to get the hang of what a full contraction feels like (beginning, ending), but you’ll catch on pretty quickly.  On the big day, this is best used on a laptop so you can have it at your fingertips.  You can also print out your results to share with your doctor or nurse when you get to the hospital.  So when you say your contractions are now 3 minutes apart, they might believe you a little more quickly...