 Baby showers are a lovely way to show support for a new mother and her family. Wouldn't it be nice to only give gifts, which are meaningful and not just add to the overwhelm and clutter? Teddy bears and tiny newborn socks are really cute, but how many do they really need? Before I got kids myself I was probably a champion in giving cute but definitely not great gifts. Now after having three kids I have better ideas I would like to share.  HELP NEW MOTHERS!!! YES, JUST DO IT! Promise to help regularly, when the baby is born! And you can actually even start helping before. Give a lovely printed out baby-sitting plan for the first year. Just a couple of hours now and then that new parents can take to themselves, go on a date, get a nap or have a shower. Once I heard a lovely story of a group of ladies that would come a to baby sit and spend some time together while taking care of their friend’s baby. My friends would come and bring some food or empty my dish-washer or take my older kids overnight or for a day trip form time to time. These are priceless acts of true friendship, which are so important for new mothers!  Books About Brain and Parenting Raising a child (or just living with a child) is definitely a skill. It requires practice, patience, the right mindset, knowledge and some pixie's magic dust. I think just like we learn to cook, to knit, to play a music instrument we can and should learn how to be a parent. Because even if you sometimes intuitively know what is right and what is wrong – you should learn to trust yourself instead of doubting and feeling guilty. However quite often – you know nothing – because becoming a parent is sometimes like being deployed to Mars and trying to bargain with aliens. Pregnancy is the best time to do the masters in neuroscience and being an angel. I am convinced that a brief course in brain development is a must for every parent-to-be. So they know for sure, that their tiny cute caveman will evolve! And every parent needs a book, that make them feel good and confident, without putting them even more under pressure (“everything is too late!”, “start nuclear physics before your child can crawl!” etc.). There are some nice and uplifting books about parenting. I really like “Unconditional Parenting” by Alfie Kohn and „Simplicity Parenting“ by Lisa M. Ross. Of course every parent is different, but I think the right mindset is really a key to a calmer and happier parenting.  GIVE A NURSING-BRA-GIFT-CARD A nursing bra is one of those things many mothers are going to need, but let us be honest - new mothers usually do not spend money on themselves! It will be used every day & night, so why not invest in a really lovely piece? There is a great Swiss brand BRATIQUE. They provide great customer service and I am sure will be happy to sell you a bra-gift-card!   TEETHING TOYS Teething always come unexpectedly! Some babies start teething when they are two months old. So this is great for the parents to have all the things that might help at home already.  GIVE OUTFITS IN BIGGER SIZES + SECOND HAND My babies were born really big and we immediately started with 3 months size! So even if you are planning to give some outfits please consider buying bigger sizes. Also putting on bigger outfits on a newborn baby is much easier and quicker for parents. Those outfits can be used for much longer period of time – when they are too big and when they fit, which is really good for the environment! Please also consider buying second hand clothes or ask your friends, who already have kids. They might have a lovely collection of baby things, which deserves to get a new cute owner.  GIVE A BABY PHOTO SESSION A relaxed in-home photo session will make for a wonderful gift for new parents. Many people think that they will organize the session, when the baby is born. But this is SO unrealistic. By giving a new mother an opportunity to plan everything with her photogpher BEFORE the baby is born is really a great gift! She will not have to worry and will be sure that all the precious first moments will be captured and she will not have to regret and feel guilty, that she was too stressed and too tired to book a newborn session herself. And taking care of a newborn baby and take pictures simultaneously is very hard – even for a professional photographer! Believe me I tried three times! :) If you are thinking to give a newborn session for a friend, please consider a session at home. Not every new parent will want to take their tiny precious baby to a photo studio. A newborn photo session at home is really convenient. She does not have to go anywhere, everyone feels comfortable and much more relaxed. Plus the ne mother know, that the baby can stay in the safety of her home. These photos will accompany the new parents and the baby for generations and can end up in the photo books, wall galleries and loved print boxed. You know there are the best gifts, right? And what is also very important - a newborn session is quite a big investment, which can be split painlessly among a group of friends.  GIVE AN ONLINE PHOTO COURSE OR A BABY PHOTOGRAPHY EBOOK Many people start being interested in photography when they get kids. Everyday moments become of a completely new value – priceless. If the future parents are excited about capturing their baby, you might want to get them an online course or an ebook for parents who want take better pictures of their baby. You can purchase one I have created with a lovely discount. Thank you for reading! If you are considering a session with me, please check my newborn sessions. GET MORE INFORMATION HERE Please like and share to support my little blog! You might also like:
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