Really useful items/must have for babies

[FortyFacedFuckers]

My sister in law is having her first baby and I would love to get her some really useful gifts, it’s been 20 years since I had a young child so would love some tips, which items did you find really useful, open to any all suggestions baby carriers, baby monitors, things that play music/lights to help baby sleep, a mat for baby to lie on in the bath?

A sling, but let her choose one (and please not one of the dangly leg carriers, one with proper ergonomic support). The good ones will be expensive, but if she doesn’t have one already, a stretchy wrap like a moby is a more affordable option (but only lasts for about the first 3 months before baby is overweight). I got lots of use out of mine in that time.

Muslins, I used loads of them.

Treats for her when baby is born. Nice natural hand creams and soaps, nice snacks like dried fruit, nuts, biscuits, a warm blanket for her if it’s winter, tea and coffee.

The rest of it is very personal and people don’t need loads of extra baby junk. Best thing is to ask if can buy her something, set a budget and ask her to send a link to what she wants. She may want a very specific £200 video monitor, but also a bouncy chair that’s only £50, so it’s something I’d just ask her.

It’s not cheap,,but especially for winter babies, Celtic used to do a soft, cosy sheepskin especially for babies. Lovely for tummy time on hard floors, and just as a cosy layer. Bought one for a January born Gdd. They’re washable, I hope they still do them.

I had a Baby Bjorn bouncy chair for both my kids, and a spare cover for the inevitable poonami nappy explosion. I bought second hand from eBay as they're expensive new. There might well be something better out there as my youngest is 11.
I also agree about a sling though people seem to be either really into slings or have zero interest. When not in the bouncy chair my kids were in a Connecta sling. Might be worth investing if there are any sling consultants local to you. They might offer vouchers so you can pay for SIL to go and see one.

Really easy to put on baby gros or whatever they are called now. My DC lived in whatever ones were easiest nappy changing.

A hodded towel but at least 1x1m. Not the tiny ones you can't wrap any baby in.

Thank you all, I have asked her we are very close but she’s very laid back and not sure what she wants so just wanted some ideas here.