The Baby Shower Gift Guide

Curated just for you by a mama of seven! (With a few thoughts from this first time mama).

There is something deeply hopeful about preparing for a baby. Folding tiny clothes, imagining first moments, and building a registry can feel like part of the anticipation itself. I remember laying on the couch, feeling big kicks and rolls in my belly, wondering what my little girl's voice would sound like, whose nose she would have, mine or my husband's. 

At the same time, it doesn’t take long before the options start to feel endless. Every list seems to grow longer, and every product claims to be "essential" (thanks, Instagram🥲). 

I definitely got caught up in the whirlwind at the beginning, but loving wisdom was shared with me from many mama friends - The truth is, babies are beautifully simple. They need nourishment, clean diapers, a soft place to sleep, and someone who loves them. Thankfully, that foundation has not changed in generations.

And yet, over the years, there have been thoughtful inventions and practical tools that genuinely make life easier for parents. Some of them become everyday staples. Others, if we’re honest, end up tucked away in a closet after a week.

This guide is built from experience. Britney, founder of Flying Cow and mother of seven very different babies over the last sixteen years, has tested her fair share of baby gear. What follows are the items she has returned to again and again — the ones that proved useful, practical, and worth the space in her home. If you are building your registry and want to keep it thoughtful rather than overwhelming, this is a good place to begin.

Preparing a Recovery Nest for Mom

Before we talk about baby gear, don't forget: taking care of mama matters just as much! Britney emphasized that comfort and accessibility make a meaningful difference in those early weeks.

“One of the biggest game changers for me was a nursing cart,” she says. “A friend gave me one with my last baby, and I couldn’t believe I had gone so many years without it.”

A simple rolling cart with sides becomes a mobile recovery station. Whether it is parked beside the bed or next to the couch, it keeps everything within reach during long feeding sessions and slow recovery days. Instead of getting up repeatedly to search for what you need, you have one place that holds it all.

Britney suggests filling it with water bottles, burp cloths, extra onesies, diapers and wipes, snacks, supplements, nipple pads, diaper cream, lotion, a phone charger, and even a journal to jot down thoughts while they are still fresh. “When you’re lacking sleep, fewer steps and fewer decisions make a huge difference,” she explains.

With my first, my little December baby came right alongside the chilly weather. We were in our newborn bubble at home, away from the world for a while, and all I wanted was to be comfy! Britney mentioned a number of comfort items that you just might want to add to your list as well...A soft robe that feels presentable when visitors arrive but still works for resting in bed can help you feel more like yourself. A heavier, breathable blanket can provide comfort during postpartum chills (plus, I think blankets are a love language!!!), and supportive nursing bras or tanks make daily routines simpler. 

And you can't forget about the not so glamorous side of postpartum recovery as well. They deserve a place on your registry so someone can take care of you too, mama! Britney has consistently reached for simple essentials like instant ice maxi pads, an angled peri bottle, cooling pads, and dependable disposable underwear. You might not want to think about that stuff yet, but trust us - all of them make healing more manageable!

Britney's Fav Things for Mama:

• 3 Tier Rolling Cart
• Comfy Robe 
• The Best Blankets - they brighten up the room & make for pretty pics!
• Nursing Bras and Camis 
• Nursing Gown - helpful for navigating bathroom trips a little easier the first few days so you don't have to pull shorts/pants up and down!
• Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads
• Upside Down Peri Bottle
• Depends Disposable Underwear or Rael Organic - make sure to choose your size!

Rolling Cart Photo Credit: www.jessicahaizman.com

Everyday Support for Nursing & Feeding

The first few weeks (months?!) feels like your world revolves around feeding your little one. I swear it's only been an hour...is she hungry again?! Whether you are nursing, pumping, bottle-feeding, or doing a combination, having supportive tools in place makes those hours feel steadier.

Britney has consistently returned to a structured nursing pillow for early days. “I have tried a few over the years, but I love one that gives good support and clips securely,” she says. When you are feeding multiple times a day, proper positioning can make all the difference for your back and shoulders.

For pumping, she recommends keeping both a simple manual option and a reliable hands-free electric pump if possible. “There are seasons when a quick manual pump is all you need, and others when having your hands free feels like survival.”

Small comforts matter here too. Silver nursing cups for irritated skin (absolute life saver...not gonna lie), soft reusable nursing pads, and a lightweight nursing cover for outings can ease the transition into this new rhythm. Whether it's your first baby and you're still figuring out the mechanics or your fourth as a seasoned vet, it's a slightly different experience every time depending on your baby's needs!

White noise machines, portable bottle warmers, and a dependable video monitor may not feel urgent at first, but over time they can create smoother routines and better rest for everyone in the house.

Britney’s Feeding Favorites:

• My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
  
• Silverette Nursing Cups - worth it, trust me
  
• Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Pump - check and see if your insurance covers this!
  
• Manual Pump Option
  
• Copper Pearl Nursing Cover - pick from so many cute colors & patterns
  
• Portable White Noise Machine
  
• Baby’s Brew Portable Bottle Warmer
  
  

Safe Places to Set Baby Down

As y'all know, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. After seven babies, Britney laughs that she has learned not to get too attached to any one product too quickly.

“We’ve bought some beautiful, expensive swings over the years,” she says. “But we always end up going back to the basic Fisher Price swing. It may not win design awards, but most of our babies loved it.”

A safe lounger or incline-style seat can also be helpful during awake time, especially in busy households with older siblings. Having a designated place to set baby down while you cook dinner or help another child can bring peace of mind.

When it comes to bassinets, she prefers one on wheels with mesh sides. The ability to move baby from room to room during the day and position the bassinet beside the bed at night offers flexibility in those early weeks.

Remember - The goal here is not to collect every option available, but to choose one or two safe, functional spaces that fit your home and your daily life.

Britney’s Gear Picks:

• Rahoo Baby Lounger (similar to her original favorite)
  
• Snuggle Me Organic Lounger - this is an updated version from the old one!
  
• Cozy Lounger - more similar to the old Snuggle Me lounger we loved
• Mesh-Sided Bassinet on Wheels - Britney's original favorite is no longer available, so any brand you like that has mesh sides and wheels
• Baby Delight Bouncer - similar to that more expensive brand 
• Graco Swing - we sadly can't find the Fisher Price one anymore!
• DreamNest - for colic-y babies, or babies that spit up a lot

Clothing, Diapers, and Bath Basics

When it comes to baby clothing, Britney’s advice is simple: prioritize comfort and ease over outfits that are complicated or fussy. I learned first hand - If it has real buttons, or even snaps...it's too much work, haha! Even vests or jackets with zippers or hoods are just an extra step to worry about. 

“Zip sleepers will always win in our house,” she says. “They’re practical, they’re soft, and you’ll use them constantly.” While special outfits are sweet for photos, everyday basics from trusted brands tend to get the most wear. She recommends shopping local baby boutiques when possible, but also loves reliable basics from familiar retailers and a few higher-quality pajama brands that hold up well over time.

Burp cloths are another quiet essential. “You will use more than you think,” she laughs. Her pro tip? Use cloth diapers! They're more absorbent than most of the typical burp cloths on the market. I've also heard mamas use a cut up pair of flannel pajamas 😂 If you want to go the traditional route though, I'd recommend "Green Scouts" brand or "Mushie" brand on Amazon!

Diapers and wipes can take a little trial and error. Some babies tolerate almost anything, while others have very sensitive skin. Britney’s family has often used Pampers, while her sister's daughter preferred Hello Bello. Our family has always used Millie Moon, available at Target!

Especially those first few months - Bath time does NOT need to be elaborate. A soft sink insert or supportive baby tub for early months, and a slightly larger tub as baby grows, will cover most needs. Keeping the setup simple makes bath time less stressful and easier to manage. You don't need all the toys and spouts and things. 

Britney’s Clothing & Bath Picks:

• Everyday basics from Baby Gap, Old Navy, Walmart
  
• Higher-end favorites like Hanna Andersson and Zara
  
• Gerber Cloth Diapers - for burp cloths
  
• Copper Pearl swaddles, blankets, and sheets
  
• Pampers, Hello Bello, or Millie Moon diapers
  
• Skip Hop Moby Baby Bather or Panda Ear Baby Bath 
  
• Angelcare Baby Bath
  

Practical Tools That Make Life Easier

These are just some everyday essentials that we think will quietly make your daily life smoother.

A dependable diaper bag with good organization can make leaving the house feel manageable. Britney appreciates options that are functional, affordable, and easy to wear comfortably. I second this! I have the exact diaper bag she recommends and it's been super helpful. It's larger than some, but it's made traveling easier because you can shove everything you need in one bag! Also...we love pockets!

A waterproof changing pad simplifies cleanup and saves on extra laundry. “I stopped using covers because they just meant more washing,” she explains. Wipeable surfaces tend to be far more practical and manageable! 

Other small helpers, like a diaper pail and a wide-angle car mirror to see baby while driving, and a reliable baby monitor for naps and bedtime can bring both convenience and peace of mind. These are the items that often go unnoticed in registry guides, but over time they become part of your everyday rhythm.

Britney’s Practical Favorites:

• RUVALINO Diaper Bag Backpack - so many colors to choose from!
  
• Waterproof Changing Pad
  
• Diaper Genie
  
• Munchkin Car Mirror
  
• Infant Optics Video Monitor - not connected to wifi!
  
  

Soothing, and Carrying

Pacifiers can be surprisingly personal for each baby. Some of Britney's babies preferred Soothies, while others did well with Natursutten. “Every baby is different,” she reminds moms. “It’s okay to try a couple options.”

For babywearing, she prefers a softer wrap-style carrier in the newborn months and transitions to something more structured as baby gains head control. Having your hands free while keeping baby close can be invaluable, especially in a busy home. And you're not going to want to put that little squishy bundle of joy down! 

Britney's carseat of choice was always the Doona! The convertible stroller that collapses directly into the car makes transitions much simpler - particularly in the early months when you are still healing and adjusting.

Britney’s Feeding & Carrying Picks:

• Soothies Pacifiers
  
• Natursutten Pacifiers - start with the newborn sizes
  
• Soft newborn wrap carrier
  
• Tula Baby Carrier
  
• Doona Car Seat
  
  

Meaningful Extras

A few extra goodies, just for fun!

Britney loves the idea of an instant print camera for visitors and family to capture candid moments during those early days. Slipping those photos into a journal or baby book preserves memories that might otherwise be forgotten in the haze of sleepless nights. We made sure to take an InstaMax polaroid picture of our little bug every week for the first year of her life! Usually on Friday's - but sometimes a day or two late 😅

“I’ve used simple journals and traditional baby books,” she says. “What matters most is writing things down while they’re fresh.”

These small additions can make the season feel more intentional and meaningful, not just functional. 

Meaningful Extras:

• Instant Print Camera
  
• Bump Journals or a simple keepsake journal
  
  

Flying Cow Favorites for Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Baby

As a founder and formulator, Britney has always cared deeply about what goes on her family’s skin. Over the years, certain Flying Cow products have become staples in her own home during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and baby care.

During Pregnancy

Baby Moon: for stretch marks and growing skin, to keep skin nourished and supported. 

Peppermint: favorite for hormonal breakouts

Golden or Fresh Citrus: offer comfort for aching feet and restless legs

During Labor

Lip Balm for chapped lips

Lavender: for calming back massages

Peppermint: for nausea

Postpartum & Baby Care

Unscented: During postpartum recovery, an unscented balm provides gentle care when skin feels especially tender.

Baby Balm: for diaper rashes, cradle cap, dry patches, baby acne, and everyday moisturizing

Baby Balm and Sleepy Baby Balm have become multi-use essentials. “I love having one product that can do several things,” she explains. “Less clutter, fewer ingredients, more peace of mind.”

Closing Thoughts

Building your baby shower registry does not have to be about collecting everything on the market. It can be an exercise in thoughtfulness. Choose items that support your recovery, simplify your routines, and create a calm environment for your baby to grow.

After seven babies and sixteen years of experience, Britney’s perspective is steady: most babies need far less than we think, and most parents benefit from tools that reduce decisions and unnecessary movement in those early weeks.

Keep it simple. Select what feels useful and well-made. Give yourself grace too. You can do all the research in the world and your baby just might not love the lounger or jammies you pick 😅 You will learn your baby as you go.

And long after the registry is forgotten, what will matter most is the sweet newborn season you're entering, the snuggles, the coos, even the cries. Soak it all in! 

Giveaway Time!

And as always, we want to close with a fun Giveaway! Comment below your FAVORITE item to gift a new mama, or the best gift you've been given as a first time mom! You'll be entered to win $250 worth of Flying Cow goodies 🥳

Author: Gaby Wilson

Gaby has been part of the Flying Cow family for almost four years now! She has a Bachelor's degree in Communication with a minor in Business Management from Curry College (in a tiny town in Massachusetts). She moved to Texas from California in 2021, planning to stay for about 6 months, but the Lord had other plans...she met her now husband! They’ve been married for 3 years & have a sweet baby girl. Gaby is loving being a stay at home mama & juggling remote work for us from time to time!