Having been through the newborn stage already with my now four-year-old daughter, and currently expecting my second baby, I've been reminded just how much there is to think about before a little one arrives. Whether you're shopping for a baby shower, welcoming a newborn yourself, or looking for a thoughtful way to support new parents during those early weeks, choosing the right gift can make a real difference.
While tiny clothes and adorable toys are always appreciated, it's just as important to remember the person who's spent the past nine months growing a tiny human. In my experience, mum's recovery and round-the-clock care really begin once the baby arrives, so the best presents aren't just for the newborn – they're the ones that help make life a little easier, more comfortable and a lot less overwhelming for both.
That's why I've included a mix of little luxuries for both mum and baby, from cosy pyjamas, trendy changing bags and meal kits to genuinely useful everyday essentials, including muslin cloths, sleepsuits and even a clever three-in-one nose, nail and ear picker. Yes, really. After all, no gift is too practical or too indulgent when it comes to life with a newborn.
Read more: Best Moses baskets for 2026
The best gifts for new mums in 2026 are:
- Best gift for new mums overall: Rockit portable baby rocker
- Best budget gift: Frida Mom three-in-one nose, nail and ear picker
- Best muslin cloths: Sunny and Moon the peachy
- Best white noise machine: ErgoPouch drift away white noise machine
- Best changing bag: Minicoton basket bag
Read more: Best baby monitors 2026 for safer sleep
Rockit portable baby rocker
Best: gift for new mums and babies overall
Why we love it
- Clever way to keep a pram gently moving
- Adjustable rocking speed
- Automatic 30-minute shut-off
- Showerproof for outdoor use
Take note
- The original version needs four AA batteries, sold separately
The Rockit is one of those brilliantly simple baby gadgets that makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner. It’s a small, portable rocker that attaches to your pram or pushchair and gently moves it for you, meaning you don’t have to keep pacing around the kitchen while your baby naps. I particularly like it for those moments when you’ve finally got your newborn to sleep and then realise you need to make a cup of tea, unpack the shopping or, well, just sit down.
The speed is adjustable, the motor is quiet and it automatically switches off after 30 minutes, so it’s designed to help settle or maintain a nap rather than endlessly rock your baby. It’s also showerproof, making it useful for British-weather walks. The original battery-powered version uses four AA batteries (£39.95, Amazon.co.uk), while newer rechargeable versions are available (£49.95, Amazon.co.uk).
Buy now £39.95, Amazon.co.uk
Frida Mom three-in-one nose, nail and ear picker
Best: budget gift for new mums and babies
Why we love it
- Built-in safety stoppers
- Suitable from birth
- Comes with a hygienic storage case
- Small enough for the changing bag
Take note
- Definitely more practical than pretty
This is perhaps the least glamorous-looking gift on my list, but it could easily become one of the most useful. Frida’s three-in-one nose, nail and ear picker is a compact baby grooming tool designed to tackle those fiddly little jobs that are surprisingly difficult when you have a wriggly newborn.
It has four flexible silicone tips for dealing with things such as bogeys, earwax and dirt under tiny nails, with built-in stoppers designed to prevent you from accidentally poking too far. I particularly like that it comes with its own keep-clean case, because baby grooming bits have a habit of disappearing into the bottom of the changing bag.
It’s suitable from birth and small enough to take everywhere, making it a much more practical gift than yet another cute outfit that your baby will outgrow in five minutes. It’s not glamorous, but this is exactly the sort of clever little thing that new parents may not realise they need until they desperately need it.
If you’re looking for a gift for mum, the brand also has a huge array of products that she might find useful, particularly in the postpartum period, all of which I really rate, from disposable underwear (£11.99, Amazon.co.uk) to a peri bottle (£10.39, Amazon.co.uk) and a C-section support band (£34.99, Amazon.co.uk). Again, they’re not the most exciting items but ones that could make all the difference to her recovery.
Buy now £6.39, Amazon.co.uk
Jellycat amuseables sun soother
Best: baby comforter
Why we love it
- Super-soft and comforting
- Cute, recognisable Jellycat design
- Personalisation is available
- Lovely keepsake as well as a practical gift
Take note
- Design may not suit everyone but there are others available
This is one of those baby gifts that will be loved by both parent and baby. The Jellycat amuseables sun soother combines a buttery-soft golden-yellow comforter with the brand’s instantly recognisable smiling sun character stitched to one corner. It’s lightweight enough to throw into a changing bag and has that lovely, silky-soft feel you want from something that’s going to be cuddled and carried around. I particularly like it as a gift because it feels a little more special than a standard baby comforter, but it’s still something that can become a genuinely useful part of a newborn’s routine.
It’s designed for snuggles at home or on the go, and I can imagine it becoming one of those familiar objects that helps a little one settle for naps or feel more comfortable somewhere unfamiliar. If you’re buying for a Jellycat fan, you can even personalise the sun soother with a name, which makes it feel much more thoughtful as a newborn gift.
Buy now £28, Jellycat.com
Bobbin + Bumble anti-roll wedge baby changing mat
Best: changing mat
Why we love it
- Beautiful hand-illustrated print
- Supportive, padded foam
- Raised sides help keep baby centred
- Waterproof and wipe-clean
Take note
- Wedge design may not fit every changing table
A changing mat is hardly the most exciting item on a new-baby wish list, but Bobbin + Bumble's anti-roll wedge changing mat is proof that practical doesn't have to mean boring. It has a gorgeous hand-illustrated blue harlequin pattern, with a classic blue-and-white diamond design that would look at home in a modern nursery rather than something you'd want to hide away. It's made in the UK from nursery-grade foam, with raised sides designed to help keep a wriggly baby centred during changes.
The cover is waterproof, too, so milk spills and general newborn mess can be wiped off. I particularly like the wedge shape because it gives a little more support around the sides than a completely flat mat, while the print makes it feel much more like a considered nursery accessory. Just remember those raised edges aren't a restraint, so baby still needs to be kept within arm's reach at all times.
Buy now £19.99, Bobbinandbumble.com
BabyBjörn bouncer bliss
Best: baby bouncer
Why we love it
- Ergonomic and suitable from newborn
- Natural rocking motion
- Converts into a toddler chair
- Machine washable fabric
Take note
- Expensive
- Toy bar is an additional purchase
The BabyBjörn bouncer bliss is a baby product I’d happily recommend to anyone who wants to give a gift that will actually get used. It’s a lightweight, ergonomic bouncer that uses your baby’s movements to create a gentle, natural rocking motion, giving parents somewhere safe and comfortable to put their little one down while they make dinner, shower or simply have two hands free. It’s suitable from the newborn stage and can be used from 3.5kg up to 13kg, with four different positions.
There are plenty of colours and fabric choices to choose from, all with a soft, understated look that will blend in seamlessly with any home. I also love that it doesn’t become redundant after the newborn months: remove the fabric seat and it converts into a toddler chair, so it can be used up to around two years. The fabric is machine washable, too, which is essential when you’re dealing with milk, dribble and the inevitable nappy explosion.
Buy now £169.92, Amazon.co.uk
Sunny and Moon the peachy
Best: muslin cloths
Why we love it
- Soft against delicate skin
- Three useful muslins in one gift set
- Stylish, modern prints
- Machine washable and tumble-dryer friendly
Take note
- More expensive than basic muslin cloths
Muslins might not sound like the most enthralling baby gift, but any experienced parent will tell you that you can never have too many. What makes the peachy set from Sunny and Moon different is that it takes this absolute baby essential and makes it feel much more gift-worthy. The set contains three 60cm x 60cm muslins made from cotton, with a soft, breathable and naturally hypoallergenic feel. I love the playful designs, too: the peachy set combines a white dummy print, leopard print and a bright pink design, so they look much more considered than the usual plain white muslins.
They’re perfect for burping, wiping up milk, catching dribbles, cuddling and general baby-related disasters, and they’re small enough to stash around the house, in the changing bag or in the car. Plus, they’re machine washable at 30C and can be tumble dried on low, which is exactly what busy new parents need.
Buy now £42, Sunnyandmoon.com
Chelsea Peers tencel modal long pyjama set
Best: pyjama gift for mum
Why we love it
- Exceptionally soft, breathable fabric
- Button-up top is practical for feeding
- Elasticated waist
- Chic range of colours
- Available in regular, petite and tall lengths
Take note
- More expensive than basic pyjamas
One of the best gifts for new mums is something that makes those early weeks feel a little nicer, rather than simply adding more stuff for the baby. This Chelsea Peers pyjama set is exactly that. Made from Tencel Modal and five per cent elastane, the fabric is incredibly soft, smooth and lightweight, with a fluid drape that feels lovely against the skin. The chocolate-brown colour is particularly nice if, like me, you prefer your pyjamas to look a little more chic than traditionally twee, but there are lots of other options to choose from.
It has a revere collar, button-up front, chest pocket and contrast piping, while the bottoms have an elasticated waist and side pockets, which is always a win. I also love that the button-up top makes it practical for breastfeeding, if that's something the wearer plans to do, while the relaxed fit is comfortable for lounging, feeding and those inevitable middle-of-the-night wake-ups.
Buy now £55, Chelseapeers.com
Ella Loves x Liberty sensory strip
Best: sensory gift
Why we love it
- Beautiful Liberty prints
- Reversible design for different developmental stages
- Suitable from birth to 12 months
- Useful for tummy time, nappy changes and pram trips
Take note
- It’s primarily visual rather than a traditional interactive toy
The Ella Loves x Liberty sensory strip is the sort of baby gift I love because it’s beautiful enough to make an impact when you unwrap it, but it’s also genuinely useful. It combines two gorgeous Liberty patterns with Etta Loves’ science-led approach to infant vision.
One side is designed for newborns up to around four months, while the other is intended for five months onwards, so it evolves as your baby’s eyesight develops. There are other designs to choose from, too, including a plant pattern (£22, Ettaloves.com) and animal print (£22, Ettaloves.com).
It can be attached to the pram for journeys, stood up during tummy time to encourage babies to lift and turn their heads, or positioned around the changing mat to give them something interesting to look at. It’s lightweight, padded and machine washable, and folds neatly into a changing bag. I particularly like that the patterns aren’t just chosen because they look pretty: Etta Loves says they were developed with infant vision experts and in collaboration with the University of Sussex Baby Lab.
Buy now £26, Ettaloves.com
Owlet dream sock with monitor
Best: sleep tech gift
Why we love it
- Tracks pulse and oxygen levels
- Provides sleep insights and trends
- Smartphone app and base station alerts
- No recurring subscription fee
Take note
- Very expensive
- May not suit every baby or family
For a new parent who loves a bit of reassurance, the Owlet dream sock is a seriously impressive gift. It’s a wearable baby monitor that wraps around your baby’s foot and connects to the Owlet app and base station, providing live readings including pulse rate, oxygen levels, wakings and sleep trends. The sock is designed for healthy babies from newborn to 18 months and weighing 2.5kg to 13.6kg, and the system sends notifications if readings fall outside its preset ranges.
I like that it feels much less cumbersome than a traditional monitor because the sensor simply sits on the foot, and the app gives parents a way of looking back at sleep patterns as well as checking live information. There’s no ongoing subscription fee for the dream app features, either. It is, however, a very premium present, so I’d see this as a generous baby shower or joint new-baby gift with other friends or family members.
Buy now £269.82, Amazon.co.uk
ErgoPouch drift away white noise machine
Best: white noise machine
Why we love it
- Seven soothing sound options
- Up to 48 hours of battery life
- Three-level LED night light
- Compact and lightweight
Take note
- Relatively expensive for a sound machine
Sleep is probably one of the first things new parents think about, so a portable white noise machine makes a surprisingly thoughtful gift. The ErgoPouch drift away is a compact sound machine with seven options, including white noise, heartbeat, fan, rain, nature, shushing and ocean sounds. I like that it isn’t tied to an app or wifi, so there’s no faffing around with your phone when you’re already half asleep.
It’s rechargeable, weighs just 96g and offers up to 48 hours of battery life, making it particularly handy for naps at grandparents’ houses or when travelling. There’s also a soft LED light with three settings, which is genuinely useful for those middle-of-the-night feeds and nappy changes. The silicone casing feels soft and tactile, while the integrated strap makes it easy to attach or carry.
Buy now £49.95, Ergopouch.co.uk
Minicoton basket bag
Best: stylish changing bag
Why we love it
- Stylish, fashion-led design
- More discreet than a traditional changing bag
- Useful beyond the newborn stage
Take note
- Premium accessory
This is for the parent who wants their baby kit to look as good as the rest of their wardrobe. The Minicoton basket, from the brand's limited-edition collaboration with Call It By Your Name, is a stylish carryall designed for days out with a baby but looks much more like a grown-up handbag than traditional baby gear. The black gingham version is particularly versatile and should work with pretty much any pram or outfit but there are plenty of other colours to choose from.
I love the idea of it as a new-parent gift because it’s something mum can continue using beyond the newborn stage rather than a piece of baby equipment with a very short lifespan. It’s the sort of accessory I’d be happy to carry even when I wasn’t wielding a stash of nappies, wipes and snacks. The only downside is that it doesn’t feature any separate compartments inside.
Buy now £165, Minicoton.com
Nuby rapidcool portable bottle maker kit
Best: gift for formula-feeding families
Why we love it
- Makes a feed in as little as two minutes
- Portable and doesn't require mains power
Take note
- Only really useful for formula-feeding families
- Needs cleaning and sterilising between feeds
For parents who are formula feeding, this is the kind of gift that can genuinely make everyday life easier. The Nuby rapidcool is designed to prepare a fresh formula feed using freshly boiled water and cool it to serving temperature in as little as two minutes. The digital lid uses a colour indicator, turning green when the feed has cooled sufficiently, so there’s less guesswork when you’ve got a hungry baby screaming at you.
The twin pack is particularly useful because it includes two rapidcool flasks, meaning one can be cleaned while the other is ready to go. It’s designed for feeds from 90ml to 240ml and doesn’t need a power supply, making it particularly handy for days out, holidays or middle-of-the-night feeds. There’s also an insulated flask for carrying freshly boiled water and a formula powder dispenser. I think this is a brilliant gift for parents who plan to formula feed, although it’s worth remembering that the rapidcool makes one feed at a time and needs cleaning and sterilising between uses.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon.co.uk
Mori ribbed clever zip sleepsuit
Best: newborn sleepsuits
Why we love it
- Soft, stretchy bamboo and organic-cotton blend
- Two-way zip makes night-time changes easier
- Fold-over scratch mitts
- Built-in feet on smaller sizes
Take note
- Quite expensive for a single sleepsuit
Baby clothes are an easy gift, but I'd much rather receive one that's been designed with actual newborn life in mind. Mori’s ribbed clever zip sleepsuits tick that box. They’re made from a stretchy ribbed fabric that feels incredibly soft, lightweight and flexible rather than stiff or restrictive. The clever bit is the concealed two-way zip, which means you can open the bottom half for a nappy change without completely undressing a sleeping baby – something that becomes very important at 3am.
There's also a safety tab over the zip, fold-over scratch mitts and built-in feet on sizes up to nine months. I particularly like the ribbed texture because it gives what is essentially a very practical baby essential a more premium feel. The sleepsuits are available from newborn through to three years, so there's plenty of opportunity to buy a size they'll grow into rather than another tiny outfit they'll wear twice.
Buy now £33.5, Babymori.com
Cook new parents seven nights of meals
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Best: ready-made meals for new parents
Why we love it
- Takes the pressure off cooking for a whole week
- Good mix of classic comfort food
- Can be stored in the freezer
- Includes vegetarian options
- A genuinely useful alternative to traditional baby gifts
Take note
- Cost makes it a fairly substantial gift
- Most meals need around 45 minutes in the oven
If you ask me, this might be one of the best gifts you can give new parents. Cook’s new parents seven nights of meals is essentially a week off cooking, with 14 individual meals designed so both parents can each have dinner, even if they're eating at completely different times. The box contains two portions each of chicken, ham and leek pie, spaghetti Bolognese, classic fish pie, macaroni cheese, roasted vegetable lasagne, lasagne al forno and Portobello mushroom risotto.
The meals are frozen, so there's no pressure to eat everything immediately, and most take around 45 minutes in the oven. I love this as a gift because it's genuinely useful at a time when eating properly can become an afterthought. There are no cuddly toys to find space for, no newborn-size clothes they'll grow out of in weeks – just a freezer full of proper food. At £89, it's definitely a generous present, but one I think new parents would really appreciate.
Buy now £89, Cookfood.net
Angelcare baby bath
Best: baby bath
Why we love it
- Ergonomic support for tiny babies
- Non-slip base
- Lightweight and easy to store
Take note
- Not suitable once baby starts trying to sit
Bathing a tiny newborn can feel surprisingly nerve-racking, so the Angelcare soft-touch bath support makes a really thoughtful, practical gift. Rather than being a separate baby bath, it sits directly in the bath and gently cradles your baby in an ergonomic, slightly reclined position. It’s suitable from birth until around six months or 9kg, although it should be stopped sooner if your baby starts trying to sit up.
What makes it different is the soft-touch material: it warms quickly with the bath water, so you don’t get that horrible cold plastic feeling against a newborn's skin. The mesh design lets water drain through and dry quickly, helping to keep it hygienic, while the non-slip base and water-level indicator are useful practical touches. I also like that it’s lightweight, has carry handles and a hanging loop, so it’s easy to lift out of the bath and store. It’s a relatively inexpensive gift that could make those first few baths feel much less daunting.
Buy now £19, Amazon.co.uk
Snoozeshade original
Best: gift for summer babies
Why we love it
- Provides full coverage from the sun
- Breathable mesh rather than a blanket
- Helps create a darker environment for naps
- Rolls up for easy storage
Take note
- Primarily a summer/out-and-about accessory
A SnoozeShade is one of those things I’d put firmly in the “you don’t know you need it until you have a baby” category. The original is designed for newborns and young babies who are lying flat in a pram, carrycot or bassinet, providing a shaded, darker environment that can help make naps on the go easier. Unlike simply throwing a muslin or blanket over the pram – something that can restrict airflow – the SnoozeShade is made from breathable mesh and provides all-over coverage rather than the patchy shade you get from a parasol.
I particularly like it for summer walks, holidays and those inevitable days when you’re trying to get an overtired newborn to sleep while you're out and about. It rolls up neatly when it’s not needed, too, so it doesn’t take up much room in the changing bag. Just remember that the original is specifically for lie-flat setups; once your baby moves into a seated stroller, SnoozeShade recommends either its plus extra (£35, Snoozeshade.com) or plus deluxe (£40, Snoozeshade.com) models.
Buy now £20, Amazon.co.uk
DockATot la maman wedge nursing pillow
Best: nursing pillow
Why we love it
- Curved, ergonomic shape supports feeding
- Easy-clean cover
- Suitable for breast or bottle feeding
- Stylish enough to leave on the sofa
Take note
- Some parents may prefer a larger, wraparound design
A good pillow is one of those things you don't necessarily realise you need until you’re spending hours feeding a newborn, so I like the idea of turning one into something you actually want to leave on the sofa. The DockATot la maman wedge is a nursing and feeding pillow disguised as a stylish accent cushion, with a curved, ergonomic shape designed to support your arms and baby during feeding.
It’s more compact than some traditional nursing pillows, making it easy to move between rooms and I particularly love the grown-up designs, from pretty William Morris prints to soft boucle and chambray options, which mean it doesn't scream “baby equipment” when left on the sofa. There’s a concealed zip and the covers are easy-clean too. It’s suitable for breastfeeding or bottle feeding, so it’s a useful gift regardless of how a new parent plans to feed their baby.
Buy now £74.94, Amazon.co.uk
Lascal buggy board maxi plus
Best: second-child gift
Why we love it
- Great alternative to a double buggy
- Foldaway saddle gives the option to sit
- Clips up when not in use
Take note
- Expensive pram accessory
For parents who already have a toddler and are adding a new baby to the family, I think this is a seriously clever gift. The Lascal buggyboard maxi plus attaches to the back of a pushchair, giving an older child somewhere to stand when little legs get tired, without the need to graduate to a bulky double buggy. It’s designed for children aged two to six, up to 22kg, and the black croc version in particular adds a slightly more stylish finish to what is essentially a very practical bit of kit.
What I particularly like is the foldaway saddle: your child can either stand on the large, anti-slip platform or sit down when they’ve had enough. The suspension and larger wheels are designed to make kerbs, corners and uneven pavements more comfortable, while reflective detailing adds visibility. It also clips up and out of the way when you don’t need it. For families with a newborn and an older sibling, I think this could save a lot of arguments – and tired carrying – on school runs and days out.
Buy now £135, Amazon.co.uk
Aden + anais essentials cotton muslin hooded towels two-pack
Best: baby towels
Why we love it
- Incredibly soft
- Practical but still feels like a treat
- Washes well
- Lots of designs to choose from
Take note
- There are more budget-friendly baby towels available
A good baby towel is one of those everyday essentials that gets far more use than you might expect, and I really like this two-pack from aden + anais. Made from cotton, each towel combines plush, absorbent terry towelling with a soft cotton muslin hood, giving it a lovely balance of cosiness and breathability. The fabric feels beautifully soft against delicate baby skin, while the generously sized design gives you plenty of material to wrap a little one up snugly after a bath. The hood is particularly useful for keeping their head warm and dry while you get them dried off and dressed.
They also hold up well through regular washing, without losing that soft, fluffy feel. They're machine washable and can be tumble dried on a low setting, which I'd recommend if you want to preserve the softness. There are loads of designs to choose from, ranging from playful options such as floral patterns, bunnies, zebras and dinosaurs, so there's something to suit most tastes. At £21.99 for two, I think they're a practical but thoughtful gift for a new baby.
Buy now £21.99, Adenandanais.co.uk
Tommee Tippee electric baby nail file
Best: electric nail file
Why we love it
- Suitable from birth
- Three baby filing heads for different ages
- Quiet motor and built-in LED light
- Comes with a travel case
Take note
- Some parents may still prefer traditional nail scissors or clippers
Trimming a newborn's nails is one of those jobs that sounds easy until you're faced with a tiny hand attached to a very wriggly baby. Tommee Tippee's electric baby nail file is designed to make the whole thing much less stressful. It's suitable from birth and comes with three baby filing heads matched to different ages: an ultra-fine head for newborn to three months, a fine one for three to 12 months and a medium one for 12 months-plus.
It has two speeds and 360-degree rotation, plus a soft LED light that illuminates the nail as you work. The motor is designed to be quiet enough that you can even use it while your baby is asleep, which is probably my favourite feature – no wrestling with tiny fingers when they're already in a good mood. It comes in a protective travel case, too, keeping all six heads together and making it easy to pop into a changing bag.
A well-known and trusted brand in the parenting sphere – and one that I’ve personally always come back to – Tommee Tippee has a host of other products that would make fantastic gifts for new parents, whether that’s a pack of dummies (£17.99, Tommeetippee.com), a room thermometer (£32.99, Tommeetippee.com) or a fancy UV steriliser (£129.99, Tommeetippee.com).
Buy now £14.99, Amazon.co.uk
Nanit bestselling camera bundle
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Best: baby monitor
Why we love it
- Excellent picture quality
- Sound and motion alerts
- Floor stand works across different sleep spaces
Take note
- Very expensive
- Some advanced insights require a subscription
If you’re looking for a seriously generous gift for new parents, the Nanit bestselling camera bundle is one I’d consider. It combines the Nanit pro camera with a floor stand, flex stand, sensor-free breathing band and travel case, so it’s much more than just a basic video monitor. The camera provides 1080p HD video, sound and motion alerts and lets parents check in on their baby from anywhere through the app, while the floor stand is particularly useful because it can move between different sleep spaces, from a bedside bassinet to a cot and eventually a child's bed.
I like the flexibility of having both the floor and flex stands, especially for families who travel or move the camera between rooms. Nanit also offers breathing-motion monitoring and sleep, growth and developmental tracking, although some of the more detailed analytics require a subscription. It’s a premium gift, so one to maybe consider clubbing together with other friends or family, but for parents who love having lots of information at their fingertips, it’s a very impressive piece of kit.
Buy now £302.39, Nanituk.co.uk
What is the best gift for new mums and babies?
The best gift for a new mum will ultimately depend on the person you're buying for, their parenting style and, of course, your budget. I rate everything I've included here, but it's worth thinking about the individual as well as the price tag – something they'll genuinely use is always going to beat a present that's simply pretty.
If I had to pick just one, though, my top choice would be the Rockit portable baby rocker. There aren't many new parents who couldn't do with a helping hand when it comes to getting their baby to sleep, and I love how this simple little gadget takes over the job of gently rocking the pram when your arms – or patience – need a break.
Practical gifts never go amiss, but I'd choose something a little more considered than nappies or wipes. I love the Sunny & Moon muslins for stylish parents, while the Bobbin + Bumble changing mat and Mori sleepsuits turn everyday essentials into something that feels more special.
If you've got a little more to spend, or you're clubbing together for a bigger present, the BabyBjorn bouncer bliss is a brilliant investment that will get plenty of use, while a box of Cook meals might be one of the most appreciated gifts of all – because sometimes dinner is the last thing new parents have the energy to think about.
How I tested gifts for new mums and babies
As a second-time expectant parent, I've been through the newborn stage once already, so I know first-hand what new parents and babies actually need in those early days – and, perhaps more importantly, what they'll genuinely appreciate. Ahead of my new arrival, I tested all of the products in this round-up, assessing them against the following criteria:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
IndyBest’s assistant editor, Sarah Jones has years of experience rigorously testing a wide range of pregnancy, baby and parenting products, from the best maternity pyjamas to the best stretch mark creams. Currently pregnant with her second child, Sarah has already experienced the newborn stage and knows first-hand which products can make those early weeks easier, and which ones are simply nice to have.
Ahead of her new arrival, Sarah tested each product in this round-up, considering what makes a genuinely useful gift for both new parents and their baby. As a parent, she knows the practical details that matter, assessing each product for ease of use, quality, design, value for money and how well it fits into everyday life with a newborn, as well as whether it feels special enough to give as a gift.
Read more: Best prams, buggies and pushchairs, approved by parents
