New baby gifts and baby's first Christmas: what to give

The first visit and the first Christmas

A new baby gift usually comes with the first visit. A baby born this year has its first Christmas on 25 and 26 December, when it is anywhere from a few weeks to almost a year old. So choose for the age the baby will be then.

Newborn: 0 to 3 months

In the first months muslin cloths and swaddles get a lot of use. In our catalogue they mostly come from Jollein and Meyco, often in sets of several. A comforter is a small, soft gift.

For textiles, pick a plain colour or a calm print if you don't know the parents' taste. Check the washing instructions on the label too.

Baby: 3 to 12 months

For an older baby, bibs are handy once they start eating, and a sleeping bag one size up lasts longer. The maker gives a sleeping bag's length and often a TOG value, which says how warm it is. A winter sleeping bag suits the Christmas season.

A soft toy is a classic. Check the age the maker gives for each one.

Check the age and the label

Toys sold in the EU carry a CE mark: the maker's declaration that the toy meets the safety requirements. Toys for children under 36 months must not have small parts that can be swallowed. For what belongs in the cot, follow the advice of your health visitor or baby clinic; see also our guide crib, bedside crib or cot.

A small budget

Muslin cloths, bibs, a comforter or a small soft toy are the smaller gifts. On every category page you can filter by price and compare the lowest offer.

Giving something bigger together

With family or colleagues you can give something parents often choose themselves, such as a baby monitor, a bouncer or a highchair. Talk to the parents first: they often have a preference for these, and our guides help with the choice.