I first shared my go-to New Baby Gift idea about a decade ago. It quickly became one of my most popular posts, and it’s definitely time for an update to make sure the advice is still top-notch and relevant for today’s new parents.
As a pediatrician, I have very specific ideas about what every new parent should have readily available at home for their newborn. Around 14 years ago, I started creating and gifting my “new baby kit.” My sister-in-law was actually the recipient of the very first version when I was still a pediatric intern. I developed the original kit with invaluable input from my father, who is now a retired pediatrician with almost 40 years of experience. He keeps his passion for sharing advice alive through his fun blog, 101 Cooking for Two.
The core concept behind this gift is simple but incredibly practical: it’s a collection of essential medicines and health-related items that any new parent would be grateful to have on hand, all personally approved by a pediatrician. It’s about giving peace of mind and preparedness in those early, sometimes overwhelming, days and weeks. While I also have a Postpartum Recovery Kit idea, that’s reserved for close friends only! There’s a certain level of closeness required before gifting someone giant maxi pads!
The very first item I always include in this essential new baby gift kit is 1. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Your Baby’s First Year. This book is comprehensive; it’s truly more of a reference guide than something you’d read cover-to-cover. Think of it as the go-to resource when your baby has a cold, or when you’re curious about developmental milestones. I’ve reviewed countless baby care books, and this one consistently stands out as the best. Now, as a practicing pediatrician (though my current focus is in the ICU), my criteria are even more stringent, particularly concerning fever recommendations. Many other books fall short in this critical area, and some even raise concerns for me. Especially for babies under a month old, fever is a serious matter that requires immediate attention – it can sometimes be the only indicator of meningitis! This AAP book is the only one I wholeheartedly recommend for accurate and safe guidance.
Speaking of general hygiene, Purell Hand Sanitizer is another thoughtful addition to this new baby gift. It’s safe to say most parents become a little obsessed with cleanliness when a new baby arrives, and for good reason. Especially during cold and flu season, when viruses like RSV are circulating, encouraging hand hygiene for visitors and family members is a simple yet effective way to protect the little one.
For baby’s delicate skin, I recommend two types of lotions that I personally used on my daughters and were taught to recommend during my pediatric training. Cetaphil Cream is an excellent everyday hydrating lotion. It’s rich and gentle, yet non-greasy. For situations where the skin is extra dry or needs a stronger protective barrier, Aquaphor Healing Ointment is the ideal choice. Aquaphor is thicker and can feel a bit sticky, but it’s incredibly effective. I currently use it on my daughter’s cheeks to shield them from the cold, and I also use it as a cuticle cream. Many friends swear by it as a lip balm, too!
Neosporin Ointment is another must-have in this new baby gift kit. It’s simply amazing for minor cuts and scrapes. I used to include hydrocortisone cream in the kit as well, but I’ve decided against it. While I understand when and how to use it appropriately (and when to stop, as prolonged use can lead to skin issues), not everyone has that knowledge. Hydrocortisone cream should only be used when specifically advised by your pediatrician. Therefore, for safety and general use, Neosporin is the better choice for a new baby gift.
Checking for Fever: Essential Tools for New Parents
When a baby catches a cold, the primary focus is on managing symptoms and ensuring comfort. Cough and cold medicines are generally not recommended for children under two years old due to limited effectiveness and potential side effects. The best approach is usually simple: keep their nasal passages clear and comfortable. Nasal suctioning is key, and a drop or two of Saline Nasal Drops can help loosen congestion. Hospitals often provide new parents with a blue bulb syringe, and it turns out, that simple blue bulb syringe is genuinely the most effective. Stocking up on a few from Amazon is a great idea.
When it comes to thermometers, I don’t typically recommend the fancy forehead or ear thermometers. They can be quite user-dependent, leading to inconsistent readings. For babies, pediatricians usually require a rectal temperature reading for accuracy. Interestingly, simply touching the forehead isn’t a reliable way to detect fever. If your baby feels warm, always confirm with a thermometer. A basic, reliable digital thermometer is perfect for this new baby gift kit.
To maintain hygiene and ensure clean readings, thermometer covers are a practical addition. And while it may seem a bit personal, including a small tube of KY Jelly as a lubricant for rectal temperature taking shows extra thoughtfulness in this new baby gift. Gentle lubrication is key for comfort!
Diaper Rash Creams: A New Parent Dilemma Solved
Diaper creams are a topic that can surprisingly evoke strong opinions among parents! Essentially, there are two main types: treatment creams with zinc oxide to soothe irritation and barrier creams to protect the skin from moisture. Barrier creams primarily prevent irritation, while treatment creams address existing rashes.
Desitin and Butt Paste are both treatment creams and share the same active ingredient – zinc oxide (typically 40%). While formulations vary slightly, they are essentially very similar. Some parents find one works better for their baby than the other. For this new baby gift, I like to include a tube of each – Desitin and Butt Paste – allowing new parents to try both and see which they prefer when needed.
A&D Ointment serves a different purpose. It’s a barrier cream ideal for everyday use, especially if a baby’s skin is prone to irritation, or when you notice slight redness and want to prevent it from worsening without resorting to a zinc oxide cream. It allows the skin to heal naturally.
For parents planning to use cloth diapers, it’s important to know that most zinc oxide creams and A&D are not compatible. They can leave a residue that repels moisture, hindering diaper absorbency. In this case, Grandma El’s Diaper Rash Ointment is a great alternative. It’s a barrier cream similar to A&D but washes away completely, making it safe for cloth diapers. For treating diaper rash with cloth diapers, using a zinc oxide cream with a liner or stripping the diapers later to remove residue is recommended. Interestingly, many cloth diapering parents find diaper rash is less common until babies transition to disposable diapers, often around toddler age.
So, for this comprehensive new baby gift, I recommend including Desitin, Butt Paste, and A&D. If you know the parents will be using cloth diapers, swap out A&D for Grandma El’s.
Essential Baby Medicines: Always Be Prepared
It’s incredibly helpful for new parents to have basic baby medicines readily available at home. No one wants to rush to the drugstore for Pedialyte in the middle of the night with a sick baby! However, it’s crucial to include clear instructions and precautions with these items.
Firstly, Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) dosages should always be determined by a pediatrician based on the baby’s weight. The dosage instructions on the box are less precise than what your doctor will provide.
Secondly, remember that Tylenol and Motrin are not interchangeable. Tylenol can be given every 4 hours, up to a maximum daily dose, or every 6 hours if used around the clock. Motrin is given every 6 hours and should be avoided in cases of kidney issues or dehydration. While I’ve shown brand names here, generic versions with the same active ingredients are equally effective and often more affordable. They also come in various flavors.
In my note accompanying these medications in the new baby gift, I emphasize dosing according to pediatrician’s instructions and paying attention to dosing intervals. Furthermore, for babies under 6 months, I advise parents not to use them without first consulting their pediatrician. It’s important to rule out any serious underlying issues before simply treating symptoms. However, having these medications on hand is undeniably convenient when needed and pediatrician-approved.
Pedialyte may not be the tastiest, but it’s the gold standard for rehydration in babies due to its optimal electrolyte balance. When a baby is dehydrated, they will still drink it! While the World Health Organization’s Oral Rehydration Solution is even better, Pedialyte is readily accessible. Avoid sugary drinks like juice and soda. Pedialyte comes in different flavors; I’ve shown grape here simply because I had a picture, but flavor isn’t a primary concern. Clear or orange flavors are preferable as they are less likely to stain fabrics if spit up.
Finally, no new baby gift is complete without addressing teething! You definitely don’t want to be caught unprepared in the middle of the night with a crying, teething baby. Including a few teething relief options is essential. The circular teether shown can be frozen for extra soothing coolness – it was a favorite for my daughter. Sophie the Giraffe teether is also popular, as is the classic plain giraffe teether. Other options include chilled, wet washcloths, frozen waffles, frozen mini-bagels, and even frozen Twizzlers (though be mindful of red staining!). While oral gel pain relievers like Oragel are available, they are often not very effective as saliva quickly washes them away. However, they might be worth a try. For significant teething discomfort, Tylenol or Motrin, as directed by a pediatrician, can provide relief.
A word of caution about teething tablets: I was taught to advise parents against using them. Why? One of their main ingredients is Belladonna, which can have serious consequences if overdosed. Unfortunately, I’ve seen cases of teens admitted to the ICU with anticholinergic syndrome due to Belladonna overdose. If you choose to use teething tablets, please strictly adhere to the dosage instructions and avoid overuse.
That’s the complete pediatrician-approved new baby gift kit! What other essentials would you consider including for new parents?
And don’t forget to check out my Postpartum Recovery Kit ideas too!
