P is for . . . Presents: Baby Z's Faves Around $10

Wedding season may be over, but babies show up any season of the year. Even if it isn't an official baby shower and you are just popping by to say hi to a friend and her new baby, it is nice to have something to bring along for baby to accompany that bottle of wine for mama.

Last weekend at a friend's a baby shower, I ooed and awed like the best of them, but it was different looking at the presents from the lens of a new mom. Everything was just SO exciting. The clothes are always the cutest, but my son at seven months still only wears clothes for photo shoots or for the sole purpose of being buckled into his car seat. Along with a sweater set for a three month old, I think it is great to give a small but helpful present for baby or mama that was a game changer for you or a friend. I had to stop my commentary of, "Oh my goodness, that is SO helpful you don't even know!" or, "Baby Zane LOVES that rattle because . . ."

For my baby shower, I was fortunate to receive handmade crocheted blankets, and even a Dockatot. I KNOW! Not only did I not know what a Dockatot was, I would have never thought of paying that much for something my baby would sleep in for "only" a few months. Oh, to be a judgey new mom again! While that Dockatot has saved my life, here are five presents that Baby Zane adores but your significant other won't question your judgement on the One-Click purchase on Amazon.

1) Tummy Time Mirror

This was a game changer for so many reasons. The mirror was engaging for baby Z so he actually stayed on his belly for more than 30 seconds before screaming. Research has shown the benefits of mirrors for social and emotional development in infants and toddlers, but also the bee's wings crinkle and the ladybug ball rolls. THIS IS HUGE. That crinkly sound is Zane's fave, and I imagine this goes for most babies.

2) Tummy Time Water Mat

I have the Earlyears Fill 'N Fun, but I realize it's a little over $10 so although I cannot vouch for the Infantino Pat and Play it is only $5.99! Anything to get my babe playing on his tummy. When Zane entered the stage of open handed patting, he loved to squish the playmat, it really looks like he is trying to splash. Admittedly his favorite part is trying to chew the plastic sun off the corner, but again, anything to get the babe on his belly.

3) All the World Board Book

Board books are wonderful because babies love to grab and rip at the pages, and even as toddlers they will lack the dexterity and desire to gently turn pages while you read. I really want you to purchase this board book in particular, though, because it is so wonderful. When my blogger buddy Erica purchased it for my new baby and was so excited, I thought it was a sweet sentiment, but now realize just why she was so happy for me to read it with my babe. For starters, it rhymes, but not in an annoying singsongy way that you can only read three times before "losing" the book. Baby Z loves the pictures because the pages alternate from a white background with a few images, to a full color spread. The pictures and storyline remind me of northern California, where I used to spend my summers with my dad. And then the book ends with "All the world is you and me / all the world is all of us," and kinda cry every time. (Yup, just try it with your baby. I dare you not to get weepy.)

4) Lamaze Mortimer the Moose Rattle

The Pirate Octopus version of this toy is also popular with baby Z, but Mr. Moosie cannot be beat. Most importantly, his feet have that crinkly stuff, which is just the best thing ever according to my son. While he can spend an entire brunch trying to stuff the feet into his mouth, the plastic rings are great for his teething gums, the scarf is fun to poke and pull on, and moose antlers are a great chew toy. The icing on top is the plastic ring that you can clip to your waistband (jk, I don't where real pants) purse, diaper bag or tank top, so if you forget everything when you leave the house, at least you've got Moosie clipped to you.

5) Bamboo washcloths

I know what you are thinking: that isn't a cool toy. But these bamboo washcloths are so much more. I used them to wipe up breastmilk and spit up, which just EVERYWHERE the first few months. They are great to freeze and give your baby to teethe on. (Fun fact: they start teething before they cut teeth, so your precious one month old may be teething already.) They are toys during bath time, or anytime really. Regrettably, they are also like hair ties, you know you bought a pack of twenty but can only find one. So buy a lot. The bamboo softness is really worth the expense.

#toys #babyshower #tummytime