There you are, halfway to the checkout with a tiny biker jacket in your hands. Stop. Put it down. Step away from the rack. Slowly. I can practically hear the internal scream of the new parent when they unwrap their 8th baby outfit…for a child who’s still very much in the womb. I know. Baby clothes are adorable. We all melt over miniature socks and onesies that say things like “I’m the reason we can’t have nice things.” But here’s the thing, parents love shopping for those, too. Half the fun of early parenthood is picking out those little outfits themselves, even knowing full well their baby will outgrow them in two seconds. So don’t take that joy away from them. Let them soak it in.
Meanwhile, you and I can focus on what they’ll actually need. I don’t have kids myself, but plenty of my friends do, so I asked them what they really wish someone had given them back then. Based on their advice, I put together this list of thoughtful, practical gifts. Whether it’s for your buddy Judy who just had a baby or Ted from marketing who’s adopting a little boy, here are 10 gifts that will make those early months a little easier.
Gifts that help them worry less
Parents worry about everything, and who can blame them? These smart baby gadgets can help take some of that mental load off their plate.
VTech 7″ video baby monitor
This baby monitor’s got crystal-clear video, night vision, and a big screen so they can check on their baby any time, anywhere in the house (yes, even from the basement laundry dungeon). The ultra–wide-angle lens shows the whole room, so when their 2 a.m. brain starts spiraling—“What if a raccoon broke in and took the baby?”—they don’t have to wonder. They’ll know. Plus, it connects to their phones, so they can keep tabs even when the babysitter’s in charge.
Momcozy’s electric nail file
My dad has fat fingers (his words not mine) and he swears trimming baby nails was a high-stakes mission. One wrong move, and it was tears all around. This electric baby nail file would’ve saved us so much stress. Its efficient, whisper-quiet design makes nail care quick and gentle. Even with just a few precious minutes to spare, parents can easily tame those tiny talons. With four speed settings and grinding pads for every age, it’s designed to grow right alongside their little one.
Gifts that help them catch those much-needed Zzzs
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen sound machine
I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve seen my friends with babies show up with bloodshot eyes, running on a grand total of 28 minutes of sleep since the day they got back from the hospital. This sound machine isn’t just for the baby—it’s for them, too. The soft nightlight and calming sounds work for any mood or stage, and the best part? They can control everything right from their phone. No more creaky floorboards. No more holding their breath, tiptoeing into the nursery every five minutes.
Hatch Rest Go portable sound machine
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like being trapped on a 16-hour flight to Australia with a wailing baby and nowhere to run. I still remember this dad pacing the aisle, bouncing his baby while apologizing to every bleary-eyed passenger within a 10-foot radius. Brutal. A little portable sound machine could’ve saved everyone’s sanity. With 10 soothing sounds—from rain to rock-a-bye—Hatch Rest Go helps babies drift off no matter where they are. Just grab, adjust, and go thanks to the clip ring.
TheraBody Recovery ThermBack LED back massager with heat
My little cousin came out at a whopping nine pounds. Nine! Between lifting, bending, and rocking, it’s basically a full-body workout no one trained for. No wonder his mama’s back was screaming by day three. This wearable massager is cordless and one-size-fits-most, so parents can wear it while going about their day. The heat and vibration sink deep into sore muscles, and for a few minutes, they might actually feel like a human again.
Gifts that help them function through the chaos
Bella Pro Programmable drip coffee maker
We all love our coffee—but for sleep-deprived parents, it’s less of a want and more of a lifeline. And they need it quick, especially in those chaotic mornings. This drip coffee maker features a programmable timer, so fresh, rich coffee is ready the moment they wake up. With a 12-cup capacity, there’s plenty of caffeine to keep them going all day long.
Ember 355ml (12oz.) Smart Temperature Travel Mug 2+
Need to run before they can finish all that coffee? Pair the machine with this Ember Mug 2+ so they can take the rest on the go. No matter how busy the day gets, their drink stays at a perfect temperature for up to three hours (or longer with the charging coaster). No more lukewarm expressos!
Gifts that help them save time, energy, and sanity
Time is everything when you have an infant. Even a few stolen minutes can feel like gold. These gift ideas help make everyday tasks faster and easier.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 electric pressure cooker – 6QT
I’m not a parent myself, but I’ve got zero patience for spending three hours cooking a meal that gets eaten in three minutes. Who has the time? Especially not someone with a newborn. That being said, living off canned tuna and frozen dinner don’t sound great either. With this cooker though, parents can prepare healthy, family-sized meals easily. Just toss in the ingredients and let it pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and more. The keep-warm function even makes sure the food stays hot until everyone’s ready to eat.
Momcozy all-in-one baby bottle washer
My aunt and her partner used to bicker about whose turn it was to wash the baby bottles. Every feeding meant another round of scrubbing, and they just didn’t have the time and energy. This all-in-one bottle washer washes, sterilizes, and dries up to four bottles automatically. The 26 strong jets clean every nook and cranny, so there’s no need to stand at the sink at 2 a.m., scrubbing out milk residue. It even comes with a spill-proof, BPA-free snack holder, so little ones can manage their own drinks without the mess.
Ingenuity four-sided changing pad
Diaper changes can be tricky with a wiggly baby. This pad’s cozy foam and high sides keep them contained, and a safety belt holds even the most determined kicker in place. When things get messy (as they always do), the quilted, waterproof cover wipes clean in seconds.
Sunveno foldable changing pad
Babies never give a heads-up; they might decide to “go” while parents are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. A portable changing pad gives them a clean, comfy surface anywhere. This one features a waterproof wipeable pad, zipper pocket, and mesh storage that holds up to four diapers, so everything they need is within reach.
Ergobaby Omni Breeze four position baby carrier
Did you know wearing a baby for three hours a day can help reduce crying? It also lets parents go places a stroller can’t. This Ergobaby carrier keeps their hands free for all the multitasking that comes with new-parent life, with pockets and a detachable pouch for essentials like phone, keys, and extra pacifiers (because one always goes missing). Breathable mesh fabric, lumbar support, and padded straps keep them comfortable and ache-free.
