65 Best Baby Gifts for Newborns, According to Real Parents
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If there’s one thing you definitely shouldn’t stress over, it’s picking out the very best baby gifts. Seriously, what new parents really want is practicality. And honestly, everything is cuter pint-sized, which means you can never go wrong with an adorable onesie, a pair of baby Uggs, or a personalized crib blanket.
But if you want to dig a little deeper for something really special—a gift that strikes the perfect balance between unique and useful—we can help with that too. We (as in the mothers who wrote this piece) polled dozens upon dozens of new parents to find out what presents a new mom or new dad really want. Survey says an extra set of hands. But if you can’t show up for baby duty, this list has all the items we put on our own baby registry sites.
Whether you wind up with the most Instagrammable milestone markers, cute baby clothes to bring on your first visit, TikTok-viral Amazon finds, or the stylish (yes, really) baby carrier everyone’s buzzing about, there’s no going wrong with this list. Oh, and if you’re looking for ideas for babies that are a bit more grown, check out our guide to the best gifts for one-year-olds.
The best baby gifts, at a glance
- Best Baby Gift Overall: Ugg Bixbee Slippers, $40
- Most Useful Baby Gift: BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss Quilted Baby Bouncer, $210
- Best Personalized Gift: Bubzi Co. Baby Handprint and Footprint Makers Kit, $24
- Best Gift for a One-Year-Old: South Bend Woodworks Kids Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle, $27
- Best Custom Baby Book: Artifact Uprising Baby Book The Story of You, $85
- 1/67
Hanna Andersson Baby Tunic and Shorts Set
Hanna Andersson has been a staple of children’s clothing for decades, and for good reason. Glamour senior editor Stephanie McNeal remembers her mom picking her clothes out from a Hanna catalog in the ’90s; when she had her daughter and was given some items by a friend for the first time, she finally got it. “Hanna’s fabric is so durable and high-quality,” she says. “Mixed with their always adorable patterns, they're just a classic.” She’s especially a fan of their tunic and shorts sets for baby girls and rompers for boys.
Ideal age: Newborn to 3 years
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UGG Bixbee Bootie
There are so many adorable baby booties out there, but how can you beat a pair of Uggs to complete a cozy mommy-and-me look? This fuzzy pair actually stays on wriggly little feet, says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. “I couldn’t keep socks on my kiddos for anything,” she says. “Their feet were always ice cold, but thankfully this pair came to the rescue when a daycare teacher recommended them!”
Ideal age: Newborn to 18 months
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Best Book: Read to Your Baby Every Day
“We know from decades of research that the most important things parents can do is talk, read, and sing,” says Jody LeVos, PhD, chief learning officer for Begin. This book provides the perfect excuse. It’s packed with 30 of the most beloved nursery rhymes from the Mother Goose collection, all paired with images of hand-embroidered illustrations by artist Chloe Giordano.
Ideal age: Newborn and up - 4/67
Bubzi Co. Baby Handprint and Footprint Kit
For a personalized gift with a bit more staying power, this framed handprint and footprint keepsake (with room for newborn photos!) has more than 11,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. It’s a relatively inexpensive gift they’ll keep for a lifetime. “We have a similar tree ornament for each baby, but I love the idea of a frame you can keep out year-round,” says Earley.
Ideal age: Newborn to 6 months
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Cloud b Calming Nightlight Star Projector
Like the viral constellation projector, but make it for baby. So much more than an adorable piece of animal-themed nursery decor, this night light projects a soothing depiction of the night sky on walls and ceiling in your choice of three soft colors. “I like that it has a 45-minute shut-off,” says Earley. “This way you don’t have to remember to turn it off later.”
Ideal age: Newborn and up
- 6/67
BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss Quilted Baby Bouncer
Want to gift a trusted product? New parents say they couldn’t live without their BabyBjörn bouncer. This comfy quilted chair will be a safe place for their newborn baby to chill (and soothe themselves), giving mom and dad a free hand to drink their first glass of water in days. “I brought mine everywhere, including the beach and the nail salon (seriously),” says Earley.
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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- 7/67
Lovevery The Play Gym
If there ever was a baby product with a cultlike following, it would be Lovevery’s Play Gym. Thanks to Montessori-approved accessories such as a batting ring, a teether, a mirror, and all kinds of learning cards, this activity gym will set their kid up for tummy time now, play time later (it turns into a fort for older kids!). “Sure, all of the interactive elements are great, but selfishly, I love that this baby toy isn’t made of vibrantly colored plastic like so many others like it. It actually looks kind of cute in my small family room,” says Earley.
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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- 8/67
Nike Kids’ Blazer Mid-’77 High-Top Sneakers
File this under one of those adult-style items that looks a hundred times cuter on a baby. “A family member bought these for my son when he was a baby, and I think everyone we walked by audibly squealed,” says Earley. “I loved them so much, I got some in my own size.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 4 years
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Personalized Wooden Name Puzzle for Kids
Once the name has been revealed, this is the perfect customized gift to celebrate the new nugget. It’s more than just a keepsake—parents can eventually incorporate this personalized puzzle into playtime to improve hand-eye coordination as their baby grows. “This is my go-to gift for one-year-olds,” says Earley. “New parents love anything with their baby’s name on it, so it’s never too soon.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 3 years
- 10/67
Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier
Meet the cool-mom-certified carrier worn by everyone from Hillary Duff to Henry Golding to Shay Mitchell. Artipoppe makes beautiful carriers that are equal parts comfortable and chic—and guaranteed to be on the baby shower wish list. With 100% cotton, cashmere, and even silk options available, their little one will literally be seated in the lap of luxury. The best part? Despite looking like art, these are ridiculously durable and will last through a second baby (wink). “I had multiple carriers with my first and didn’t like any of them,” says Nikki Fink, a mom of two. “I splurged and got the Artipoppe this time, and I’m obsessed. It’s so comfortable.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 2 years (suitable for kids up to 45 pounds)
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Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets
A lot of new parents put burp cloths on their registries, but Earley says there’s a better alternative. “My son’s reflux was out of control. He was constantly spitting up, and a bib or a burp cloth just wasn’t big enough. These swaddle blankets saved me (and my clothes), and you can’t beat the versatility. Use them as stroller blankets, roll them up and use them to prop baby’s head up, use them as a nursing cover—you name it. Oh, and the muslin is unbeatably soft.” They’re machine-washable too.
Ideal age: Newborn to 6 months
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Baby Shusher
Do you know how much your mouth starts to hurt after saying “shhh” over and over again? Real moms say this little device is a game changer. It perfectly emulates the sound to do the hard work for you in 30- to 60-minute increments. “Although we use a sound machine at night, I still consider this gadget a must-have,” says new mom Jillian Shatken, creative director of womenswear at clothing designer Saylor. “It perfectly emulates a verbal ‘shhh’ and is ideal for calming down an overtired baby at nap time. It is truly a miracle machine.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 6 months
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Monica & Andy Hello Baby Top
This organic cotton crossover top, from one of the best baby clothes brands, is perfect for newborns and their nervous new parents—the snap top is easier to take on and off than the standard envelope-shoulder onesie, and it’s gentle on newborns with their umbilical cords still attached. It has a few tricks up its sleeves too: “I had a baby in November, and I was always worried about keeping her hands and feet warm—clothes with sleeves that can fold over a baby’s little hands are great for that and for preventing them from scratching themselves,” says Gena Kaufman, a mom of two. For an extra-sweet touch, you can have the little one’s name embroidered on this.
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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Coasion Baby Polarized Round Sunglasses
A baby in sunglasses is 100% guaranteed to elicit fawning gasps from strangers on a walk. “I never got stopped by more people than when I had my three-month-old daughter in trendy sunglasses,” says Kaufman. “They look so funny and adorable.” The stretchy backstrap here helps actually keep them on the baby’s head instead of getting tossed on the sidewalk.
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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Magnetic Me Baa Baa Fitted One-Piece Pajamas
Any seasoned parent knows snaps are a no-no, especially during midnight diaper changes. This sleeper, which secures via magnets, is much more efficient. “They are the easiest outfit to get on and off,” says Kelsey Ogletree, new mom and CEO of online PR facilitator Pitchcraft. “And the soft fabric is so stretchy. Somehow my four-month-old is still wearing one that’s a newborn size!”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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Gund Flappy the Elephant
It’s no surprise this little toy has more than 38,000 glowing reviews on Amazon. It’s a relatively budget-friendly baby gift that’s highly interactive. “One of my coworkers gave us this when my son was born, and it went on to entertain all four kids,” says Earley. “Now it’s something I love to buy for other families.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 12 months
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Baby Montessori Toys Gift Set
This baby gift set of Montessori-inspired toys is basically a greatest-hits list for babies six months and older, and a lot of them are toys the child will play with well into their toddler years. “Stacking cups and a faux tissue box were favorites of both my daughters and kept them entertained for good stretches even in their baby days,” Kaufman says.
Ideal age: 6 months to 3 years
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Pottery Barn Kids My First Anywhere Chair
Baby may not be actually sitting in this for a while, but it’s a can’t-resist piece of nursing or family room decor. And we all know how much a new parent gushes over anything personalized. “I bought one of these for each of my kids. In fact, I remember buying my second’s before I even left the hospital,” says Earley.
Ideal age: 1 to 3 years
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Artifact Uprising Baby Book “The Story of You”
Sentimental parents will be glad to have a baby book where they can document all of their little ones firsts and special details as they watch them grow. “My chicest mom friends are all obsessed with Artifact Uprising for photo books and other customizable gifts because of their classic and elegant style and the easy of ordering online,” says Kaufman. It's a nice gift for mothers who have their iCloud filled with photos.
Ideal age: Newborn
- 20/67
EZPZ Mini Mat Silicone Feeding Mat
Once baby pulls up a seat at the table (figuratively, of course), seasoned moms like Earley say, this silicone plate is key to keeping food where it should be—on the table or in baby’s mouth. That’s because it suctions to the surface, so even the most squirmy baby can’t send their entire pile of food flying across the room.
Ideal age: 6 months to 2 years
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- 21/67
Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
Dagne Dover’s best-selling diaper bag rates highly among new parents for several reasons, like the easy-to-clean neoprene fabric and the fact that it clips easily to a stroller. Also great: It comes with a changing mat and is fitted with all the extra pockets one could need on the go. “I liked that it was a minimalist unisex design,” Anna Moeslein, Glamour’s deputy editor and a mom of twins adds. “That way, my husband and I can both use it without having to change bags.”
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Solly Baby Original Wrap Baby Carrier
Babywearing via wrap is one of the most rewarding experiences if the new mom or dad has enough patience to get the technique down (hi, hands-free afternoons). It mimics the womb, so this would make an especially good gift for smaller newborns or preemies who love being held close and tight. Solly Baby’s wraps are on the more expensive side from our list of best baby carriers, but moms say the material has the perfect amount of stretch and breathability—and comes in sophisticated colors and patterns. “I especially liked my Solly for errands,” says Earley. “It kept my son quiet and content, and as a bonus, it kept his face tucked away from those well-meaning strangers without boundaries.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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- 23/67
Babylist Swaddle Box
Unless one of the parents is a labor and delivery nurse, using a traditional swaddle blanket can be intimidating and frustrating. Plus, babies can be surprisingly picky about what they do—and don’t—want to wear. Save them all hours of trial and error, and restless nights, with this gift box. It comes with four of the most popular swaddles on the market, giving them the gift of experimentation. “I’ve tried each and every one of these swaddles, and they’re all great,” says Earley.
Ideal age: Newborn to 3 months
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Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier Holder With Detachable Pacifier
If you’re looking for another small yet thoughtful gift, check out this unique giraffe pacifier. “Everyone gravitates toward another popular brand, but I liked this one because the pacifier actually detaches from the lovie,” says Earley. “This way you can wash the plush and sterilize the paci, because you know it’s going to end up on the floor—yuck!”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
- 25/67
Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen All-in-One Dream Machine
The Hatch sound machine isn’t on a million wish lists by mistake—it’s even the number one item on Babylist registries. This audio monitor, clock, and white noise machine is essential for creating the perfect environment for babies to drift off more easily. Parents love that it works with an easy-to-use app and also functions as a night-light for those midnight diaper changes now, and as a security blanket for the kid later. “Just be prepared to buy multiple,” says Earley. “My husband liked our son’s so much that he was constantly taking it out of the nursery. Now we have five—one for each kid and one for us.”
Ideal age: Any!
- 26/67
Itzy Ritzy Itzy Pal Infant Toy & Teether
There’s just something about a crinkly toy that gets a baby every time. Parents we spoke to said this one is particularly engaging, because it boasts multiple ways to play. In addition to the crinkly paper, there’s also a teething ring, textured tabs, and a plush mushroom to snuggle with. For parents, it’s pretty easy on the eyes. “I was always looking for aesthetically pleasing toys once my entire living room was taken over by baby things,” says Kaufman.
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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NCVI Insulated Bag
Even parents of breastfeeding babies will need to tote bottles around at some point—when baby starts daycare, for an afternoon with the grandparents, carrying pumped milk home from the office, etc.—and if they’ll be out for a while, they’ll need to keep the milk or formula cold. “We used the same little insulated bag with both my daughters through their first year and beyond, swapping out the bottles for yogurt pouches and water once they outgrew bottles,” says Kaufman. “We basically never leave the house for more than a coffee run without it.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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Etsy Milestone Pennants
The first year of a baby’s life comes with such rapid growth, and new parents love keeping track of their little one’s milestones. “I loved taking monthly photos, especially with my first-born—it was such a good reminder of how fast the time was moving, and to stop and appreciate the phase we were in at the moment,” Kaufman says. “It’s so nice to have a consistent way to set up the photos. And then at the end of the year, you have a whole set of monthly photos to look back on.”
Ideal age: Newborn
- 29/67
Copper Pearl 5-in-1 Multiuse Cover
It’s really not an overgeneralization to say that parents love a multitasking product (you try lugging all of a tiny human’s necessities from nursery to car to grandma’s and back again). Copper Pearl’s cover can be used for nursing or with a stroller or a car seat—not to mention as a burp cloth or a blanket if parents are in a pinch. There are plenty of designs to choose from, including loads of gender-neutral prints like this one. “I liked that it kept my babies in their own little cocoons while out in public,” says Earley. “I felt like it not only helped them sleep, but also kept them out of the direct line of germs.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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- 30/67
7AM Enfant Plushpod Bunting
Babies have trouble regulating their body temperature, so help keep them comfortable (and cute) in this literal pod of plush. This luxury bunting is insulated for warmth and designed to attach to almost any stroller or car seat for toasty hands and feet on the go. “I had a winter baby in Chicago, so needless to say, this was an absolute necessity,” says Kim Hurley, a mom of two. “It was one of those things that people always stopped me and said they wished they came in adult sizes!”
Ideal age: Newborn to 2 years
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Nuna Revv Rotating Convertible Car Seat
The Nuna Revv is a complete and total revolution in the world of car seats. If you’re familiar with the brand’s popular Rava model, the Revv takes all the great things from the original and turns it (pun intended) into a car seat that rotates 360 degrees on its base. No more screaming tot because a leg got caught on a seatbelt; no more pulled triceps from trying to set baby down as gently as possible while standing on one leg—the Revv is pure luxury for both parties. It starts as an infant car seat and will grow with the child (up to 40 pounds). Mic-drop baby shower gift? Found. “I honestly can’t believe I lived as long as I did without this seat,” says Earley.
Ideal age: Newborn to 2 years (suitable for kids up to 40 pounds)
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- 32/67
Dagne Dover Joey Changing Kit
Seasoned moms know that having a changing pad is a must when you’re out and about. This stylish one from Dagne Dover will help you convert any tote bag or backpack into a diaper bag. “Most changing pads come in kitschy patterns like chevron,” says Earley. “This one is way more my style.” It even has a stroller strap and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Ideal age: Newborn to 2 years
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- 33/67
Jetkids by Stokke Bedbox & Ride-On Suitcase
If the family logs a lot of miles, this unique “suitcase” will come in handy during the toddler years. The rolling luggage houses a bed to turn an economy seat into a makeshift bed, but even better, it’s specially designed so the tot can ride through the airport. “We get so many compliments on this,” says Hurley. “And I always tell people, it really does make the monumental task of traveling with toddlers easier.”
Ideal age: 1 to 3 years
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Lovevery The Looker Play Kit
Lovevery’s curated play kits have become a registry favorite among parents for its developmentally appropriate—and aesthetically pleasing—toys. It’s a great on-going gift, too: Choose the subscription model, and a new kit will be delivered every two to three months as the child grows. “My kids always reach for their Lovevery toys first,” says Moeslein. “I love that the kits also come with tips and suggestions for additional play activities. It’s amazing to watch them learn and explore in real time.”
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Fridababy Baby Basics Kit
Fridababy’s Baby Basics Kit includes everything first-time or veteran parents need to tackle the most common newborn woes, so there’s no wondering why it’s a top-registered item. Gas, snot, insanely sharp nails—considered them all unfussed with this useful gift set. Both Earley and Moeslein are fans. “It’s basically a medicine cabinet in a box, which was super helpful when I was starting from scratch,” says Earley. “And it sounds gross, but trust me on this: The Windi is essential for gassy babies. Essential.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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Tubby Todd Newborn Bath Set
This gift set comes with bath essentials like body wash and lotion, plus some products new parents might not think of, like a massage oil. “We did some work with an occupational therapist when our first daughter had some feeding issues in her newborn days, and I learned a simple, short baby massage can be great for gassy babies or just helping babies settle down at night,” Kaufman shares.
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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Oxo Tots Wipes Holder
We’re not sure how in 2024 the packaging for baby wipes is still so inconvenient, but it is. It can be hard to pull out a wipe one-handed, and the entire package can dry up fairly quickly if not closed properly. “I didn’t think I needed one of these, but a slightly more experienced new mom sent me one when I had my first baby with a ‘trust me’ note, and she was right,” says Kaufman.
Ideal age: Newborn and beyond
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Channing & Yates Premium Organic Baby Bath Towel and Washcloth Set
Plot twist: Not all babies love bath time, so getting a warm, cozy, and absorbent hooded towel to cuddle them up in will help make things more comfortable. “These towels make the perfect photo opp too,” says Earley. “My mother-in-law gave us a similar one, and she’s pretty much guaranteed to get photos after every bath. I just can’t resist.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year
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Little Martin’s Nail Trimmer
There are few things more terrifying than taking a nail clipper to your newborn baby’s teeny tiny wriggly fingers. “I recommend this to every single person I find out is having a baby,” says Kaufman. “I actually still make my husband do all the nail trims on our kids, but we’ve never once dealt with a nicked baby finger.”
Ideal age: Newborn and beyond
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Beiens High-Contrast Baby Flashcards
Something colorful and high contrast can help make tummy time more entertaining, and encourage babies to lift their heads, says Dr. LeVos. “My kids were totally captivated by cards like these,” says Earley. “They were perfect for tummy time, yes, but I also thought they were great sanity savers while we were out and about, whether in the waiting room at the doctor or taking an airplane ride to visit family.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 1 year - 41/67
VTech Baby Babble and Rattle Microphone
Spend any time looking at what parents recommend to one another on Reddit, and you’ll uncover this popular rattle and microphone combo by VTech. It shakes like a rattle but plays more than 60 tunes, sounds, and phrases to keep baby engaged. As they get older and begin their own babbling, it’ll even amplify their own voice. “I love that this toy has a lifespan way beyond its time as a basic rattle,” says Earley.
Ideal age: 3 months to 3 years
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Rolimate Wooden Toy Set
Looking for a toy that’s not made of flimsy plastic? “Seek out wooden toys,” says Earley. “They not only look more elevated, but they’re also much more durable.” This two-piece set is actually four toys in one: an eight-note xylophone, a hammering toy, a shape sorter, and a set of rolling balls. “They all nest inside one another, too, to create less visual clutter in the playroom.”
Ideal age: 12 months to 3 years - 43/67
Inglesina Fast Table Chair
“This portable high chair felt like my ticket out of the house,” says Earley. “Friends’ houses without kids? No problem, because I had a totally suitable chair for baby in my purse.” Yep, this chair folds completely flat but clips onto most tables and is sturdy enough to hold kiddos up to 37 pounds (that’ll take you well into year two, maybe even year three).
Ideal age: 6 months to 3 years - 44/67
Copper Pearl Bandana Bibs
“Copper Pearl bandana bibs are elite,” says Moeslein. “My babies are currently teething, and these are the only ones that can withstand the crazy amounts of drool.” In addition to coming in a variety of colorful prints, the absorbent fabric, a combination of cotton and fleece, is so soft that it won’t irritate any sensitive skin (important when drool rash becomes a constant struggle).
Ideal age: Newborn to 24 months
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Lalo First Bites Set
Before you know it, that tiny newborn will be babbling, rolling around, and ready to try their first bite of real food. McNeal recommends this comprehensive first-bites set from Lalo in muted, aesthetically pleasing colors like oatmeal and sage. It makes that transition easy by including everything you need to set your little gourmand up for success, mainly ensuring they can’t break anything (the plates and silverware are plastic) or make a mess (the catch-all bibs collect all that food that doesn’t make it into their mouth). Plus, there is a training cup so your little one can practice drinking from a straw. Trust us, that first sip where they figure it out is adorable.
Ideal age: Four months and up
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Labebe Ice Cream Cart Wooden Baby Walker
“This baby walker is miles ahead of the plastic ones most of us think of—and not just in aesthetics,” says Earley. “It’s a walker, of course, but also a busy board of sorts (peep the beads and dials) and a pretend play set.” Trust us: Parents won’t miss the flashing lights or the loud music and phrases. Babies won’t either.
Ideal age: 1 year and up - 47/67
Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
Chances are the sleep-deprived new parent already has a sound machine, but they may not realize the beloved Hatch now comes in a portable version too. “I always had a sound machine clipped to my kids’ stroller and car seats,” says Earley. “It totally saved me in crowded restaurants, busy playgrounds, and on long road trips.”
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Infinno Inflatable Tummy-Time Mat
At just $10, this inflatable water-play mat is an affordable gift that’s also practical. “A mom friend sent me this in the mail with a note that read, ‘Trust me,’” Moeslein says. “She was right. It helped so much with keeping my kids entertained while they practiced their tummy time.” Because it’s so lightweight, the inflatable mat is also great for travel.
Ideal age: 3 months and up
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Mockingbird High Chair
As every new parent soon learns, the most valuable high chair is one that can withstand the tornado of mess that happens at every mealtime. Moeslein swears by this one. Designed by parents, the Mockingbird 2-in-1 chair is made with clean-up in mind, with a silicone-coated strap that’s easy to wipe and even dishwasher safe. As one reviewer says, “Easy to clean, sturdy, comfortable, easy to assemble, baby loves it.” And so do we.
Ideal age: 6 months and up
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Gathre Water Resistant Highchair Mat
There’s nothing to test a neat-freak new mom’s patience like a baby learning to eat. Why? Because they throw everything (no really, everything) you feed them onto the ground. “We love our Gathre mat for outdoor play with our toddler, so I was thrilled to see they also had high chair mats in their same, elevated yet practical leather fabrics and designs,” McNeal says. Place this mat under their high chair to easily catch up all the things they spill, and save your rug and mind in the process. Plus, their colors and designs are so attractive, it looks more like an addition to the rug than a baby item.
Ideal age: Four months and up
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Paperclip Color-Changing Baby & Toddler Foodie Kit
Baby-led weaning can be stressful for a new parent who’s anxious about their child choking or eating food that’s too hot, but Paperclip has created a solution for the latter with a color-changing kit that includes bib, suction bowl and plate, spoon, and spork. “It’s so simple but genius,” Moeslein says. “The purple color changes to pink if the food temperature is too hot, so that’s one less thing for me to worry about at mealtimes.” Cleaning and prep is easy too: Everything in the foodie kit is dishwasher and microwave safe.
Ideal age: Four months and up
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Chappywrap You Are My Sunshine Blanket
It’s true that you can’t go wrong with a baby blanket for a gift, especially if it is high quality. “I am a big fan of ChappyWrap’s blankets because they are extra plush and so cozy,” says McNeal. “Plus, their prints are aesthetically pleasing and more elevated than your average.” We are fans of this happy yellow sunshine print or the adorable animal scene, both gender neutral for added hand-me-down potential.
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Little Feminist Board Book Set
Truthfully, this is a great gift no matter the gender. “I read these to my son and daughter at bedtime,” Moeslein says. “They’re too young to fully comprehend the stories now, but they like the colorful illustrations. And as they grow older, I hope they’ll both be inspired by the stories of pioneers like Maya Angelou and Gloria Steinem.”
Ideal age: Newborn and up
- 54/67
Mon Ami Water Can Rattle Activity Toys (Set of 4)
“Aside from gift cards, toys are the next best baby-gift idea because they’re not something a parent necessarily wants to spend a lot of money on, but it helps to have a variety to rotate through,” Moeslein says. This cheerful, snuggly set comes with four soft plush rattles in a spring garden theme. Sweet and useful.
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Fisher-Price Baby Kick & Play Gym
So many parents swear by this baby kick and play gym that it’s become a viral hit on TikTok and John Legend even covered the toy’s most popular song. “I respect any toy that can take that level of physical abuse from a baby off my plate,” one parent previously told Glamour about the Purple Monkey phenomenon. “Between the dangling animals, infectious tracks, and flashing keys, there was enough here to easily occupy my baby for a solid 15 minutes. And raising a baby is really just stringing together 15-minute blocks of entertainment until you drop.”
Ideal age: Newborn to 36 months
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Storq Don't Fret Wet Bag Set
Storq is one of Glamour’s McNeal’s favorite baby brands to recommend to friends because their products always hit the sweet spot of practical, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Known for a wide variety of maternity and postpartum clothing, the company recently expanded its offerings to include a line of parent-friendly accessories to make travel with a baby that much easier.
“I was immediately impressed with the colorways and patterns of these wet-dry bags—they look like something I’d carry for fun rather than an obvious baby item,” McNeal says. These pouches are perfect for storing a wet bathing suit, a dirty diaper, or even the fallout from a blowout (ugh) on the go, so everything else in your bag stays safe and dry. They are waterproof and can even be washed in the washing machine just in case, well, you know.
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
There are some baby products that gain so much popularity by word of mouth, they become almost lore. The Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Teether is one example. “My friend recommended it to me after a friend had recommended it to her, who had another friend recommend it to her,” says Moeslein. “I’ve already told a pregnant friend that it’s a must for her registry, so I’m keeping the chain going. It’s a simple sensory toy, but it was a big hit with my kids from newborn up through the teething stages.” Moeslein recommends just going ahead and adding the “frequently bought together” Bright Starts Oball Shaker Toy to your cart. “They really are a dynamic duo.”
Ideal age: Four months to one year
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Baby Einstein—My First Library Board Book Set
The numbers don’t lie: With high ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, this 12-book set is one of the most reliable gifts you can find on the internet. Moeslein recommends as a gift because it covers all the early learning basics—colors, shapes, counting, letters, and seasons included—and comes in a fun case with a handle so it can be taken on the go.
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Pottery Barn Kids Giraffe-Shaped Storage Basket
Moeslein counts this storage basket as one of the best off-registry gifts she was given during her pregnancy. “I was skeptical at first because giraffes aren’t a part of my nursery theme,” Moeslein says. “But it was cute, and I needed something to hold all their various toys, so it stayed. I’m so glad it did. We get so many compliments on it, and it helps me keep things contained.”
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Dreamland Baby Bamboo Baby Pajamas
During the newborn stage, Moeslein says, her twins basically lived in zippered onesies. She swears by these soft bamboo pajamas in particular because the two-way zipper makes diaper changes easier. The mitten and foot cuffs also help with temperature regulating and too-sharp baby nails. Best of all, she says, they hold up well in the wash.
Ideal age: Newborn to 24 months
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Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin & Terry Hooded Bath Towel
Most hooded towels are similar—plush, absorbent, covered in a cute print—so there’s not a lot to differentiate between brands. However, Moeslein swears by Little Unicorn. Their towels are bigger than most average hooded towels, which allows for more coverage post-bath. “They’re so durable too,” she says. “It holds up really well in the wash.” This lemon variation is bright and sunny no matter the season, though we also like the cute dinosaurs and stripe designs.
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Ubbi Steel Diaper Pai
Diaper pails are one of those things that seem simple but actually come in so many different varieties and brands that it can lead to decision paralysis. Ultimately, McNeal went with Ubbi because you can use any trash bag in it, not just a specialized one for the pail. “Honestly, game-changer,” she says. “I don’t need one more thing on my Subscribe and Save.” Pro tip: Let it sit outside in the sun about once a week to air out and reduce odors.
Ideal age: Newborn and up
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Atlas Grey Mini Bestie Crewneck
As a parent to boy and girl twins who often share outfits, Moeslein says she’s a fan of Atlas Gray’s wide variety of gender-neutral clothing. This soft “mini bestie” crewneck comes in sizes newborn to 5–6T as well as two color options: natural white and creamy oatmeal. “We love this sweater,” raves one reviewer on the site. “It’s such high quality and so cute.” Agreed.
Ideal age: Newborn to toddler
- 64/67
Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Let’s just say it: The Snoo is the GOAT. For sure, it’s an investment—though the company does offer a monthly rental option—but if you are willing to spend the cash, it can be a lifesaver. “My daughter loved her Snoo,” says McNeal. “It calmed her with its rocking motion and sound, but the best thing it did for me was establish safety and trust. I always felt safe with her in the Snoo, and that helped me rest as well.”
Ideal age: Newborn to six months
- 65/67
Copper Pearl Burp Cloths
It may seem counterintuitive to buy anything “premium” when it’s meant to clean up a new baby’s spit and drool—but that’s exactly where you don’t want to skimp. “Nothing comes close to being as absorbent as the Copper Pearl burp clothes,” Moeslein says. “Believe me: With twins, I had double the mess to clean up. I’ve tried everything, and these were the best.” And they’re cute!
Ideal age: Newborn and up