Stocking Stuffers for Babies Who Don't Even Know They Have a Stocking :) Christmas 2022
After having two winter babies myself, I know the woes of wanting so badly to make their first Christmas magical but simultaneously realizing they will have absolutely no clue that they got a stocking :) I tried to encourage family to buy things that were functional like baby food & teethers, but inevitably they want to buy the fun stuff, too! These were all big hits in our house and came in handy throughout baby's first year.
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Munchkin Weighted Straw Cup: The weighted straw allows them to drink even if they tip it upside down (which happens often) Straw cups are recommended by speech and feeding therapists for oral motor development & this one works great. From Mom to Mom: any cup that says it doesn't spill is lying to you. But this one only has issues when pressure builds and it "bubbles" out the top. Just unscrew the lid and re-screw it back on to help with this!
Fleece booties: While it's great for development to keep those piggies free as much as possible, sometimes you just need something warm and fuzzy that can't be kicked off :) I love the ones linked above, but I also adore these sherpa ones from one of my favorite brands—Ten Little. Add one (or 10) of the amazing developmental toys from their toy shop & you’re set with free shipping! Pro tip: often babies get overheated in the carseat and simply removing socks or booties can make a world of difference for their overall temperature regulation!
ezpz Tiny Cup: As if the fact that a tiny cup isn't adorable enough, add to it that open cup drinking assists in a more mature swallow pattern that helps with starting solids + weaning. We also love using this flexible cup for easier hair-washing during bathtime with less risk of water in those sweet little eyes.
Jellycat Tails books: These crinkle, have fun sensory aspects to the multiple tails, and are soft-to-the-touch, making them perfect for a car-safe, baby hand friendly book to explore!
Munchkin Spoons: These spoons are great for practicing self-feeding, as the deeper bowl allows for you to pre-load the spoon and then let your baby explore bringing it to their mouth with less spillage. These spoons are also a great option for initially introducing your baby to purees, as the shallower well is easier for a less mature feeding pattern AND they turn white if the food is too hot (whew). My feeding therapist friends also highly recommend these feeders for more of a baby-led weaning approach and gag desensitization.
Spill-Preventing Snack Cup: Notice how I didn't say spill-proof? Anyone who tells you something is spill-proof for babies/toddlers is lying ha! We love those because 1: I feel like the more popular option is too small for chubby little hands and 2: I adore that there's no additional lid. We lost like 8 lids before I finally just jumped ship to this brand :) They also collapse for easier diaper bag storage! The carrying handle is also a game-changer.
Portable Sound Machine: Their happier naps will thank you later :) This one is consistently top rated among Mamas in my community. Pro tip: tuck it into or clip it onto your baby carrier for super cozy on-the-go naps.
Linking Rings: The best $4 you will ever spend. They keep toys attached to the stroller. Make toys easier to reach from an activity mat. Are great to chew on. Prevent cups from being thrown on the floor. They're great. Buy them. Now :)
High Contrast Car Mat: Both of my babies haaaated being in their car seat but this was such a game-changer for keeping them content and entertained. I love that you not only can hang it from the headrest, but can also use it for a tummy time sensory toy or hook it to a chair or activity bar to encourage pressing up in tummy time.
Manhattan Toy Rattle + Teether: The strands on this are the perfect size for little hands and little mouths. So many of the Mamas in my community also rave about this one—it’s one of my favorite things to gift for a baby shower!
Stacking Cups: Bang them together, stack them up, use them to scoop and pour. Stacking cups are a great open-ended toy that will last your little love through many years of playing
High Contrast Flashcards: When your face inevitably can't always be near during floor play, these high contrast cards can be highly entertaining and motivating for even the tiniest of babies! In that fourth trimester, whip these out for an easy tummy down motivator that stimulates brain and visual development!
Dimpl: This tiny little gadget will keep your babe entertained for hours. One of my favorite toys to grab on the go.
Bapron: Okayyy so maybe this is more of a gift for YOU :) I love how much of their little outfit these bib/aprons cover! I always keep one in my diaper bag for restaurant eating—since we know you’ve got babe looking their best on any outing.
O Ball Rattle: Anything with the O ball shape is perfect for tiny fingers to grasp! The rattle sound is great for understanding cause & effect & this is the perfect size to chew + practice bringing hands to midline.
Manhattan Toys Wooden Clutching Toy: Here's another one that will keep their little minds occupied :) I remember staring. at this when we got it and questioning if my baby would even be interested and turns out: he LOVED it!
Float & Play Bath Toys: These are adorable + a huge hit to bat at and watch spin around in the tub. And now that my kids are older, they make a great addition to water or sensory play bins.
Teether Tubes: The size and shape of these makes it super simple for babe to get the teether back to all those hard-to-reach places!
Teething Oil: My holy grail teething trick. This all-natural teething oil has kept us from feeding Tylenol to our babies like it was veggies. Ada June still asks for it even though she's done teething. It's that good. As always with anything of this nature, consult with your Ped before using!
Chew & Tear-proof books: These are chew-proof, tear proof, and have a material that makes babies go wild for their crinkle & bend. Another great toy to have on the go. This set comes with 6 little books that are fun to hold back for other holidays, too! If you purchase from that link, you'll be shopping from my Usborne book shop! I always offer Free Shipping on orders over $75--just shoot me an email at themovementmama.info@gmail.com and I'll reimburse ya :)
Wrist + Ankle Rattles: Body awareness is huge for motor-development. These are one of my favorite ways to encourage feet to mouth, which leads to rolling back to belly. (Oh and psst--If you're struggling with rolling, check out my course: Roll on Track)
Mesh Feeders: CandoKiddo recommended mesh feeders in her starting solids course, and if she recommends them, you better bet I got them. Babies love to gnaw on frozen fruit or breastmilk in these and it's a great way to introduce new tastes with more difficult to chew foods. I whip these out every time the babes are getting a new tooth and it's like paradise.
Baby's First Toothbrush: Have you ever tried to brush a baby's teeth? I have. And it's not pretty. They're constantly trying to grab at the toothbrush and pull it away and it just ends up a whole hot mess. I love that this one goes right over your finger so you've got a bit more control + you can feel just where their gums might be tender.
Yogurt Melts: I loved these for keeping baby satiated while I fixed dinner or needed a few extra minutes to prep their meal!
Reusable Pouches: I love the convenience of pouches for on-the-go meals but I also really enjoyed making food for my babies. This is the perfect blend of both worlds! Or maybe you pop some of your smoothie in there for them! The opportunities are endless and will last you through the toddler years!
O Ball: Perfect for little fingers to grasp and bring their hands to midline: an important developmental milestone + this is another one Dr. Giselle from @milkmatterspt recommends for oral motor and stretching. Also, it won't hurt when they eventually learn to nail you with it.
Fat Brain Suction Cups + Spinner Toys: I am willing to spend big money for a toy that will last my children years! This bundle is one of them—endless uses and so much fun! Pro tip: these suction toys (especially the spinners) are phenomenal for airplane travel)
Stroller Book: It's high-contrast, easy to hold, & it attaches to things: baby goldmine. If you purchase from that link, you'll be shopping from my Usborne book shop! I always offer Free Shipping on orders over $75--just shoot me an email at themovementmama.info@gmail.com and I'll reimburse ya :)
Sensory Blocks: Great for teething, feeling, stacking, and exploring.
Sensory Tubes: Another great multi-use toy from the always-incredible Fat Brain toys, perfect for chubby fingers getting to sore teeth.
Silicone Teether: I absolutely love this for the stroller or car seat to keep baby pacified and entertained without it getting chucked into the floorboard. It's easy to grasp & clean and the bright colors are so cute
I can't wait to see your stockings stuffed to the brim with these goodies :) Remember to tag me in your photos with @themovementmama so I can see your adorable First Christmas photos.
