Moms Forum: Best baby gifts?

Posted in Mom Stuff
by besttech

Moms Forum spotlights useful discussion taking place on the parenting forums of newspapers around the country.

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QUESTION: I have a ton of friends who either are trying, pregnant or just gave birth, so I’m wondering what’s the greatest thing (maybe something unexpected) you got as a gift? Also, what items did you register for that you have never used? What did you register for that you love?

— Posted by Mercedes at mom2momdfw.com.

RESPONSES:

“My favorite baby gifts were, by far, books. They last forever! My son is now 5, and we still read many of the books he was given as a newborn. Something I wouldn’t waste money on: The Diaper Genie/Champ/whatever it’s called these days. They’re expensive and stinky. Just throw the dirty diapers in the big trash in your garage — much cheaper! (I did love those tiny scented trash bags for individual diapers, though.)”

“With my fourth baby, I bought a swaddling blanked made by Kiddopotamus (I probably spelled that wrong …). It had velcro closures so the swaddle could not come undone. My little guy was secure and settled down in it every time. I used it until I popped the seams — then I sewed it to try to make it last longer! Also, as a first time mom, I thought those shopping-cart covers were a frivolous waste of money, but as I got older and had more kids, I have become more of a germaphobe, so I got one with my latest little one.”

“My microwave bottle sterilizer was used a lot. Mine was Avent, but there are others, and you can use them to sterilize breast pump parts so fast. A good thermometer was a great gift. The Braun Thermoscan ear thermometer is what I have, but my friends love their temporal thermometer, which takes a temp in less than five seconds.”

“We have really used our bouncy chair (especially after we figured out to keep a blanket on it as a cover after we had to wash it two times a day for three days). We also use the newborn Boppy a lot (she loves to sleep in it) and My Breast Friend is wonderful for helping this new mom keep baby in the right position to nurse.”

“The best gift we received was a travel system comprised of an infant seat with hood and stroller. The infant seat has been stored now that Sam is older, but the stroller is well used. We received way too many blankets. Also, Sam has never warmed to his stuffed animals. Go figure. While not glamorous, the ton of diapers we received was very helpful. We didn’t need to buy any for at least two months.”

– McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.