10 new mums share the baby gifts they actually want and need.

So, your bestie just had a baby, and the time has come to be the favourite auntie you were born to be. 

But what do you give her? Something for her? Something for the baby? And if so, what? What do babies want? Do babies… want? 

So many questions, and they’re all good ones, believe me. Despite having actually had a baby myself, when it comes to getting gifts for new parents, I seem to instantly develop a kind of amnesia and can’t think of what I found helpful during those early months. 

Scrolling through the internet’s endless trove of baby products, it can be tempting to hit add-to-cart on the first thing that makes you go “Aw, look how tiny!” And I mean, cute stuff is always welcome in my household, but as sweet as they are, there is such a thing as too many Jelly Cat bunnies for one baby.

So here is your definitive list of new mum gifts, that according to these mums not only did the job but totally hit it out of the park.

Gifts under $50

Miffy Sitting Terry Plush, $45.95  

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

Metro Baby’s Miffy is the softest and safest little stuffy that is simply perfect for young babies. 

With no beads or bits that could threaten a choking hazard, they can be snuggled from day one. Designed to encourage sensory play, the range is a fun, high-quality option for all ages. Miffy also comes in several gorgeous colours and three different materials including teddy and corduroy.

“My baby loved her Miffy. She used to snuggle up to it even as a newborn and it still goes around with her everywhere (I often forget to pack it in her daycare bag and I don’t hear the end of it).” – Kayla 

Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump & Cap Combo, $44.95

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

The Haakaa is a bit of a legend in the group chat, made of 100 per cent silicone, harnessing the powers of natural suction (and with a special suction base to prevent spilling). It can be used in place of a traditional pump, or to gently collect breast milk from one side that is naturally expressed while you feed on the other – brilliant. 

“I loved my Haakaa! So many women recommended I get one and luckily I was gifted one right before I had my baby. It was so good for catching any milk that might have gone to waste.” – Elle

Tiger Tribe Roly Poly Koala, $30

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

This sweet little weighted toy bobs back upright no matter which way you roll it. It’s a perfect tummy-time toy, that will take you all the way through to the crawling stage. Easy to grab, it’s a great toy for encouraging fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They make an adorable cockatoo version as well – too cute.  

“Okay, as a lockdown-baby-haver, one of the best things I got was this sweet little tippy koala that kept my baby entertained for hours on end. Plus, I loved that it was an Aussie animal.” – Emily

Haakaa Baby Nail Care Set, $36.95

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

Another winner from Haakaa is this electric nail care kit, built to automatically stop when firm pressure is applied to prevent any chance of injury. It comes with a range of different pads that vary in coarseness to be changed as baby grows, and operates with two different speeds and directions. 

“I bloody loved my Haakaa nail kit! It quickly became obvious that trimming or clipping a newborn’s nails was a total nightmare, so this easy, gentle option was much better.” – Ellen

Subo The Food Bottle, $31.95

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

This clever device is a squeeze-free alternative to food pouches that means less mess and encourages independent feeding, empowering your little one to do it all themselves. It’s an environmentally friendly option and an absolute winner for meals and snacks.

“The Subo is my go-to gift for new parents. It’s a big mess-saver when introducing solids, but I still use it with my three-year-old for smoothies and yogurt when on the go.” – Rachel 

Gifts under $100

Rockit Rechargeable Rocker, $92.50

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

This brilliant little device is the answer to the age-old question, "Why does my baby always wake up as soon as the pram stops?" It’s rechargeable, portable, and designed to simulate gentle hand rocking. 

“My sister gave me this amazing pram-shaking device called 'The Rockit'. It was the only thing that kept my baby happy in the pram and I always recommend it for new mums.” – Liz

Yoga Sleep Hushh White Noise Machine, $79.95

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

Another life-changing sleep aid for nap time on the go is this compact, portable white noise machine. It's the best find to block out the sound of loud chatter in cafes or traffic noise while walking, with multiple sound options and continuous play.

“A portable white noise machine. Naps in the pram didn’t happen ‘till I got one of these! Game changer!” – Anne-Louise 

Izimini Picnic Rug, $70

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

This picnic rug is a perfect option for indoor nappy-free time. It’s water-resistant and machine-washable, so you won’t need to worry about accidents soaking into your carpet. Then when summer hits, take the party outdoors and set up some messy play or a cute picnic for the whole family.

“I love our nappy-free time picnic mat!! We had a baby in autumn, and being able to have stress-free nappy-free time inside the house was amazing.” – Hannah

Gifts over $100

Snuggle Me Organic Feeding Pillow, $135 

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia. 

This is an amazing gift for breastfeeding or pumping moms. The narrow ends are a fantastic feature that allows the pillow to tuck comfortably behind Mom’s back. It's available in a range of different colours, so you'll be able to find one to suit any home style. Additionally, it’s a multipurpose gift because it can also serve as support for tummy time and a barrier for learning to sit independently.

“I recently got my best friend a feeding pillow and it made SUCH a difference. It’s not something she would have thought to get herself, but she uses it for every feed.” – Signe 

Bugaboo Donkey 5 Mono Pram, $1949

Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia.

This is a big one, but if you’re going in with a group to knock off one of the big-ticket items, then look no further than the Bugaboo donkey. It’s a well-loved pram choice for new mums, with the option of an extra storage basket on the side or a simple conversion to a double pram if they plan to grow their little family sooner than later. 

“My students all chipped in for the Donkey Bugaboo pram with the side basket, which I absolutely love! ” – Caroline 

Shop Metro Baby's whole range including the Miffy Sitting Terry Plush online or in-store. 

Feature Image: Metro Baby/Mamamia.