Do you need to bring a gift when visiting a newborn baby?

Though bringing a gift when meeting a newborn baby isn’t a requirement, it’s a nice gesture of support for the baby’s parents or caregivers. Whether it’s night feedings or postpartum recovery, taking care of a newborn is a time-consuming and sometimes stressful job , so a baby gift is a nice way to help parents during a busy time. Plus, newborns need a lot of stuff, which can get pricey for just one family’s budget.

What should you spend on newborn baby gifts?

High-quality newborn baby gifts will vary in price depending on the item, but generally, you can expect to pay between $20 and $150. Cheaper gifts are a great way to welcome a new little one while on a budget, though they may not be as durable. Pricier items can be a big help to the new parents, but some may not be worth the extra money.

The 39 Best Newborn Baby Gifts of 2023

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyful occasion. Giving a newborn baby gift to parents or caregivers is a wonderful way to show your excitement about the new little one’s arrival. And if you’re a parent, there’s no reason you can’t celebrate your baby’s arrival and other special occasions with keepsakes or something special to pamper yourself or your partner during this time.

If you’re struggling to come up with newborn baby gift ideas or need a place to start, think about what kind of gift you want to give: Are you going for something practical that can be used once the baby is born? Something that will come in handy as they grow? A sentimental keepsake? There are plenty of options for each type of gift. Additionally, you can never go wrong with a gift that’s useful for both the baby and their parents or caregivers.

We considered design, ease of cleaning, material, value, and toy safety when reviewing products. Here are the best newborn baby gifts to celebrate the newest little one in your life.

Our Top Picks

WoodilyToys Wooden Name Puzzle at Etsy

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Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Baby Blanket at Potterybarnkids.com

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Lovevery Activity Gym and Play Mat at Amazon

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Love To Dream Swaddle UP at Amazon

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Lucy Darling Little Animal Lover Memory Book at Amazon

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NewAgeWalls Custom Baby Portraits with Frame at Etsy

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No!: My First Book of Protest at Amazon

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Proflowers Sweet & Pretty Bouquet at Proflowers.com

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Kibou Diaper Bag at Kiboubag.com

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maryscc Personalized Earflap Hat at Etsy

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Courtesy of Etsy

Pros

Helps teach letters and names
Great for younger and older kids
Sturdy

Cons

Long delivery time

Give your gift an extra personal touch with this wooden name puzzle, which can be customized with a baby’s name on the front and a sweet message of love on the back. Later, when the little one is old enough to know the sight of their name, the puzzle instills self-esteem, encourages curiosity, and helps with letter and name recognition while learning colors.

Little kids will love seeing their name in puzzle form and older kids can enjoy using the thoughtful gift as decorative art in their room. Starting from the newborn stage, this sturdy wooden name puzzle can be a lifetime keepsake.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pros

Soft fabric
Can be personalized
Machine-washable

Cons

Only one size

Made of super-soft chamois fabric, this versatile stroller blanket is gentle on babies’ sensitive skin and will keep them warm and cozy wherever they are. With six colors to choose from, the blanket can be personalized with the new baby’s name for a custom gift.

Amazon

Pros

Promotes brain and motor skills
Mat is machine-washable
Easy to set up and store

Cons

Expensive

Considered a must-have by many parents we know, this splurge-worthy play gym is made with five developmental zones and comes with a guide for age- and stage-appropriate activities. As the baby grows, parents can change the gym’s features to promote brain and motor skills that are just right. The side flaps can fold up to transform the mat into a tent, while the four included detachable toys add some extra fun. The best part is that cleanup is easy—the mat is made of a unique polyester material that will hold up when machine washed at home.

4.4

Amazon

Pros

Available in various colors and sizes
Promotes self-soothing
Soft, stretchy fabric

Cons

Sizes run small

With its unique snug-fitting design, this swaddle allows new babies to sleep in an arms-up position. With enough room for slight movement, they can self-soothe while still keeping their little hands covered. Parents praise the innovative design and thoughtful two-way zipper, which makes diaper changes a cinch. Plus, the swaddle comes in several colors and sizes to find each baby’s perfect fit.

Amazon

Pros

Gender-neutral
Generous page count
Eco-friendly

Cons

Area to place pictures is small

Help new parents remember each special moment in their child’s life with a beautifully crafted, gender-neutral memory book. The 48 pages, which include a section for pre-baby memories, have room for everything from birthday photos to baby’s first footprints to major milestones.

Courtesy of Etsy

Pros

Available with or without frame
Receive a print and digital file
Available in different frame sizes

Cons

Long delivery time

Digitally drawn by hand, a custom portrait captures the unique characteristics and a moment in time in a new baby’s life. Simply upload a special photo, share any text, and the artist will create a digital proof and then final print for a thoughtful and unique gift. They can hang the photo in the nursery or around the house for everyone to enjoy.

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy to read
Colorful illustrations
Board book

Cons

Not super interactive

Introduce a new baby to iconic figures in history through the lens of the abolitionist, civil rights, and women’s rights movements, and more. Get their little library started off right with this thoughtfully illustrated and colorful board book that parents will enjoy reading to their little ones for years to come. Throughout the book, the word “No!” is a repeated refrain, which is always fun for toddlers and babies.

Proflowers

Pros

Vase included
Made with fresh flowers
Add-ons are available
Good for new parents

Cons

Requires maintenance

Welcome a new baby with a lovely bouquet of flowers. Fresh blooms in a unique style are a thoughtful gift for new parents, and nationwide shipping lets you send love from afar. These carnations and roses come with a vase included, and you can even opt to add on a balloon, greeting card, or plush teddy bear.

Kibou

Pros

Built-in changing pad
Waterproof wipes pocket
Made of vegan leather

Cons

Expensive

Fanny pack meets diaper bag for ultimate storage in this useful bag. With a built-in changing pad, waterproof wipes pocket, key ring, credit card holder, and more included, this mini bag packs a big punch. Made of lightweight vegan leather, new parents will appreciate having their hands, arms, and shoulders free.

Courtesy of Etsy

Pros

Perfect for fall and winter babies
Available in various sizes and colors
Works as a keepsake

Cons

Expensive

Gift fall or winter babies an adorable personalized earflap hat to keep them warm in style. With a huge assortment of colors and sizing (even up to adult sizing), these cute hats are a cozy gift. While it is a splurge item, it's the perfect keepsake once the baby grows out of it.

What Our Editors Say

"We got this adorable earflap hat as a gift for our son and it's one of the items I'll never give away with hand-me-downs. The hat is custom knit with his name and was one of the most thoughtful gifts we received when he was born. And since he was a summer baby, having this on hand meant we were ready once the seasons changed. Some of my favorite photos from his first year are in this hat." — Ashleigh Morley, Commerce Editorial Director

Courtesy: Amazon

Pros

Generous storage and organization
Illustrated labels
Small footprint

Cons

Expensive

Organize and save a new baby’s heirloom treasures with this versatile and innovative gift. Two caddies, two drawers, and seven compartments will help safely organize first shoes, first baby teeth, important paperwork, and more. Plus, the hand-illustrated labels give the box an extra layer of organization.

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Available in various colors
Generous size
Machine-washable

Cons

Snags easily

Perfect for playtime and tummy time, this blanket is sure to become a cozy favorite for years to come. Measuring 47 by 47 inches, the blanket is a handy size for little ones. With over 30 styles and patterns, you can choose from gender-neutral, minimalist, and colorful designs.

Amazon

Pros

Hook and loop closure
Available in various sizes and colors
Won't fall off easily

Cons

Not for outdoors

Forget lost baby socks! Little baby feet will stay warm in these snuggly-soft booties. With a secure hook-and-loop closure, they’re easy to get on and off but hard for little ones to kick off. Choose from six colors and three sizes for fashion and function.

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Easy installation
Can be moved around
Waterproof

Cons

Doesn't start at zero

A great gift for years to come, this 79-inch growth chart has a rope at the top, so it’s easy to install, remove, or move from room to room. Cute as a backdrop for photos, parents can write on the canvas to mark when the baby grows. Crafted from waterproof and durable canvas, this growth chart will last through the years.

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Goes with any decor
Easy to display and store
Lightweight

Cons

Not chew-proof

Create beautiful family photos while celebrating and marking milestones. The neutral gray blocks go with any decor and can track weeks, months, years, and grade levels, so they’ll be useful for years to come. If the new parents plan to expand their family in the future, the blocks can be used in pregnancy pictures too.

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Quiet operation
Includes light
Includes various attachments
Works for adults too

Cons

Hard to pull off files for replacement

Cut babies’ nails safely and easily with this electric nail-clipping set. Each set features several different file attachments with replaceable file pads. The nail trimmer is quiet and has a light, so there’s no second-guessing where you’re cutting. The best part? It even comes with a file head attachment for adults so parents can use it, too.

Amazon

Pros

Cloth-wrapped for safety
Helps develop fine motor and sensory skills
The box doubles as a toy and storage

Cons

Only made for infants ages 6 to 12 months

Give the gift that (quite literally) keeps on giving with this cloth-wrapped wooden toy box. Made to help little ones explore textures and develop their fine motor skills, this sweet gift box can be “unwrapped” to reveal a peek-a-boo mirror. In addition to the box, this toy set comes with a plush bear, cloth book, multi-textured crinkle cloth, and squeezable fuzzy ball with a chime for exploring new sounds. As a plus, the box also serves as storage for the other toys in the set.

Maisonette

Pros

Machine-washable
Gender-neutral
Wrist elastic keeps mittens secure
Comes in several size

Cons

Only for cooler weather

You’ll want to give baby all the bear hugs with this adorable teddy mitten and hat gift set, which includes accessories with soft plush lining to keep little ones cozy. The hat has an adjustable two-snap neck closure to keep it on securely, while the mittens have snaps for easy storage and wrist elastics for extra security. While the 0–6 months size is great for fall and winter babies, there are larger sizes available for kiddos born during the summer months and earlier.

Courtesy of Honest

Pros

Great baby shower gift
Comes with lots of essentials
Natural and safe ingredients

Cons

Diapers don’t fit smaller newborns

Be the star of the baby shower with this cute diaper cake, which comes with several nursery must-haves. Included in the gift bundle are 35 of the brand’s eco-friendly diapers, which are made from sustainably harvested tree pulp; shampoo and body wash; face and body lotion; organic all-purpose balm; plant-based baby wipes; and hypoallergenic baby laundry detergent. The diapers are sized to fit babies that are 8 to 14 pounds, so parents of smaller newborns will want to wait to use them until their baby grows a bit.

Amazon

Pros

Frame included
Clay is nontoxic and safe to use
Stand alone or wall mount options

Cons

Lots of steps

Capture a sweet moment in time with this handprint and footprint kit. Parents will love the keepsake, which can be displayed in the nursery or even given to grandparents. In addition to detailed instructions, the kit includes a wooden frame, double-sided tape, acrylic safety glass, letter and number stamps, and air-drying clay made from nontoxic materials for the baby’s safety.

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Suitable for many ages
BPA- and phthalate-free
Dishwasher-safe

Cons

Comes with only four hygiene filters

Whether they’ve got a seasonal cold or something worse, kiddos are bound to get sick from time to time. This nasal aspirator is a unique solution for helping clear out a little one’s stuffy nose. After squirting some saline to loosen up mucus, the caregiver should gently place the nasal tube on the outside of the baby's nostril, suck the snot out, and put the device on the top rack of the dishwasher for easy cleaning. (And don’t worry, the hygiene filter blocks the germs from going into the adult’s mouth). Plus, the NoseFrida can be used from birth up to 9 years old—which is a little longer than necessary, but it’s good to know you’ll be able to try it on toddlers.

Amazon

Pros

Machine-washable
Soft organic cotton
Comes in various colors and patterns

Cons

On the thinner side

Burp cloths are a must-have during the newborn months. These cloths are made from soft organic cotton, so they’re gentle on the little one’s sensitive skin, and they’re machine-washable for easy cleanup. Measuring 17 x 12 inches, these clothes come in packs of five with a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Buy Buy Baby

Pros

Good for sensitive skin
Great value
Storage basket included

Cons

Basket has no lid

A good skin care routine isn’t just for adults! Featuring Aquaphor’s Baby Healing Ointment, Baby 3-in-1 Diaper Rash Cream, Baby Wash & Shampoo, and a 28-pack of WaterWipes, this gift set will help keep baby’s skin soft and hydrated. The set also comes in a canvas basket for easy storage in the bathroom or by the changing table. Frequent travelers may want to use a different storage container, however, as the basket doesn’t have a lid.

4.5

Amazon

Pros

Great for teething and grabbing
Bright colors and rattle noise are engaging
Durable

Cons

Doesn’t stay cold for very long

Keep baby engaged and help them explore their senses with this rattle and sensory teether toy. The different-sized plastic loops are great for them to grab and learn spatial awareness, while the rattle noise and bright colors provide entertainment without bright lights or batteries. While the Winkel can safely be put in the freezer, it won’t stay cold for long after taking it out, so it may not be the right fit if you’re primarily searching for a teether.

Brave + Kind Books

Pros

Promotes love of reading
Stories are inclusive

Cons

Customization is not available

Add some new board books to baby’s bedtime routine with this bundle from Brave + Kind, which includes a crochet rattle to play with. The smallest size includes three artful, diverse board books with various textures for little ones to explore, though larger sizes are also available for an added cost. While you can’t select which books will be included in the bundle, each of the books’ bright colors are sure to grab a baby’s attention.

KiwiCo

Pros

Each kit is tailored to your baby’s age and developmental stage
Available for multiple age ranges
Toys are selected by experts

Cons

You can’t choose the items you receive in the kit

A toy subscription box is a great newborn baby gift because they’ll receive new, age-appropriate toys at birth and as they grow. Designed for babies that are 0–24 months, Panda Crate kits are curated by experts to ensure that each toy is safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. The crates, which are delivered every other month, include one to three items and are available in five age ranges, so the types of toys that are included will change with the little one’s needs.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pros

Variety of colors
Matching washcloths are available
Can be personalized

Cons

Personalization costs extra

Made primarily from soft cotton terry cloth, this baby towel has an attached hood to keep baby warm when getting out of the bath. It’s white with gingham trim, which is available in multiple colors. For an extra personal touch, you can customize the towel with the baby’s monogram or first name, although personalization does cost another $15.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Pros

Dries clear
Box includes a scented candle

Cons

Should only be used on babies 6 months and up

It’s important to keep babies’ sensitive skin protected from the sun, and it’s especially important to do so safely. This gift box comes with two tubes of kid-friendly sunscreen—made from naturally moisturizing avocado, cacao, and jojoba—and your choice of scented candle (you can choose between Royal Coco and Breezy Summer). The paraben-free sunscreen is SPF 50 and dries clear, so it can be applied right before an outdoor adventure without worry.

Keep in mind that, generally speaking, sunscreen should only be applied to kiddos that are 6 months and up.

Source: Nanobebe

Pros

Budget-friendly
Designed to support mouth development
Variety of colors and sizes

Cons

Caregivers might have their own pacifier preferences

Giving pacifiers as a newborn baby gift is a great way to provide something useful and necessary while also sticking to a budget. These Nanobebe pacifiers, which are designed to support mouth development, come in handy when soothing a fussy baby, since the ergonomic shape helps keep it in the baby’s mouth, and the lightweight, soft silicone material provides comfort. Newborns will want the 0–3 month size, but there are options for older kiddos available, too.

Parachute

Pros

Handmade
Safe to use

Cons

Spot clean or hand-wash only

This precious piggie rattle features an all-natural cotton shell filled with polyester and pellets for rattling. It’s designed to be used from birth to 3 years, so it would be an adorable companion for the new little one. Plus, each rattle goes through quality testing to ensure it’s safe for littles.

Amazon

Pros

Familiar stories that parents will enjoy
Great value
Great for toddlerhood, too

Cons

Doesn’t include some of Carle’s most popular books

Introduce the next generation to Eric Carle’s classic stories with this set of six books, which are ideal from birth to 4 years old. Featuring fan favorites like “Do You Want to Be My Friend?” and “The Mixed-Up Chameleon,” these stories will entertain little ones while also teaching them useful lessons about friendship, colors, and body parts.

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Variety of colors and patterns
Adjustable snaps for growing babies

Cons

Hand-wash only

Featuring an absorbent cotton front and a soft fleece back, these bibs are great for older babies during mealtime, but they can also be used to catch newborns’ spit-up and drool. The adjustable snaps keep the bib in place and allows it to be used over the years as the kiddo grows. For some added fun, this four-pack comes in a wide variety of color and pattern combinations.

Amazon

Pros

Helps make bedtime go smoothly
Storage included

Cons

Some babies may not like the scent

Help baby wind down for bed with this set of relaxing bath products. The set includes baby lotion, bath wash, and shampoo, each infused with aromas to sooth little ones and prepare them for a good night’s sleep. Plus, the set comes with a handy plastic bucket to keep everything organized.

Lou Lou Lollipop

Pros

Variety of patterns
Eco-friendly
Two-way zipper

Cons

Wrist and ankle cuffs may be tight on some

Few things are as adorable as baby clothes, and this fun patterned sleeper is no exception. Made from soft, sustainable Tencel Lyocell and organic cotton, this sleeper features a two-way zipper for easy diaper changes and a printed care label to reduce discomfort from tags. The wrist and ankle cuffs fit snugly, so keep in mind that they may be a bit too tight on some babies. Opt for the 0–3 months size for a newborn or buy a size up for the future.

Amazon

Pros

Meaningful keepsake
Budget-friendly
Paint is safe for babies

Cons

Could get messy

Homemade holiday gifts are easy with this DIY kit, which makes a baby’s handprint or footprint into a precious Christmas ornament. The kit consists of baby-safe white paint for making a handprint or footprint on the round red ornament, a gold marker for writing the name and date, and red satin ribbon for hanging it on the tree.

Etsy

Pros

Handmade
Doubles as a teether and stuffed animal

Cons

Long delivery time

In addition to being an adorable toy, Sogg. E. Bear helps teething little ones with the texture of the organic cotton terry cloth, which helps soothe gums, and a flat body that’s easy for baby to grab onto as they teethe. The bear is stuffed with wool, which is naturally antibacterial, so parents need not worry about germs. To give teething littles extra comfort, caregivers can wring the bear in water and put it in the freezer for some cooling relief.

Darlyng & Co

Pros

Machine-washable
Flip-top mitten design prevents babies from scratching themselves
Great for babies with eczema, cradle cap, colic, and more

Cons

Set does not include a full outfit

Complete with six matching cotton pieces, this newborn-size gift bundle includes a hat, bib, stay-on booties, and flip-top mittens that prevent babies from scratching themselves. Choose between superhero, mermaid, and animal prints, which each feature colorful patterns to help promote visual development.

4.5

Amazon

Pros

Automatic shutoff and timer features
Audio and visual signals
Memory function

Cons

Cord must be plugged in

We like this bottle warmer for heating up breast milk and formula because it has a lot of handy features, but not so many bells and whistles that it’s confusing to use. The warmer will give audio and visual alerts when the bottle has reached the right temperature, while the automatic shutoff function ensures that the bottle won’t overheat in case a caregiver can’t get to it right away. It also comes with 12 pre-programmed settings to make heating bottles a breeze and a memory function that instructs the warmer to repeat the most recent selection.

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Great for travel
Adjustable volume control
Cordless

Cons

Requires frequent battery replacement

Parents who like to shush their little one to sleep can save themselves some time (and dry mouths) with this shushing machine, which uses real human shushing noises to lull the baby to sleep. The portable cordless design makes it great for families on the go, while the adjustable volume control helps put the baby to sleep without bothering the rest of the house. The shusher requires two AA batteries, which could be a nice addition to a newborn gift so parents will have some spares on hand.

What to Look for When Buying Gifts for Newborns

Age range

When you’re out shopping for a newborn gift, keep the baby’s age in mind to help you decide what will be the right product to purchase. Are you looking for a gift that can be used from day one or are you looking for a present that can be kept for the years to come? Once you figure out your preferred age range, your shopping trip will be much easier. As you shop for a newborn or arrival gift, keep the baby’s safety in mind and make sure the toy is age-appropriate, safe to use, and hasn’t been recalled.

Usefulness

During those newborn months, babies receive a ton of stuff, but sometimes those items aren’t of use until several months down the road. Parents and caregivers do appreciate gifts that can be helpful from the day the baby is born. Of course, babies will need stuff in the future, too, so you can take that route as long as you take size and season into account. Additionally, gift baskets are an extra useful (and often pretty) option for supplying everything a baby (or their caregivers) might need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to bring a gift when visiting a newborn baby?

Though bringing a gift when meeting a newborn baby isn’t a requirement, it’s a nice gesture of support for the baby’s parents or caregivers. Whether it’s night feedings or postpartum recovery, taking care of a newborn is a time-consuming and sometimes stressful job, so a baby gift is a nice way to help parents during a busy time. Plus, newborns need a lot of stuff, which can get pricey for just one family’s budget.
What should you spend on newborn baby gifts?

High-quality newborn baby gifts will vary in price depending on the item, but generally, you can expect to pay between $20 and $150. Cheaper gifts are a great way to welcome a new little one while on a budget, though they may not be as durable. Pricier items can be a big help to the new parents, but some may not be worth the extra money.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year-old daughter. Her go-to newborn baby gifts are special treats for the (tired) new parents or a personalized baby gift.

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s associate commerce editor. Her go-to newborn baby gifts are board books (never too early to foster a love of reading!) or a cute sleep set.

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More Toys and Gifts for Kids

When it comes to toys and gifts for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top gift and toy picks for every age and stage here:

WoodilyToys Wooden Name Puzzle

Pottery Barn Kids Chamois Baby Blanket

Lovevery Play Gym Activity Gym and Play Mat

Love To Dream Swaddle UP

Lucy Darling Little Animal Lover Memory Book

NewAgeWalls Custom Baby Portraits with Frame

No!: My First Book of Protest

Proflowers Sweet & Pretty Bouquet

Kibou Black Diaper Bag

maryscc Personalized Earflap Hat

What Our Editors Say

Savor Vault Baby Keepsake Box

aden + anais Dream Blanket

UGG Bixbee Bootie

MIBOTE Baby Growth Chart

Pearhead Wooden Milestone Blocks

Royal Angels Baby Baby Nail Clippers 20 in 1

Melissa & Doug Wooden Surprise Gift Box

7AM Enfant The Cub Set Teddy Mitten & Hat

Honest Diaper Cake

Bubzi Co Baby Handprint and Footprint Makers Kit

FridaBaby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator

Burt’s Bees Baby 5-Pack Organic Cotton Burp Cloths

Aquaphor 5-Piece Baby's Skincare Essentials Gift Set

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy

Brave + Kind Books Board Book Bundle

KiwiCo Panda Crate

Pottery Barn Gingham Baby Hooded Towel

Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Box

Nanobebe Baby Pacifier

Parachute Pig Rattle

Eric Carle Board Book Box Set

Copper Pearl Baby Bandana Drool Bibs, 4 Pack

Johnson's Sleepy Time Baby Gift Set

Loulou Lollipop Sleeper

Pearhead Babyprints DIY No Bake Handprint or Footprint Holiday Ball Ornament

RainSong Creations Sogg. E. Bear Organic Teething Toy

Darlyng & Co Newborn Essentials Gift Set

Dr. Brown's MilkSPA Breast Milk and Bottle Warmer

Baby Shusher The Sleep Miracle Sound Machine