35 useful gifts for new parents, from cozy robes to soothing machines that'll help everyone sleep better

side by side showing two gifts for new parents: a baby book and a baby carrier
Amazon

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The holiday season can be both the best and worst of times for new parents. Whether their little one is on their way or the couple is celebrating with their baby, this wonderful time of year is bound to look and feel a bit differently for them, and for you: After all, a new bundle of joy to love means another name to add to your holiday shopping list. 

But while it's natural to want to spoil your family's new addition, keep in mind that shopping for new parents doesn't translate to shopping solely for the baby. Every parent deserves to feel loved and pampered this time of year, especially new parents navigating this next chapter of life. Ahead, we've rounded up the best gifts for new parents that will help them feel supported as they embark on the journey of parenthood.

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An automatic baby rocker

person looking at. a baby in the Stokke Steps™ Bouncer
Bloomingdale's

Stokke Steps™ Bouncer, available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's $209

Of course, new parents love to snuggle their newborn in their arms, but those same arms grow tired after a while. The Stokke Steps Bouncer mimics that same loving, cradling motion babies know and love, giving Mom or Dad's arms a rest and the opportunity to get tasks around the house done, cook a meal, take a shower, or just sit by themselves for a second.

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A couple's journal for the parents

cover of “A Year of Us: A Couple's Journal” by Alicia Muñoz LPC
Amazon

"A Year of Us: A Couple's Journal" by Alicia Muñoz LPC, available at Amazon and Target, $10.03

Oftentimes when a couple becomes parents, their romantic relationship takes a backseat. Help them keep the fire alive with this sweet journal by Alicia Muñoz, a licensed professional counselor. The book contains a year's worth of questions for couples to answer and is a great way to keep new parents connected during this new chapter.

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A high-tech baby night light

person holding a baby with a red Hatch Rest 2nd Gen Dream Machine light on a table nearby
Amazon

Hatch Rest 2nd Gen Dream Machine, available at Amazon and Hatch, $69.99

Help them score the sleep of their deprived dreams with the Hatch Dream Machine. The night light serves as a sleep trainer for babies, toddlers, and almost-big kids, helping them get into a routine and helping parents clock in the snooze time they so desperately need.

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The best baby food maker

the babymoov baby food maker
Amazon

Babymoov Duo Meal Station Food Maker, available at Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Macy's, from $139.95

We've tried a number of baby food makers over the years and this is the only one worth the price. It features a steamer stack so they can prepare food for the baby (or meals for themselves) and a powerful blender for making purees. The steamer portion also functions as a bottle warmer, defroster, and sterilizer for pacifiers, small toys, or bottle parts. 

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Gift cards for meal deliveries

grubhub plus main
Connie Chen/Insider

Grubhub gift card, available at Amazon and Grubhub, from $25

Who has time to cook when you're focused on keeping a tiny newborn safe and happy? A gift card for food delivery from Grubhub or Seamless makes a nice reprieve from freezer and microwave meals for new parents. Gift cards for local restaurants are also a good choice, but a delivery gift card allows them to choose from a range of places and also get the food delivered. 

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A cheese board that was off-limits during pregnancy

williams sonoma cheese plate showing charcuterie and cheese
Williams Sonoma

European Cheese & Charcuterie Selection, available at Williams Sonoma, $79.95

After nine months of eating with the baby's needs in mind, give that mom what she really wants: Raw cheese, cold cuts, and a bottle of wine. All these foods are usually off limits in the pregnancy period, so what better way to celebrate the new arrival than with a party platter of once-forbidden delights? 

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A digital baby book

pregnant person holding a book and sitting on sofa with two young children looking on
Qeepsake

Qeepsake Membership, available at Qeepsake, from $47.88

It's easy to forget to record special milestones when you're a sleep-deprived new parent. That's where Qeepsake comes in handy. The service texts parents questions about their baby and then saves their responses and photos. Parents can order a printed book that includes all their memories.

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A soft robe they'll want to wear all day

Woman wearing white Parachute bathrobe, woman wearing light pink Parachute bathrobe, man wearing gray Parachute bathrobe in front of plain beige background
Parachute

Classic Bathrobe, available at Parachute and Nordstrom, from $87.20

Busy parents will love to wrap themselves in this cozy robe after a quick shower. The midweight robe is made from 100% Turkish cotton for both comfort and quick drying, and it's one of our all-time favorites.

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A way to nurse comfortably and stylishly at the same time

Women wearing nursing cover with an under $25 badge overlay.jpg
Target/Insider

Bamboobies Nursing Cover, available at Amazon and Target from $23.99

New moms may take a little time adjusting to breastfeeding in public and there's no need to hide behind a hot blanket. A good nursing cover allows the baby to feed in peace and their mom to cover up for any occasion or outing.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@insider.com.

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