Buying things for a new baby can sometimes feel overwhelming: these little humans have absolutely nothing (they’re born naked!) and, not only that, they need a ton of stuff non-parents don’t even think to get. That’s not a dig at new parents, by the way: why would you know this stuff before you have to? How would you know? That’s why it sometimes helps to get advice from a “been there, done that” parent and, what do you know: I’m a parent!

　　Over the course of two kids, I’ve gone through a lot of baby (and parent) “must-haves” and let me tell you: Not all “must-haves” live up to the name. So I wanted to share some baby shower gifts that will be helpful, long-lasting (hopefully through more than one child, if necessary) and will have the parents-to-be thanking you months after their little one has made their grand entrance.

　　1A Double-Duty Balm

　　Creation Farm Calendula Comfrey Super Salve

　　Whenever I hear someone is going to have a baby, I immediately send this balm their way! Made from natural ingredients, it’s soothes dry skin — and, in my personal experience, clears up diaper rash like nothing else.

　　2Our Favorite Infant Car Seat

　　Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat

　　Some people skip an infant car seat all together, but the Snug Ride from Graco is useful not just for toting a baby around, but is also compatible with lots of strollers for seamless travel from car to walk. Highly rated for safety and comfort for babies from 4 to 35 pounds, it’s built to last.

　　3The Perfect Keepsake Display

　　Pearhead Hospital Bracelet Picture Frame

　　I have one of these for each of my children – a picture of them as newborns is accompanied by their hospital ID bracelets and, let me tell you, this is a purchase that only becomes more precious as the years go by. It is a beautiful way to display such priceless mementos.

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　　4Our Favorite Stroller

　　Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller

　　I’ve used a lot of strollers and the City Mini is hands down my favorite. Durable, easy to navigate, super easy to fold, and comfortable for infants to preschoolers, this stroller will last for years and even multiple kids. Compatible with some infant car seats with adapters sold separately.

　　5Our Favorite Babywearing Wrap

　　Boba BobaBaby Wrap Carrier

　　Some people are intimidated by an infant wrap (how do you wrap it?!) or even wary (how does the baby not fall?!) but this was my very favorite way to carry my babies.

　　Super cozy fabric makes baby-wearing feel easy and natural – it’s the perfect baby shower gift for tiny babies and even toddlers up to 35 pounds.

　　6Perfect for Sensitive Skin

　　Aquaphor Aquaphor Skincare Essentials

　　Baby products come and go, but Aquafor has been a standard for decades. This set is perfect for baby, as all products are hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, parabens, and dyes. Includes Baby Healing Ointment, Diaper Rash Cream, Wash & Shampoo and WaterWipes in a reusable canvas basket.

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　　7For Calming Background Vibes

　　Homedics Travel White Noise Machine

　　Babies are often comforted by gentle ambient noise. This white noise machine, perfect for at home or on the go, has six settings — White Noise, Thunder, Ocean, Rain, Summer Night, and Brook. You might just find that it helps parents sleep better, too.

　　8A 14-Piece Clothing Set

　　Wonder Nation Wonder Nation Layette

　　Clothes as a baby shower gift can be a little tricky: Parents could wind up with more than they can use before the baby grows out of them! But you can’t go wrong with a classic layette.

　　We love this unisex set from Wonder Nation, which includes mix and match onesies, pants, bibs, sleepers, and hats.

　　9A Versatile Changing Platform

　　Alatino Travel Changing Pad

　　When you have a baby, sh*t happens… literally. Any time, anywhere, whether it’s convenient or not, so you’d better be ready.

　　This changing pad is easily portable, extra long, and has space for essentials like diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and even parents’ personal items. Can be used on its own or fit in a diaper bag.

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　　10A Cute Spot for Drying Bottles and Utensils

　　Boon Countertop Drying Rack

　　Having a dedicated spot to conveniently air-dry bottles (even if you’re planning to primarily breastfeed) is going to be clutch. You’ve probably seen this drying rack in a lot of parents homes – there’s a good reason for that. It’s adorable and the perfect tool for the task.

　　11A Versatile Carrier

　　Ergobaby 360 All-Position Carrier

　　For a more structured, higher-weight-capacity carrier, I’m obsessed with Ergobaby, and this design gives baby and wearer a wide variety of options. With this carrier, your baby can be worn in multiple positions, including forward-facing, on the hip, or on the back, up to 45 pounds. That’s an average 6-year-old!

　　12The Perfect Portable Rocker

　　Graco Soothe and Sway

　　Here’s the thing people don’t tell you about having a baby beforehand: You’re always on. That baby is either with you or on your mind 24/7. It’s exhausting, but items like this portable rocker, where the baby can happily rest under your supervision, can make a world of difference.

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　　13Fashionable & Functional

　　Copper Pearl Baby Bandana Drool Bibs

　　Babies need help learning how to do everything –Breastfeeding, sleeping, even pooping and farting! One thing they don’t master for a while is swallowing, so babies are drooly as hell, and unless you want to change them out of a million wet onesies a day, drool bibs are essential, and this set of 4 is an adorable baby shower gift.

　　14Available In A Variety of Styles

　　geopersonalized Engraved Ring

　　Here’s the thing they don’t tell you about babies: They will grab and pull at every piece of jewelry you wear for years. The one exception? Rings. That’s why we love this one.

　　The simple band, which can be engraved with a baby’s name, birthday, or whatever you want, is a lovely way to wear “mommy jewelry” in those grabby early months and years.

　　15Baby Burrito!

　　Lhedon Tortilla Swaddle

　　Swaddling is great for so many reasons — it calms baby and makes them look like a delicious little burrito … and now they can really live up to that image with this tortilla pattern swaddle blanket! Dad, whose penchant for dad jokes is just beginning to blossom, will especially love this baby shower gift.

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　　16For Your Baby Bear

　　Etvy Baby Bear Hat

　　What’s the point of even having a baby if you’re not going not going to put them in adorable little dopey hats? This hand-crocheted hat has sweet little bear ears ... and I can’t even. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so just let the artist know!

　　17For Those Who Want to Diaper Sustainably

　　Honest Clean Conscious Diapers

　　Hands down one of the best baby shower gifts you can give is diapers. Honest Company diapers are made with the environment and sensitive baby skin in mind.

　　Remember: A variety of sizes is usually a good idea, and go light on newborn sizes (they’re not that small for long)!

　　18Swaddles That Can Grow With Them

　　Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets

　　Of all the swaddles I used for my babies, Aden + Anais was my absolute favorite: They’re so soft, well made, and, frankly, absolutely adorable. They used them for naps and bedtime long after they were no longer swaddle sized, too, so they last for a while.

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　　19A Practical Gift

　　Seventh Generation Wipes

　　Look, under typical circumstances, giving the gift of wiping away poo is a crappy gift (no pun intended). But trust me, it’s a great baby shower gift because the new parents are going to go through a lot of them.

　　20Our Favorite Diaper Bag

　　GPED Diaper Bag

　　With this diaper bag’s unique design, there’s a space for everything … including the baby! This backpack style diaper bag has 16 pockets — including insulated pockets for bottles, and plenty of room to hold diapers and other essentials. The back unzips to create a basket-like changing station! There’s even a USB charging port.