by Kristy Martz

Created on: May 24, 2009

Some of the gifts I received at my baby shower get used all of the time. Some of them have turned into dust magnets. Make sure you buy the mother-to-be a baby shower gift she will love.

Following are some products I found to be indispensable. I plan on using this list the next time I attend a baby shower.

Boppy Pillow

The Boppy pillow is a favorite of breastfeeding mothers. It supports the baby and the mother's arms while she is nursing. I used my Boppy pillow while breastfeeding my first baby.

I choose to formula feed my second baby and I was still able to use the Boppy pillow to support my arm during feedings. It's also nice to lay your head on for those quick naps while the baby is sleeping!

Swaddling Blankets

You can purchase large, lightweight blankets to use for swaddling. You could also purchase pre-made swaddling wraps that velcro closed. The swaddling wraps are great for newborns and the larger blankets are nice for when the baby gets a little bigger.

Swaddling will help the new mother get a little extra sleep, as swaddled infants tend to sleep for longer periods of time. There is no greater gift to a new mother than the gift of sleep!

Diapers in Sizes 1 and 2

My sister has always bought me practical gifts for my babies. She gave me diapers when both of my babies were born. It isn't a glamorous gift, but it was definitely one of my favorites!

It is amazing the amount of waste that can come out of such a tiny human being. Babies go through diapers quickly. They also outgrow the newborn size almost before you are through the first box.

If you are going to purchase diapers as a baby shower gift, buy size 1 or 2. Chances are good that someone else will have gifted newborn sizes. My youngest daughter was so big when she was born she barely fit into newborn sized diapers to begin with!

Baby Medicine

I never thought about buying Infant Tylenol until my daughter's pediatrician handed me a dosing chart. If my daughter had happened to run a fever before then I would have been completely unprepared.

In addition to Infant Tylenol, you might consider buying Mylicon Gas Drops as well. They worked well for my baby's gas problems, but they are expensive. I would have loved to have received a bottle as a gift!

Something Special for Mom

A pregnant woman is complimented and taken care of until the second the baby is born. Once labor is over, the baby takes center stage. The new baby will receive all sorts of gifts and attention.

Don't forget that the mother has just been through a grueling ordeal. Give Mom something just for her. It could be a tasty treat, a new nightgown, or a coupon for 2 hours of free babysitting.

Remember that when the baby is screaming, a new mother would rather have a practical baby shower gift than some fancy gadget she will never use.

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