As I may have mentioned before, I’m the happy single father of a crazy 21-month-old toddler. Looking back to when my son’s mom was pregnant, I don’t know how I could have planned for everything that was needed. Sure, I had a long list of things to get and someone was always telling me something new, but I found that a lot of the things people were buying me were things I don’t really need now that my son is here.

Here’s the deal, and we all know it: people always give clothes to new parents. So why are we still giving clothes to new parents? Why don’t we face the reality and get them some things that they really need? And hell, some of these things really aren’t that expensive, so here’s my list of things I wish people had given me at the baby shower:

Penaten

Penaten is what I call the “super skin cream”. I love it for being able to prevent and help heal rashes. Every old-school parent has heard of Penaten and will suggest it, but really Penaten is just a name-brand. Realistically, I get a big ol’ tub of Zinc Oxide Cream and it lasts me forever. I find that the no name brands are also smoother which makes it easier to apply.

Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is a sensible and generally inexpensive item. They have 101 uses, and make parenting so much easier with smaller babies who don’t have as loud cries. They have all sorts of baby monitors nowadays – ones with two monitors, video monitors, different lengths… Getting a simple one to start is always a good idea!

Personal Video Recorder (PVR)

I was talking to a new set of parents on Sunday and they gave me a marvellous idea for new parents that I hadn’t thought of. For couch-potato tv-watching parents, be sure they have a PVR! A PVR is essentially a box that will record your TV and let you Pause and Rewind live T.V.. This way, they’ll never miss another beat of their favorite shows when little Annie takes her first steps!

Baby Proofing Items

Another very simple solution to a gift idea, baby-proofing items are often under looked. Safety plugs, cushions for the corners of tables, and drawer/cabinet locks are always useful when the little one can reach that high!

Breast Pump/Formula

Alright, this gift can go two ways. If you know your soon-to-be parent will be breast feeding, then getting them breast-feeding products are always a good bet. Breast pads, nipple cream (sounds funny to say), and breast pumps are always good ideas. Not many people get a breast pump, but mainly because they’re on the pricey side (especially for the good ones).

If the new parent won’t be breastfeeding, formula is very expensive (we’re talking a good $30 per week). Even if the new parent is breastfeeding, though, buying them a tub of formula is always a great idea as a just-in-case.

Diapers

Let’s face it. Babies go through diapers like no one’s business. This is the simplest idea, and realistically the best. Having diapers is always helpful, even if they’re too big because they’ll grow into them. Buy a big pack of diapers, and even throw in a potty seat to ensure the new parents that they won’t have to be changing diapers forever!

What Else?

What have I missed? What other products do parents need that are really helpful? Share in the comments, below!