Baby & Child Care Tips for Parents
13 great gifts for a newborn
Our must-haves are sure to please new parents and babies alike
When it comes to gifts for a newborn, practicality and cuteness are equally important. It’s all very lovely getting them another teddy bear, but blankets, muslins and smart storage solutions will also always be welcomed by tired parents. These things aren’t boring – they’re useful. So let’s shop.
The most marvellous muslins
Muslins are truly one of the best gifts you can give a new baby and their parents. They’ll be used for years and we’ve got a whole host of adorable designs to captivate tiny eyes. This set of three is made from 100% cotton and therefore perfectly soft. Always check the materials – many parents only want pure 100% cotton next to a newborn’s skin.
The cute cuddly
If you can’t resist something soft and cuddly for the new baby in your life, this adorable puppy is a win-win. Jelly Cat are world famous for a reason – their ridiculously soft toys are irresistible for babies and they’re the perfect size for self-soothing, too.
The practical pramsuit
This pramsuit is made from BCI cotton – that’ stands for Better Cotton Initiative, a not-for-profit organisation that ‘makes global cotton production better for the people who produce it and the environment’.
Available in navy, grey or pink, it’s ideal for keeping baby cosy in the pram or a sling and is a newborn essential, whatever the weather.
The cosy towel
From the early newborn weeks and well into toddlerhood, a hooded towel is a guaranteed win for parents and babies. Practical, cosy and ridiculously cute – what’s better than gifting something that you know is going to be used every day?
The classic baby blanket
Cellular blankets are safe for your baby to use while sleeping in a moses basket, crib or pram – plus you can never have too many blankets. We'’e obsessed with this mint green colour and think any new parent would be thankful for a gift as practical as this.
The best baby bath bubbles
The brainchild TV presenter Rochelle Humes, My Little Coco is a gentle, vegan and cruelty-free range of products the whole family, but especially baby, can use. This pear and aloe vera bubble bath contains organic coconut oil to nurture and cleanse newborn skin.
The everyday sleepsuit
Any parent will tell you how important sleepsuits are. In those early days, they’re all the baby will be wearing. John Lewis sleepsuits are made from 100% cotton and there’s the option to buy them with foot and hand covers to stop babies scratching – and keep them cosy. These summery stripes are adorable.
The ultimate teething toy
In just a few months, that tiny newborn will be teething, and they’ll need something to chomp on to help soothe sore gums. Meet Sophie La Giraffe, a multi-award-winning squeaky toy made from natural rubber that can be chewed and squeezed safely.
An adorable outfit
Lean into their emerging personality with outfits that fit their vibe. This cute romper is the perfect winner for spring and summer babies, and is great for layering on chillier mornings.
Their first wooden toy
If you want to go for something playful, these adorable FSC wood building blocks look as perfect on a shelf as they do in the playroom and are a wonderful first toy.
The baby cardigan, £12
Newborns need more layers than you might think, so it pays to stock new parents up with super cute, practical, cosy pieces. This pure cotton caridgan ticks all those boxes and if you buy it in a slightly larger size, they can roll up the sleeves for now and it will last all year.
The short-sleeved bodysuit
If the baby is due in the warmer months or lives abroad, a pack of short-sleeved vests is a must-have. Patterns and colours are fun to add in for babies who inevitably have a wardrobe of lots and lots of white.
The cosy hat, £4
Most hospitals want you to pop a hat on your baby immediately after they’re born because they lose so much heat through their heads, so why not make sure the new parents can reach for this classic design? In 100% cotton, they’ll wear it again and again during those early months.
