Baby Shower Gift Ideas: The Boppy, Moses Basket, and More

With the introduction of the baby registry selecting a gift for expectant mothers became a whole lot easier. No longer was it necessary for you to stroll the isles at Babies R Us aimlessly trying to decide what type of car seat a person wanted or what pattern they would prefer. However, for people who don't have kids or for others whose kids have grown, looking over these registries can be perplexing and determining what items are essential and what gift will be received best is tough. Being a bit of procrastinator, I tend to be the person who gets the list when 90 percent of the items have already been purchased. However, coming from a large family, being a mom and having been a child care provider for years have given me insight in exactly which items make the greatest gifts and are the most useful in the long run.

The Boppy: This horse shoe shaped pillow is perfect for nursing mothers and also helps support the baby as they learn how to sit up. They come with removable covers for easy washing and now have adjustable waist size so they grow with the baby.

Sling Carrier: A sling carrier is great to have especially when your baby won't let you put them down. It cradles baby in a more natural position than most carriers and allows parents to have their hands free to go about the tasks at hand.

Sleep Positioner: Sleep positioners help infants stay in the recommended sleeping position. They usually come with a removable cover for easy cleaning and save new moms a ton of worry.

Monitor: Monitors are great. They give you the freedom to roam while the little one is sleeping. I think the Sounds and Lights monitor is nice because if your on a business call or need quiet, you only need to watch for the lights.

Portable Booster Seat: Portable booster seats are nice because you can still have a highchair to use when your visiting family and friends, but you don't have to cart the full sized highchair.

Moses Basket: These portable baskets give you the ability to put your baby down for a nap wherever you want. They don't require the set up of a pack and play and travel easier as well.

Bottle Warmer: Bottle warmers are great because they give you the ability to stay in bed in the middle of the night rather than having to get up. An excellent feature to look for in a bottle warmer is a cooling and heating section so you can get ready for bed, put a bottle in the cooling section and heat it up later.

Many common items are needed as well. New parents can never have to may Onsies or receiving blankets. Safety and wellness items like a thermometer, cabinet locks and outlet covers are another good idea. Additionally if your giving cloths and you want to stand out give them some outfits in larger sizes, like 3mo, 6mo, 9mo and 12mo. Believe me I do this for every shower I go to and it's always a hit. Most people give newborn size and babies grow quick.

At the end of the day it's the thought that counts, but it's nice when your gift is well received and the recipient is pleased with it.