37 useful gifts for new parents, including a cozy robe for them and a sound machine to soothe the baby

Babymoov Duo Meal Station Food Maker, available on Amazon, $156.29

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 you can prepare food for baby (or meals for yourself) 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. 

Grubhub gift card, available at Amazon, starting at $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. 

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

After nine months of eating with 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? Pair with a bottle of their favorite wine for the ultimate postpartum splurge. 

Qeepsake Membership, available at Qeepsake, from $35.88

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 the printed book that includes all their memories.

Classic Bathrobe, available at Parachute, $99

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.

Silicone Bib, available at The Rooted Baby Co., $12.99

Eating meals is a messy affair for the littlest eaters among us. This bib made of high-quality silicone makes cleanup a breeze with the ability to catch any snack spills. It's good to go for the next meal with just a few wipes and it's dishwasher safe.

Bamboobies Nursing Cover, available at Buy Buy Baby, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond, from $19.99

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 baby to feed in peace and mom to cover up for any occasion or outing.

Cable Knit Recycled Chamois Baby Blanket, available at Pottery Barn Kids, $40

Putting your baby's name on anything instantly makes it a family classic. This cable knit chamois version is the coziest blanket for afternoon naps to keep your little one warm.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag, available at Lululemon, $38

Fanny packs have gotten a bad rap, but for a busy parent who needs three extra hands, it's the perfect solution. This belt bag allows you to put your most used items in quick reach so that you're not digging through a diaper bag to find your keys while also keeping an eye on the baby.

Bblüv Trimö Baby Electric Nail Trimmer, available at Buy Buy Baby, $29.99

Baby nails can get really sharp. And because they're so small and delicate, they can be intimidating to take care of. This electric trimmer makes it easy to gently cut fingernails and toenails without having to worry about getting them too short. The electric file gently rounds off the rough edges.

Frida Baby Nose Frida the Snotsucker, available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon, from $16.99

Stuffy noses can make a baby uncomfortable. Since they can't just go blow it out with a tissue, they need a little help. The Nose Frida Snotsucker looks, well, weird, but it's safe, clean, easy to wash, and if we're being honest, it's kind of fun too. 

Parachute Hooded Baby Towel, available at Parachute, $29

Getting out of the bath is cold for babies, too, but this this absorbent towel keeps lets you wrap them up to keep them cozy while drying off. The adorable hood adds extra warmth.

Artifact Uprising Wood Calendar, available at Artifact Uprising, $30

Parents can't get enough photos of their newborn. Take some of those photos to create a unique, practical calendar featuring their little one that they can use every day.

Honest Diapers, available at Honest.com, $11.99/pack

Cloth diapers aren't for everyone, but these absorbent disposable diapers made from Earth-friendly materials are a good alternative for the eco-conscious. They also feature fun prints, even holiday designs. And to up the convenience factor for busy new parents, the company also has a diapers and wipes subscription box to save money and precious time. 

Bumboo Infant Floor Seat, available at Buy Buy Baby and Target, $44.99

Made from soft, durable foam, the Bumboo seat helps babies learn to sit upright, starting at three months. Parents will appreciate its portability as well as how easy it is to clean.

Baby K'tan Original Carrier, available at Amazon, and Target, from $59.99

Hands-free carrying is a convenient way to keep baby close that parents will appreciate, whether they're grocery shopping or talking on the phone. This sling is comfortable for the baby as well as parents. It's a gift one of Business Insider's own gives to new parents after having used it with her kids from the time they were born until they were toddlers. You can check out our top picks for the best baby carriers here.

Brooklittles Crib Sheet Sets, available at Brooklinen, from $28.80

From spit up to diaper blowouts, crib sheets have to endure a lot, so it's essential that there's always a clean one handy. Parents will really appreciate such a practical gift when they need one. Brooklinen's line of sheets for little ones feature fun patterns and prints that look great in any nursery.

Lucy Darling Flower Child Memory Book, available at Maisonette, $38.99

Parents always appreciate looking back on the special memories they otherwise might have lost to sleep deprivation during baby's first year. Jotting down moments to savor won't feel like more paperwork with this spiral-bound baby book adorned with fun floral patterns. There's even a place for the baby's hand and foot prints.

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Insulated Travel Mug, available at Amazon, $20.99

Life with a baby doesn't pause so parents can rest, so having a little caffeine on hand can be a lifesaver when a parent's running morning errands on five hours of sleep. This leak-free travel mug keeps drinks hot or cold for up to seven hours, and it comes in 30 colors and a variety of sizes.

Amazon Prime gift subscription, three months, $45

Nobody wants to make an extra trip to the store, especially busy new parents. A Prime membership lets them avoid the hassle, allowing them to order whatever they need and have it delivered instead, in two days.

A full-year subscription is $119. And if they already have a Prime membership, they'll be able to convert your gift to credit so they can spend the money on anything they need.

Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle, available at Buy Buy Baby, Amazon, and Target, $34.99

White-noise machines are useful gadgets to have around because they're helpful for getting a fussy baby to fall asleep. The Baby Susher plays a real human voice, and it's easy to use at home, in the car, etc. 

Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier Holder with Detachable Pacifier, available at Buy Buy Baby and Amazon, from $14.95

This pacifier features a plush animal that can be detached to make cleaning both pieces fast and easy. You can choose from a variety of animals, including elephant, giraffe, monkey, and seal, that make it easy to find and comforting for babies to snuggle. 

Tortilla Baby, available at Uncommon Goods, $48

What's better than a delicious burrito? A swaddling blanket that looks like a burrito and helps baby sleep tight after a long day.

Gift a Bombas Gift Box, from $22.80

Bombas' comfortable gym socks feature a blister tab and cushioned footbeds that wrap feet in luxury. Busy, tired parents will appreciate comfortable socks. Also, Bombas also donates a pair to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased. 

Agaro Free-Dried Coffee (6 cup box), available at Swift Cup Coffee, $15

Instant coffee isn't what it used to be; it's actually good now, and that's excellent news. Tested by our experts, these six individual packets of freeze-dried Ethiopian coffee will give sleepy parents the quick jolt they're looking for, and all they have to do it add 10 ounces of hot or cold water and stir.

Snoo Rental Gift Card, available at Happiest Baby, from $25

There's nothing new parents will appreciate more than a little help with a baby who doesn't sleep well. Sensing when a baby is tense, the Snoo automatically rocks them to sleep with a gentle motion. There's also a built-in white noise machine and a swaddle to help calm fussy little ones. Parents can control the bassinet and monitor it via the app. And while the Snoo is expensive, the company has a rental program for a more affordable option.

Canticos Board Books, available at Amazon, from $2.01

It's never too soon to start learning a second language. These books help by introducing important early words like numbers, shapes, and more in both English and Spanish.

Blue Apron Subscription Gift Card, from $65

Cooking can be an extra hassle for frazzled new parents, but a delivery service like this can make it a little easier to get a healthy, home-cooked meal. Blue Apron boxes come with preportioned ingredients and three easy-to-cook recipes. They'll get one week of meal kits for $60.

Check out our guide to the best meal kit delivery services, which includes options for special diets.

The Lovevery Play Gym, available at Lovevery, $140

This activity gym has different learning zones and a range of accessories designed to engage a baby as they grow. Designed by childhood development experts, there are features here for infants as well as toddlers.

"Expecting You: A Keepsake Pregnancy Journal," available at Amazon, $13.46

Pregnancy is a journey, and this journal gives new parents the chance to track their memories and experiences. Whether they end up using it as a reference for subsequent children or just as a way to look back on a special time, this keepsake journal makes a timeless treasure for parents.

Inglesina Fast Table Chair in Black, available at Buy Buy Baby, $79.99

A popular choice for an easy-to-use high chair because of its convenience, the Inglesia Fast Table Chair can be used with any table up to 3.3 inches thick. And it can be used for children ranging in age from 6 months to 3 years.

Baby Dream Machine, available at Baby Dream Machine, $119

On top of smoothing "pink noise" sound that help infants relax, the Baby Dream Machine is also a cool-mist humidifier as well as an aromatherapy machine. It even provides red light and night light therapy with an adorable bear design that will great in the nursery. 

Halo Sleepsack Swaddle Wrap, available at Buy Buy Baby, $24.99

Swaddling helps a baby feel more relaxed, and a more relaxed baby is a better sleeper. This transitioning swaddle features a unique design that allows a baby to be wrapped with their arms in or out, which is important for safety once they start rolling.

Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow, available at Amazon, $69.99

Few things help exhausted parents fall asleep faster than a comfortable pillow. This customizable pillow is hypoallergenic and works well for all sleeping positions.

Cerebelly Pouches, available at Cerebelly, $2.46 each

With organic vegetable-based recipes that babies will love, these handy little pouches are perfect in a meal-time pinch. They're self-stable, so they'll last long enough to be around when you need them. Created by a neurosurgeon, this go-anywhere babyfood is also loaded with nutrients that help with brain development.  

Echo Dot 4th generation, available at Target, $49.99

A smart speaker is the perfect nursery assistant. It can play gentle music to help lull babies to sleep or set timers for feeding times. They're also compatible with a long list of smart home devices, which makes it easy to turn off light or set the thermostat while parents are busy changing diapers.

Instant Pot Duo 60, available at Amazon, $83.99

Our favorite Instant Pot includes a number features and functions, from pressure cooking to sautéing. Parents can make delicious one-pot meals for themselves and the baby with just a few easy steps and a lot less cleanup.