by Lindsay Horvath

Created on: May 08, 2009   Last Updated: May 14, 2009

There is nothing more anticipated during a woman's first pregnancy than her baby shower (except, of course, the birth of the baby!) Sometime during her pregnancy, usually around the seventh month, her friends and family will come together to provide a special day for her. The new life growing inside of her will be celebrated, older relatives will shed a few tears while recalling the mom-to-be as a child, and well-meaning friends will plan games that involve guessing how large the guest-of-honor's tummy really is.

Oh, and there will be presents. Lots of presents.

Nowadays, it is completely commonplace, acceptable, and practical for an expecting first-time mom to have a baby registry. Rare is the mom-to-be who hasn't spent hours pouring over layettes and monitors and itsy-bitsy baby clothing. Many first-time mothers put simply everything possibly onto their registries. Still, even with this guide it's hard to know what to purchase. Maybe you are not yet a mother yourself. Maybe your stint at parenthood was thirty years ago and the new mom's registry leaves you clueless (wipe warmer? Moses basket?) Fortunately, having a few guidelines can help you be on your way to purchasing the perfect baby shower gift for the first-time mother.

Respect the Registry. Registries may seem indulgent to members of older generations, but they are really invaluable tools for new parents who are starting from scratch. Most likely the mom (and sometimes the dad) have spent a lot of time picking out the things they like, want, or need. They may have asked the advice of recent new parents, and chosen colors to match the nursery. If at all possible, purchase a gift off of the registry, and include the gift receipt. This will prevent the new mom from having too many of one item, and it will make any returns as easy on her aching feet as possible.

Combine Funds for Large-Ticket Items. Rare is the person (besides Grandmothers-to-be!) who will spend several hundred dollars on a baby shower gift. Most expectant moms do need the crib mattress, the travel system, or the highchair, all of which can be expensive. If you are attending a shower for a first-time co-worker, friend, or relative, consider getting a few other co-workers, friends, or relatives to join funds and purchase one of these big ticket items. It will lift a small burden off of the expectant parents...as most of us know, the start-up cost of a baby is astronomical!

Don't Discount Supplies! Every new mom will need a lot of supplies...wipes,

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