Baby shower gifts: Top products for expecting families

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Think April is the only month for showers?

Well, it’s shower season every month, with preparations for upcoming weddings and baby events crowding everyone’s calendar. Showers have certainly evolved from when they were first introduced back in the late 1890s before really taking off after World War II, to help war brides arriving on North American shores set up their new households. It was in the mid-1950s when Baby Boomers seized the whole shower concept that helped evolve this quaint custom into the fabulous occasion it is today.

And boy! Have showers changed throughout the years. They’ve grown from taking place in basements to church halls to fancy hotel dining rooms. They’ve gone from potluck to dainty finger sandwiches to glorious catered affairs — there’s a price and size for anyone throwing a shower today. 

Years ago, invited guests would guess what to bring, resulting in multiple gifts that could either be returned for a refund, or regifted for another shower. Today, wedding and baby shower registrations are the way to go, and the first to be checked off the organizer’s list.  Some of the top baby registries include the Amazon Baby Registry, which is free to create and offers an easy option for guests, since everything is virtual and most people have an Amazon account — plus shipping is quick and reliable. Two other popular options are the Walmart Baby Registry, another free option that offers products at accessible price points and the Babylist Registry, which offers inclusive options for families that are pregnant, adopting, going through a surrogate or simply “trying.”

Baby showers alone save expectant parents hundreds if not thousands of dollars in much-needed items. Everything from furniture to receiving blankets, baby monitors, diapers, soaps, sweet onesies  — the list is endless. 

Personally, I love a good shower. Catching up with family and friends, indulging in delicious fare and taking in all the oohs and aahs of the day. Gift-wise, I usually go with cash, or a gift card and a small wrapped gift. Although there are similarities, no two showers are alike.

Here’s a selection of gift ideas you may want to consider for your own registry or to purchase for an upcoming baby shower.

Top baby shower gifts for expecting families

Baby bath: Angelcare Baby Bath Support
Sound machine: Berest Sleeping Families White Noise Machine
Diaper bag: Multi-Function Waterproof Travel Backpack
Also consider:lululemon New Parent Backpack
Breast pump: Momcozy M9 Hands Free Breast Pump
Baby monitor: Nanit Pro Camera
Diaper pail: Diaper Genie Pail Platinum
Nightlight: Angelcare Magical Dreams Projector
Memory book: The Story of You Keepsake Memory Book

Top baby shower gifts, explained

Angelcare Baby Bath Support

For parents-to-be, this is a must as it’s small enough to hold a newborn, yet, thanks to its ergonomically-designed shape, can hold the baby securely, leaving a parent’s hands free to soap and rinse. Durable and lightweight, the soft touch material is perfect for a baby’s delicate skin, plus the mesh material allows water to drain easily and air dry quickly. Good for up to six months or 9kg, the device has excellent support, is hygienic and easy to clean and store. The company also makes baby baths for use from 0-12 months.

Why we love it: It’s secure, simple to use and makes bath time an enjoyable routine. Comes in several colours.
Price: $35
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

Berest Sleeping Families White Noise Machine

Soothing and comforting, the Berest (which comes in a variety of cuddly stuffed toys) offers a built-in sensor that, when it detects a baby’s cry at night, will automatically start playing gentle lullabies to calm the baby back to sleep. It mimics a mother’s heartbeat, has a night light and comes in a variety of cuddly types.

Why we love it: Apart from looking so adorable, it helps chill anxious moments for parents lying in bed and suddenly hearing a baby’s cry.  We loved the cute long-eared rabbit, but there are other cuddly ones to choose from.
Price: $45
Where to buy: Amazon

Multi-Function Waterproof Travel Backpack

It’s stylish yet functional and it’s perfect for travelling with baby, even if it’s to visit relatives. 

Why we love It: This bag lives up to its name as there’s plenty of space for all necessary essentials when travelling with baby. The interior pockets are large enough to hold diapers and blankets, while the zippered side pockets are insulated bottle holders. Plenty of accessory slots and once everything is zipped up, it looks like a stylish travel bag.
Price: $110
Where to buy:Best Buy

lululemon New Parent Backpack

A stylish and functional backpack that doesn’t scream “baby.” This diaper bag comes with a removable pouch and a changing mat for convenience while away from home.

Why we love It: Parents are raving about this spacious diaper bag that’s made entirely from recycled materials. It features side pockets for quick access to bottles and small items, easy to clean water-repellant fabric and plenty of storage for all of baby’s needs. As an added bonus, the removable pouch can be worn as a cross-body bag on quick outings.
Price: $228
Where to buy: lululemon

Momcozy M9 Hands Free Breast Pump

A best-selling, wearable breast pump that will get the job done and done well while still being affordable. With two modes and nine levels, this has options to imitate the baby’s suckling method to optimize milk production and help produce milk quicker.

Why we love it: It is portable, so it can be used indoors or outdoors and a fully charged battery can be used for about eight to nine sessions, making this a convenient and flexible option. It can hold up to 180 ml or 6 oz of milk in each cup, while also tracking output at every pump through the connected app. 

Price: $360
Where to buy: Amazon | Momcozy

Nanit Pro Camera

Baby monitors are a must, even if the baby’s room is right next to yours. This particular one is equipped with a wide-angle HD camera plus night vision.

Why we love it: You can keep tabs on your baby any time, even if you’re running errands. As well, you’ll receive alerts to give you a head’s up on what’s going on — even if you’re not watching the monitor. This portable baby monitor tops “best of” lists across the internet for its monitor and app combos. Expect crystal clear video from anywhere in the world on your connected smartphone via the Nanit Pro app. The camera is flexible, easy to set up and the perfect travel companion. 
Price: $330
Where to buy: Nanit | Amazon

Diaper Genie Pail Platinum

When there are babies around, so are, well, smelly diapers. This special pail has a multi-layer refill bag that traps odours and makes sure the nursery stays fresh and clean. Each bag is perforated with a unique tapered design that makes for easy emptying.

Why we love it: It’s convenient, with a sleek design and foot pedal that allows for hands-free operation — no bending. 
Price: $116
Where to buy: Amazon

Angelcare Magical Dreams Projector

When there’s a newborn in the house, sleep becomes a fond memory. With its soft, calming colours, the Magical Dreams projector helps create a soothing, comforting sleep environment for the new one, especially during nighttime feedings. 

Why we love it: This magical machine also displays mesmerizing scenes of stars and moonlight onto the ceiling — good for kids and parents!
Price: $40
Where to buy:Amazon

The Story of You Keepsake Memory Book

A milestone, gender-neutral journal scrapbook and photo album that records every baby event from birth to age five.

Why we love it: Kids grow up so quickly, we sometimes forget the little things that keep memories alive. It’s perfect, especially for first-time parents.
Price: $43
Where to buy:Amazon

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