What do you wish someone had bought you for your new baby/when you were pregnant?

Posted by xoxicu@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 176 comments

My friend is pregnant with her first baby - very exciting. Her and her partner are buying all the practical things needed to keep baby alive, but as the surrogate aunt with some disposable income and minimal responsibilities, what can I buy that is useful but not "necessary"? What did you have that really helped? Or what did you wish someone had bought you? I want to contribute and spoil my friend and my new tiny pal but I'm absolutely clueless. In England if that helps.

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imminentmailing463@reddit

Vouchers for deliveroo/just eat/Uber eats. Or meal prep kits like Simply Cook etc.

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sgst@reddit

Cook (the brand of ready meals) are really, really nice, but quite expensive. Plus they do a 10% discount for new parents for a year. We got £100 Cook voucher for a friend when she was pregnant, and she said that in those first few weeks having a freezer full of genuinely tasty but super easy dinners was a lifesaver. She got the same for us when my wife was pregnant and it was great, though I also did a bunch of batch cooking and filled a small freezer full of home cooked 'ready meals'. We lived off those and the Cook dinners for 3 months or so, and it was absolutely worth the effort!

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Norman-Wisdom@reddit

Ah man, someone sending us a big box of Cook meals to our door brought us both to tears when we had our daughter. We've done the same for every new parent we know since.

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AtomicPhotographyUK@reddit

These are 2 pieces of advice is have lined to have been given; The weird design of baby vests is to enable them to be pulled down over the shoulders to remove them after a poonami. If the baby is a girl it's possible for them to have a period a few weeks after birth, you don't need to have a nervous breakdown if you see some blood in the nappy (it's left over hormones from mum) Items, I'd recommend the Baby bjorn bouncer, it's loads more expensive than most people would get but it's also loads sturdier and can be used as a chair as they get bigger. We also loved the Baby Bjorn baby carrier/sling not just for going out but also handy if you want your hands free at home.

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Great_Cucumber2924@reddit

100% agree except baby bjorn carrier isn’t wide enough at the bottom to be optimum for babies’ legs - their bouncy chair is great but there are loads of better carriers like close caboo, Tula, ergobaby and mamaruga zensling

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Mischeese@reddit

Travel change mat, they roll up. Like [this one](https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-anyday-travel-changing-mat/black/p5340059?s_ppc=2dx_mixed_fashion_BAU&tmad=c&tmcampid=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHiYo74lJnKegtpLtmr_KMPFM2hNa3zAwUqrDLn70zBX3EEZbUlyjm7hoC7ZgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds) most useful things anyone bought us.

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Great_Cucumber2924@reddit

Boots do a really good one too

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Wild_Wolverine9526@reddit

A lot of change bags come with these.

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Icy-Revolution1706@reddit

A room thermometer, i used the Gro-egg (about £20 in boots). Babies are very sensitive to temperature and there's a link between being too hot and SIDS (Sudden infant death syndrome). The Gro egg glows a different colour depending on room temperature and its really really handy. I lost a lot of blood during birth and was very anaemic for months after, one of the symptoms of this was constantly being freezing. As a result, i couldn't tell whether the room was warm enough for baby or not and was in danger of putting the heating on too high. Having the egg was a massive reassurance that while i was bloody freezing, she was safe and comfortable, it has a gentle glow like a night light and digital display with the temperature. In contrast, i wouldn't bother with a bath thermometer, i used my elbow and my daughter liked her bath quite a bit warmer than the thermometer said was ok.

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

This combined with a print out of a the tommee tippee illustration of what to dress a baby in for each temp is still used in my house for my two year old. Makes it so easy to just look at the temp and then pick the corresponding clothes/sleeping bag combo

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stinathenamou@reddit

That sounds so useful! Could you post a link to the illustration? I've tried but can't find one that seems quite right!

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

Hopefully this works/ https://images.app.goo.gl/7UZe7cZUj3r3EcDQ8

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stinathenamou@reddit

It did, thank you!

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

If you buy any of their sleeping bags and illustration comes with it. We just ripped it off the box and neatened it up and keep it on top of the clothes drawers. Really takes the guesswork out of it all for us which was especially useful the first six months (my son was born in September and we live in a Victorian house so made us pay attention to keeping the house warm enough). In case you’re interested the recommended nighttime temperature for babies to sleep in is 18 degrees. Too hot can be as bad as too cold and in fact is harder to dress them appropriately as there’s only so many layers you can remove.

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stinathenamou@reddit

That's really useful thank you. Yes I'm due in springtime but we live in a mid-century house which isn't massively warm. We'll definitely be getting a room thermometer to help!

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

They often have one built into the baby monitor so that could be helpful too

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ElinorSedai@reddit

We have the Gro-egg. Whilst it is handy, the blue light for too cold seems to be brighter than putting an actual light on.

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Icy-Revolution1706@reddit

That's probably a good thing as it will remind you to warm the room up

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ShiteCrack@reddit

Tommee tippee machine. Makes the perfect temp milk in about 90 seconds. Saved us hours in sleep.

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furrycroissant@reddit

Is that sterilising/prep machine?

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Arny2103@reddit

I think they mean prep machine. Sterilising machine is basically a little dishwasher. You chuck all the rinsed-out bottles, caps, teats etc. into it, pour a dash of tap water into the plate that heats up, turn it on and let it do its thing. It steams everything and then dries it all out in about 50 minutes.

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furrycroissant@reddit

Yeah the prep machines apparently have a terrible rate for infection and anti bac rate.

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Arny2103@reddit

Yeah, and they're too much of a faff. We're selling ours after we never used it properly.

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Moment_13@reddit

The NHS advises against these machines as the water the machine dispenses isn't hot enough to kill bacteria.

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haybayley@reddit

Big yes if they formula feed - but pointless if they don’t!

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ShiteCrack@reddit

Haybayley raises a serious point all. Don’t be dippin ya tits in the tommee tippee machine. It’s formula only.

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313378008135@reddit

This needs lots of upvotes.

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DMC_addict@reddit

Baby sleeping bags were a game changer, and available in a variety of togs.

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furrycroissant@reddit

Genuine question, what is wrong with feet to the bottom and a blanket? The guidance says to not use sleep bags until 6months and older, so why use them at all?

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shibbol33t@reddit

They’re great for very wriggly babies. A blanket never seemed to stay tucked for us!

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furrycroissant@reddit

Aw that's a good point, suppose I'll have to see if ours will be wriggly or not

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87catmama@reddit

I replied to your comment before I read the other comments and see that I just repeated what everyone else said! Just another tip to you as a mum to be - get a next 2 me crib, especially if planning to BF. It's so easy just to pick them up or reach across and hold their hand, and you can stay nice and warm in bed!

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furrycroissant@reddit

Yes, a friend is giving me theirs soon as their little one is due to out grow it.

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han192@reddit

The advice I saw wasn't no sleep sacks until 6 months, just make sure the sleep sack is the appropriate size/baby meets minimum size/weight. I think the one we used was minimum 4kg. We found blanket was fine when baby was tiny but as soon as they start wiggling the blanket was kicked off almost instantly.

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furrycroissant@reddit

I see, so it's more to ensure a continuity of warmth than anything else? They're just one of those things I've seen pushed at me as a mum to be, but no one could actually tell me the benefits of them vs an old fashioned, well tucked, blanket.

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

Around 4 months old my son started kicking his legs vertically regularly and the blankets were gone and he’d wake up. They are great insulators and also add an element of comfort as they’re underneath as well as on top. I think the babies being wrapped helps them feel comforted too. Like a swaddle but less tight.

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ElinorSedai@reddit

It's also so much easier to just lay them down in their cot when they are asleep, rather than trying to fuss with blankets. I say this whilst my 3 month old snoozes post-feed. Let's see if he will stay asleep!

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SarkyMs@reddit

And getting them up to feed is easier

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furrycroissant@reddit

I can definitely see the benefits there, you want to make the most of milk drunk sleepiness

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han192@reddit

Exactly, however they wiggle they still stay warm. Mine has just turned 1 and I think the routine of getting put in the sleep sack is helpful for getting him settled for bed. I never bought the fancy grow bags. Sainsbury's online do a 2 pack for about £30 and they're often in the shop reduced too.

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87catmama@reddit

My son is such a fidget, no matter how tight you'd tuck the blanket in, it would be off within minutes! No worrying about that in a sleep sack.

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Bloody-smashing@reddit

Personally I preferred a sleep sack as I was so paranoid about the blanket ending up over my we ones face. We ended up using the love 2 dream swaddles when she was newborn and when she was around 8 weeks swapped to tommee tippee grobags and then when she was big enough we used merino wool sleeping bags.

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furrycroissant@reddit

Aw, ok thank you.

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Catherine1971@reddit

I came here to say this! Baby sleeping bags! The big brand was Grobags when ours were babies, a name that made me chuckle.

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Sausagekins@reddit

And to add to that, the Tommee Tippee grow bags are popular and quite expensive so a nice treat. I’d recommend getting a size up (maybe the 3-6 months or 6 months +) as most people tend to get a lot of newborn stuff and theres not enough time to get through it all before they’ve grown out of it :).

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bethelns@reddit

Marks and spencers sleep sacks are great too, wash really well and go up to 36 months. Someone gave us a tomee tipee newborn one but our 8lb 12 chonker didn't fit in it so echo the 3 to 6 size reccomendation.

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

We had the same issue! Love the marks and Spencer ones. My two year old is still in his sleeping bags as he prefers them to blankets.

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bethelns@reddit

Mines 2 and a half and still likes the sleepy sacks. Still in her crib too because she rolls everywhere.

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jesussays51@reddit

The John Lewis AnyDay ones are also good.

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LateFlorey@reddit

Following that advice though, try and understand the tog system. No point buying the size up in a 0.5tog when it will fit the baby in February etc.

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shibbol33t@reddit

The merino wool ones are pricey but work with a lot of room temps and are sooo soft.

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Bloody-smashing@reddit

We had the superlove ones for my daughter once she was big enough and they just took all the stress out of worrying about whether she was going to overheat. Used them into toddlerhood. Totally worth the expense. Also love 2 dream swaddles when they are newborns are a gamechanger

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Icy-Revolution1706@reddit

Oh god yes! The second baby is big enough, they stop all that fannying about with covers!

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rosielouisej@reddit

adding to this, our faves were the love to dream brand. the arms up one was amazing for self soothing. we called it our daughters flight suit. so cute 😭

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playhookie@reddit

Board books. Goodnight moon, Spot etc. in the newborn phase you can be so groggy you don’t know what to say, so having books helps with actually using your voice.

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

To add to what others have added I’d have told everyone who visited not to try and help with the parenting but if they wanted to help please do some washing or help tidy up. Of course they can cuddle the baby but I don’t want to be relieved of the baby to do some cleaning in the first months.

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ModoTheGardener@reddit

The best advice anyone can ever give you, framed as a reminder: Human physical and behavioural traits emerged 6 million years ago. Thats at least six million years where your ancestors didn't sit on their phones reading about how they're doing everything wrong. Trust yourself, you will only ever learn to parent *your* children. And like 50 pairs of identical baby socks.

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Buttonmoon94@reddit

Depending on how much you want to spend: A really nice pushchair liner, like one of the sheepskin ones- would have made a big difference over winter! Cook vouchers or similar always go down well as new baby gifts, a bit nicer than a takeaway but minimal effort A good quality big water bottle (like Stanley or Chilis or something like that)- if mum is going to breastfeed she will be drinking soooo much water and it’s easier if you don’t have to keep refilling it My sister got me a huge hamper full of my favourite snacks and that’s still one of my favourite gifts Good quality or fancy loungewear- something that makes you feel put together even if you haven’t showered in a week and there’s baby vomit on you somewhere

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pimblepimble@reddit

I got this PS5 for my new baby. Bit of an odd swap, but the midwife knows best.

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Wonky_Halo@reddit

I've buy the mum some pampering stuff and some good quality ready meals https://www.cookfood.net/

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jugsmacguyver@reddit

I'm going through a bit of a rough time and my cousin sent me some frozen ready meals from here so I wouldn't have to cook but would have something delicious. It was so thoughtful and much appreciated!

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Wonky_Halo@reddit

If I was rich, this is where my lazy, single self would buy all her food from. It's annoying cooking for one. Also, your cousin is a superstar and I hope you are in a better place now.

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jugsmacguyver@reddit

Thank you. I have amazing people around me and things are getting better every day ❤️

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Wild_Wolverine9526@reddit

This! We were given some posh frozen meals, they were perfect (would have been great to know they were frozen though, we put them in the fridge. They still tasted great, but we had to guess cooking times. In our defence, baby was really poorly and we were back and forth to the hospital, we didn’t read the small print and I don’t recall anything glaringly obvious saying “store in freezer”.

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Illustrious-Log-3142@reddit

>https://www.cookfood.net/ I've been really struggling to eat properly lately and it's making my mental health worse - genuine thankyou for reminding me these exist and they sell them in my local shop!

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BrilliantOne3767@reddit

These are SO handy! The portions are separate too so you can eat individually and take it in turns!

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algy100@reddit

We did a cook voucher for a colleague whose wife was having a baby (we weren’t sure how much freezer space they had or we’d have got them a bundle) and they really, really liked it - they used it when the food they had prepped ran out and got a new customer discount so it went even further!

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Remarkable-Test6216@reddit

Love2dream sleeping bags/swaddles - expensive but the only thing my daughter didn’t break out of. We had so many different types. You always need a spare due to sick/nappy explosions! 100% recommend. Check the tog based on when baby is due. A red nightlight and white noise machine. Also, as people have said, food. Drop off a load of meals that can be frozen and eaten nearer the time. The parents will appreciate it so much.

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WorldlyBarber215@reddit

Look into ways to move the child, strollers, boba or baby pack,.

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SojournerInThisVale@reddit

Sign up to a meal train. We had one that lasted six weeks and it removed an absolutely huge pressure on us as parents

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SojournerInThisVale@reddit

Just buy clothes, they’re such a brilliant gift, vests especially. Buy them a size up

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physicistpi@reddit

I pre-cooked around 2 weeks worth of meals and took them over when she went to the hospital (food intolerances made most ready meals a no-go) and put them in the freezer. I then showed up a week after the birth, cleaned the kitchen and the bathroom, and fucked off for another week.

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itsellainit@reddit

Ready meals from Cook. Cosy button up pyjamas for mum. Nappies and wipes for baby. We thought we'd bought plenty beforehand, but we soon got through our stash. Electric nail filer (I recommend the one by Haakaa.) Tommee Tippee swaddle bags. Lastly - take lots of photos of the parents with their baby, and use some to make gifts like an album or a framed photo. Friends and family tend to focus on getting photos of themselves with the baby, and don't offer to take any of mum and dad. I really appreciate the photos I have, it doesn't matter that I look tired or pale lol.

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87catmama@reddit

It's certainly not a necessity and obviously depends what time of year baby is born (you can figure out the size depending on when it'll be cold), but a friend of mine got me on of these [star wraps ](https://www.tuppenceandcrumble.com/) which is amazingly adorable and I love it. I put it on him in the carrier and in the pushchair and there's no worry that he'll kick it off.

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alicetherain@reddit

For your friend, a really thoughtful gift is a toiletries bag with lots of minis for her to take into hospital. Put it together yourself so you can personalise it and get lots in - toothpaste and brush, shower gel, shampoo, deodorant, lip balm, moisturizer, wash cloth etc. For the little one, I like to do toys and books. People get loads of baby stuff so it's useful to have things for further down the line. Plus it encourages people to read to their babies.

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alicetherain@reddit

If you're feeling really flush, could you treat them to a once a week cleaner for 3 months? My mum did this for me after my second child and even put the cash in separate money bags so I never had to think about it. It was total bliss having a spotless house once a week.

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Lucky_Caterpillar_57@reddit

Buy a white noise machine (if they haven’t already got one) and they will love you forever. My eldest is almost 4 and she still uses it every night. Fireworks, neighbours out having a party in the garden, dogs barking at the doorbell, car/ road noise all goes unnoticed and the kids are blissfully unaware that anything happened.

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Wild_Wolverine9526@reddit

White noise and light projector!

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schmerg-uk@reddit

Nappy laundry service for cotton nappies that someone that delivers collects and launders ... about £10 a week I think plus the liners (you flush the liners with hopefully all of the "soiling" and the laundry service looks after the rest). At a later stage disposables may be more appropriate but especially with newborns this can be a lot more convenient and eco-friendly. Ditto muslin squares for spills and wipes esp around feeding and burping etc - about a dozen is generally enough and they just get thrown in the washing machine (did I mention a lot of laundry can be involved?).. after a while you just learn to always have one draped over your shoulder etc. Cute baby clothes are outgrown incredibly quickly - a friend passed us down a beautiful little leather jacket that looked like it had only be worn once or twice, and sure enough that's all the use we got out of it before we passed it on too. My mum worked as a private maternity nurse when she retired from nursing (midwife and later health visitor). This was top end stuff and she'd be on-duty in the house looking after the mother and the baby for 24 hours for 6 days a week for the first 6 weeks after the baby was born (after which someone less specialist such as a nanny or au-pair can take over). So it really was mostly the rich who'd she'd work for (even tho the pay is actually pretty poor) but you might be able to get someone to spend even just a few days teaching the parents how to cope as well as looking after the specifics of this baby and how they eat and sleep etc.

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ElinorSedai@reddit

There are two things I've discovered about having a baby. 1) You can never have enough muslin cloths 2) There will never be a cloth in your immediate vicinity when you desperately need one

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Wild_Wolverine9526@reddit

Giant/ XL muslins are a game changer too. All the usual uses, but can also be used to swaddle and as a blanket if needed (e.g in pram or car seat when out and about).

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vajaxle@reddit

Someone got me a pack of each nappy size so I always had a size on hand each time my baby grew. People get given so much newborn stuff, so a few onesies for older babies is great as well.

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Draigdwi@reddit

Baby bouncer chair. Something like this. Heaven sent when the baby wants to be active, can't yet but you are busy. Something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Kite-Baby-BAMBNCE-Bambino/dp/B07X3ZS52X/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=UNGF60U85I8T&keywords=baby%2Bbounce%2Bchair&qid=1701140370&sprefix=baby%2Bbounce%2Bchair%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-5&th=1

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SongsAboutGhosts@reddit

Chocolate and healthy meal kits for mum. Possibly toiletries, but bear in mind that she won't have tons of time to herself and various parts of her will be going in the baby all the time (she won't really want scented products on her breasts if breastfeeding, and should also avoid them in whatever area(s) are healing from the birth) - hand cream will probably be useful with the amount of winter hand washing but fingers might need to go in baby's mouth, so not always practical; Lush shower bombs could be a good shout? Also Lifebuoy hand wipes smell fantastic and the little packs are useful out and about. For baby, nostalgic books, cute and/or sensory/developmental toys, things that draw on the parents' likes/interests. One of my friends got us a dragon toy (we lived in Wales), I like label toys and teddies (big fan of my own in childhood), my brother bought us quite an expensive playmat. I know the top comment says sleep sacks, and these are great, but they may also be something your friend has already. Bedding is a rewuired/practical item; I also bought all of the practical things for the first age, and we had enough 0-6 sleeping bags before he was born.

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loobydotlu@reddit

Socks. Baby socks are ridiculously expensive and I lost at least one a week.

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Forsaken_Flounder142@reddit

The answer is no socks for babies. Mine was in full suits for first 6 months at least

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ElinorSedai@reddit

Yes, I rarely have the energy to get my baby in/out of trousers. Onesies all the way.

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ElinorSedai@reddit

Counterpoint: please not socks! I can rarely be bothered to dress my baby in anything other than onesies. Everyone bought us socks and we have more than we'll ever need.

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dust_of_the_cosmic@reddit

We didn't lose many at all, we used https://sockons.co.uk I buy them for all friends/ family when they have little ones now

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Gremlin_1989@reddit

I loved these! We had several pairs when my daughter was a baby, they genuinely work. She hated having her feet in babygrows, would kick them out from newborn (I've got so many photos of her looking like she has four legs). But she'd happily wear socks, so these were a game changer.

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BerryBrambleWitch@reddit

Just looked them up, very clever idea. Would have been great itif they'd been about when I had mine.

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Ok-Doughnut-2060@reddit

FOOD!!! Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice getting clothes, blankets, hats etc, but I ended up with so many and I really didn’t need it. People bringing me food though just took so much pressure off. Some people brought homemade dinners, some literally just bought ready meals from the shops. Didn’t matter, just having something quick I can heat up was so appreciated. We also got vouchers for Cook which is a website that sends you frozen meals. It’s expensive so works only really as a gift, unless you’re rich! But they were very tasty meals and it helped just having something I could whack in the oven or microwave and just have something sorted for dinner.

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ElinorSedai@reddit

Visitors will only be admitted to see the baby if they provide chocolate/biscuits/cake to the ravenous breastfeeding mum.

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polystyrenedaffodil@reddit

Most definitely! My sister also put together a "snack bag" nice large solid tote I could carry from room to room filled with sweet and savoury snacks. Crisps, chocolate, breakfast bars, sweets, Crackers...various stuff. So when I couldn't be arsed to even put tuppwear in the microwave I had something I could eat in arms reach. It was such a fantastic aid I made up one for my friend when she was about to have her baby. Was difficult because she's vegan and I have no idea about tasty vegan snacks, but r/vegan were very helpful. So yeah, food! And if you're coming to see the baby, bring her (and dad) a hot meal, home made or take away, or just a hot greggs sausage roll, just something they can devour with both hands while you cuddle the baby.

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Live_Confection8751@reddit

A million times food. When my best friend had her 1st I dropped off meals at least 3 times a week. Just left it on the door with cooking instructions attached and texted her that it was there. She’s told me so many times since that she could never repay me for that, so easy for me as I was cooking anyway. I also went absolutely ham on a basket FULL of bits. I got stuff for the baby but nothing for babies under six months, bath toys that you can open and clean, nappies, really good bottles she wanted but couldn’t justify, then I made sure to get her something for her, a corona because she craved them so much, chocolate, a peri bottle etc. I then also got Dad a jokey book on surviving a newborn. Oh to go back to the days I had all this time and disposable income!

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Mediocre_Sprinkles@reddit

When I was still in hospital my mum stocked the fridge and freezer with ready meals. Just basic ready meals from Tesco. They were a game changer. That was the best gift.

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shibbol33t@reddit

This! My sis got some friends who are excellent cooks and often cater for parties to cook us several meals which could be frozen too. It was epic.

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BigJon_CakeKing@reddit

Things I am most grateful for as I sit here with a 3 week old: -Baby clothes with ZIPS not poppers 😄 -Battery powered baby swing (ingenuity swing n go) -A LARGE UV steriliser (tommee tippee 3 in 1) -Baby scales so I don't have to go to my local library 🤦 £20 on Amazon! -White noise generator/speaker -If she wants to breastfeed how about a voucher or pay for a visit to a 'lactation consultant' which was a game changer for us in sorting tongue tie and general feeding methods -Kilos of chocolate -Nice coffee -Earplugs for your sleeping shift But mostly just check in with her regularly, it's physically and emotionally exhausting!

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3_box@reddit

A jelly cat cuddly toy! They make lovely baby presents as they are super soft and last forever. Both my kids have them and they are their favourite cuddly toy to sleep with (they've had them for years!) And they're in great condition 😁

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CharliBeanie@reddit

I actually disagree with this since we got 15 jelly cat toys (since I think they’re quite popular with online gift companies) and 7 of them were rabbits. We used to joke that they were breeding like rabbits! What made it worse was that my son hates all cuddly toys!

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3_box@reddit

That's a real shame that he hates cuddly toys when you got so many but I guess not everyone can love them 🤷 All the kids I know have one and love them to death, they take them everywhere, even the older kids 😁😂

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attackoftheumbrellas@reddit

Agree, everyone thinks they’re an amazing gift and you end up with loads. Our son was interested in none of them.

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algy100@reddit

We went to see a friend yesterday and her five year old bought the jelly cat dinosaur we gave her when she was one down to show us and he’s still so soft and lovely. (And I was tickled she still had it and knew it came from us!)

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3_box@reddit

My absolute favourite is the little green dragon with the tiny wings 😍 I think I'm gonna have to buy it for myself cos I've been really obviously hinting for it since our daughter was born but hubby's either not getting the hint or thinks he'd lose me snuggling up to him 🤣🤣

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FlyingFox2022@reddit

Things for her. Everyone forgets the mum and buys baby things. Care packages of fave things. If you can splash out go for the fanciest stuff as it’ll be a nice treat. She won’t forget that. I always gift snack hampers when the baby arrives if I live far from my friend so they have things to grab in between night feeds or when on the go, and avoid hanger fights!

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FamSands@reddit

An Amby Natures Nest. It would have saved me from weeks of a 16hr a day screaming colic baby! Didn’t get until they were a couple of months old while desperately researching solutions. Got one before number 3 was born!

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lilpej@reddit

Swaddles, anything that will make white noise (bonus if it’s got a nice light/lullaby’s), washing detergent - maybe even hiring a laundering service to collect the clothes because you’re constantly cleaning babys things you tend to put your own clothes off. Electric nail file and electrical snot sucker (babies are wrigglers)

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WorkingChip9759@reddit

A good ergonomics baby carrier. Like the ergobaby, so much nicer on your back and great for baby

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Stormstar85@reddit

We actually got it as I asked one person specifically but an Ollie the owl. It’s a nightlight and has various sounds, heartbeat, rain, nursery rhymes etc tk help baby sleep. Got my SIL & BIL a pip the panda. Same premise just different animal.

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Tonymush@reddit

Not something to buy but tell them make sure the pram fits in the boot of the car before they buy it

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Girl-in-mind@reddit

Coffee machine for newborn times

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FuyoBC@reddit

Something for the parents is my go to as so many people get stuff for the baby but sideline stuff the adults need / want - maybe not alcohol yet but some really nice creams for face/hands, maybe some nice chocolates, and stuff you think they would like / enjoy and says 'yes, you may now be parents but you are still my adult friends!'

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datta196@reddit

Baby grows with a zip instead of poppers. An expensive game changer but something you wouldn’t normally think of.

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Roundkittykat@reddit

Starsuit. I saw a mum with one at the children's centre when mine was about 8 weeks and ordered one before we left. Absolute game changer. It's a fleece all-in-one that goes over their clothes *but* they can wear it in a car seat. (To explain - you have to take coats and pramsuits off to put them in a car seat as the padding makes them unsafe, so if you're going out you're constantly having to take outer layers on and off and babies *hate* getting dressed and undressed.) Also, maybe something for the mum/parents. When I announced my pregnancy my SIL sent a lovely care package with spa stuff, cosy socks, nice decaf tea, etc. It meant a lot. I appreciated all the baby clothes we got but it was nice to have some bits to spoil myself too.

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SorbetOk1165@reddit

White noise machine. We eventually got a myhummy for my eldest when he was a few months old. He donated it to his brother when he was born. Get some rechargeable batteries (& charger) to go with though as they can eat batteries being on for hours a day.

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PhishingForADream@reddit

I would have loved someone hiring me a cleaner for a couple hours a week

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Wavesmith@reddit

Ah this would be the best gift!

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yedhead@reddit

See I feel the opposite, wouldn’t want anyone new in my space at that time. I want the cleaner now that I have a toddler. Keeping the house clean with a newborn was a doddle, just sling em up and go. With a toddler just stopping them from seriously injuring themselves and tidying their toys away eats up all of my cleaning time :(

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parfait31@reddit

A nice set of soft, breathable swaddles/blankets. We initially bought those [Aden & Anais silky soft bamboo baby swaddles](https://www.adenandanais.co.uk/baby-swaddles-and-blankets/silky-soft-muslin) for my sister-in-law who just had her baby. Turns out they were fantastic and we ended up buying a set ourselves for our own daughter who was born a couple of months later lol. Since then we swear by those specific blankets to give as a gift to our friends who just had a baby and it's always got a 100% rate of success :)

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LadyWithABookOrTwo@reddit

A deliveroo gift card!!!

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Rankinitiative@reddit

One of those big Stanley cups with a straw - breastfeeding is thirsty work. A big bottle of laxatives. Maybe some nice food you can eat one handed? Burritos or sturdy flapjacks or something like that. A heated throw if she's having a winter baby. You don't want to have to put the heating on for a 2am feed and nappy change. A Kindle, if she doesn't have one, and some very silly books with no plot.

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Pavlover2022@reddit

A very good in ear thermometer. Braun make an excellent one, currently $50 in boots. You don't think that you'd need one, but babies and kids get temps all the time and having it already on hand is a massive peace of mind and will get years of use. You would think to spend that much on a thermometer yourself which is why it's such a great gift . Still use ours, and my kids are school age now. https://www.boots.com/braun-thermoscan-7-plus-ear-thermometer-with-age-precision-and-night-mode-irt6525-10306422

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furrycroissant@reddit

Dollars?

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Pavlover2022@reddit

Obviously £. Slip of keyboard

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upupupdo@reddit

Surrogate grand parents. If the real ones are not around or uninvolved. You need the support network.

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Euphoric-Plenty-1603@reddit

An advent calendar that is reusable. We got our daughter a new one each year until during COVID there were none to be had. So we got a reusable one and each year we full it with chocolates and little treats for much less than the cost of a normal calendar and with better chocolate

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PsychologicalCold100@reddit

Snacks, all the snacks, those first weeks of night feeds your body is hungry! As others said a deliveroo voucher for a hot meal you don’t have to cook. Initially we had loads in, ended up needing more ‘first sized’ babygrows as baby was bigger than expected. Someone told me you could never have too many bibs, I laughed, I had plenty for the newborn but once weening started I needed SO many more bibs. Sophie the giraffe teething rings, so annoyingly expensive but very much agreed to be the best by most mums at the mum groups I attended (and I was late to the Sophie party, but wish I’d joined sooner). Really the first few months it’s all about looking after the parents, cleaning help, snacks, hot food - then it moves into practical little baby things I’d say. Someone bought us a large (toddler sized) hooded towel from Amazon and it’s the best, still using it to this day and all the baby sized ones are far too small now. In general, toys, books, teddies etc. but honestly buy them snacks, I never realised I’d be so hungry for sugar 😂

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_mounta1nlov3r_@reddit

A really good dressing gown is something that you don’t realise how much you will use before the baby comes, especially a winter baby. Though maybe that’s a bit more practical than you were expecting.

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koalateacow@reddit

And some comfy pyjamas (possibly button down if planning to breatfeed).

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_mounta1nlov3r_@reddit

Obviously make sure it is easily machine washable!

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Middle-Damage-9029@reddit

Cuddledry towels - great for newborns and now really handy for swimming lessons. Vouchers for Cook. Information about local Sling library. Vouchers for a family photo shoot. My daughter is 10 months and we have one decent photo of 3 of us. Spa voucher for mum. Baby massage class or sensory class for dad. Dad’s often get left out. Hand/foot print appointment.

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PmMeLowCarbRecipes@reddit

I’m 9 months pregnant and I’ve had 4 friends have their first baby this year. The top recommendations so far: * Lactulose (constipation medicine). So many new mums have told me this, my friends, other women from NCT classes. Not sure how you feel about buying this for your friend, but I’m told it is ESSENTIAL. * Napisan. It’s like the grit they put on road before it snows, but for explosive poos. * Portable sleep soother that clips on to your buggy. My friends got me the Wooshh one. * Stretchmark oil - I’ve been using the Cowshed one, which is not cheap, but I love it. Even my midwife complimented my smooth bump skin.

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whygyall@reddit

My friends bought me new slippers & an enormous bag of pic n mix sweets, like a SACK worth. 10/10.

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PrincssM0nsterTruck@reddit

I co-slept with all my babies, but a baby monitor with a camera was the bomb when they got older. I would have loved food delivery or grocery store vouchers. Shoot, I wish Deliveroo was around back in the day. I wasn't always able to cook, but the ability to get delivery when my husband was at work would have been the bomb.

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TylerDarkness@reddit

For the parents - something nice for them to do (spa vouchers, cinema tickets, dinner vouchers) for themselves or that they can do to just spend time together as a pair before the baby is born. Not many dates for most new parents once baby arrives! For after the baby is born, practical support like paying for a cleaner or meal vouchers. Or helping out yourself if you have that relationship. My sister and BIL cleaned up quite a bit and built the cot when they visited a week after he was born and it was a sweet gesture. We also got a £50 voucher from cook and we loved it. I would say with baby stuff, it can be hugely hit and miss on whether baby responds well to stuff or not. I would wait until you know what they've got. If you're looking for something cute that they might not think of, a sleep machine like Olly the Owl or Ewan the dream sheep usually goes down well. For me, the absolute best thing anyone did for us was pay for tongue tie division. It was expensive to us (£250) but it saved our breastfeeding journey, which was really important to me.

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Temporary-Design1012@reddit

Pre-prepared (homecooked) meals for the first couple of weeks - ones that can be taken from the freezer and put straight into the oven. No thought, no mess. I was part of a mum and baby group when I had my second and for the first two weeks after he was born, a different member of the group dropped off a cooked meal every day for dinner. Depending on when they dropped it off, it would either be hot or need reheating. Either way it was a great help. Alternatively, get them a slow cooker and a recipe book of 'dump and cook' meals. (Basically, dump all the ingredients in a slow cooker and leave to cook for a few hours.) They are minimal prep or fuss, so are really quick and easy to do while baby is sleeping.

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cayosonia@reddit

It seems that they are taking the lead in buying practical stuff so you can be different. When you are pregnant you get a lot of attention... how are you, do you need anything, can I help, that sort of thing. After the baby is born all attention shifts and the mother is left out as now it is all about the baby. Why not buy the new mum a gift when the baby is born instead?

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EldritchCleavage@reddit

A bin for dirty nappies that kept the odour from leaking out. John Lewis. It was great!

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usuallydramatic@reddit

One of the absolute best things that someone bought us was a Gund sleepy eyes owl, obviously there are lots of equally good similar things on the market. But it's just not something we would have thought to get for ourselves and it's a miracle worker for getting baby to sleep, and keeping him asleep when he stirs overnight.

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dmmeurpotatoes@reddit

I had a baby less than three months ago, so I feel qualified to answer. - Baby sleeping bags - Cold kit for babies first cold with thermometer, Calpol plug-in things, baby vapour rub, a snot sucker. Babies can't use even basic medicine like Calpol for bloody ages, and it's so shit having to drag a poorly baby around the shops (when you're also probably feeling ill) to find the few things that can help. - a hairdresser voucher for three months after birth, when your pals hair will be shedding like mad - Cook vouchers or just eat vouchers - a nightlight projector thingy - I bought ours when the baby was less than a week old, and he loves staring at the pretty swirling colours on the ceiling. - cloth baby wipes, they're so much better at removing poo than disposable wipes, which mostly just smear it

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BrilliantOne3767@reddit

OMG. A hairdresser voucher! If you can actually ‘go’. Might have to be a home one!

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foxywoxydoo@reddit

I wish someone had bought me some take away vouchers or vouchers for cleaning service. The practice everyday stuff is the hardest bit post baby.

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LateFlorey@reddit

Google the Rockit. It goes on the pram to keep it rocking when you are parked up somewhere and the baby is sleeping. Total game changer!

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kb-g@reddit

A Tuppence and Crumble star wrap has been super useful over the cool weather with my second. A decent white noise machine. Sock-ons This mobile. Hypnotises small babies. Don’t know how, it just does. Tiny Love Take Along Mobile, 3-in-1 Baby Mobile for Cot, 0+ Months, Portable Music Mobile for Pram, Multi-Use with 3 Connectors, 5 Melodies, 30 Minutes of Continuous Music, Meadow Days https://amzn.eu/d/hVCzm22

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TronaldDump___@reddit

A Ewan Dream Sheep. It attaches to the cot/moses basket/co-sleeper and plays white noise to help the baby to settle and go to sleep. Both of my kids loved it, even as they grew older!

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BrilliantOne3767@reddit

Posh fleecy colourful baby bibs. Adds pizzaz to an outfit and are really useful to keep baby dry when dribbling. My childminder has them now. One of the best presents with my second baby.

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Andthenthishappens@reddit

A fuck ton of food. Honestly, giving birth is exhausting, and between breastfeeding and interrupted sleep, you get too tired to get your shit together and cook a meal. Fill their freezer with good, nutritious meals and you can’t go far wrong. Ps: you’re a great friend.

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BrilliantOne3767@reddit

A ‘V’ pillow. So versatile for propping up your big heft when pregnant. Then can be used to help breastfeeding or just to prop baby up a bit on the bed or floor.

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45anddone@reddit

Muslins lots of them... and baby grows for a year on. You'll be surprised how quick they go!

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gentillehomme365@reddit

Something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Integral-Operated-Photocell-Hallways-Transparent/dp/B09LDF14SR/ref=pd_aw_pspc_dp_m_1_m_t_9?pd_rd_w=cEHkT&content-id=amzn1.sym.85c282f1-6f04-4a42-af03-732aae3cc4c6&pf_rd_p=85c282f1-6f04-4a42-af03-732aae3cc4c6&pf_rd_r=3XB1N14ZA5BTCZXDDAF8&pd_rd_wg=e5fgC&pd_rd_r=af823948-dc23-4744-b811-066f9a544446&pd_rd_i=B09LDF14SR For when they need to go to baby at night and will be dead tired and don't want to 'wake up' properly

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CouchKakapo@reddit

I've got a similar one which had been fantastic after trying a variety of lantern and fairy light ideas which didn't really do what we needed. This way there's a lovely (adjustable!) soft dim light near baby.

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PrinceBert@reddit

Completely agree with the idea, I recommend this one though. The penguin section is a light and then when you remove the egg it is also a light that you can carry around. My SIL bought us one because she found it so useful just picking up the egg in the night when baby is in their own room, then you've got a portable light to go with you as well as a light in your own room. https://www.boots.com/tommee-tippee-penguin-2-in-1-portable-night-light-10275420?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc-_-PLAs_HeroCompare-_--_-PMax:+UK_Smart_Shopping_Baby&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAmZGrBhAnEiwAo9qHie2U0t-cTeqQ_R8l0VEc6C0TRvSbKquIDmtpW6DpvoylrWMPaS5zGxoC3MAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

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Own_Presentation6561@reddit

A hamper of snacks /drinks for during night feeds in a nice box that can be left out in baby's room for them both. As it's cold at night you always forget to get yourself a drink or snack or grab a blanket. Also agree a nice dressing gown is a great idea too as you don't sleep much then the midwife turns up and your not dressed.

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mitzubee@reddit

10 weeks post partum now with my first (twins!), my friend who had a baby a couple of years before got me an in hospital care kit which included maternity pads, face wipes, femfresh wipes, lip balm, mini mouth wash and some hand cream. It was so useful! She also got me an after pregnancy kit which included some luxury chocolates which was nice to enjoy when I was on the edge of sanity in the first couple of weeks, it also included a voucher for Uber eats and body lotion. Honestly, all of this is amazing but I would also add a couple of household chore vouchers they can cash in at any time and call on you to come help around the house for half a day or something similar.

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Klutzy-Mo@reddit

Good quality frozen dinners. Before I gave birth I prepared 2 weeks of dinners for my husband and I and it was an absolute game changer without needing to feel guilty about takeaways.

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jen13579@reddit

An electric baby swing. One with a mobile above. The good ones are expensive but would make an amazing gift if you can afford it. I really wish we had one of these! Would have given us a break from constantly rocking her. It makes your arms hurt and you can never finish a cup of tea.

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Whitegreen060@reddit

This I was about to suggest. Loved the mamaroo .

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Indigo-Waterfall@reddit

A maternity nurse for the first couple weeks to support new parents for sure.

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amypalms@reddit

A voucher for COOK - best present we got hands down. Meant no cooking for the first couple of weeks which made life so much easier

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Leading_Guarantee497@reddit

When my son was born my work gave me some marks and Spencer’s vouchers as well as a just eat voucher. Was excellent!

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GinBitch@reddit

Handmade vouchers they can cash in when Baby arrives. You will likely need to give a nudge to encourage them to cash them in These could include Cleaning the house/a room/the dishes Babysitting for a couple of hours Just coming around for a chat with no judgements on the house, appearances or their feelings at the time Offer to cook dinner - could just drop it but and leave Things I struggled with most when I had my daughter was complete loneliness, inability to leave the house, I struggled to get showered at a reasonable time of day. My baby cried for hours on end with no relief and the whole experience was so hard when my husband was at work all day..

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rtwigg89@reddit

The things I always buy new Mums (my collection of favourite things I got) are: - matchstick monkey toy - interlocking plastic rings (bright starts lots of links - pushchair mitts (absolute game changer)

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6637733885362995955@reddit

Bonds (Aussie brand) do these romper suits that make changing nappies very easy . You can get them here online, not cheap but really worth it

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ScottishIcequeen@reddit

All things mentioned above are amazing. What about buying some pre made home cooked meals that can just be banged in the oven? Like from local restaurants? There’s a butchers near us that do amazing roast dinners and meals that are really reasonably priced! Would definitely save a lot of time and would be greatly appreciated. I was lucky as I had my mum stay with me, and she cooked everything! A few practical things that I loved: A clothes horse (the ones where you hang the babies washing to dry) A cleaner for a few hours per week, although this might be intrusive with a newborn Baby milk if not BF, that stuff is expensive!!! As well as nappies! Some lounge suits. Not pyjamas, but something that she can wear that will ‘hide’ that she’s padded down below. I had a C Section, and had a pad over the scar, and pads down below, looked like a proper nappy! Along with maybe some lady things, like disposable pants that can just be chucked away.

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Lobdobyogi@reddit

I always wanted a rocking chair

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melmelzi25@reddit

I would have loved: Take away voucher or some kind of nice frozen meal delivery thing A travel mug to keep tea hot while living on the sofa breastfeeding Bibadoo bibs for weaning. They are a little pricey but my daughter is 2 and we still use them. She's still a very chaotic eater! Cosy but feels smart lounge wear (bonus if breastfeeding friendly is that's what she wants to do) A cleaner for a couple of hours especially when Dad L's paternity leave has ended.

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stars154@reddit

I really liked the Purflo Sleep Tight Baby Bed, it’s a really good quality baby pod. I got a pedicure just before giving birth. I figured if everything else was going to shit, at least my feet would look good, so maybe something like that for her? For me, the first shower after giving birth was so nice, you could maybe get her some fancy shower gel/shampoo and conditioner. If she’d like it, you could pay for a TV subscription. I watched a lot of Below Deck during the night. My Hayu subscription was very valuable! I’d avoid soft toys, clothes or books. We got so many, it was overwhelming. You’ll have loads of opportunities to buy them later on.

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DontCatchThePigeon@reddit

I was given the suggestion a few months in to my first born that taking a picture on the same background once a month was a great thing to look back on. Since then, my go to gift is something like this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wocharm-Milestone-Blanket-Numbers-Newborn/dp/B088NCTV3K/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=2XJ6X20ZMS96S&keywords=baby+blanket+photos&qid=1701115200&sprefix=baby+blnket+photos%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1 it always goes down well - it's something new parents don't often think about

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PiggletMeat@reddit

I bought it myself and it was brilliant! 2 nappy caddy's & changing mats, one for upstairs and one for down with a checklist of what should be stocked in it. Nappies, wipes, change of clothes, cream etc. Great for not having to carry it around each day and the list helped when I was so tired my memory wasn't the best!

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External_Science6849@reddit

Currently 15 weeks pregnant and the thing that I’d personally love for someone to buy me would be whatever my cravings are - right now I’m loving Cocopops, orange/tropical juice and plums so if someone bought me a little bag with those in it, I’d be so damn happy! I’ve also just bought myself some dungarees and lounge pants to wear as pjs because everything is getting tight for me. Probably not a “necessity” but very useful and I intend on continuing wearing these after my baby is born because they’re loose and comfortable. As for the baby, you could buy a really nice blanket that they can still fit under when they’re a bit older? Myself and a few family members knit/crochet so I intend on sewing all the homemade blankets together as my baby grows and then adding to it over the years until they’re a fully grown adult. Or you could buy them a nursing cushion so both are comfy during those many feeds throughout the day/night?

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Icy-Revolution1706@reddit

Ooh i remember the citrus/zingy flavour cravings when i was preggers! I got addicted to a kiwi/lime/banana smoothie that Innocent made but have now stopped. I still miss drinking an entire bottle in one go!

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External_Science6849@reddit

Haha! Get that blender out and make yourself loads! A month ago I was all for making myself strawberry and banana smoothies with Greek yoghurt and a bit of sugar. It was heaven!

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squirrel-rebellion@reddit

One of the star fleece baby wraps - tuppence and crumble do them along with a few others now. Baby can go in that in carrier, pram and the car seat, rather than coat going on and off and possibly waking them up whilst they are sleeping etc. Just makes life easier. Little babies really like black and white toys with simple designs. More pricey for later on- we had a jumperoo for ours and it kept them entertained whilst we took a few mins to sort dinner, put the washing on etc. Used to call it the seat of neglect!

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bumbleb33-@reddit

When is she due? That might change my suggestions

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ala7686@reddit

Baby sleeping bags and/or a bath jug. The latter is still used to this day. Nuby do a nice soft one.

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YourStupidInnit@reddit

A nanny.

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