Handling new motherhood is challenging at the best of times. Making it work during a global pandemic is heroic.
If you are looking to gift something extra special to a new mum or dad, be warned that there’s an overwhelming amount of baby gear out there to choose from. But some products definitely rise to the top. We combined personal experience with reviews and recommendations from parents to put together a list of items that you either can’t do without, or won’t want to.
Here are Metro’s Best Baby Shower Gifts for 2020:
The Portable Pump
Pumping during a Zoom call has never been easier!
The Elvie Pump is the world’s first silent, wireless and wearable breast pump. It is also small and lightweight and easily fits into a bra. As mum pumps it even detects the amount of milk in the bottle and will automatically pause when the bottle is full.
It connects to a free smartphone app, letting her see real-time milk volume and tracking the pumping history for each breast. The app can also be used to control the pump remotely, so she doesn’t even have to touch the buttons on the pump inside her bra.
With both stimulation and expression modes, it also has seven different intensity settings, comes with two breast shield sizes and is fully recharged in two hours via micro-USB cable.
We have tested this on work calls and on the run to post-baby appointments and it can be worn undetected inside a bra and top. It really is so quiet and discreet you could pump all day and no one need know. A must-have.
Elvie Pump, £249, Elvie
Stylin’ Playmat
Sassy animal print? Check! Organic cotton? Check! This reversible stylin’ play mat is a perfect perch for tummy time and playtime.
In soft organic cotton with a comfy padded fill, it’s designed specifically to support babies’ visual and cognitive development throughout their first year.
Use the dalmatian side when they are 0-4 months and see in black and white white then leopard print for 5+ months when their colour vision starts to develop.
Animal Print Sensory Playmat, £75, Etta Loves
Chilling Out
The unique shape and sleek design of this baby chair lets baby recline in three different positions.
Suitable from newborn to toddler, you just give the seat a nudge and watch it sway gently from side-to-side. Super portable, it sets up in seconds, and has removable GOTS certified organic inserts, fabrics and dye which are machine washable.
The soft harness keeps baby firmly in place, and once outgrown, it can be removed to reveal a toddler seat.
Suitable from birth to 60kg.
Nuna Leaf Grow, £200, Mamas and Papas
Super Swaddles
The brand favoured by Royals and celebrities, aden + anais is the first place to go for style and function when it comes to swaddles.
Breathable, versatile and soft as mum’s skin, the do-it-all fabric helps to simplify and can be used as a pram cover, burp cloth, sun shade and nursing cover.
Pre-washed so they are soft from the start, the prints are chic and sweet.
Classic Swaddles, Jungle Print, £44.95, aden + anais
Snuz in Style
Sweet and chic from Snüz, this new collection of versatile playmats are soft and comfy for tummy time, under a baby gym or matched with the Snüz range of Teepee Play Tents.
Super soft padded cotton surface Non-slip backing Includes cotton travel bag Machine washable
Snüz Baby Playmat, £29.95. The Hut
Marvellous Muslins
Cool, modern designs and double layered 100% soft cotton make these muslins perfect for swaddling, burping, feeding, wiping, a light blanket, a pram cover and anything else you can think of.
The award-winning set comes with 2 patterned cotton muslins and their new hummingbird & geometric heart design.
Muslin Swaddle and Muslin Squares bundle, £39, Mama Designs
Blue Almonds Baby Blanket
Iconic baby brand Blue Almonds just launched a new lovely collection, created for their 10-year anniversary.
This pretty and delicately soft receiving blanket is made from the finest Peruvian Pima cotton and delicately embroidered with the brand’s rocking horse logo and features pink scalloped trim around the borders.
Other items to match include a gorgeous little baby gro and bib, trimmed with the same scalloped edge and cute rocking horse. An ideal new baby present or baby shower gift.
Available in blue, pink or grey.
Signature Baby Blanket in Grey, £32, Blue Almonds
Best Bunny
This adorable bunny for children from 6 months will delight young and old with its interactive features!
Press the left foot to play an interactive game of peek-a-boo, and the right to hear the song Do Your Ears Hang Low in a cute child’s voice.
Her ears also move and flap. Made from a soft, huggable material, it features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning.
Gund Flora the Interactive Bunny, £29.99, Smyths Toys
Clean Eating
New mums may not know how much they need these brilliant bibs until their babies start to wean – but when that happens, they’ll be so grateful you gave them the heads up.
These cute silicone bibs are the cutest version we’ve seen and make a lovely gift.
By Danish brand Liewood, they come in a 2-pack and are super practical, BPA free, easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Styled in beautifully muted colours with poppers at the neck to adjust the size, Liewood designs embrace pure shapes, delicate prints, using GOTS-certified, organic textiles.
Tilda Rabbit Silicone Bibs, £20, Natural Baby Shower
Singing Storybook
Little Baby Bum nursery rhyme videos are must see TV for little ones – their videos have been watched over 23 billion times on YouTube alone and are available in 11 different languages all over the world. Partnering with Little Tikes, this singing storybook brings it to life at home.
The five colourful pages feature bright illustrations with songs and melodies and sounds including ABC, Old MacDonald and 5 Little Ducks.
Lightweight, mobile design with easy-to-turn pages for small hands.
Little Tikes Little Baby Bum Singing Storybook, £17, Argos
Baby Fashion
Babywear is about comfort AND style – here are some of the best.
Royally Good
Baby fashionistas know that Rachel Riley is the woman who made Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte style leaders, all before their fifth birthdays.
Built on timeless classic shapes in strong colours and archive style prints, this princess crown embroidered babysuit is the perfect gift for a little princess of your own.
Made of soft ivory cotton with crown embroidery on the front bodice, and pale pink piping at the collar, sleeves and legs, it has a round shape for ease of movement, and pearl effect buttons to fasten at the back and legs for easy changing.
Princess Crown Embroidered Babysuit, £75, Rachel Riley
Softest Sets
Baby Mori is a brand has become synonymous with soft.
Beloved by the world’s A-list for its sustainably sourced, high quality cotton and pretty neutrals, their Starter Set is the perfect gift for an expectant mum. A beautifully curated collection of 10 essentials crafted in the softest and safest organic fabrics.
The Starter Set includes their award-winning ‘Clever Sleeping Bag’ as well as sleepsuits, bodysuits, joggers, muslins and a blanket.
Mori Starter Set, £138.30, Baby Mori
Zippy Playsuit
This darling two-way zippered sleepsuit take the stress out of nappy changing.
Hand and feet flaps prevent scratches from sharp nails poppers on the shoulders allow Pop My Way bibs, collars and toy/dummy straps to be attached.
GOTS certified organic cotton, available in 7 pretty pastel colours.
Zippered Sleepsuit, £34.00, Pop My Way
Sweet, Sustainable Style
A brand that continues to push the boundaries – from 100% GOTS organic baby range to the use of recycled PET bottles & ghosted fishing nets to make technical outerwear, the babywear from Polarn O. Pyret has a high feel good factor for a lot of reasons.
Plus, their new summer collection is adorable.
Summer Strawberry Playsuit, £22, Polarn O. Pyret
Snap it Up
This soft and sweet babywear comes with a magnetic twist. Made from 100% cotton, the babywear range uses handy and tiny magnetic fastenings which are hidden away, and lets you wrap up baby, in seconds.
With trendy styles, classic colours and sweet collars, they are beyond cute.
Magnet Mouse, from £24.95, Magnet Mouse
Hitting the (play) Gym
Babies can lie back, relax, play and explore with this super plush, musical play gym packed with toys to develop senses & coordination.
The cushioned play mat has padded sides and removable arches for easy cleaning. Suitable from 0 months plus. Available in a musical Little Fox design or a non-musical Penguin design.
Play Activity Gym, £29.99, Nuby UK
Baby Baller
Suitable from day one, newborns will be mesmerised by the five sensory toys that attach to the pretty arches.
The linkable toys can be repositioned on the gym or linked to strollers and car seats and the 3-in-1 Jumbo Activity Gym & Ball Pit also comes with a bolster pillow and large detachable mirror for tummy time.
Infantino 3-in-1 Jumbo Activity Gym & Ball Pit, £59.99 Amazon UK
Up and At ‘Em
Once the baby can hold their head up (at around 6 months) this inflatable seat helps to teach them to sit upright and keeps them safely cushioned with the padded arms and headrest.
It comes with a detachable tray with interactive toys and is perfect for travel as can easily be inflated or deflated.
Inflatable Sit Up Baby Seat, £26.99, Nuby UK
Sleep Saviours
Sleep is always a big focus for a new mum – trying to achieve enough to stay sane and healthy is a difficult ask for anyone with a new baby. Here are some things that might help.
Modern Moses Basket
This multi-award winning baby sleep system is designed to keep your baby close while also safe in their own cosy sleeping space.
Perfect for daytime naps, It is multifunctional as it can be used as a bedside crib for night time feeding and can be easily moved around the home during the day. It is lightweight, easy to clean and breathable.
Shnuggle Dreami Moses Basket & Stand, £118.99 (+ free next day delivery) Kiddies Kingdom
Sleeping Next 2 You
New for 2020, Chicco has just expanded it’s Next2Me range with the launch of Next2Me Air.
The latest addition to the award-winning collection is a crib with enhanced airflow and breathability that lets little ones sleep comfortably next to their parents all night long.
The mesh panelling keeps them cool and allows parents to see baby at all times., and with a zip side panel that folds down, parents can safely share the bed.
With the side panel zipped up, it can also be used as a secure standalone cot and with six adjustable heights, it can tilted to help with reflux and congestion. It works with any size bed.
Chicco Next 2 Me Air Bedside Crib, Titanium Exclusive to John Lewis & Partners £170.10, John Lewis
The Sleep Sheep
Ewan the Dream sheep really does work. It is a great gift to help encourage sleep and has intelligent features like MoonMode smartCRY, that ensures Ewan automatically activates when baby stirs in the night.
Sleepy parents (hopefully) won’t even need to get out of bed, as Ewan will already be playing sounds to soothe them.
Ewan the Dream Sheep Deluxe, £39.99 Sweet Dreamers
Sleeping Bag
Every new mum needs a sleeping bag and this is one of the best (and most affordable).
The range is super soft and created with 100% organic brushed cotton, ideal for baby’s delicate skin.
2.5 Tog works for all year round, with standard room temperatures of 16-20 degrees C (69-74 degrees F)
Unique luxury organic linen and cotton blend under-arm poppers for correct sizing. It also has a side zip fastening for easy change.
Organic Baby Sleeping Bag, £29.95, The Little Green Sheep
Baby Nest
This egg shaped ‘nest’ offers a cosy and safe environment for babies.
Imitating the feeling of being in the mother’s womb, it gives baby a feeling of protection and warmth and, hopefully, a sense of calm.
Voksi Baby Nest Premium, £99, Voksi
Organic Mattress
Little Green Sheep’s natural, organic mattresses and bedding are perfect for a new baby’s nursery. They can be cut to fit any Moses basket – and offers parents the option to upgrade to an organic mattress.
Committed to sustainable and ethically sourced materials, each mattress the brand makes is made from just 4 components. It is available in a wide range of sizes to fit Moses baskets and cots and custom made ones are also available.
Organic Mattress , £39.95, Little Green Sheep
Up and At ‘Em
Encouraging babies to sleep in their natural ‘arms up’ position, the Swaddle Up provides ultimate comfort and security to settle little dreamers, supporting little ones to get the best night’s sleep from birth until 6 months. It’s a sweet, modern twist on the traditional swaddle.
Swaddle Up High Five, £27.99 Love to Dream
Getting Around
The Auto Fold Pushchair
Just press a button on the handle, and this sassy little stroller folds itself – perfect when mum’s got her hands full (which is always).
With just one movement it folds back on itself, and becomes so compact that it can be easily stored everywhere, including in some plane cabins.
Light, and weighing a mere 6.9kg, it is easy to carry when not in use. Suitable from birth, the seat comes with a reclining backrest and padded straps to keep little ones cosy and safe. A raincover is included.
Chicco Goody Stroller, £189, Baby Planet
Smooth Sailing
Designed to make life as smooth as possible for parents, this push chair opens with one hand and is fitted with a one-hand recline for on-the-go relaxing, offers all wheel suspension and a one-touch brake system with front swivel wheel locks.
The retracting wheel allows it to squeeze it into the tightest of spaces, and the large, extendable canopy is water repellent and features a flip out eyeshade and ventilation panel. Compatible with Mixx carrycot and Pipa car seat (both available separately). Car Seat adapters and raincover included
Suitable from birth to 20kg.
Nuna Mixx Next Stroller-Mocha, £500, Kiddies Kingdom
Baby Sling
An Instagram sensation, Amawrap baby slings are made from 100% natural cotton, allow for optimum positioning and are certified ‘Hip-Healthy’ by the IHDI. making them ideal for newborns. And for mum, the benefits of babywearing in a baby wrap are proven and include better breastfeeding success and less chance of baby blues.
The brand is eco-friendly, made in the UK and will provide wraps to children’s services and hospitals wherever you recommend.
Baby Wrap, From £39.99, Amawrap
Car Seat
New from Nuna, the Prym car seat deftly lets you switch between rear and forward facing modes, and has a full 360 degree rotation, making it a surefire winner.
A smarter car seat, it automatically deploys side impact shields for instant protection as soon as your little one is on board, has a magnetic buckle holder, a five point harness, seven reclining positions, a true lock base installation and tailor tech memory foam.
There are two machine washable seat covers – warm for winter and mesh for summer.
Nuna Prym i-Size Car Seat, £399, Kiddies Kingdom
The Snoozeshade
This pram sun shade is a summer must have and gives fantastic sun protection for babies.
Approved by Melanoma International Foundation it’s a buggy cover that blocks 97.5% of the sun’s harsh UV rays.
A breathable, lightweight sun and sleep solution for prams, buggies, car seats and travel cots, it’s a great alternative to draped coat or blankets .
Snooze Shade, £24.99, Snoozeshade
Babiators
These sunglasses are made specifically for babies.
Designed to protect little eyes, the UV400 lenses offer 100% UVA and UVB protection. They are also made from a flexible rubber that are virtually indestructible – and the lenses are also impact and shatter-resistant.
Called ‘Babiators,’ makers guarantee that once registered, if they are lost or broken within 1 year of purchase, they will replace them free of charge.
Babiators Original Junior Keyhole, £22.50, Natural Baby Shower
Baby Bjorn
This pretty and ergonomic baby carrier is the one everyone wants. Perfect for long summer walks, it’s crafted from cool and airy 3D mesh.
And no more worrying about tiring out your back – the waist belt and padded shoulder straps relieve pressure on back and shoulders and make babywearing a pleasure from newborn up to the age of three.
Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One Air, £163.99, Baby Bjorn
Travel Light
This travel cot has an advanced air design that allows for unparalleled relaxation and offers 360° of ventilation for ultimate airflow and super-fresh, deep sleeps.
The mattress has two different levels of ventilation with triple layered mesh and easily pops open, thanks to its clever zig-zag leg design. It can be refolded with just one hand.
Suitable from birth to approximately 15kg. Travel bag included.
Nuna Sena Aire Travel Cot, £162, John Lewis
Sleep & Go
A cheeky little sister brand to Silver Cross, Micralite is relatively new, and has a range of modern, sleek looking baby gear for families on the move.
This travel cot and a playpen can be raised off the floor to about bed height, with mesh panels for optimum air-flow and a soft but firm mattress, letting you co-sleep with your newborn. It’s also great as a travel cot and playpen – perfect for baby’s first holiday, downstairs naps or to keep at Grandma’s house.
Suitable from birth, comes with a travel bag and newborn insert and even has a plastic coated bottom, so you can use it in the garden.
Micralite Sleep & Go, £175, Micralite by Silver Cross
Best Gifts for Mum
Skin to Skin
Recommended by midwives, this innovative shirt is designed to offer more skin to skin contact with baby.
Made in soft stretch fabric, the wrap ties provide great support, helping baby nestle in the optimal position and allowing mum to enjoy hands-free cuddle time while relaxing.
Suitable from birth, it’s proven to soothe, regulate baby’s body temp, stimulate oxytocin and boost milk supply.
Slate Blue Cotton Skin to Skin Top £39, Seraphine
The Freestyle Flex
Dubbed the ‘Freestyle Flex; this double electric breastpump let’s you pump both breasts simultaneously and is the brand favoured by hospitals and midwives every day.
It’s lightweight and simple to use, and includes smart technology which connects to the MyMedela app, to help mothers track their progress and patterns.
It charges via USB, and offers up to 2 hours on a single charge. It even comes with Medela’s revolutionary PersonalFit Flex, an oval-shaped breast shield that offers a personal fit for mums – clinically proven to get 11% more milk.
Medela Freestyle Flex RRP: £349.99, Medela
Best Nursing Bra
Possibly the best nursing bra ever, Bravado’s quickly become a celebrity sensation with new mums Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Alba ordering one in every colour. And rumours are, Kate Middleton has one too…
They’re not expensive, uber comfortable and actually super cute. They even convert back to normal bras when you stop nursing. Definite must have.
You have to check out the rest of the Bravado maternity and nursing bra range too – they are a world away from the frumpy bras you imagine. We know mums who are still wearing theirs as their most comfortable bras years later.
Original Nursing Bra, £27, Bravado
Feeding Support
All mums new to breastfeeding discover Lansinoh at one stage or another – start her off right with their “mums favourite” kit. One note: this is a great gift to take with her into hospital when she goes to deliver, as the first few days of breastfeeding can be challenging for everyone involved.
It covers all the essentials, including: HPA Lanolin Cream, Milk Storage Bags, Therapearl Breast Therapy Pads, Disposable Nursing Pads, and a Breastfeeding Pillow.
The pillow is ingenious – compact and convenient, it slips over the arm and supports baby in the ideal position to support successful breastfeeding.
The therapy pads can be chilled in the freezer to soothe painful or engorged breasts or warmed in the microwave to help with letdown and feeding through engorgement.
The Lansinoh lanolin is a must-have nipple balm that pretty much every single mum will tell you you need to help prevent against sore nipples (and it doubles up as a lipbalm) while the pads are going to be more useful than you can imagine ahead of time. Yes, boob leakage is a real thing.
Mum’s Favourites Kit,£48.36, Lansinoh
Skin Savers
At Home Facial by Linda Meredith
She’s probably not going to get to salon anytime soon – so why not gift her with an at home celebrity facial?
UK based facialist Linda Meredith works on the most famous faces in the world, and she has now created an at home version of her red carpet staple, the Haute Couture Facial.
The products arrive with simple, easy to follow instructions to follow the salon facial protocol, and are enough for 6 treatments, with plenty left for top ups.
Benefits include deep cleansing, re-surfacing, firming, hydrating, anti-ageing and nourishing- and of course giving mum the glow that she deserves.
Home Care Haute Couture, £225, Linda Meredith
Perfect Pampering
A luxe organic mother and baby skincare range, this pamper gift box is perfect for a brand new mum.
Beautifully presented in a stunning keepsake gift box, products included are ‘cocoon of bliss’ – stretch mark butter, ‘scent of seas’ – toning body serum and ‘fresh meadows ‘- cooling leg gel.
The Pamper Gift Box, £89, Little Butterfly London
Kit and Kin
Applauded by dermatologists, Kit & Kin products are made without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
This mum bundle includes the brand’s body butter, (a blend of nourishing butters and oils), a breast balm which heals and protects sensitive nipples and a stretch mark oil to help skin stay supple and stretch mark free.
The oil comes in a handy spray bottle perfect for bedside and handbag and has a gorgeous aromatherapy fragrance. The balms are very natural and can be used while feeding.
Mum Skincare Bundle, £29.97, Kit & Kin
Keeping it Clean
Keeping things sanitised, safe and clean has never been more front of mind for mums than in recent months. Here are some things that help.
Dummy Saver
Do you have any idea how many times a baby drops their dummy on the floor? The stuff of headaches at the best of times, and in today’s virus sensitive climate, it’s an extra bit of nightmare.
Recently awarded the ‘innovation of the year’ by baby gear experts, this mini portable UV steriliser uses electromagnetic radiation to kill microorganisms, zapping 99.99% of bacteria without water, microwaves or chemicals, and sterilises dummies in 3 minutes.
It fits in your bag or fastens to your pushchair. No chemicals, no cooling time, no drying required. Uses 3 x AA batteries or can be mains operated using the USB included.
UV Dummy Steriliser, £19.99, Nuby UK
Bathing Beauty
Ergonomically designed to offer comfort and safety when bathing, this bath support from Nuby warms quickly for added comfort.
Hygienically designed to drain water easily and air dry fast, it’s lightweight, and easy to take on travels. You can place in your own bath or within a baby bath.
For use from birth to 6 months.
Newborn Bath Support, £19.99, Nuby UK
Toxin Free Cleaning Products
The practical gift, plant-based cleaning solutions that are free from all toxins but that actually work – the Laundry Lover is a must for the nesting period when all the baby clothes get their first wash!
Nimble Starter Pack, £12, Nimble Babies
Stacking up
You might think you need to wait a while to get these cups – but believe us when we say they will come in handy sooner than you think. As soon as baby can grip things, these light cups are easy to hold, fling about and bash together. They will get years of fun out of stacking them, making towers or playing with them in the bath.
Rainbow stacking cups tower by Mushie, £14, thebebehive.com
Expert Advice
This parenting app offers expert advice and one-to-one coaching, available 24/7.
A premium subscription provides access to their own coach, whether it’s weaning advice, meditation and mindset exercises to prepare for labour and beyond, or advice on how to return to exercise after childbirth.
Caled, ‘Biamother’, it offers bespoke, holistic content and real-time, data-driven insights that new parents can trust.
Biamother App, £16.99/mo, available on iTunes
First Aid Lessons
Being in charge of a little person is incredibly frightening at times and these mini first aid classes deliver truly engaging courses to parents and families to help them navigate a host of potential issues.
The two-hour online course runs just like their award-winning practical classes, and covers CPR, Choking, Bumps, Burns, Breaks, Bleeding, Febrile Seizures & Meningitis Awareness.
First Aid, £20, Mini First Aid Class
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