Mum of one and with another on the way, Caroline Cooper knows just what is needed for a baby and their parents to survive and thrive. Read on for her ultimate gift guide for the new baby in your life.
There is something so exciting about buying for a precious new-born. From the dinky baby grows and booties to the adorable cuddly toys – it is easy to get carried away and go on a spending splurge. However, more often than not the baby (or parents!) don’t need yet another cuddly toy and, instead, may appreciate something that is going to make their lives both easier and more time efficient.
With this in mind we’ve compiled the ultimate gift guide to treat the new baby in your life, and their parents too, offering them some luxury that they will, not only, need but be eternally grateful for.
SleepyHead Deluxe
There is no better luxury for a new parent than the gift of sleep. With some babies feeding hourly, parents will do anything to get a decent stretch of shut-eye, which is why a Sleepyhead Deluxe is a must-buy for any new mum or dad. This multifunctional and multitasking sleep pod offers a safe and comfy spot for rest, play and tummy time for their baby. Aimed at 0-8 months old, the Sleepyhead is lightweight and portable, and can be transported downstairs during the day, and upstairs for bedtime. The cocoon feature helps the baby feel as though they’re in safe surroundings, similar to the womb, aiding them to a more restful sleep and play.
The Sleepyhead Deluxe has a range of covers available from classic white to geometric and animal print – to suit everyone’s taste. Their new runway-inspired collection, ‘Wild at Heart’ is exclusive to Harrods, with other styles available to buy at sleepyheadofsweden.com Buggybabay.co.uk and John Lewis.
Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day and Night
This is a product that all parents wonder how people lived without. The Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day and Night machine makes a bottle in just two minutes to the perfect temperature, so whatever time of the day it is, the hungry little baby will be satisfied. What’s more, the newly modelled machine allows for volume-adjusting so as not to disturb the little one, while a glow night light is easy on the eyes when parents are having a particularly bad night.
This machine is so useful and, with babies on formula until their first birthday and feeding multiple times a day, it is worth every single penny. The receiver of this gift will be eternally grateful!
Munchkin and Bear
Small children tend to accumulate a lot of brightly coloured toys and playmats that, let’s face it, are an eyesore in any household. However, thanks to Munchkin and Bear, their beautifully made luxury padded playmats make a nice, yet practical addition to a home. The mats are available in stylish tones of muted greens, pinks, blues and greys and each has a subtle print that gives it a luxe feel, with each of the colour mats offering a reversible a grey option.
These beautiful and cleverly designed mats are also non-toxic, perfect to protect little ones as they play and to save beloved floors from the inevitable mess and spills. Should they need to be stored away (although we really don’t know see that happening) they can easily be rolled up and popped in a cupboard or a corner of a room. All stylish mums will love a Munchkin and Bear playmat.
Fornessi
Established in 2016, Fornessi is a beautiful brand with high environmental standards. Ergonomic, stylish and made to support the rounded ‘c’ shape of a new-born’s spine, Fornessi not only make well thought-out wraps but the most stylish too.
Aiding healthy hip development, these beautifully designed wraps are perfect for all parents-to-be but especially those expecting their second child. Wraps allow mum to look after her eldest while keeping the baby safe and close. The muted tones and insanely soft material of the wraps are a great addition to your changing bag and, not only will they carry the baby, but they can be used as a handy blanket too.
MORI
MORI craft beautifully soft organic products, which aim to create a gentle and calming effect for any baby. Made with materials from sustainable sources and environmentally conscious methods, any parent would be delighted with a MORI gift.
If you want to go all out and ensure the mum-to-be has everything they could possibly need then opt for the Starter Set. This beautifully curated collection boasts 12 essential products that parents can use both immediately and in the future. With hats, a baby towel, muslins and a blanket they really have thought of everything, but it is their wonderful zip-up sleepsuits and clever sleeping bag that parents will adore. The zip-up baby grows are a game-changer, especially during night-time nappy changes, with these carefully crafted sleepsuits boasting concealed zip-fronts to make changes easier and simpler. Made with 30% organic cotton and 70% bamboo product the little one will be snug as a little bug as they dose back off to the land of sleep.
Snuz
The popular Snuz brand has launched a SnuzPouch sleeping bag complete with a handy nappy change zip to make night changes quick and easy. If parents having to leave the comfort of their beds in the night is hard, imagine how uncomfortable it is for the baby when they need a nappy change. Snuz has cleverly designed this SnuzPouch to ensure minimum disturbance for the baby; it is made with 100% super soft cotton, has beautiful designs and is available from 1.0 tog to 2.5.
Pacapod
Finding the right change bag can be a minefield. There are so many on the market that are often garish, rather than a stylish fashion piece, however that is now set to change thanks to Pacapod. A favourite from the collection is The Hartland; this understated streamlined backpack with sumptuous faux leather looks like an on-trend messenger bag. Available in classic black or metallic gunmetal, not only will a stylish mum love wearing it, but the unique 3 in 1 organisation system consists of separate feeding and changing pods, keeping parent essentials hygienically separate and easily to grab in a hurry. The different pods allow for maximum organisation, which is what every new mum needs, and it comes complete with a changing mat and pram clips. The quality, style and practicality of this bag is amazing.
Baby Bjorn
When it comes to baby bouncers there is only one you need to purchase, and that is the Baby Bjorn. Their new Soft Selection has been designed in a super soft 3D jersey fabric that gently hugs the new-born whilst simultaneously gives them the proper support they require. Available in muted warm colours and cuddly soft materials, they look stylish too.
Meeting the requirements of Oeko-Tex Standard 100, class 1 for baby products, they do not contain any harmful substances. The bouncer is a cosy place for the baby to rest or play allowing mum or dad to take a shower or sit down while their baby gently rocks. Playing in the bouncer also helps the baby to develop their motor skills and balance.
