The Best Baby Gifts, From Stylish Gear To Practical Presents

Tummy time can be tough for some babies, but this cute, curated kit makes it more fun for everyone. Inside, you’ll find an adorable rainbow tummy time pillow to comfortably support them, a four-panel sensory mirror, soft star lovey, high contrast black and white cards for littles to look at, and an extra-cushy sensory mat with nine exciting activities. There’s also a grownup guide to give parents insight into each toy and offer new ways to play as baby grows.

This popular pacifier has racked up over 23,000 rave reviews on Amazon and is a great go-to gift on its own or in a bigger gift basket. The stuffed animal detaches, so parents can easily pop it in the wash for quick cleaning or onto their baby’s favorite pacifier (whatever that ends up being). There are plenty of plush animals to choose from too, including a cute koala or a fun fox. Once your baby outgrows the paci, they’ll love cuddling with the stuffy for naps and nighttime.

The mental load of knowing how to entertain a newborn in those first few months can be overwhelming. This colorful, curated kit takes the stress out of it, offering eight developmentally-appropriate toys, from a 3-in-1 play mat and high-contrast mobile to jiggle booties, a board book and stroller toys. The toys can be linked to any play mat, stroller or car seat, and the box comes with a storage bag to hold everything. Many of the toys are even foldable for homes that are short on space. Parents can download the Little Bloomer app to understand the ‘why’ behind certain play behaviors and discover how to best engage their baby with each toy too. 

With seven different ways to play, babies love kicking it in this musical activity gym. It comes with a soft play mat, tummy-time bolster, hanging toys, seat positioner and a take-along musical piano that plays sseven melodies, 21 sweet sounds and even has a composer mode for your tiny Mozart. It’s also designed to grow with them, from playtime on their belly and back to supported sit and play and sit and kick. “This is the cutest gym ever,” says one Amazon reviewer. “My daughter is in love, she cannot stop kicking and she keeps reaching the little toys on top. 10/10. Easy to clean and store.”

“This set is great since it’s specifically designed to aid in a baby's eating milestones, while also providing practical benefits such as suctioning to the table for mess-free mealtime,” says Hilary Holland, Joy's Senior Director of E-Commerce. “The set is 100% food grade silicone (BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalate and latex free) and dishwasher safe, helping make clean-up a breeze.” I personally love the soothing colors and stylish yet functional design—it served us well during baby-led weaning with my little.

This tiny, travel-friendly bottle warmer makes getting out and about with baby a breeze, heating bottles to the perfect temperature every time thanks to advanced smart sensor technology. This set comes with four adapters compatible with some of the most popular bottle brands, including Comotomo, MAM, Tommee Tippee and Dr. Brown, so she can use her favorite, or rather, baby’s. “It takes up very little room in the diaper bag, it fits in the cup holder in the car while it is warming, and doesn’t leak at all with the silicone rings in place,” says Carli, one of the moms we interviewed. “This is a game changer, I honestly feel like we have our life back.”

No mini fridge? No problem. Whether she’s a working mom or is constantly shuttling older siblings to all the activities, this modern and discreet breast milk cooler keeps milk cold for up to 20 hours so no liquid gold goes to waste. It doubles as a bottle warmer for breast milk and formula too, and can even be repurposed as a reusable water bottle once she’s done pumping. It’s slim, stylish and can hold up to 12 ounces of milk if poured directly inside.

This colorful 6-in-1 snack cup is genius, to put it lightly. Parents can scramble eggs or steam veggies directly in it, and the top lid, which keeps foods fresh, reverses as a suction base to make it harder for your baby to toss it off the table when eating. It comes with a spill-proof snack lid too, and can also be used as a sippy cup if you purchase a sippy lid and straw for an extra $10, which is totally worth it. It’s dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven safe, and there are even built-in measurement markers for easy food prep.

Newborns can be quite gassy, particularly in those first couple of months as they figure out how to eat without swallowing too much air. This kit comes to baby’s rescue with essentials like gripe water and gas relief drops to soothe tummy troubles. There’s also Vitamin D drops for breastfed babes and saline drops to provide some nasal relief. Trust us, parents will thank you when they doesn’t have to run to the store in the middle of the night.

Like snuggling with a cloud, this gorgeous heirloom-quality merino baby blanket is a gift they’ll both cherish forever. I recommend having it personalized with baby’s name or initials so it can be sweetly displayed in the nursery when baby isn’t cuddled up beneath it. It comes in five chic colors to suit every style, and there are 12 colors to choose from for your hand embroidery, as well as five unique fonts. I was gifted one for my third baby, and it’s one of the few items I’ll be saving for him—I just love it (and so does he).

Two out of three of my children have been Elmo-obsessed, and while I don’t typically care for character-themed anything, these stylish Sesame Street crib sheets are seriously so cute. They’re super soft and the same superior quality you know and love from Brooklinen. Pick your two favorite Emo and friends prints to complete the gift set.

What better way to welcome baby than with a customized candle displaying the little one’s footprints, name, weight and birth details? This hand poured, non-toxic candle is made with 100% soy wax and can be repurposed to hold pacifiers, teething toys and other tiny essentials once it’s burned. Personalization is fast and easy too. Simply send a picture of baby’s footprints, and the candle is typically shipped out in a week or less.

If the nursery aesthetic is more earthy and boho neutrals, this pretty gingham play mat will fit right in. It’s supremely soft for play time and machine washable, so spit up stains and drool easily come out. You can also purchase it in other charming prints depending your gift recipient’s personal taste.

Mobiles aren’t just pretty to look at, they actually stimulate your baby’s brain, helping with visual and motor development, and can be a great distraction tool if hung above the changing table. This exquisite Pehr mobile is ethically handmade using 100% wool, with each one being a unique work of art. “I can’t even tell you how much more beautiful this is in person,” writes one recent reviewer. “It looks lovingly hand crafted and is so whimsical.” From mini mushrooms to a magical forest, there are 12 adorable themes to choose from.

This diaper cake takes the cake for cuteness and practicality. Ranked the most giftable diapers by Vetted’s testers, these diapers from Honest Company are custom arranged in an adorable diaper cake for baby with more goodies packed in the middle, from wipes and bath essentials to an organic all-purpose balm and face and body lotion. There are two sizes to choose from, and you can pick the print that best coordinates with the baby shower theme.

Holland and Cullman are both big fans of this popular and practical diaper pail, which tops our list of the best diaper pails after extensive testing. “ It’s hard to make a diaper pail attractive, but the Ubbi’s sleek design is nice on the eyes and your nose,” says Cullman. “A great diaper pail is very important because it helps contain odors and keeps the nursery environment clean and hygienic,” adds Holland, who recommends this one for its “exceptional odor control and user-friendly design, including compatibility with standard trash bags or reusable cloth liners, making it easy to load, use, empty and clean.”

I used Boudreaux’s Butt Paste with all three of my babies to tackle stubborn diaper rashes, and it worked like a charm. This giftable set contains everything parents need to combat redness and soothe baby’s bottom. Inside, there’s a large jar of Maximum Strength Diaper Rash Cream, a tiny tube to toss in the diaper bag, a Butt Barrier cream to prevent rashes, and a silicone diaper cream applicator to spread it all on and keep hands clean.

This waterproof changing pad is a game changer for anywhere and everywhere around the house. It can sit on top of a table or dresser and wipes clean, eliminating the need to purchase changing pad covers, which means less laundry. It’s comfortable for littles to lay on and can be used for years, as it still comfortably fits my almost 2-year-old.

If you’re looking for a big ticket baby gift that’ll last through the toddler years, this top-rated crib mattress is a great option to consider. Babies spend so much time sleeping that having an extra safe, organic crib mattress is a wonderful thing to provide any new parent. The Naturepedic Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress it our top choice crib mattress after testing nearly a dozen options. It has robust certifications, and holds up well after many months of real-world use. 

For anyone worried about hackers accessing a baby monitor via WiFi, the Eufy SpaceView Pro (our tested best pick) puts those fears to bed. Set up is simple and straightforward, and it doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi to live stream your little one, giving parents plenty peace of mind. The wireless range is quite impressive, extending up to 600 feet, and there are other cool features like two-way audio and relaxing lullabies to help the baby sleep.

The Ollie Swaddle is my go-to baby gift. I’ve used and loved it with all three of my children, mostly thanks to its non-traditional Velcro-like design that makes swaddling baby for bedtime fuss-free. The stretchy fabric is soft and moisture-wicking and can be tied off at the end to keep it in place—or untied for easy diaper changes without disturbing your newborn. Swaddle both arms in, one arm out, or both arms out as you get ready to transition to a sleep sack.

This multi-purpose Hatch sound machine is hands down one of my favorite baby purchases. It lives in our son’s nursery, where it’s currently used for white noise and as a night light (toddlers love to pick their favorite color from a rainbow of options), but as he transitions into a big boy bed in the next year I definitely plan to utilize the sleep training feature.

You can program color and sound to let little ones know when it’s time to rise and, more importantly, when they need to stay in bed. Everything can be controlled via the app on your smart phone too. I love the option to switch up the sound, from white noise to a lullaby or ocean waves, to lull my babe back to sleep. Parents can subscribe to Hatch+ (consider adding this feature to your gift if you’re looking to splurge) to access even more content, from sleep stories to a cool new “Tuck Ins” feature, which allows family and friends to record and deliver personalized audio notes directly to baby. 

Traveling with a new baby is hard enough, but a great travel crib can ensure everyone sleeps better away from home. The Guava Lotus comes highly recommended by thousands of parents and is beloved for its ease of set up and breakdown, compact fold, lightweight design and overall comfort. The side unzips to easily access baby, and the entire thing fits into its own backpack that’s small enough to bring as a carry-on item on a plane. “I’ve tested several travel cribs, and the Guava Lotus is by far the most compact,” says Forbes Vetted editor Margaret Badore. “My son had no problem falling to sleep in it.”

This beautiful bath bundle is easy on the eyes and blends right in with any modern bathroom décor. It comes with an infant tub, padded knee and elbow savers, and must-have bath accessories like a neutral bin to organize toys, a soft silicone grey spout cover and rinse cup to get them fresh and clean sans the tears. I have this set and really appreciate the functionality and clean aesthetic. As one reviewer puts it, “Finally, a baby product for an adult house.”

Dubbed the perfect baby shower gift by parents, you’ll wish this tiny towel came in your size. It’s ultra soft and absorbent and made with a sustainable waffle bamboo fabric that’s extra gentle on baby’s delicate skin. “My 11 month old daughter loves this towel,” writes one mom. “It is so soft and large enough to fully wrap her in it after bath time. The material dries her off much faster than other baby hooded towels.” Plus, it can be used well into toddlerhood, so it’s got some staying power.

Cradle cap is incredibly common in babies, and so many moms swear by Tubby Todd products, myself included. This bundle includes a cradle cap gel formulated with naturally derived Zinc Pyrithione to help reduce and soothe symptoms like flaking, redness, and scales. There’s also a hair and body wash for bathtime, silicone brush, and an All Over Ointment Eczema Treatment, which I swear helped heal my third baby’s newborn rash when nothing else worked.

If you’re on the hunt for a splurge-worthy gift to purchase for a new baby, the popular Doona Car Seat & Stroller combo is well worth the splurge to make mom’s life so much easier. This genius travel system transforms from an infant car seat into a stroller in seconds without disturbing a sleeping baby in the process, so popping into the grocery store or dropping the big kids off at preschool isn’t such a huge hassle. It comes with a latch base to up the convenience factor.

This clever Carry-On Duffel is a lifesaver when it comes to traveling with a baby, and bonus for design-minded moms like me, it doesn’t look like a baby bag. There’s a customizable and removable packing organizer, so you can sort all their stuff and even hang up at your destination for easy access.

Other things to love—and honestly there’s so much—are the fact that you can carry it like a backpack or slip it over your own luggage handle, it fits in the overhead compartment and collapses completely flat when not in use. There are plenty of pockets, including a spacious insulated compartment, convenient side pocket, and internal mesh pockets. Plus, it comes with a laundry bag to pack all their dirty stuff.

Of all the baby gear I owned, this was by far my most recommended and Cullman’s too. “Setting up your little one in a comfortable and safe place to rest and play is essential for busy parents,” she says. This beloved bouncer is soft, stylish and naturally rocks when your baby kicks. It also folds flat and can be easily transported around the house to set up baby while you get stuff done.

“A high-quality stroller is a game-changer for parents on the go,” says Cullman. “This favorite amongst new parents is sturdy, stylish, and versatile for different environments and growing families.” She loves the roomy storage and wide range of accessories. It’s fun to push, offers a smooth ride for littles and the materials all feel very high end. It also comes with a toddler seat and bassinet so it can be used right from birth—and converts to one of our favorite double strollers if that’s needed in the future.

This gorgeous Wildbird carrier has racked up over a thousand positive reviews and is praised for its incredible comfort, cute designs and ease of use, with many moms noting how simple it is to put on themselves and adjust with no hard-to-reach buckles. “I love the earthy colors,” writes one reviewer. Another mom calls it “the perfect amount of structure and snuggle.” It’s available in two sizes: XS-XL and L-4XL to fit just about every body.

I love supporting small baby brands and am super into the neutral aesthetic and muted vibe of Atlas Grey, as its clothing pairs perfectly with most anything. This mini Mama’s Boy/Mama’s Girl crewneck sweatshirt is irresistibly soft, and the ideal thickness for a wide range of weather. It makes for a sweet clothing gift that parents will be pumped to dress their baby in.

My children lived in these super soft and stretchy newborn knotted gowns from Copper Pearl for the first few months, as they made diaper changes in the middle of the night so, so easy. I recommend gifting a few, as I was constantly changing my kiddos due to projectile milk spit ups or diaper blowouts.

Babies don’t really need shoes, but a pair of first walkers for when they hit that milestone can be a great gift. These soft-soled suede shoes are too cool, turning from a basic white to a rainbow of colors when they walk outside. For boys, there’s a fun glow-in-the-dark option that’s sure to wow.

This innovative shoulder-snap baby bodysuit makes dressing and undressing newborns faster and fuss-free for babies and their parents. The material is 100% Global Organic Textile Standard certified and super soft, and the shoulder snaps mean you can pull it down and off to minimize mess when there’s a diaper blowout. The design is also NICU-friendly, allowing for easy access to medical equipment. I’d recommending giving several, so caregivers are stocked up and ready for the messes ahead.