The Best Baby Gifts for Newborns to Make Life Easier for New Parents

You truly won’t believe how many baby bibs a little one goes through once they start on solids, so honestly, this is one of those can’t-go-wrong gifts you’ll never have too many of. “Bumkins presents an assortment of vibrant and waterproof bibs that infuse mealtime with a touch of flair,” says Jeff Mills, director at Baby & Co. “These adaptable bibs are available in various sizes, catering to both infants and toddlers. With the convenience of being machine washable and reusable, Bumkins bibs are your reliable companions through the inevitable messy moments of dinner time.”

Price on publish: $18.95 for pack of three

“A noticeable trend is emerging towards highchairs designed to evolve with your child, providing longevity beyond the typical 6-12 month usage period,” says Mills. “While multi-stage highchairs that transform from baby to teen might come with a higher initial cost, they offer exceptional value over the long run.” With that in mind, he recommends Cybex’s Lemo 4-in-1, which can be adapted to go from infant, to toddler, to child, to teenager, so over time you can really compare which is actually the messiest. Shopping tip: Want even more options? Check out our list of the best high chairs for babies.

Price on publish: $449.95

Consider this helpful suggestion from Sarah Huff, gear expert and senior manager, customer and community, at BabyQuip: A beautiful set of wooden closet dividers, designed to help new parents organize all their tiny one’s clothing by age and size.

“Navigating the world of baby clothes selection can indeed be a challenge,” says Mills. “It's not uncommon to find yourself overwhelmed by the array of options, resulting in purchasing items that go unworn. A practical approach is to begin with the essentials,” explained Huff.

Price on publish: $16.99

Most parents want to start stimulating their child’s mind early, inspiring them to explore and figure out the world around them. Taf Toys’ newborn developmental gift set features an array of 12 cute, colorful developmental products that will encourage baby to focus their vision, make the most of tummy time, and figure out how to grab and manipulate objects.

Price on publish: $26.99

“The realm of baby swings has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent times,” remarks Mills. “These modern swings come equipped with MP4/iPod connectivity, allowing you to play your baby's beloved tunes. At the forefront of this new wave of baby swings is 4Moms' Rockaroo, setting the benchmark for innovative features and functionality in this category.” Indeed, with its soothing, rhythmic front-to-back motion, you’ll wish you could take a nap in it yourself.

Price on publish: $159.99

“Baby blankets are an essential addition to any bedding collection,” says Mills. “Apart from offering snug warmth in the baby's crib or cot, they also prove versatile for swaddling. What's more, the familiar scent of a baby's cherished blanket brings a sense of comfort, especially in unfamiliar environments. We recommend Clair de Lune cellular blankets, which come in a range of colors and sizes, from crib up to cot bed size.”

Price on publish: $42.98

You can never be sure which of their mountain of stuffed animals your child will latch onto as their inseparable buddy, but one of these has a better-than-average shot. “If you're in search of the epitome of soft toys, your quest ends with Steiff,” says Mills. “Established in 1880 in Germany, Steiff offers a remarkable range. Whether you're looking for a cherished companion for a newborn or a classic piece to evoke nostalgia, Steiff's soft toys encapsulate unmatched craftsmanship and enduring appeal.”

Price on publish: $28.95

For the first couple years of having a baby, the diaper bag replaces virtually everything else you own as your one must-have item any time you leave the house. For that reason, it’s vital to get one you like. “Diaper and nappy bags have undergone a fashionable transformation, emerging as essential accessories for modern parents,” says Mills. “Our endorsement goes to PacaPod changing bags, as they seamlessly blend style with practicality. With their innovative design and aesthetic appeal, these bags not only reflect your fashion sensibilities but also cater to the functional demands of parenting.” Shopping tip: Browsing for yourself? This bag is available at Nordstrom, which also made our list of the best places to buy maternity clothes.

Price on publish: $190

Swaddling your kid can take some trial and error–some kids will only sleep when fully tucked in with the severity of a Victorian straightjacket, while others will thrash about and cry until one or all limbs have been freed from this snuggly prison. For those wanting to save a little time with the swaddling process, velcro swaddles are a good way to go. “Velcro swaddles take the guesswork out of swaddling,” says Huff. “This is one gift I personally give all parents.” She recommends aden + anais’ swaddles, which feature a handy zip at the bottom, allowing you to change the baby’s diaper without completely unswaddling them. Price on publish: $31.99 for pack of three

“Bath time holds immense joy when you have a new baby, yet simplicity remains a priority in busy lives,” says Mills. “For this reason, we wholeheartedly suggest the Stokke Flexi Bath. This ingeniously designed bath offers the best of both worlds–delightful bath moments and effortless convenience.” Handily folding away when not in use, it also features a heat-sensitive drain plug, which changes color to let you know the optimal water temperature for your kiddo.

Price on publish: $36.75

During our (ultimately fruitless) attempts at getting our kids to drink from a bottle, we spent an inordinate amount of time sterilizing, washing, and drying various parts of bottles and accessories. We found that this cheerful, lawn-inspired drying rack—also recommended by Huff—was a compact, easy way to keep all the baby gear in one place. Even once they’d graduated to solids, it was a handy place to dry off all their bowls, spoons, and everything else that had inevitably gone on the floor in a Pollock-esque swirl of pureed fruits and veggies.

Price on publish: $24.99