Have you been invited to a baby shower for someone you know who is expecting? If so, here are some great gift ideas for the mother as well as for the baby. If the price tag is a bit too high for you on some of these items, you could always go in on it with another friend or two.

For the mom who is planning on breastfeeding, nothing will be more welcome than a good breast pump. You might think that only those who plan to continue breastfeeding after returning to work will have any need for a breast pump, but that is not the case. Breast pumps come in very handy when there is too much milk and it is not a good time to feed. They can also help keep the supply of milk from diminishing to the point where there is not enough to feed the baby.

If you want to get the best breast pump for your friend, you should choose a double electric breast pump. Electric pumps are usually faster and have more suction than battery-operated or manual pumps. Also, if manual pumps are used often they can cause soreness in the hands and wrists.

If the mother is not planning to breastfeed, one good idea is a basket of beauty of bath products for the mother to pamper herself with. Although this is not a traditional baby gift, it will be appreciated by the mother who has spent several months feeling not-so-pretty and will help her feel beautiful again. You could include skin care cream, nail polish, perfume or scented lotion – anything to help the new mother feel special and pampered.

If you want to get something for the baby instead of the mother, a bath set for the baby is a nice gift. You can fill the baby bath tub with baby oil, baby shampoo, baby powder and other necessities. This will be a very useful gift that won’t cost much to buy.

For something a little more memorable, a diaper cake is a great choice. If you have never seen a diaper cake, picture a wedding cake made by rolling diapers together to form the layers. Once you have each layer completed, secure it with a rubber band and tie a ribbon around each layer. Use a baby item to top it off and you’ve got a beautiful and practical baby gift.

These gifts are sure to please the expectant mother. Whether you choose a new breast pump to help her breastfeed successfully or a basket of goodies to pamper her, or go with a gift for the baby, your friend will be thrilled that you thought of her and were there to support her and help her celebrate the birth of her new baby.

If you are an expectant parent or know someone who is then it is important to have everything you need before baby arrives. There are a few things that every baby needs. So before you go shopping you will want to make a list. I have some tips on what should be on that list so I put them together to try and save you some time.

When they leave the hospital they will need a car seat. This is non negotiable because it is the law and a lot safer for baby. If you are looking for a car seat then I recommend the Graco Car Seat. These are vigorously tested and affordable. All parents want to know that their baby is safe especially while they are driving.

All new parents underestimate the amount of diapers and clothes they will need when a new baby arrives. The first week alone they will probably go through an entire box of diapers and many changes of clothes. New parents are so enchanted with baby that things like laundry take a back seat the first few weeks.

A few other essentials that are often over looked are things like soap, powder, lotion, and oil to protect baby’s skin. For a baby bath they have small tubs that are specially designed to keep baby safe during the bath. These also make bathing baby much easier but keep in mind never to leave baby alone in it.

Blankets are very useful. Not only do they keep baby good and warm to prevent catching cold but they are good just to lay baby on. They can be used as burping rags and even diaper changing mats. Blankets tend to get dirty quickly so you may need a lot of them.

Anyone who has had to tote a baby for a long period of time will tell you that a stroller can be a life saver. Graco Stroller is a good one to buy. Graco is a good brand in general when shopping for baby and they have a lot of items that can make life much easier for mom and dad.

Buy early and make sure you have everything you need for the arrival of baby. Having enough of what you need will save you time and make your life much easier.