By Sarah Limberg | @sarahelimberg
As a new mom to a nine-month-old girl, this year has been full of trying out new things. From two a.m. panic buys, to the most popular suggestions from all the parenting blogs, there is an endless list of products you can buy for a baby.
The items in this gift guide are meant to work with a baby for just a little while. They change so quickly in these first few months that whenever I find something that we use regularly for multiple months, I count that as a huge win.
Here are some of the favorites that we’ve found throughout the last year. The ones that made this list have endured the chewing, throwing, and developmental changes that come in these crazy first 12 months. I hope they serve the babies on your holiday shopping list as they’ve served us!
Contrast Cards
These cards are great for the littlest of babies through their first few months. The colors and patterns on these versatile cards make them a great activity for those short wake windows.
Lovevery Play Gym
Along with being aesthetically pleasing, this play gym is designed to grow with your baby as they develop and learn new skills. There are different sensory areas, hanging toys, and interchangeable placards for your little one to look at. We have used this every single day for the 8+ months we’ve had it!
Stacking Cups
These cups are worth their weight in gold. They’re so simple but there’s endless fun to be had with them. You can stack them, collapse them, or as our daughter likes to do, throw them and chew on them.
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Wooden Grasping Toys
These are simple, Montessori-style toys made with safe materials for babies. They’re small enough to pack in the diaper bag (a huge plus) and are super fun when learning how to hold and shake things.
Bouncer
Having a safe place to put your little one down when you are cooking, need to go to the bathroom, or your arms are just tired is important. There are lots of bouncers out there at all price points, this is a great medium price point option that we got so much use out of in the first few months.
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Board Books
We love story time for a quiet activity before a nap or bedtime. These board books have big pictures and bright colors that babies love in all different subjects. Their compact storage is a bonus for easy clean up.
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Name Puzzle
Name puzzles are not only a cute decoration but the big pieces make it easy for babies to pick up and play with. This one is handmade and offers lots of color options to match any decor.
Hopefully this gift guide gives you a few ideas if there’s a baby on your list this year. When it comes to toys for our nine-month-old, the simplest ones have lasted the longest!
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Sarah Limberg | @sarahelimberg
Sarah lives in San Diego, California, with her infant daughter and husband. She’s a new mom figuring out something different every day, which is both amazing and exhausting. Both Sarah and her husband work in the world of sports, so if they’re not watching a game, you’ll find her cooking, reading, or sneaking a nap.
