13 Cute + Practical Baby Products That Make Perfect Baby Shower Gifts

Swaddles are one of the most versatile baby essentials. You can use them for wrapping your baby up like a cozy burrito, wiping up spit-up, as an impromptu nursing cover or even as a soft surface for tummy time. Plus, the muslin material gets softer with every wash, meaning they only get more comfy with time. And with so many adorable colors and prints to choose from, you can easily find one that fits your style.

Footies are a baby closet staple, but the zip-up ones are a game-changer for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. These one-piece wonders are comfy enough for sleep yet cute enough for outings. This one from Tiny Kind is made from soft, breathable bamboo and features fold-over mitts and footies, adding even more functionality to an already essential piece.

Is there anything cuter than a baby wrapped up in a hooded animal towel? Probably not. But beyond the adorable factor, these towels keep little ones warm and cozy as they transition from bath to PJs, making post-bath snuggles even better.

If you’ve got an inkling your baby will be born with a luscious head of hair, those ultra-soft nylon-bristled brushes probably won't cut it. This set comes with three tools to gently take care of your baby’s hair, including a bamboo comb and a bristle brush for thicker locks.

A diaper bag is essential for any outing with your baby, but not just any diaper bag. A backpack-style diaper bag is ultra-convenient, keeping everything organized while freeing up your hands to juggle your baby, stroller and all the things. This one is stylish and spacious.

Sometimes a little bit of fresh air is all you need to reset a fussy baby (or yourself). A versatile playmat—or outdoor blanket—makes spending time outside easier because it provides a clean spot to hang out (whether you’re in the backyard or at the park). This one not only looks cute, it’s super practical. It folds up nicely for transporting around, it’s water-resistant—nice for damp grass or the beach—and it’s machine washable for easy cleanup.

Teething relief, but make it cute. Teethers have so many uses, from soothing sore gums to offering a rich sensory experience for babies who are eager to explore everything around them. There are a ton of fun options out there, and the fact that they benefit so many areas of baby’s development makes them an essential for any registry.

Newborns love being close, especially in the fourth trimester when they’re adjusting to life outside the womb. The Solly Wrap is buttery soft, ultra-comfortable and lets you keep baby snug while keeping your hands free. It also comes in a variety of beautiful colors. (As a veteran mom of two, I couldn’t have lived without this the second time around—it’s my go-to gift for new parents!)

Babywearing can be a lifesaver for parents who have Velcro babies (which, let’s be real, applies to most babies). Once your little one gets a bit bigger, a structured carrier can help distribute weight and make carrying them easier on your body. Not only is the Aerial carrier comfy and supportive, it’s also chic and compliments any outfit. 

There will be times you need to set your baby down to get other things done, and an engaging play gym is a great place for them to safely hang out. The Twist & Fold is not only cute enough to leave out, but it also folds easily for storage or travel.

Anything that makes diaper changes easier is a win. While your diaper bag and changing station will have all the supplies, a portable changing clutch is also super helpful to have. It’s great for carrying around the house, tossing in a stroller when you don’t want to lug a full diaper bag or keeping in the car for backup.

As a mom of two, one of my favorite parenting hacks is turning milestone moments into beautiful photo books. I’ve been using Chatbooks for years and their app makes it incredibly easy to create keepsakes from your favorite pictures on your camera roll. Adding the gift of a subscription to your registry means you can turn all of those special photos into a book whenever you’re ready.  (Pro tip: The books also make cute coffee table decor!)

The first year is filled with so many sweet milestones and memories—and it also goes by in a flash.  A baby book is a great way to capture every milestone, from first smiles to first steps. This one even includes pages for future birthdays and the first day of school (if you can even imagine that yet!).

Monthly photo signs can really up level first year photos. They add a little visual timeline of your baby’s growth, making it easy to see just how much they've changed from month to month. The consistent scale provides a perfect reference point as your tiny newborn transforms into toddler before your eyes.