The best baby shower gifts for new parents

It can be hard to decide what to get a friend or family member to celebrate the birth of a new baby. I'm here to help. As a mum of two, and the lucky recipient of two baby showers, I know a thing or two about what makes a good gift for new parents. Here are my top picks... happy shopping!

The clever sleep sack

, £25.99

Love To Dream are a brilliant brand who make intelligent safe sleeping solutions for little ones from newborn upwards. This swaddle is suitable from birth and keeps baby's arms up, helping to stop their startle reflex from waking them up. More sleep? A huge win for new parents.

The cute comforter

, £15.99

A comforter provides baby with something safe and - as the name suggests - comforting as they drift off to sleep. This bear with blankie is oh so cute, super soft and muted in tone, making it a great universal gift option.

The mega useful changing bag

, £79

Super roomy with different compartments to organise everything from nappies and wipes to muslins and lip balm, this brilliant bag also fits securely onto the handles of a pram. There are several other beautiful colours to choose from, including an incredibly aesthetically pleasing beige. But to hide stains from sticky fingers and milk spillages, this is the one I would choose.

The black-out travel sleep saviour

, £199.99

A blacked-out room helps a baby get to sleep and stay asleep, but it can be hard to create when visiting relatives or on holiday. Enter the SlumberPod, a travel black-out tent into which you can place baby's mini crib, floor mattress or airbed (for older toddlers). It's breathable and extremely well ventilated for complete peace of mind. And there's one with an inbuilt fan coming soon too...

The travel sleep machine

, £49.99

White noise can help babies to sleep better because it blocks out distracting outside noises like floorboard creaks and general chatting. It also mimics the noise levels baby experiences in the womb, removing the newfound disorienting silence they hear when earthside. This device is portable so great for travel, and provides a nightlight too.

The keep-and-use-again sling

, £208.90
A sling allows parents to carry their baby on their chest, which can encourage a sleep, comfort and - when they're over three months old and can face forwards - entertain them. This robust sling from BabyBjorn comes with a 10 year guarantee, meaning it can be used and loved again and again. It provides back support for the wearer and its mesh fabric means it's cool and comfortable for baby too.

The amusing stuffed toy 

, £20
Jellycat are a go-to for cute, funny and often quirky stuffed toys - and their new collection is no exception. There's a sourdough, a goats cheese.... and this gorgeous little parmesan. As much a dopamine-boost for the baby's parents as it is for them. Gorgeous. 

The stylish bouncer 
, £184.90
Having a shower, or cooking a meal, can be tricky as a new parent - you need somewhere to put the baby where you know they're safe. Enter this beautiful seat. Super comfy, it's a pleasant place for baby to relax - even nap. You can purchase a toy rail for it, too, so baby can play.