Baby & Child Care Tips for Parents
13 great gifts for a newborn
The must-haves that are sure to please new parents and babies alike
When it comes to buying gifts for a newborn, practicality and cuteness are equally important. Yes, it’s tempting to buy the biggest teddy you can find, but blankets, muslins, towels and sleep aids will delight tired parents and lighten their load. So let’s shop, because you’ll find everything that you need – and they want – with us.
The most marvellous muslins
Muslins are truly one of the best gifts you can give new parents, because they’ll be used for years to come for on-the-go changes, wiping up spills and everything else that life with a little one throws at you. This three-pack from Etta Loves features wonderful monochrome designs that are loved by little eyes.
The cute cuddly
Every baby needs fluffy, cuddly friends to keep them company in their cot, and this adorable bunny comforter is hard to beat. Jellycat is world-famous for a reason – namely its super-soft, ridiculously cute designs. This one is the perfect size for self-soothing, too.
The dream outfit
From the bestselling Heirloom Collection at John Lewis, this adorable long-sleeve bodysuit and dungarees set combines traditional charm (just look at that collar detail) with fresh, modern design. The poppers make for easy nappy changes, plus it’s all 100 per cent cotton – so you know it won’t irritate a little one’s skin.
The cosy towel
What’s better than gifting something that you know is going to be used every day? From a newborn’s first bath and well into toddlerhood, a hooded towel is an essential bit of kit. This cosy, cute pack of two from Aden + Anais will also help keep on top of that laundry pile.
The classic baby blanket
With a cellular design that’s safe for babies, this blanket will become a favourite with any new parent. We’re obsessed with this Mori design in mint green – there are lots of other colours to choose from, too.
The best bath bubbles
The brainchild of TV presenter Rochelle Humes, My Little Coco is a vegan and cruelty-free range of products designed to be kind to newborn skin. This pear and aloe vera bubble bath contains organic coconut oil to nurture and cleanse. Added bonus: it also smells divine.
The everyday sleepsuit
In those hazy, early newborn days, a sleepsuit is pretty much the only thing a baby will wear. Easy to put on and take off, John Lewis sleepsuits are made from 100 per cent cotton, with optional fold-over hand covers to keep little fingers cosy – and stop them from scratching delicate skin.
The ultimate teething toy
In just a few months, that tiny newborn will be teething and they’ll need something to chomp on to help soothe their sore gums. Meet Sophie La Giraffe, a multi-award-winning squeezy toy made from natural rubber that can be chewed and slobbered on safely.
A mini-me outfit
It’s never too early to start building a baby’s first capsule wardrobe. This adorable Breton-stripe top and leggings combo, made from 100 per cent cotton, is great for layering with a cute cardigan on chillier days.
Their first wooden toy
You don’t have to buy baby gifts that can be used immediately. Think ahead and go for something playful and timeless: these wooden building blocks look as perfect on a shelf as they will in the playroom. Durable and colourful, they encourage little ones to explore, stack, sort and build – and come in a travel box ideal for on-the-go play.
The cosy hat
Because babies lose so much heat through their heads, hospitals pop a hat on them immediately after they’re born. This pack of three sweet designs – in soft, 100-per-cent-cotton jersey – will help ensure parents always have one to hand to keep their little one cosy. They’ll be worn again and again.
The iconic owl sleeping aid
With its soft-glow nightlight, Tommee Tippee’s Ollie Owl is a cute night-time companion that can be attached to a cot to play soothing sounds and lullabies. Hugely popular for its promise to help babies (and new parents) get a good night’s sleep, this is one gift that really does keep giving.
The short-sleeved bodysuit
Babies can get through three or four outfits a day (sometimes an hour!), so this pack of short-sleeved body suits will get plenty of wear. Super-cute animal prints and patterns add a dose of fun and, best of all, they wash like a dream.
