Last week I wrote about my nephew’s impending arrival. Thank you to everyone who gave their two cents on which print to buy for his nursery. I am close to deciding, so if you haven’t had the chance to weigh-in, click here. The print I decide on will be posted to our Instagram page in about 10 days.
Having a baby in the springtime seems poetic. Birth and renewal of life are everywhere in nature and evident among us humans too, as mothers and young children reclaim the parks and sidewalks. I had my middle son on April 1, and fully appreciated the warmer weather and the longer days.
In anticipation of the newest addition to our family, I am co-hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law. In just a few short years the number of products for baby has exploded exponentially! I know that there are many gimmicky products promising mothers everything from easy diaper changes to silent nights and as a seasoned mom, I tend to roll my eyes at many of them. There are products that all moms claim they couldn’t have survived the baby years without. For me, it was the bouncy chair. I wish that I had the foresight to put one on every floor of the house. I always thought that I would carry my babies in slings and carriers but alas, my dream was shattered when not one of them liked being carried in such a way. Go figure, they had distinct likes and dislikes from the very beginning!
Moms, what would you add to the “must-have” list for baby’s arrival? Leave a comment.
I have rounded up a few of my favourite baby gifts from the tried and tested to the shiny and new.
When I buy a baby gift, I often stick to the registry for the basics: things everyone needs and everyone has a strong opinion about. Glass bottles vs. plastic? Sippy cups? Pacifiers? Better stick to what mom-to-be wants. No new mama wants to be returning anything in the days after baby is born.
I also like to splurge on fun things that parents aren’t necessarily going to buy for themselves. This “bear skin” rug from Pottery Barn Kids is a perfect example of a play mat that can be plopped down anywhere in the house for little one’s tummy time, and it’s just really cute, right?
I was shocked by the amount of laundry baby produced when I was a new mom. In particular, it was the mountainous number of receiving blankets covered in throw-up and spilled milk. I like these Aden & Anais classic swaddle blankets that are 100% natural cotton muslin.
Sophie the Giraffe. Need I say more? Worth every cent of her $30.00.
Hooded towels are undeniably cute, but I prefer classic monogrammed towels that can be used for many years. These towels from Pottery Barn Kids, were gifted to me at my baby shower more than 8 years ago, and they are still in rotation.
Speaking of gifts that grow, Skip Hop makes diaper bags that are stylish, functional and will be used long after baby is out of diapers. The Duet 2-in-1 Diaper Tote and the Out & About are perfect examples of bags that work for storing diapers, quick changes and extra bottles, but their sleek design and sophisticated colours will transition nicely to a carry-on, an overnight bag or a gym tote. In celebration of baby shower season and Skip Hop’s new must-have diaper bags, from April 6-13, buy any Skip Hop item from Indigo and get a Skip Hop accessory at 25% off.
It seems impossible that baby, who is so tiny, will soon be eating foods at the table. Also by Skip Hop is a collection of colourful melamine plates, utensils and food storage containers.
Books. Books. Books. I love giving books. Recently as a baptismal gift, I bought 20 of my favourite childhood books. Inside each book I wrote a note. For example, I bought Alexander and The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and inside the book I wrote, My Dearest Katherine: Because we all have terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. Just remember that you are so very loved!
I also bought Fancy Nancy and wrote: My Dearest Katherine: Because sometimes being fancy is fun!
It’s my favourite gift that I have ever given and I hope to give it again very soon.
There are also gifts to be treasured. Among my most precious are handmade blankets and clothing. I wish that I had the skill to craft something for my nephew because it’s these gifts that I am most moved by. Somethings can’t be bought; if you have the skill, use it!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram for snaps from the baby shower. You’re not going to want to miss it!
For Your Calendar: The Baby Time Show Prenatal to Preschool comes to Mississauga’s International Centre, Hall 5 from April 24-26. For more information, including ticket prices, visit their website.
4 Mothers 
Sophie the Giraffe is a MUST! We didn’t have one for my first baby but I am Thanking God we have her for our second, what a great “dog toy” hahah
Sophie was a favourite in our house!
I am all about the books, too – and love your idea about writing in them!
Thanks, Julie. It was also really special to spend that hour in the book store looking at all of my favourite children’s books. Lots of memories 🙂
I give books instead of cards. Cards these days are from $3-7 and you can buy a nice book in that price range. At baby showers I always like the idea of giving something to the parents like a gift card to restaraunt or movies if they can get a sitter lol. God knows parents needs a break and baby will get spoiled enough 😉
GREAT idea! You’re right, cards are expensive and for a few dollars more, a book is such a better choice. I also like to give the parents a gift after baby is born. One friend of ours stocked our freezer with delicious pasta dishes that were so easy to pull out when we were exhausted. I try to remember how grateful we were for those meals when I see new parents.
I love giving books or a tree/plant in a pot that they can watch grow with their child. A friend was going to name their baby boy Jonathon, so we bought them a Jonathon Apple tree.
I LOVE this idea! You’ve just inspired me.
I always give books as a shower gift. I love to give a starter library for the baby, and it’s so great to remember the hours spent with my own babies and books.
Books are always tops on my list 🙂