Baby Season is Always
Is it just me, or does everyone know at least 3 women who are having babies in the next month or so? Below, a few gift ideas for yourself or a family welcoming a new addition.
Momspiration
No one ever said babies were low maintenance
Before I had a baby just thinking about all the items an infnat required seemed overwhelming. Did I really need a baby wipe warmer (hint: the answer is no)?
Below are just a few of the items I found super helpful, buy it for yourself, a friend who is expecting, or pass the list along to an overwhelmed parent-to-be.
If you’re not a mom, but you are going to buy a gift for someone’s newborn; I remember feeling bummed out about spending money on something as mundane and not sexy as a diaper pail or pacifier. I recommend purchasing one practical item from their registry and then getting something fun and more personal as an add on. For example: a monogrammed towel or a book you cherished as a child. I will say blankets and stuffed animals while lovely, are usually over-gifted (I know bummer — but facts).
Sleepsacks - I recommend the brand Halo for infants, and get the ones with a zipper and velcro! the lightweight swaddles are pretty, but I found my newborns wiggled their way out of them and then it would wake them up. Halo makes ones that have zippers on the bottom and top so you can do an easy quick “twilight” diaper change without taking the whole damn swaddle off and potentially keep the baby lulled in a semi-sleep state.
The keekaroo changing table. I just like this because it was functional + super easy to clean. If you’re having a baby there is about to be a whole lot of bodily fluids in your life very soon.
Hatch white noise machine. It is great for newborns to drown out sounds, and nice for toddlers because you can set a light to go off when it’s ok for them to get out of bed.
Doona stroller, if you live in a city like New York where you walk a ton, take public transportation, but then maybe need to hop in a taxi or uber this is incredible. Very lightweight and you can simple do one little movement and it turns into a bassinet/carseat!
Some kind of bouncer chair. I thought this wasn’t necessary and didn’t get it for my first daughter, until way later, then I realized it’s a great tool especially if you don’t have help around. You can stick your child in it and give them a toy to chew on while they can see you and you shower, or eat, or do whatever normal basic human activity you don’t have time for anymore.
Baby carrier (I swear by the babybjorn brand here) must have. Full stop. Buy it ASAP. I wore my 1st child around for at least a year and a half, on the treadmill, to the subway, in a bar, everywhere!
OK, I said that everyone gets too many stuffed animals, but this one by Maileg is actually incredible and is easy for the child to hold onto, made out of beautiful materials and doubles as a teething toy (thank you to my friend Rebecca * her jewelry below* who gifted my daughter a lion version which went everywhere with us for years).
A diaper genie. THE diaper geenie brand not the cuter ubi version. I’m telling you the diaper genie traps the stinkiest diaper smells much better than any other brand. Trust me or learn for yourself.
Not pictured, but don’t forget things asking friends to sign up for the first month for a rotational meal delivery situation as a gift, lots of books for the baby (soft ones, black and white for infants, then progress to fun ones you have memories of from childhood as baby grows).
Mom Hack
Treat yourself! Or someone you adore to personalized items. Maybe it’s not as pragmatic as a diaper geenie, but it’s something you and the child will treasure for years to come. PS these are great for everyone, not just moms.
My friend Rebecca Pinto is such a stylish mom. If I ever have anyone other than my 2 best friends reading this substack I’ll start interviewing cool moms I have the privilege to know — Rebecca being one of them. Her jewelry is so organic, and all unique. She can customize these pendants. Think a birthdate, initials, a heart etc.
Then there are these cute gold plated letter pendants by Charlotte Chesnais. As well as these gorgeous diamond letter rings from Sophie Bille Brahe.
Customization doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. My friend Nelli gifted me a cozy and cute hooded baby towel that I have used for years and will save for my girls in case they have children one day. It is so nice when someone really takes the time to gift you useful and treasured items.
This is definitely a work in progress, so DM me and let me know what you like, what needs work, and what you want more of. My instagram is @chantalkhughes
Thanks for reading!
— C