The best baby shower gifts make the transition to parenthood a little easier. That means baby clothes, diapers, strollers, high chairs and more are all on the table, but so are things for parents like bathrobes and meal delivery services. Of course, you don’t want to show up with any old baby item—you want to gift something that nails that perfect combination of function and wow factor to help show you care.

Before you do anything, it’s best to see if the parents are registered for baby gifts, says Julie Lamppa, a certified nurse midwife at Mayo Clinic. This helps you avoid duplicate gifts and ensures parents get the baby gear they really need the most. Lamppa says many first-time parents tend to zero in on newborn items, but often don’t think about gear they’ll need beyond the first 6 months—like bowls, sippy cups, bibs, bath toys and clothes for bigger babies. “These gifts will certainly be appreciated and used in the months and years ahead,” she says.

Our parenting experts at Forbes Vetted have researched and tested hundreds of baby items, which we’ve culled to bring you this list of the best baby shower gifts.

Best Baby Shower Gifts At A Glance

Best Gear Baby Shower Gifts

A Pack And Play With Tons Of Perks

Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard

A pack and play can provide parents with a safe sleep space for Baby during travel as well as a designated play or nap space at home. This option from Chicco has a full-size infant bassinet and detachable changing station with a removable cover that can be washed. An organizer for parents hooks on the side and leaves plenty of room for diapers, wipes and other essentials. It also includes an electronic toy bar that plays songs and nature sounds to entertain and soothe baby.


A Diaper Bag That Doubles As A Stylish Backpack

Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack

Diaper bags come in a variety of sizes and of varying quality and usefulness. However, this Petunia Pickle Bottom backpack diaper bag is perfection. We named it our top diaper bag overall given its craftsmanship, superb style and functionality. It comes in a classic black that goes with everything (or there are plenty of other colorways), and features comfortable, adjustable padded straps you can wear for long periods of time. Ample internal and external pockets help parents stay organized. The bag also comes with D-rings for easy stroller attachment.


A Sleek Crib With Plenty Of Mileage

Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

The Babyletto Gelato Convertible Crib is designed to create a safe sleep surface for children for years. This crib can be raised four mattress heights and converts from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed and even full-sized bed with a conversion kit. It’s made from sturdy and sustainable New Zealand pine and is Greenguard Gold certified, which means it’s free from harmful chemicals. Pick from four shades: Walnut with Gold Feet, Washed Natural/White, Washed White/Natural and Washed Natural/Black.


A Bouncer For Hands-Free Moments

Jennifer Cattaui, founder and owner of Babesta children’s boutique, says this popular bouncer is a big hit at baby showers. It’s lightly padded for baby’s comfort and features three recline positions that are easy to adjust (just flip the seat over and move the lever to change the angle). There’s no need for an infant insert: Baby can simply be placed inside and hang out supervised when parents need a moment to have two hands free. A nice perk for parents with space issues: This bouncer folds flat for easy storage.


Perfect For Tummy Time

Lovevery The Play Gym

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Every baby needs their own play mat—and this one from Lovevery is gorgeously giftable. The Play Gym includes attachable toys for the baby to reach for during playtime, as well as different areas of the mat to explore. The mat’s five distinct zones let little ones explore different textures, noises and colors, all at their level. It also comes with four sets of developmentally appropriate play cards and suggested activities. The mat is machine washable and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, while the wood comes from an FSC-certified forest—which means it’s sustainably harvested.


A Jogging Stroller That Can Go Anywhere

Thule Glide 2 Jogging Stroller

The Thule Glide 2 jogging stroller is specially designed to help out parents who love to exercise outside. A fixed front wheel and ergonomic handlebar help parents navigate streets at high speeds, while a twisting handbrake lets them slow down quickly. Rear suspension and a reclining padded seat help keep Baby comfortable, while the roomy storage basket has a zippered lid to keep everything contained. It’s also exceedingly light for a jogging stroller at 25 pounds.


A Lightweight Carrier That Provides Years Of Use

Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier

Ergobaby’s Omni Breeze baby carrier has the impressive ability to hold children from 7 to 45 pounds, giving parents years of use. It’s also one of the more comfortable and easiest to use baby carriers that we’ve tested, which is why we named it the best baby carrier overall. The carrier features the brand’s “Softflex” mesh fabric for maximum airflow to keep both you and your little one comfortable as you hit the town. The Omni Breeze features a hip belt to support your hips and lower back, lowering the risk of pain in the process. There’s a privacy hood for sun protection, and you can choose from a large range of colors.


Transportation They'll Use For Years

Veer Cruiser Essentials Bundle

Stroller wagons are having a moment right now and with good reason: They’re convenient and grow with your child. At $837, Veer’s Cruiser bundle is an investment, but if you’re looking to splurge on a gift, it’s a worthwhile one. The Cruiser is an all-terrain wagon you can push or pull over just about any surface—even sand, as I’ve discovered with mine. This stroller wagon comes with two drink holders, along with a drink and snack tray and ample interior storage pockets. The bundle includes a foldable storage basket—if you carry diapers and toys along on outings, you need this to make more room for kids in the wagon itself—as well as a retractable canopy that clips on. Veer also offers an infant car seat adapter (purchased separately), allowing parents to use this wagon from birth on. I mostly use my Veer Cruiser for my 1- and 4-year-olds, but my 7-year-old will occasionally hitch a ride, too. This wagon is durable and fun to use—and sure to be an attention-grabbing shower gift.


A Clear Baby Monitor That Sets Up In Seconds

Eufy Spaceview Pro Baby Monitor

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Baby monitors can be pretty high tech these days, but plenty of parents just want a quick and easy way to keep an eye on their little one. The Eufy Spaceview Pro sets up in seconds and has a 720-pixel HD display that allow you to see plenty of detail. This monitor has a range of up to 1,000 feet and even works underground. (Mine delivers an impressively clear signal from the basement.) The camera can be adjusted from the monitor, too, and there’s the option to play lullabies to soothe your child. Overall, this baby monitor has just enough modern technology to be helpful, but not so much as to overwhelm new parents.


Track Baby's Progress In Style

Wonder & Wise by Asweets Baby Milestone Mat

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Babies grow fast and it can often feel like they’re changing by the second. This milestone mat lets parents snap photos to help track and treasure baby’s growth. The cotton mat comes with lots of cute accessories, including chalk cloth word bubble and banner, along with numbers one through 12, and additional cloth markers to mark the passing days, weeks, months and years. There’s even a measuring tape to show how big the little one is.


Best Clothing Baby Shower Gifts

Must-Have Bodysuits For Everyday Wear

Carter's 4-Pack Long-Sleeve Bodysuits

Babies require a lot of outfit changes in their early days thanks to blowouts, spit-ups and more. This bodysuit 4-pack from Carter’s comes in adorable designs in soft cotton that won’t irritate baby’s delicate skin. Overlapping shoulders make it easy to slip these onesies over baby’s head, while strong snaps at the bottom stand up to plenty of use from diapering. The brand’s affordable multipacks are often on sale, making them easy to stock up in multiple sizes.


The Softest Little Layette

MOST POPULAR

Little Sleepies Crossover Set

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Littles Sleepies is a favorite brand for parents seeking out the softest PJs and sleeper sets for babies and kids. This sweet crossover set is ideal for sensitive newborns, avoiding snaps, zippers and tags. It’s made with the brand’s signature bamboo viscose fabric, making it extra soft and easy on skin, to help prevent babies from scratching themselves and to keep little fingers and toes warm. I also like the optional fold-over mittens and foot cuffs. It comes in several sweet patterns including these pastel rainbows.


A Three-Pack Of Comfortable Booties That Stay On

Zutano Cozie Fleece Baby Booties

Zutano booties are a go-to baby shower gift. They’re adorable and practical. Little toes get chilly easily and socks often fall off. Zutano’s booties have a two-snap closure for a secure fit to actually keep them in place. This set is made for cooler temps with a cotton-polyester fabric blend and an organic cotton lining. These booties have a soft, fleecy feel. But you can opt for 100% cotton booties, and there are plenty of patterns and color combinations.


A Sweet Sweater That's Begging For A Photo Opportunity

Tea Bear Ears Baby Sweater

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Tea is known for creating well-made, soft and durable clothes that also happen to come in adorable prints and patterns. This sweater is made from a soft cotton knit, with raglan sleeves and bear ears sewn onto the hood. Whether you’re taking Baby outside or just want an adorable photo opportunity, this sweater is a great option for layering.


The Easiest Onesie To Put On And Take Off

Magnetic Me Footie Pajamas

Fussing with buttons or many snaps can be a struggle when you have a squirming or screaming infant to change. These onesies from Magnetic Me use hidden magnetic fasteners, which are incredibly easy for grown-ups to open and close. The rest of the garment is made with organic cotton. “Magnetic Me onesies are by far the easiest garments to use with a newborn that I’ve tried,” says Badore. “I got one as a baby shower gift, and bought myself six more after my son was born. It was clearly the onesie winner.”

One important thing to keep in mind, especially for grandparents: These garments are not safe to use around anyone who has a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other medical device that’s sensitive to magnets.


Organic Pajamas That Baby Can Wear Everywhere

Hanna Andersson Baby Zip Sleeper

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Hanna Andersson is known for its pajamas for kids, including zipper sleepers for babies. They’re crafted from an organic cotton combed rib knit for a comfortable feel, with a zipper that runs from baby’s knee to neck for easy diapering. Ready-to-grow cuffs help you get a little more life out of these PJs as Baby gets bigger. They feature adorable patterns, popular characters and holiday themes, and come in a variety of sizes so families who also have older kids can match their new little sibling. 

“Hanna Andersson clothing is fantastic for gifting because it’s super high-quality and a bit on the pricier side, so it’s a luxury parents may not splurge on themselves,” says Vetted senior updates editor Karen Tietjen, who stocks up on these PJs for her son when they go on sale. “In particular, the brand’s PJs make excellent gifts; they're Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified (in other words, free from common chemicals), super soft and wash wonderfully, keeping their size, shape and color wash after wash.”


Starter Clothing Set With A Little Of Everything

Honest Baby Multipack Clothes Gift Set

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This gift set from Honest Company gets parents started with six onesies, two T-shirts, four pairs of pants, bandana-bibs, hats and more. The snaps are nickel-free, while the long-sleeved tops have fold-over cuffs. There’s even an included box to make the process of gifting this set easier on you.


A Bathrobe For Baby That's Unbearably Adorable

Quince Bamboo Hooded Baby Bath Robe

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Quince's whole shtick is to provide high-quality staples at affordable prices, and the brand really delivers. Popular amongst Vetted staffers, the brand offers organic cotton baby basics for wearing, bathing and decking out the nursery (onesies, bath towels, crib sheets and more) that won't break the bank. This adorable bamboo robe keeps Baby comfy while he or she dries.

Tietjen is also a fan of the brand’s baby towels: “For my newest addition, I stocked up with this 4-pack of hooded towels, which are ultra thick and plush,” she says. “I love that they come in a handy multi-pack when most hooded towels are purchased individually.”


Best Baby Shower Gifts For Her

All The Postpartum Essentials In One Box

Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit

The immediate postpartum period can be rough, and it’s important for moms to have the right tools handy. This fan-favorite kit from Frida Mom has everything she’ll need to make the immediate aftermath of giving birth as easy as possible. That includes disposable underwear, cooling witch hazel pad liners and perineal healing foam. The whole thing comes in a caddy to help keep things organized.


A Luxurious Robe That's Great Before And After Baby Arrives

Copper Pearl Women's Everyday Robe

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Ask any expecting mom: Some of the best baby shower gifts include a little something for her, too. To gift the mom-to-be a wardrobe staple plus a sweet baby/mama moment, check out Copper Pearl's Everyday Robes, which coordinate with matching knotted gowns for newborns, as well as a slew of other baby accessories. 

“I received the Everyday Robe during my pregnancy and have already begun to use it—it feels buttery and stretchy, making it suitable for my growing bump,” says Tietjen. “I'll be taking it with me to the hospital (along with the matching knotted gown for photo ops). My favorite things about this robe are the high cut and snug side-tie, which makes modesty a bit easier around visitors to prevent accidental wardrobe malfunctions."


Help Save Her Back

Tushbaby Hip Seat Baby Carrier

Tushbaby’s Hip Seat Baby Carrier is generating plenty of buzz right now thanks to its ability to help relieve back strain while carrying a baby. The unique device goes on like a fanny pack of sorts and features a special ergonomic seat to help support the load of holding a little one. The carrier itself weighs less than a pound and doubles as a diaper bag thanks to built-in zippered pockets.


Elevated Loungewear With Breastfeeding Access

Hatch Easy Nursing Jumpsuit

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Hatch’s Easy Nursing Jumpsuit is a favorite thanks to its soft feel and high functionality. This jumpsuit features a wrap top for easy nursing access, along with a hidden elastic waistband that adjusts during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It’s also stylish enough to wear in front of guests and comes in basic black to go with everything.


Best Practical Baby Shower Gifts

Gentle Stain Remover For The Nonstop Laundry Headed Their Way

Dreft Stain Remover For Baby

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While Dreft’s laundry detergent is a hit with parents, the company’s stain-removing spray is a secret weapon of parents in the know. It can take out stains from blowouts, spit-ups, food and more. To use it, hand wash the stain with soap and cold water, and then spray the Dreft on before tossing the item in the wash. The spray is free of dyes, chlorine and phosphates, and is hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about it irritating baby’s delicate skin.


A Helper For The Dreaded Nail Clippings

Bblüv Trimö Nail Trimmer

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Nail trimmings are necessary for baby, but they can also be terrifying given how tiny and easy to cut those fingers are. The Bblüv Trimö gentle files down long nails with a quiet operation that won’t wake baby. This tool also has an anti-slip edge for a safe grip. Four filing discs are included, along with a storage case you can easily stash in a drawer or cabinet.


A Sweet Diaper Cake That's Eco-Conscious

The Honest Company Diaper Cake

If there’s one thing expectant parents need more of, it’s diapers. This diaper tree from The Honest Company features several of the brand’s adorable designs, arranged in the shape of a three-layer cake. In addition to hypoallergenic diapers, your giftee receives plant-based baby wipes, along with samples of the brand’s body wash, body lotion, all-purpose balm and hypoallergenic baby detergent. Plus, this gift just looks great—and you don’t need to wrap it.


A Portable Diaper Caddy To Stay Organized

Organization is crucial during those first few months—and so is having diapering gear ready to go at a moment’s notice. This diaper caddy from Parker Baby is packed with compartments to house diapers, wipes, cream, extra outfits and everything else parents need to quickly access during changes. It’s made from a soft-yet-sturdy felt. Stow it under the changing table, or use the two oversized handles to tote it from room to room.


A Soft Terry Hooded Towel And Washcloth Set

Loulou Lollipop Hooded Towel Set

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This adorable bath set comes in 20 sweet prints, all ideal for a baby shower gift. New parents will think of you each time they wrap their baby into this cozy terry cloth towel. The hood keeps little ones from catching a chill, and as they get older, they can tuck their hands into the cuffs to stay extra warm. The bamboo-cotton fabric makes it exceedingly soft on a baby’s skin.


Best Sleep Baby Shower Gifts

A Convertible Swaddle-Sleep Sack That Parents Swear By

Halo Micro-Fleece Sleepsack Swaddle

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against loose blankets in baby’s crib, but parents can opt for wearable blankets and swaddles to keep Baby cozy. This popular Halo fleece sleep sack is made from soft micro-fleece and features zips from both the top and bottom for easy diaper changes. Velcro-like fabric “wings” help swaddle the baby’s arms to help prevent the startle reflex from waking him or her up. We love it because your infant’s arms can also be left out if she’s not the swaddling type. Choose from a slew of pretty colors and patterns.


A Sound Machine, Night-Light And More

This combination sound machine and night-light from Hatch is ideal for parents seeking dual-function baby gear to save space. It plays as many as 18 sounds and melodies to help babies and kids drift off, but also serves as an sleep trainer for tots with a “time to rise” light setting. The night-light also comes in handy for those middle of the night feeds. The Hatch Rest+ comes with a battery charging base to improve portability. The settings are all controllable from an app on your phone.


A Gorgeous Crib Sheet In A Soft Knit

Copper Pearl Premium Knit Fitted Crib Sheet

Blowouts and spit-up mean new parents need plenty of crib sheets. These sheets from Copper Pearl are made from soft knit fabric and are resistant to stains. They also stand up to plenty of wash and dry cycles (we tested them and they came out on top)—a definite bonus during the newborn phase. Choose from a whopping 127 prints and colors to find one that fits your loved one’s nursery décor.


A Cute Collection Of Visual Books

My First Library: Box Set Of 10 Board Books For Kids

Books are a great way to help little ones wind down, and this adorable set offers 10 colorful titles. The set features board books, which are durable enough to withstand rough handling and gumming by little ones. Each book has a theme, including the ABCs, birds and colors, to help Baby learn during story time.


An On-The-Go Sound Machine

Mybaby Soundspa Portable White Noise Machine

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Sometimes naps strike when you’re on the go. Frequent travelers appreciate this portable white noise machine, which clips directly onto a car seat or stroller for impromptu sleeptime. It has four sounds: heartbeat, white noise, ocean and lullaby. This machine is battery operated and has an automatic shut-off at 15, 30 or 45 minutes. Another bonus is that it’s petite, making it easy to tuck into a diaper bag.


Best Feeding Baby Shower Gifts

Silicone Spoons That Double As Chew Toys

Primastella Silicone Chew Spoon Set

Sure, newborns aren’t going to be ready for purees right away, but that time will come fast. This spoon set from Primastella is made from soft silicone and has a textured handle for easy gripping. The BPA-free spoons come in a rainbow of pretty colors and even double as teething toys. Each spoon holds up to a half teaspoon of food.


A Cushioned High Chair With Plenty Of Options

Graco Blossom 6-In-1 Convertible High Chair

Graco’s Blossom 6-in-1 offers an six seating options to help parents as Baby grows, serving as an infant high chair, traditional baby high chair, infant booster, toddler booster, youth chair and seat for two kids. The chair has a one-handed tray that’s removed with the press of a button, and the whole seat is padded for baby’s comfort. We named it the best high chair overall after rigorous testing thanks to its seamless features. Parents can choose from six height positions and three recline levels to find the one that’s just right for that particular moment in time.


These Bowls Stick To The Table

Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls

Bowls are a must-have for purees and cereals when the baby is ready for solids, but they can quickly become a projectile. This bestselling set of three from Munchkin has suction bottoms that “stick” to the table or high chair tray to help them stay put. The BPA-free bowls come in three sizes and are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. They’ve also racked up over 54,000 reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.


Operate This Bottle Warmer From Your Phone

Baby Brezza Safe And Smart Electric Baby Bottle Warmer

Even if mom is planning to breastfeed, she’ll need a bottle warmer to help keep Baby fed and happy for those times she can’t be there. If she’s formula feeding, a quality warmer is a necessity. Baby Brezza’s warmer offers two heat settings—including a defrost option—and syncs to an app on your phone, so you can get messages that the bottle is ready while you’re changing a diaper. The warmer automatically shuts off once the desired temperature is reached and fits most bottle sizes.


Take This To Restaurants, Grandma's And More

Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair

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Baby needs to eat on the go too. This clip-on highchair from Phil & Teds secures to the side of the table with aluminum clamps to create instant seating for your little one when you’re away from home. It even comes with a carrying bag and dishwasher-safe tray to make the process as easy as possible on parents.


Bottles That Please Even Fussy Babes

Herobility Double Anti-Colic Baby Bottles

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Babies have their own preferences when it comes to bottles, so new parents may need to try a few different options before they find the right one. Badore says these bottles form Herobility are the only ones her son would use. “The nipple of the bottle is more oval than round, and it seemed to fit in his mouth more comfortably,” she says. “I also found the wide mouth of the bottles easier to clean than other bottle designs.” The bottles are available in three different sizes, and there are also different sizes for the hole in the nipple, so you can size up for bigger babies who are ready for a faster flow of milk.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Forbes Vetted’s team of parenting writers and editors have spent thousands of hours researching and testing baby and kids’ products to find the very best items to recommend to our readers. As parents ourselves, we look for the items that actually make life with little ones easier and more joyful.

We consult with health professionals, like nurse midwife Julie Lamppa at the Mayo Clinic. For this article, we also interviewed industry experts Jennifer Cattaui, founder and owner of Babesta children’s boutique in New York City, and Jean Polsky, cofounder of New York City-based children’s shop Estella. We also regularly update this article, to make sure our recommendations remain accurate and relevant. It was most recently updated in February 2024.


How We Chose The Best Baby Shower Gifts

To choose the best baby shower gifts, I consulted boutique owners and a midwife for their input on items new parents need and love in those first few months. I also got their input on the products that are most popular among their patients and customers, and spoke to real moms about gifts they loved from their own baby showers. My co-author and I also combed through Vetted’s testing results to include the baby products that our testers love the most.

As a mom of four young children myself, I have years of experience with new baby gear—including most of the products on this list—and know which baby products tend to be used regularly, along with which are easily forgotten. Co-author Margaret Badore is a commerce editor and experienced product tester, as well as mom to a 2-year-old son.


What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Baby Shower Gifts

Cattaui says there are a few things that are consistent winners, including travel strollers, baby books, feeding accessories, swaddles and sleep sacks. “Also, baby carriers and bouncersBabybjörn is our go-to—are popular for showers,” she says.

That said, here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop.

Beyond The Newborn Months

As for choosing clothes, Jean Polsky, cofounder of New York City-based children’s boutique Estella suggests buying 3 to 6 month sizes. “New parents generally get a lot of 3-month clothes and are stocked for that first quarter, so it's nice to get them something for when they outgrow most of the newborn gifts,” she says. “Second, the baby might be so big that they get little to no use out of the 3-month items. I say go big, but not so big that it's out of season or is forgotten.”

The same goes for gear. Supplies for toddlers, like spoons and feeding mats, can make great shower gifts as well.

Changing Seasons

It’s good to keep in mind what the weather will be like when the baby is due. If Baby is due in the summer, they’re not going to need a newborn-sized snowsuit—they will likely outgrow it before it can be used. On the other hand, parents of winter babies might appreciate extra-warm pajamas and sweaters.

Don’t Forget Mom And Dad

When we think of baby showers, we often focus on what the baby will need. However, it’s also a great opportunity to shower new parents with anything that will make life easier before or after their little one arrives. That could include postpartum essentials or a gift card to one of the best meal delivery services. For more ideas along these lines, check out our list of the best gifts for new moms.