{"id":283,"date":"2014-02-04T14:31:07","date_gmt":"2014-02-04T22:31:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/?p=283"},"modified":"2016-01-26T15:40:39","modified_gmt":"2016-01-26T23:40:39","slug":"10-most-useful-baby-shower-gifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/10-most-useful-baby-shower-gifts\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Most Useful Baby Shower Gifts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"featuredgraphic_top10_babyshower\"<\/p>\n

A good friend of mine is going to have her first baby soon, and will start looking for items for the baby registry. What sounds like a fun task is actually quite daunting. She’s a practical person, like I am, so my advice is to register for things that are useful. I did a lot of research for my registry by reading a lot of reviews, lists, and asked a lot of parent-friends for advice. \u00a0Here are the top 10 items I found most useful (besides the obvious needs such as stroller, crib, car seat, diapers, etc.) during my first stint as a mom.<\/i><\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n
\"Aria
My baby loves her Sophie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I first learned about this giraffe even before I was pregnant. I was at a cafe in San Diego having breakfast with friends who have a baby. There was another baby at the cafe who had this adorable toy with the sweetest face. My friend asked about it and we learned about this amazing non-toxic teething toy from France named Sophie. I remembered the toy when I was creating my registry, and I’m so glad I did. It was my baby’s favorite toy for several months and there is a\u00a0fantastic story<\/a> about how it came about.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Miracle Blanket -Baby Swaddling Blanket<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n
\"Miracle
Miracle Blanket worked for us!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/h3>\n

At the hospital, they show you how to swaddle the baby with the baby blankets provided. \u00a0The nurses are amazing at it and can do it in record speed. \u00a0I watched, I learned, and I thought<\/em> I got it…until I got home. \u00a0I tried but it kept coming undone. \u00a0I tried other swaddlers (ones with velcro, zippers), but they just left my baby in tears because she struggled to escape. \u00a0Then I used the Miracle Blanket. \u00a0Once it was on, my little Houdini could not and did not want to escape. \u00a0It was the only swaddler that kept her calm so we could carry on with the sleep that we truly needed.<\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0DEX Products Sound Sleeper<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"Since we live in an apartment, it’s pretty noisy. \u00a0In L.A., it’s not unusual (but pretty annoying) to hear helicopters and ambulances at night. \u00a0Many people swear by Sleep Sheep<\/a>\"\",\u00a0which we own as well (and prefer using for travel), but I like this sound sleeper machine because there are more options for sounds and it can stay on as well as have a timer. \u00a0Several friends have told us they just use a sound machine app for their phone or tablet, but I prefer to still have use of my device, and instead have a dedicated machine for the baby.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n
\"Rainforest
Rainforest Bouncer with the toy bar removed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This is a very versatile thing. \u00a0I used it for countless photos (including baby’s Halloween photo on the left) with the toy part removed. \u00a0My baby loves the lights and the animated animals. \u00a0At home, we call it “Jungle Friends,” and she lights up when we mention it. \u00a0Like most toys that play music, it will get stuck in your head. \u00a0It’s actually a cute tune that isn’t terribly annoying.
\n\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

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5.\u00a0Fisher-Price Cradle ‘N Swing<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n
\"Hanging
Hanging out in the swing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This swing saved my arms. \u00a0Since my baby liked to be held all the time (what baby doesn’t?), the insert in this swing created a cozy, snuggly atmosphere. \u00a0My routine at the time was: \u00a0breastfeed, put baby in swing, then pump until the song ends, which is about 20 minutes. \u00a0As a new mom, there’s only so much I could do to keep my sanity, especially since I was home alone with the baby, so this swing became my best friend.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/p>\n

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6.\u00a0Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies and Lights Deluxe Gym<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n
\"Playing
Playing at 6 weeks old<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Playing
Playing at 9 months old<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At 10 months old, my baby still<\/em> loves this gym! \u00a0I was thrilled when she first started playing with it at 6 weeks old by responding to the lights and batting at the toys. \u00a0It’s a treat to see the different ways she can play with it now – sitting up, and climbing up on the cross bars (with my supervision of course). \u00a0The toys can be moved to different fabric rings or played with individually.<\/p>\n

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<\/h3>\n

7.\u00a0Infantino Mouse or Duck Jittery Pal Toy<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"We have the Duck one and hang it on the baby’s car seat \/ stroller. \u00a0When you pull it down, it jitters up and makes a sound. \u00a0My daughter loves eating the feet, too. \u00a0You can also hang it on other things, such as the gym mat or car seat. \u00a0We received this as a gift, but if we had to purchase one, I definitely would. \u00a0It really helps with long car rides.<\/p>\n

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8.\u00a0Trumpette Mary Jane Shoe Socks<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"
\nI get nothing but compliments every time my daughter wears these. \u00a0Most people say, “Where can I get some for myself?” My daughter hates wearing shoes, and barely likes wearing socks. \u00a0So this is a compromise, at least for when we go out in public, so she can look a tad more presentable.
\nAlso available in bright colors:Trumpette Mary Jane Brights Box Set (6 Pairs of Socks) (0 – 12 Months, Brights)<\/a>\"\".
\nFor boys, there are these: Angelina 6 Pairs French Terry Cotton Baby Socks with Non-Skid Bottoms<\/a>\"\".<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

9.Gerber Unisex-Baby Newborn Unisex 26 Piece Essentials Gift Set, Yellow, 0-6 Months<\/a>\"\"<\/h3>\n
\"my
my daughter in the blue Gerber unisex onesie<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"It’s\u00a0fun to “ooh” and “aah” over super adorable outfits, but when you have a newborn, practicality is key. \u00a0Most of the time, the baby is wrapped up in a blanket and indoors. \u00a0 \u00a0Add all the pooping, feeding, and spitting up, and that makes for a lot of outfit changing. \u00a0Of all the brands of bodysuits, Gerber Onesies are the most practical. \u00a0They are easy to take on and off the baby, are made of comfortable, pliable cotton, and are easy to snap. \u00a0My mom bought me this set, and I’m so glad she did. \u00a0Not only did everything color coordinate and mix and match well, but because it’s unisex, I can save them in case I want to have another baby.<\/p>\n

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10. aden + anais Muslin Burpy Bib<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"using
using the adan + anais burp cloth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"“Get me the good burp cloth,” is what my husband said every time it was his turn to feed the baby. \u00a0He was referring to these burp cloths, by adan + anais<\/a>.\u00a0 They have the most coverage out of all our burp cloths, which is essential when your baby suffers from GERD<\/a>. \u00a0When you have a baby that spit up as much as ours did, you either cover yourself up or make sure you have enough clean shirts to change into. \u00a0These burp cloths also double as bibs. \u00a0They are super absorbent, so they can be used over again. \u00a0A must for every registry!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A good friend of mine is going to have her first baby soon, and will start looking for items for the baby registry. What sounds like a fun task is actually quite daunting. She’s a practical person, like I am, so my advice is to register for things that are useful. I did a lot […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":319,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[906],"tags":[62,63,26,64],"class_list":["post-283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-announcements","tag-baby-shower","tag-gifts","tag-shopping","tag-useful","eq-blocks"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p46LgQ-4z","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14542,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/baby-shower-registry-list-2022\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":0},"title":"Baby Shower Registry List 2022","author":"westsidemommy","date":"January 29, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Since life has changed dramatically for all of us since 2020, I thought it might be time for a revised Baby Shower Registry List. I have several guy friends who are having their first child this year, so it will be fun and interesting to hear their new dad stories.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Posts"","block_context":{"text":"All Posts","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/all-posts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/feat-baby-gift.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/feat-baby-gift.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/feat-baby-gift.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/feat-baby-gift.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14554,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/favorite-brands-2022\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":1},"title":"Baby Brands that I love","author":"westsidemommy","date":"January 30, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The other day I posted essential baby registry items. Today, I'm sharing brands that I love for some and some fun items to put on your baby registry. (This post contains affiliate links). adan + anais: bibs\/burpcloths and blankets aden + anais Essentials Car Seat Canopy Cover. Buy on Amazon.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Posts"","block_context":{"text":"All Posts","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/all-posts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"favorite baby shower brands","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/babyshower.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/babyshower.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/babyshower.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/babyshower.png?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11741,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/new-baby-necessities\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":2},"title":"New Baby Necessities","author":"westsidemommy","date":"June 25, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"My kids are over five years apart. By the time I got pregnant with my second, I didn't have much baby stuff left. Thankfully, I have a wonderful network of mom-friends who supplied me with maternity clothes, baby clothes, and baby items. Even though it was offered, I declined a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Posts"","block_context":{"text":"All Posts","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/all-posts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/feat_necessary-1.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/feat_necessary-1.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/feat_necessary-1.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/feat_necessary-1.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11994,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/new-baby-nice-to-haves\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":3},"title":"New Baby Nice-to-Haves","author":"westsidemommy","date":"August 20, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Several weeks ago, I posted New Baby Necessities, about basic items for caring for a new baby. Since then, I've used some items I found super-helpful, most of them received as gifts or gifted hand-me-downs (which I prefer). I'm sure this list will grow, but here's what I've loved so\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Posts"","block_context":{"text":"All Posts","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/all-posts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nicetohave.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nicetohave.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nicetohave.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/nicetohave.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13624,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/evereden-baby-product\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":4},"title":"Evereden’s Baby Products are the perfect baby shower or baby sprinkle gift","author":"westsidemommy","date":"November 26, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Moms who have \"been there before\" know which items they received at their first child's baby shower were practical and which were not. One thing a child will always need is a bath! Newborn skin can be so sensitive, the last thing you want to give is something that will\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Posts"","block_context":{"text":"All Posts","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/all-posts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/98a82cd19d86ac1a76f4d8f019baeb04.w3000.h600._CR003000600_SX3000_-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/98a82cd19d86ac1a76f4d8f019baeb04.w3000.h600._CR003000600_SX3000_-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/98a82cd19d86ac1a76f4d8f019baeb04.w3000.h600._CR003000600_SX3000_-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C240&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/98a82cd19d86ac1a76f4d8f019baeb04.w3000.h600._CR003000600_SX3000_-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C240&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/98a82cd19d86ac1a76f4d8f019baeb04.w3000.h600._CR003000600_SX3000_-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C240&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":22,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/advice-for-the-first-time-mom-to-be\/","url_meta":{"origin":283,"position":5},"title":"“advice” for the first-time mom-to-be","author":"westsidemommy","date":"November 22, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"I am going to my friend Kelly's\u00a0baby shower tomorrow. \u00a0I can't believe she is already 32 weeks pregnant. \u00a0Time has passed so quickly. \u00a0I remember taking my weekly photos, just as she has. \u00a0Now that I have my baby, I am really glad I did. \u00a0When I had my baby\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/news-announcements\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"advice for the first time mommy to be","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/advice_article_banner.gif?fit=760%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/advice_article_banner.gif?fit=760%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/advice_article_banner.gif?fit=760%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/advice_article_banner.gif?fit=760%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/featuredgraphic_top10_babyshower.png?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=283"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":335,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/283\/revisions\/335"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/319"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}