Best Practical Baby Gifts

1. Merino Singletsuit

One of the most versatile pieces of clothing for bubs is a merino singlet suit. You can use it as a baby's only layer in the heat of the summer and as a base layer for winter, keeping their core body temperature nice and cosy. Natural merino is temperature regulating and will help your little one stay warm in the cold and cool in the heat. Its moisture-wicking properties also help with keeping your baby comfortable.Our Merino is also supersoft on baby’s skin and is a lovely natural fibre for sensitive skin.

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2. A Sleeping Bag

A sleeping bag is a safe way to keep your baby warm and comfortable for every sleep as there is no loose bedding to get trapped under or kick off and become cold. Not only is it safe, but it’s also the perfect cue for sleep - every time a baby gets into the sleeping bag, they’ll know it’s time for a few zzzz’s.

There are so many options for sleeping bags including merino, cotton, blended and more. We’d recommend a 3 seasons merino or 1.0 tog cotton bag to cover most of the year. You can remove layers when it’s hot and add extra layers on bubs to keep warm when it’s cold. Choose a size that is right for the age of the baby, or the age they’ll be when they will wear it. A great choice is the Woolbabe mini sleeping bag which is sized from 0-9 months.

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3. Silver Nursing Cups

New mums are often surprised at the pain breastfeeding can cause, especially if their newborn is struggling to latch. Silver Nursing Cups utilise the natural healing properties of Silver to help prevent and soothe nipple pain, cracks, cuts and inflammation that can occur during your breastfeeding journey.

Our customers rate these as a “must-have” and “life saver” and love just how quickly these can help heal their nipples and prevent issues when used from the beginning.

4. Personal Thermometer

When it comes to natural health, Kiwiherb has it covered. From De-Stuff to Throat Syrups, there are several different formulations to help everything from chests to tonsils to congestion. What’s even better is there are special formulations for children and adults, so you can rest assured, knowing the products are safe for little ones.

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5. Reusable Baby Wipes

These super soft wipes can be wet with water for a super gentle and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable baby wipes. But these aren’t just for bums! They’re great to have on hand for quickly wiping up spills, cleaning sticky hands, faces and more. Chuck them in the nappy bag, use them on the change table, in the bathroom and the kitchen, one of the best all-round baby products.

7. Baby Nasal Aspirator

Not the most glamorous of gifts, but when your baby has a blocked nose, a baby nasal aspirator is a lifesaver! It’s a simple device that’s used to suck mucus out of your baby’s nose (see what we mean about glamorous…). Babies are obligate nasal breathers, so being able to clear your baby’s nose of mucus can result in a much happier baby as they can breathe and feed more easily. It’s safe, hygienic & easy to use.

8. Crane Humidifier

Coughs, dry tickly throats, congestion and colds can disrupt a baby's sleep and it can be hard to get them to settle when they are under the weather. A Crane humidifier can be used to increase air moisture for easier breathing. Best used with just water (we don’t recommend essential oils for babies), the Crane Humidifiers are a safe must-have for newborn babies, especially over the winter months.

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9. Things for the Future

So often, the gifts received are for the newborn or 1st-trimester stage (up to approx 3 months of age) and often, this is where the new parents have stocked up on most things themselves. Why not purchase something in a larger size that the baby can grow into? Things like singlets, bodysuits and zip suits are always useful, and many of our customers say they would have loved to have received more clothes in larger sizes, in particular the 6-12 month size. It’s not just clothing where this applies, but also feeding. Babies tend to start solids between around 6 months of age, so consider buying something to start their journey to solids.

10. Room Thermometer

Knowing what temperature the nursery is can help you dress bubs appropriately for their sleep. If a baby is too hot, the risk of SIDS is increased and if they’re too cold, they’re likely to wake up, especially in the early hours of the morning when the temperature is lowest. The room thermometer, along with the sleeping bag or swaddle you’re using for the baby will guide you as to how many layers your baby might need overnight. We always recommend checking bubs' temperature by placing your hand on their chest or the back of their neck. If they’re red and sweaty, they’re too hot.

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11. Wet Bags

Wet bags are great for so many reasons. They’re perfect for storing dirty reusable nappies, paint-covered or wet clothes from being out and about having fun. Not only good for mums, but they’re also handy for older kids - think messy play & swimming. We love the practicality and fun designs of the Bumkins wet bags.

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12. Portable White Noise Machine

White noise is a helpful settling tool for newborn babies who are adjusting to life outside the womb. The white noise mimics the sound they’ve heard for the past nine months which can help babies settle and stay asleep longer. And it’s not only good for babies, it’s also useful for blocking sounds for toddlers who may easily get distracted or woken in the early hours as the world starts to wake up. We have a range of White Noise machines including the ever-popular Hushh and Dohm, as well as newer styles like the Travel Mini and Nod.

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13. Period Undies

A great alternative to single-use sanitary products, many of our customers have recommended period undies for use post-birth and beyond. They’re super comfortable, good for the budget (long term), low waste and easy to wash and care for. Plus they look pretty good too!

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14. Sunshade & Car Mirror

If you’re on the fence about a sunshade or a car mirror, go for it. Babies are in rear-facing car seats for at least six months, if not more and if you’re the driver, the only way you can easily check on bubs is in the mirror. Use a car shade to shield your baby’s eyes from the sun and make them more comfortable.

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15. Freezer Meals

Without doubt, there will be days when the new parents just can’t muster up the energy to cook and when you have a tiny baby and perhaps older children as well, cooking dinner can be the last straw at the end of a long day. If you’re not yet a parent yourself, you may be surprised at just how much a frozen meal will be appreciated, but we can assure you it will be. Something like a lasagne or curry or pasta sauce that can be taken out of the freezer, thrown in the oven/heated and served is ideal. You may be tempted with the subscription-style food boxes, but these may add more stress as they can require some assembling, plus there’s nothing better & more nutritious than a home-cooked meal, that someone else has cooked for you!

Freezer Meals Ideas >

16. A Dim Nightlight

It’s one of those things that can easily be forgotten, but a dim nightlight can be hugely helpful in your room (or baby’s room) at night. From nappy changes to feeds to just checking what all those noises are, a night light is super handy. After all, who wants to be startled with a bright light in the middle of the night? That’s a recipe for tears and not being able to go back to sleep!

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17. Plain Old School Nappies

Never underestimate the number of cloths/wipes you’ll go through! Old school nappies are so versatile; they can be used for everything from burping to wiping up spills, to nappy-free time, to using as a mat on the floor when changing nappies. We recommend having a few on rotation and in different areas of the house, especially if you have a spilly baby. One in each room that you can just grab is super handy.

18. Breast Pads

It’s a bit of an unknown before you start your breastfeeding journey, but you’re likely to have leaky boobs at some point as your body adjusts its supply to your little one’s needs (or even before giving birth). Reusable breast pads are a comfortable, budget-friendly way to absorb minor leaks and protect clothing from dampness and staining, not to mention giving you more confidence when out and about.

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19. Nail Clippers

Trimming tiny, wriggling, fingernails can be hard work, but it needs to be done, especially when babies don’t have much control of their hands and arms and are scratching themselves left, right and centre. Nail clippers are one of those often forgotten, but necessary items. Sure, you can use a nail file to gently file bubs’ nails, but a pair of tiny nail clippers is much easier and quicker on a wriggly babe. This is a great add on if you’re gifting bath related items such as towels or baby shampoo.