A Bumbo Seat
One item that someone might not think to give as a baby shower gift, but would be greatly appreciated, is called the Bumbo Seat. Simply marvelous in design, the Bumbo Seats are soft for the baby to sit in, yet firm in support and allow an infant to sit upright where he can be “part of the action”. Many infants plagued with colic or reflux have relief from sitting in the upright position. Other babies just enjoy being where they can look at the world around them better.
Parents find the Bumbo Seat a handy alternative to an infant carrier because the Bumbo Seat takes up less room on a restaurant table, or in the living room. They enjoy feeling like they can talk to their baby and interact with them. Doctors prefer time spent in the Bumbo Seat over prolonged time in a car seat carrier because it takes pressure off the infant's hips and spine. By supporting a healthy sitting position, even for infants as young as one month old (as soon as they have good enough head control), healthy breathing patterns are also supported. The Bumbo Seat would be a baby present sure to come in handy.
A Baby Sling, Moby Wrap or Other Baby Carrier
As more research is done on the benefits of “Kangaroo Care” (carrying a baby in a sling or wrap) for premies, parents are realizing that those benefits can extend to healthy babies as well. Infants who are "worn" cry less, sleep better and typically gain weight faster than infants who are not carried on a regular basis. Since carrying an infant in your arms all the time can be exhausting, and prevent a new mother from getting anything else done triggering feelings of depression or even resentment a gift of a sling or baby wrap can really help.
Using a baby sling or wrap to carry a baby can be a simple solution! When “baby wearing”, as it is often called, the parent's hands are free yet the baby is still being held in a comfortable swaddled position with the sounds of his parent's heartbeat lulling him to sleep. Many parents find their children enjoy being carried in this manner so much they extend the baby wearing into the toddler years as well. By giving a comfortable baby wrap as a baby shower you are sure to give a present that will appreciated for a long time.
Postpartum Doula Help and Support as a Baby Gift
One of the newest trends is to buy an expecting mother the services of a postpartum doula. Kathy Ardekani, Postpartum Director for CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)says, “More and more grandparents and friends are giving the gift of Postpartum Doula care. Postpartum Doula's provide emotional and physical support to the new family.” A postpartum doula serves many useful roles for a new mother and baby including teaching how to safely bath the baby, soothing techniques, breastfeeding support, even running errands or helping with chores.
“One of the most important roles the doula fills, says Ardekani, “is that of unconditional listener.” Many new parents have a range of emotions from exhaustion, joy, overwhelming worry, ecstatic happiness, and everything in between. As a willing listener who cares without judging, a postpartum doula can be one of the most unique, and memorable, baby gifts you can give an expectant mother!
Resources:
What is a Postpartum Doula? DONA Webiste
Angela England - Angela England is a problogger, mother of four (yes I know what causes that), speaker, teacher, labor doula, gardener and so much more.
Join the Conversation