VigorBuddy | First-Year Baby Gifts That Parents Will Love | Is “Down Under baby shower” still a thing? Yes, baby showers are a common tradition in Australia, even though many moms hate them with passion. But all that aside, let’s concentrate on the most difficult part of a baby shower or a first-time visiting a newborn – gifts. What gift to get for a baby?
Whether you’re buying a baby shower gift or visiting a newborn for the first-time gift – there is something you should know – always buy a useful baby gift – the parents will love you for it.
If you still have no idea what to get, here are some ideas that can be of great help.
1. For babies from 0 to 3 months
It may seem impossible to find something suitable for a newborn, especially if you have no idea what a newborn needs. So, let us give you some pointers. Since two or three month olds don’t really care much about presents, it’s more about getting something useful.
This is a period in a baby’s life where they’ll be developing their essential skills – touch, vision, smell, motor skills, and other skills. As such, if you want to give toys as gifts consider buying toys with different textures to stimulate the baby’s sense of touch, rattles, or shakers to promote cognitive milestones, toys with bright colors or patterns, larger, bulkier, and softer toys – since babies aren’t gentle when playing around.
If you have your eye on something more practical, consider gifting disposable diapers, bath items such as natural shampoos, soaps perfect for baby’s soft skin.
Baby gear is also always well received by the parents – baby carrier, car seat, bouncer, floor seat, and so on.
2. For babies from 3 to 6 months
The truth is that for each baby the teething period starts differently – but some babies do start feeling discomfort from teething as early as three months. This period in a baby’s life will be remembered by sore gums and teething – to help new parents, a perfect gift would be chewy toys and teethers, and items for sore gums.
This is also a period when the baby will taste their first real food. So, think about getting a baby’s first cutlery set – a silicone spoon and spork, a baby silicone plate/bowl set, or something similar.
You can go a step further and buy a bouncy seat or a standing gym – for this parents will be immensely grateful since their arms will need a much-needed break at some point during the day.
3. For babies from 6 to 9 months
Babies from 6 to 9 months old are much more active – trying to sit, stand, crawl, they’ll be eating and grabbing for solid food – which means they’ll get dirty more often.
This all means that you’ll have more gift options, that should, once again, be useful. So, consider high baby chairs, more bibs, a baby food maker with a baby food cookbook, and similar items that will make feeding easier.
This is also a perfect time to get baby clothes. All kinds of baby clothes from everyday outfits to pajamas, socks, and swimsuits. Getting cute baby clothes in Australia shouldn’t be a problem because there are tons of stores that offer a wide variety of all kinds of baby clothes.
For this period of baby’s life, getting any type of clothing pieces will be highly appreciated, but make sure you get the right size. It’s always a good idea to size up when you’re not sure about the exact size – so if you’re buying for a 6-month-old, go for the 6 to 9 months clothes or larger.
4. For babies from 9 to 12 months
And we’re nearing the baby’s first birthday – this means that it’s high time you get them their first newborn gift! For this time in baby’s life books are a great present. This is the period where babies further develop motor skill and their social-emotional learning should be boosted.
In addition to colorful picture books, and interactive books, you can get them a play tent, doll stroller, ride-on vehicles, trampoline for the backyard, and similar kinds of toys. Also, look for musical toys or toys that feature moving parts such as balls – toys that will help a baby understand the cause and effect concept.
One last great idea is to get a cute pair of sturdy shoes that will support the baby and make them stable. Just make sure you get the right size shoes or sneakers!
5. Other gift ideas
Of course, other gift ideas can be very useful both for the baby and parents at any stage during the first year of the baby’s life. For example, a sound machine can be an awesome gift since it will soothe the baby during the night, making sure the baby sleeps peacefully.
A portable diaper changing station will always be welcome. This is a very convenient gift since the diaper struggle is real and having all items in one place and ready to go is a blessing.
And there you have it – all the gift ideas for the first year of a baby’s life. If you remember anything else that can be useful, don’t hesitate to buy – a gift that will boost baby’s development or help parents will always be welcome.
Mike is an Australian business consulting specialist. He’s working with companies that outsource their IT maintenance. He often writes about technology, business and marketing and is a regular contributor on several websites.
Photo by Tatiana Syrikova from Pexels
