What Parents Want

Did a friend or a family member just give birth and you just can't wait to go the shops and get some cutesy tiny little thing for the cute tiny little bub?

STOP!

And think.

Other friends and family members are also probably just itching to run and buy lots of cute baby stuff so does the new mother and father really need another pretty little frilly dress?

Most likely no.

Here is your chance to come on top of the present buying well-meaning family and friends as the person who actually got something the new parents needed.

I've come up with a small list that might help.

• Most people will get clothes so if you also really want to get some doll outfit, go for the one without buttons on the back as that's the place babies spend their most time on.
  
  
• Also, babies do not need dresses or clothes with lots of frills, ribbons and buttons as they spend most of their time on their backs and just need something comfortable like a soft cotton bodysuit; something they can easily be wrapped in.
  
  
• If you want to get clothes for when they're older, take into account what season it will be when they're older and buy accordingly
  
  
• If you want to get some rattle for when they're little, buy something light as they usually end up being dropped on their faces when the baby gets bored with it.
  
  
• All toys will be put in their mouths so buy something safe
  
  
• Babies do not need 10 teddy bears
  
  
• Newborn babies do not need cute little ballet shoes
  
  
• A baby gym is great! (Even when they're too small for the gym activities, it's a good place for tummy time)
  
  
• Soft/plastic fold out books are great for when they learn to play with toys. Every time the baby moves it, she see a new picture which can occupy her for longer than other toys
  
  
• A baby bath such as Fisher-Price Rainforest Bath Center is useful beyond words
  
  
• Some soothing baby CDs to put them to sleep
  
  
• Anything that will help put the child to sleep
  
  
• Some bright books with nice rhymes
  
  
• A rocker such as this one
  
  
• Toys to tie up to the pram
  
  
• A sleeping bag with sleeves
  
  
• Toys that make noise and do lots of stuff to distract the baby when they're upset
  
  
• A musical mobile (or any mobile) for their cot
  
  
• A musical soother
  
  
• Did I mention anything to calm the baby into sleep?
  
  
• Wraps (for summer or winter) - you never seem to have enough
  
  
• Bibs (for when they start drooling). I liked ones without velcro.
  
  
• And the fail-proof present is just asking what the parents want
  

If you're a parent, what did you find useful?