Need some fresh ideas for the registry? Check out what these moms say are the coolest, most helpful baby gifts they received.
Reading time: "My best baby gifts by far were from my mom who gave me my favorite books from childhood—The Velveteen Rabbit, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Winnie the Pooh. We also had a baby shower where all our friends brought their favorite book from childhood, which created an instant library. I loved revisiting the old memories, and creating new ones with my son."
—Jennifer Porter, mom of two, Seattle, Washington
Kid-tested, mom-approved: "Another mom once gave me a cute canvas tote full of her favorite baby things: socks that stayed up, fingernail clippers that are easy to use, great spoons and cups, lotion to soothe chapped cheeks. There were even coupons for diapers tucked inside. It was so helpful that now it's what I always give at showers."
—Sarah Congdon, mom of four,Ames, Iowa
A clean slate: "When I was pregnant with number two, my mother-in-law gave me four months of bi-weekly maid service by a nontoxic cleaning company. This was such a blessing, especially with a traveling husband and horrible sciatica. The toilets would have never been cleaned otherwise!"
—Amber Maxwell, mom of three, Scottsdale, Arizona
Drop in and dish: "We’d just gotten home from the hospital with our new baby and everything had gone wrong: The dog had growled at the baby, I’d forgotten to take my pain meds, and my daughter still wasn't eating properly. I was about to collapse into tears when two friends arrived at the door, meal in hand. They kept me from losing it—and got me to eat on a day I probably would have never remembered to cook for myself."
—Amber Page, mom of one, Bloomington, Indiana
Gifts for Sleeping tight: "Max was so fussy at first. Then one night when he was screaming, I remembered the weird-looking blanket with Velcro a friend had given us.We put it on and a minute later, Max’s whole body and face just relaxed. It helped my husband and I relax too! The Velcro kept the blanket snug around Max, so it’s like he was back in the womb all warm and cozy. We all slept better after that!"
—Judi Ketteler, mom of two, Cincinnati, Ohio