BABY SHOWER GIFTS continued...
last for years longer than you will need
them. But you can hand yours down when
you are done with it or use it next time.
6) Baby Monitor. Remember that
scene in Terms Of Endearment where
Shirley McClaine is nervously running
back and forth into the nursery to mark
sure her new baby is still breathing? That
won’t be you, if you use a baby monitor.
Baby monitors today are a far cry from
what they used to be. You will be able
to hear your baby, see your baby, and
even speak to your baby from another
room, if you wish. A monitor gives new
parents the peace of mind and flexibility
that they need, so take advantage of it.
7) Chairs That Move. There are
two types of moving chairs you will want
once you bring your baby home from the
hospital: a rocking chair or glider and a
baby swing. Studies show that a calming
effect takes place when babies are car-
ried or rocked. I appreciated having a
nice big La-Z-Boy rocker. We wore that
big, sturdy chair out over the years, and
that’s exactly what you want to do —
spend lots of time snuggling with baby.
As for baby swings, they can be nothing
short of a miracle when you are hands-
free and in the same room. So go ahead
and get yourself one. You can always
pass it on or use it again next time.
for your Boppy. Just make sure it’s in a
pattern you like, because you will use
your Boppy often during baby’s first year.
8) Strollers. Mom will appreciate
having a portable stroller and a jogger
stroller, especially if she wants to get
her pre-baby body back. Be sure to pay
attention to age qualifications for stroll-
ers, so you won’t feel impatient waiting
for baby to be big enough after making
a purchase. There is a product called the
Snuzzler that can keep your tiny baby
from rolling around in a stroller or car
seat in the short run. But be sure to fol-
low manufacturer guidelines that come
with each stroller for safety’s sake. 10) Linens and Clothing. What-
ever clothing and linens you acquire,
make sure they are comfortable, hypo-
allergenic. and washable. Despite all the
fetching photo shoots you see online,
babies are messy. You will want to have
a few adorable outfits but avoid getting
carried away by too much frou-frou.
Here’s what newborns need in quantity:
onesies, socks, blankets, burp cloths,
changing table liners, washcloths, hood-
ed towels, and pajamas. Stock up in
advance and watch the adorable outfits
come pouring in after baby’s birth. Folks
love selecting baby outfits, so be sure to
send out those baby announcements as
swiftly as you can.
9) Boppy. A Boppy comes in handy
when nursing or feeding. Boppies can
also be used as helpful cushioning when
babies start to sit up. You can purchase
a water-resistant liner and cute slipcover Journalist Christina Katz still remem-
bers every shower gift that saved the
day. Many moons later, she is still grate-
ful for every single one of them.
April 2019 WNY Family 73