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What to actually buy the parents of a newborn baby

If you’ve never had a baby, picking a gift for a family with a newborn can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be.

Marina Tatas
Marina Tatas

Updated

Fact checked
newborn

To all those people who’ve never had kids and have always wondered what an appropriate gift for a newborn is, you can breathe a sigh of relief. We’ve got you.

It’s a tricky dilemma – do you buy something for the baby now, or something they’ll grow into? Do you gift them something for mum? How about dad? This guide takes all the guesswork out of buying a gift for a newborn baby and tells you what they’ll actually need. Do the new parents a favour and get them a gift that will make their lives just that little bit easier.

Clothing
Feeding
Changing
Linen
Vouchers
Skincare
Miscellaneous


1. Clothing

Buying clothes for a newborn baby can be tricky, because there’s no telling what size they’ll be when they’re born. The best bet for any gifter is to run bigger rather than smaller.

Not only will it help out the new parents when the baby grows (and that happens fast), but most people will instinctively buy specifically newborn clothes that the baby will only be able to wear for a short time. This way you’re setting the baby up for months, not just weeks.

The Lion King Footed Romper & Beanie(NB-9M)
The Lion King Footed Romper & Beanie(NB-9M)

David Jones

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Organics Emb Bodysuit / Striped Short Set
Organics Emb Bodysuit / Striped Short Set

David Jones

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2. Feeding

Although most newborns are breastfed, there are a lot of babies and mothers who physically can’t, so it’s a good move to gift feeding supplies – just in case, but for the future too. A starter pack of bottles, milk storage bags and a steriliser is a good start, or even products for when the baby moves onto solids.

This can include anything from heat-sensitive spoons and suction plates through to no-spill cups and freezer trays to store puree in.

Cherub Baby Solid Feeding Starter Kit
Cherub Baby Solid Feeding Starter Kit

Chemist Warehouse

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Medela Calma Bottle 150ml Online Only
Medela Calma Bottle 150ml Online Only

Chemist Warehouse

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Nuby Printed Non Drip Feeding Bottles
Nuby Printed Non Drip Feeding Bottles

Chemist Warehouse

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Medela 3 Pack Breast Milk Bottle Set Wide Base Slow Flow 150ml
Medela 3 Pack Breast Milk Bottle Set Wide Base Slow Flow 150ml

Target Australia

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Tommee Tippee 2 Pack Advanced Anti Colic Feeding Bottle 260ml
Tommee Tippee 2 Pack Advanced Anti Colic Feeding Bottle 260ml

Target Australia

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3. Changing

It’s every new parent’s worst nightmare: running out of nappies, nappy covers and wipes after a... shall we say... incident. Newborns are known for eating, sleeping and excreting, so a practical and well-received gift will always be nappy supplies.

You can even purchase a nappy subscription if you’re feeling particularly generous, so the parents will never have to worry about running out.

DriBots Terry Towelling Nappies 12 Pack
DriBots Terry Towelling Nappies 12 Pack

Target Australia

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Babylove Cosifit Jumbo Nappies Infant
Babylove Cosifit Jumbo Nappies Infant

Chemist Warehouse

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4. Linen

Buying manchester and linen is always a safe bet for a newborn and there are plenty of stores that stock some really beautiful products for lower prices. The main things you’ll want to consider are: bassinet fitted sheets, cot fitted sheets and soft baby towels.

But don’t just assume that linen stops at sheets and towels, because if there’s one thing most adults remember from childhood, it’s their baby blanket.

Bubba Blue Aussie Animals 9 Piece Gift basket
Bubba Blue Aussie Animals 9 Piece Gift basket

David Jones

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Baby Organic Cotton 2 Pack Bassinet Fitted Sheets
Baby Organic Cotton 2 Pack Bassinet Fitted Sheets

Target Australia

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5. Vouchers

If you’re not too sure on what you want to give and would rather give the new parents some choice, vouchers are a really thoughtful way of showing you care.

You can gift vouchers for clothing, toys or other supplies, or you can also think outside the box. Vouchers for places like Netflix, Coles and Woolies delivery or even Menulog can be really helpful.

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6. Skincare

Newborn babies have incredibly sensitive skin, and new mums often have a plethora of skin-related dramas that need attention. So, for a gift that will genuinely sooth mum and bub alike, opt for skincare.

For mum, think of nipple cream, bio oil for stretch marks and hand moisturiser. For bub, an all over moisturiser or bath product is best, but be sure to pick a product that isn’t harmful to baby skin.

Gaia Natural Baby Massage Oil 125mL
Gaia Natural Baby Massage Oil 125mL

Chemist Warehouse

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7. Miscellaneous

Sometimes the best gifts don’t fall into a particular category.

From cleanable floor mats and change mats through to breastfeeding pillows and swaddles, there’s a world of ideas that will make life much easier for parents of a newborn.

Breastfeeding Pillow With Removable Cover
Breastfeeding Pillow With Removable Cover

Target Australia

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Baby Pillow - Preventing Flat Head Syndrome
Baby Pillow - Preventing Flat Head Syndrome

Amazon

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meiqicool Baby Playmats Floor Gyms Jigsaws Puzzles
meiqicool Baby Playmats Floor Gyms Jigsaws Puzzles

Amazon

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Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym Baby Toys
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Gym Baby Toys

Amazon

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Vtech Safe & Sound Full Colour Video and Audio Monitor - BM2700
Vtech Safe & Sound Full Colour Video and Audio Monitor - BM2700

Target Australia

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Fisher-Price Settle & Sleep Projection Soother
Fisher-Price Settle & Sleep Projection Soother

Target Australia

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DIY newborn gifts

Sometimes a personal touch is all you really want when it’s gifting time. If you’re the creative type, here’s where you can break out the knitting needles or sewing kit to make a baby blanket, or maybe dust off the old sketch pad for a drawing of the happy family.

If you’re an especially talented photographer, volunteer your time for a newborn photoshoot. They can even make their own photobook with the images!

Extra tip: If you’re not particularly creative but still want to DIY a gift, make a little voucher booklet of personal favours, for example, "I’ll come watch the baby while you have a break", or "I'll come over for adult conversation once a week".

Ideas for a newborn baby care package

So you want to go all out and craft your very own newborn baby hamper or care package. Well, here are 20 of the most useful things you can include. Remember to decorate it with baby-safe items (no glitter or appliques that could come off!) and tie it with a pretty bow.

  • Soft toy
  • Baby blanket
  • Nappies
  • Pacifiers/dummies
  • Baby Nurofen/Panadol
  • Teething powder
  • Sudocrem
  • Breast pads
  • Bibs
  • Baby wipes
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Nipple cream
  • Manual suction pump
  • Healthy snacks
  • Hand cream
  • Antibacterial gel
  • Thermometer
  • Baby clothes washing liquid
  • Nasal saline spray
  • Baby Vicks

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