https://www.amazon.com/Gideon-DreamWave-Soothing-Projector-Speakers/dp/B00I9IRM92

If I had not just bought this I would be all over that. But my budget for light products is depleted :( :(

I do have a birthday in six weeks though... and my dad and stepmom are going to be gone for the entire month... pretty sure they owe me something awesome. ;)

Our kids use these sleep seahorses every night and it slowly starts dying and it's not bad at first but I keep forgetting to change the batteries, and am only reminded at bedtime after they've been tucked in and don't want to go through the process of fixing it at that moment.

Eventually it gets down to like 1/2 speed and I do feel really guilty about making them go to sleep in a horror movie but I really don't want to interrupt the bed-time routine, specifically for my 2 year old by having to go down stairs, find a #1 phillips screw driver, replace the batteries, and run back up stairs. I'm totally in the running for dad of the year. Like really... do they know it's supposed to signify something bad is about to happen?

And a baby shusher!!!

Baby Shusher - The Soothing Sleep Miracle for Babies https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_OBUCxbZ1Q2J72

This thing was our go to for 3 months, I get it for everyone

The closest thing I could find apparently they sell quite a few of these cheap.

You could get them an indoor star projector thingy like this. Or maybe a moon in my room and a really soft throw blanket.


Or how about a theme park gift card? That way they can buy the tickets when they want. Maybe if they like a certain theme park with certain characters you can buy them a novelty from it (like a Steamboat Willy) and some candy themed from there.


Nature? Awesome! How about wildlife documentaries on DVD? Maybe a cool wilderness guidebook? What about a butterfly kit? Oo! How about a firefly light?


Ok I'm out of ideas off of the top of my head for now, but I think it really is doable. :)


^I'm ^trying ^here

Baby shusher. You're welcome.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uoEJAbJ93A9NV

I use my phone at first then realized I couldn't creep on Reddit and then someone called me mid sleeping routine and I decided I needed a machine. Boom this came the next day. Cheap, easy, portable!

myBaby SoundSpa On-The-Go Sound Machine, Green, Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9EZFJI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_SSzW4b9c6TQoO

I don't think you need to make a big deal for a baby so young. I'm not worrying about it and I have an active 7 month old daughter. But here are some toys she liked

Twilight Turtle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BNQC58/ref=gs_htljs
Sleep Sheep (we had the giraffe instead, but we needed the white noise feature to get our daughter to sleep for a few months)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKWA66/ref=gs_htljs

Kick piano
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Precious-Planet-Kick-Piano/dp/B0028K2RME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324308002&sr=8-1

I'm not sure if this counts and I'm sorry for the crazy title of this item let me know if that doesn't count

thank you so much for the contest. this is awesome. I have a lot of issues relaxing and sleeping so I'm hoping this will help. thank you! ♥

Travel safe! Its been years since I didn't check neo in the airport, though, that would be weird for me.

And good luck researching baby stuff. I bought one of these things for a baby shower and man, it was ADORABLE.

Swaddle Sacks! These things are great, we used them every day/night.

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle 3-PK, SuperStar (LG) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01644OL1O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rIzQBbWP2EHNP

Pair those with a rock and play... and your little one should take some nice naps (which will help you get some sleep).

Fisher-Price Auto Rock 'n Play Sleeper, Aqua Stone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEO5UTU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3KzQBbZTKYHPJ

We also used (and still use) a noise machine. Helps you continue to have a life while the baby is napping in the other room!

Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Crib Soother and Baby Night Light, Owl https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076F9LV2V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lSzQBbJKS45RT

Good luck!

BUY THIS NOW!!!

I am not exaggerating when I say that this is a lifesaver. It may seem expensive at about $35, but it is worth absolutely every penny. I’m sure there are other “white noise machines” that you can find, but I own two of these and they work on every baby I’ve ever tried it on (this is what I get people for baby showers).

I first learned that this existed about two months after our first child was born and it was a lifesaver. I brought it to the hospital when my wife was giving birth to our second child a little over a year ago.

The attending nurse was so surprised by it, she asked if she could borrow it for an hour. Of course I said yes. She came back 45 minutes later totally astonished. She had brought it into the nursery where five babies were really struggling to fall asleep and were keeping each other awake.

She said that within two minutes of using the thing two of the babies had fallen asleep and the other three had calmed down. Additionally, within five minutes all five of them were asleep.

The thing has two settings: one for duration and one for volume. The duration can be set to either off, 15 minutes, or 30 minutes. It automatically shuts off after those time frames. The volume is simply a swivel and can be adjusted as needed.

You will not regret this. It’s the one essential purchase you will make.

I am 34 weeks on my second and my first is 2.5 years old.

Not only am I like "meh" to doing all the insane baby stuff - but we are moving in November (with a three month old - lort help us).
And because of that, I can't really have a ton of stuff around because we are packing up and trying to stage our house.

My essential list:

• Bassinet that I don't hate (first time around I had a stand alone wooden one that was bulky, hard to move, and creaked). This time I have my BFF's hand me down Arms Reach Co-sleeper (it essentially attaches to your bed to extend the bed and/or functions like a bassinet.
  
• Changing table/space - seriously, you need a legit, doesn't break your back location for changing diapers that you don't have to move around and don't care if some poop or pee gets on it. Doesn't have to be fancy, just a space dedicated to that function.
  
• Breast Feeding pillow (if you go this route) - as the other mom said, boppy's are cumbersome and slide around. My Brest Friend is worth every stinking penny. You can even stand up and walk around with this thing clipped on while you grab something really quick and are still feeding off the boob.
  
• Boppy Newborn lounger - it's like a little donut to sit your baby in. The baby is generally pretty happy in it, you can have your hands and some independence.
  
• Pack n Play - usually set up in my living room with the Boppy Lounger in it (at highest level the mattress will go) as a nice safe space to set your turdlet down (that isn't in your bedroom/their room). Plus when you travel or something, it's your crib.
  
• Baby Swing - My son LOVED his - it was a life saver, hoping our daughter will be the same. I have the Graco Simple Sway - used it for my son - hoping the motor holds out (I've read reviews that the motor dies eventually) - but I'll use it til it dies - worth every penny.
  
• Baby Shusher - Uhh seriously, this thing is fcking magic to a infant. Screaming at 3 am? Turn this puppy on and they chill out immediately (unless there is something seriously wrong, I suppose). It saves you from having to do it with your mouth (sooo tiring) and is far more effective than a white noise machine.
  
• White Noise Machine - this is a personal preference, but an essential for me. I have the 'LectroFan (it's non mechanical like the Marpac Dohm - so it never gets a wonky rattle to it). Helps the baby sleep and can block out day to day noises to help with startling awake.
  
• Nipple shields (if you breastfeed) - makes the first few weeks of breastfeeding a relative "cake walk" compared to trying to get the perfect latch. A lot of lactation consultants will poo poo this and say it makes it harder for baby to get used to it. Whatever. I used it for 6 weeks with my son - saved me pain, made it easier for him to latch and eat, and he eventually self weaned off of them (I would always try first without them and eventually it just was fine as he got older and more experienced). Who cares if the kid uses them the ENTIRE TIME? so long as they are fed.
  
• Haakaa Manual Breast Pump (again, if boobfed) - I hate pumping. Hate. Especially middle of the night, half asleep, kid only takes one boob. The Haakaa uses suction and gently (and quietly) draws from your other breast. You can also use it to take the edge off if you are out of the house for longer than the requisite two hours your LO allows you to go without being milked.
  
  Outside of those items - it's just the standard clothes, diapers, bottles, baby monitors, etc.
  
  Let me know if you have any questions.
  And yes - the amnesia is real.

https://www.amazon.com/Gideon-DreamWave-Soothing-Projector-Speakers/dp/B00I9IRM92 I think that's it? They look cool.

I was thinking it was one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Turtle/dp/B000BNQC58

the lazy man's route!

Pretty sure a Director's Commentary track mentioned that they simply used projectors ( they also ended up using projectors to rear project the event horizon in many episodes to cut back on CGI costs ).

However, I don't recall if they went into the technical details of whether they used actual projectors with video, or existing (stage) projection lights and messing about with a refractive element in front to get a play of light effect (similar to this ), or what..

My friend swears by this baby shusher thing. I don't think it'd be too boring or anything but she used it for his first six months.

Save a few bucks.
Twilight Turtle

"decor for boys" Gah!!!! That sort of thing makes me so stabby!

I think it is a fabulous mobile for a little girl. Don't forget about a Twilight Turtle, too.

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Soothe-Glow-Seahorse-Pink/dp/B00P4CEUQE/ref=asc_df_B00P4CEUQE/

This is a miracle worker. Three kids, and it worked on all three so well. Worst case crying for daddy or mommy to turn it back on when they hadn’t fallen asleep....until they figured out how to turn it back on themselves. It also comes in blue.

Just make sure you don’t run out of batteries.

We have this little hippo in monkey’s room. It plays classical music lullabies or nature sounds or little stories or a mix of them all for 15, 30 or 45 minutes. It has a noise sensor so when he wakes and yells, the hippo automatically starts playing music again. It projects stars into the ceiling. It’s cuddly enough to be in/next to the crib. I can’t sing it’s praises enough!

Oh also it takes 2 AA batteries that last for months of it playing on and off all night.

It’s the best present we were given!

SkipHop just made one that is a little cloud with sun. It’s what I’m leaning towards for our family.

Skip Hop Dream & Shine Toddler Sleep Trainer Alarm Clock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PW2DWK3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ksfTDb3X5NYR1

would love to know too...
here we go :3
https://www.amazon.com/Gideon-DreamWave-Soothing-Projector-Speakers/dp/B00I9IRM92/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Our white noise machine has been so helpful. It put me at ease and helped get me to sleep when LO was a newborn.

Then, when we started sleep training it helped because she was still in our room and she didn’t wake up when we opened the door to go to bed ourselves.

Now she’s in her own room and we still use it every night. I don’t feel like I have to be super quiet and when planes fly over (we live next to a base) or when cars drive by bumpin music I’m not worried she’s going to wake up.

You should get one!

HaloVa Diaper Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RLWKGQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_p2BlDb7ZQACD8

b&h Baby Bath Floating Duck Thermometer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073GGVN3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r-BlDb2WFQSE8

SoundBub, White Noise Machine and Bluetooth Speaker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HP06EFW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=froourhidpl00-20&linkId=34bb9c1662cbe0b851d4aa01447e155a&language=en_US

Sarah Wells Claire Breast Pump Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714M16GL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WMClDbTYY2SW1

Ergobaby Carrier, 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier, Pure Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFVLH4P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MNClDbT74AG9X

Both my son & my daughter used this thing to fall asleep for naps & bedtimes. It plays music quietly enough, and in the same order, and has these weird bubbling sounds behind the music, and turns itself off after a few minutes, but is easy enough for them to push & turn back on again if they want.

Alternatively, you can download apps with "Sleep Stories" which are just little bedtime stories told aloud in a very calm, quiet, measured vocal style that's kind of meditative and conducive to sleep!

-1. Here's an amazing bed!

-1A. Here's another bed, which corresponds to my bonus answer

-2. The best bedtime snack for camping!!

-3. Can you picture yourself in these flannel pajamas??

-4. Multi-purpose for when you just want to cuddle!

-5. Whispering waves to help your baby sleep! (And match your adult nightlight!

BONUS: What's black and white and red all over?^^a^sunburnt^^panda!


She used to say she could taste sleep and that it was as delicious as a BLT on fresh French bread.

I love the sleep sheep-- not sure how similar they are-- http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Travel-Machine-Soothing-Sounds/dp/B000J6CDY6 The travel one as loud as the normal size one and is a much more convenient size. Battery life seems great. Hand me down from a friend and we have yet to need to change batteries.

I had this in my daughter’s room (not the crib) and she had to have it to fall asleep bc it played soothing music. Once she got old enough, she loved being able to turn it on herself in her crib. My son had the monkey one and he used his until he was about 2.

Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Giraffe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IWPJZKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jc6tDbKMQ29DJ

Room looks great.
Props to the wyze. works great as a baby camera
I had to get rid of that same trash can. It was like the smell impregnated in it and everytime I opened it I wanted to puke
I'd recommend one of these noise machines and a small lamp beside the nursing chair. Cloud b Sleep Sheep On The Go Travel Sound Soother https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J6CDY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hA12DbK2E5YXX

It absolutely is easier to put a newborn baby to sleep on their stomach (in my experience with 2). I only ever allowed it for brief daytime naps, while they were feet away in a bassinet. Nighttime, no way! At night if I have the opportunity I am passed the fuck out, which is why it’s scary to leave a newborn in a risky position like that.

I’m sorry to say but you just gotta keep trying. Swaddle tightly, maybe a pacifier, and a shusher. You’re just not going to get great sleep for yourself with a newborn unless you have a partner or other extra help to be there for you.

There’s a reason every swaddle and crib and pediatrician repeats ad nauseum “back is best”.

Baby Shusher Sleep Miracle Soother https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_eyVXCbGTMYTDX

For the 4 month old, toys that build sensory awareness are really good. Things like balls with different textures, different sizes, etc. There is a seahorse that Fisher Price makes that plays music that both my kids loved at that age. They make blue and pink.

For the 1 year olds, I got LeapFrog's Scout/Violet for each of my children on their first birthdays. They were hits with both of them (in fact my 4 year old still plays with her Violet every now and then). Scout is the boy version, Violet is the girl version. They can be personalized with the child's name and it is incorporated into songs that are played and little activities. It's very cool.

For the 20 month old, you could get this Twilight Turtle Constellation Night Light. Each of my children have one (4 yrs and 17 months) and it's a must have at bedtime for each of them. My daughter was so impressed by it, she named hers "wow" and that name has stuck (she's the 4 yo). You could also get the LeapFrog My First Leaptop. Again, both my kids love this (although we only have one and it's my daughter's, my son steals it frequently to play with himself).

Also, I did those recordable books from Hallmark as gifts when my daughter was a year old and she loves them very much. You could do one for your son. They are pretty cool.

Hope this helps!

We use this. It stays in all night, but there is not a remote. Bonus point for being cute. 😊 https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Moonlight-Melodies-Soother/dp/B076F9LV2V/ref=asc_df_B076F9LV2V/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198101723026&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3519010334477746940&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007386&hvtargid=pla-390806193582&psc=1

Congratulations.

Though I'm not a parent myself, I work for a high end newborn photographer so I'll just give you tips on my observations.

• Swaddle tight with stretchy materials and hold the arms down to the sides when swaddling
  
  
• if mom is nursing, stay away from gassy vegetables and acidic foods as well. From our experience when the mom eats these things the baby is miserable the next day because of gas. We basically just recommend a boring bland diet. Only for the first few weeks though. After the first 3 or 4 weeks and then its usually ok. Every baby will be different so your mileage may vary. But from our experience 99% of the time we have cranky crying babies for the whole session is because mom had like spicy food or something else. Rule of thumb for us basically if the food has the potential to make your stomach uncomfortable sometimes then it might make baby uncomfortable as well
  
  
• Get a yoga ball. trying to sooth baby, hold baby with head to your heart, sit on ball and start bouncing gently. Get yoga socks too if you have slippery floors.
  
  
• diaper rash. Use huggies or honest brand. 9 out of 10 babies that come in with a rash are using pampers. Kirkland brand wipes from costco are great too. Our studio is stocked with huge packs of them.
  
  
• Formulas. I'm not sure on the brands for this but don't go out buying huge amounts right away because some babies might not like them very much. Might make them gassy too so you may have to try a few brands before you land on the one that is right. There are also ones for sensitive stomachs ( more expensive though)
  
  
• get a baby shusher or white noise, either this or this one, we use both in our studio.
  
  
• get chux from amazon (basically look like puppy pads but are not scented or no chemicals) you'll probably seem them at the hospital. use them on your changing table, keep a few in your car. everywhere really so that where ever you are you can change baby an hopefully avoid soiling a bed/car/couch etc.
  
• newborn size clothes is often too big for actual newborns
  
• If you are getting photos taken 7-10 days is ideal. Most of the newborn photos you'll see are of 7-10 day old babies. Time will vary if preme or multiples. Don't wait several weeks and then still expect to get the same type of photos. at the very least try to book within 24 hours of giving birth though that may only apply to the photographer work for because most of our clients book well in advanced but there's always a few every now and then that call in trying to get in the same day and we have to behave ourselves when we explain that wont be possible.
  
• Gripe water, buy it
  
• Don't touch her stomach after she's given birth.
  
• Get her a push present
  
• have your go bag and car seat ready in the car even earlier than recommended. honestly not sure what's recommended but just do it as early as you can. a lot of our clients have been going early recently.
  
  That's all I can think of for now. Good luck to you and don't worry nobody knows what they are doing the first time. Just by making this post looking for advice you will probably be more ready that many of the first time dads that come into our studio. Just enjoy your time together as much as possible those first few weeks and take lots of photos and videos even if its just on your phone. and back them up. babies grow so fast the first few weeks so they will never be that tiny again. Blink and its over. Oh and for the future, age 2 sucks but 3 should be good. you can usually start bribing them by 3. Again I want to reiterate that I myself and not a father (but I hope to be) so take all of this however you like. I've been working at this studio for almost a decade now (i'm 30) and these are just the things that I've seen and learned from all the parents that come in. Also, Asian babies are the best, have one of those if you can, they're usually prefect for their sessions...
  
  (sorry about typos, too lazy to go back and fix)

Best toy. My son has had these for awhile and we use them to teach him letters, animals and other items.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005KBQGH0

Best teether. Yes it's expensive but it's worth it. Instead of trying a bunch of others, just buy this one.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IDSLOG

He loves this doll. You can customize it to say their name, what songs it plays and a few other things.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001W30D2O


We used this for a nightlight. He has used it since birth (almost 2 now).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BNQC58

Also this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GKWA66

Lol my two year old is the same with every flashlight he’s ever had. Turtle light we have one of these for the two year old and one in our 9 month olds crib too, the lights aren’t that bright and they can press the buttons to change the colors. We hear the two year old at night sometimes going “wooaahhhhh stars!!!” Haha it’s cute.

I've been using this to great effect lately:
https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Sleep-Miracle-Soother/dp/B00D2JN87I

Technically it's not a pineapple. :)

I think people always want to go for themed newborn things but I'm not one to advocate for that. Sure, you can get them a gi themed onesie or something of the sort, but speaking as a new parent myself that may not be the ideal item for them. Everyone is different but the things that have held the most value to my wife and I, aside from some basics at the very beginning, are the people who get the "these are the toys my kids loved" gifts or, even better, people who have offered to babysit when we're ready even if it's just so we can get some rest.

My standard gift set to new parents, based on things that everyone I have known over the years have loved, are:

Happiest Baby on the Block

Fisher Price Soothe and Glow Seahorse, which is also available in blue

Travel sleep sheep

Sophie

A gift for the parents

I've had two versions of this Skip Hop Moonlight & Melodies Crib Soother and Baby Night Light, Owl https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B076F9LV2V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_c-z1BbTEJTJ3J. I broke one on a trip and cried. We picked up another one that day.

The white noise is great, there's a continuous setting, my toddler loves the stars on the ceiling and the twinkle twinkle jingle. Plus it's super cute.

I've recommended this to all my dad friends and they all love it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D2JN87I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481497605&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+shoosher&pi=SX200_QL40

Makes babies stfu at night real quick.

The Baby Shusher seemed like just another gadget but it is a game changer. There are apps out there that do similar things but it ties up your phone. Have used it daily since the little nugget was born.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ajmOyb4AR3NH7

A lot of babies will protest being swaddled at first but will eventually calm down (with that bouncing/shushing/white noise thing you've got going on) and then being swaddled is what will help them stay asleep.

You might look up the double swaddle to make sure he can't break free.

Are you using a yoga ball? That was my baby's favorite form of bouncing and easier than doing it manually, lol.

They also make a baby shusher to save your vocal chords - my friends swear by it: https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Soothing-Miracle-Babies/dp/B00D2JN87I

ETA: Maybe he would like Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit better than being swaddled? If I were you, I'd try anything at this point. http://www.magicsleepsuit.com/

1.) It's a couch, it's a bed... What can I say, I WANT IT!

2.) Chocolate chip cookies and milk are the best. Lulls me right to sleep!

3.) Flannel for the whole family! Too cute.

4.) Night light and home fragrance diffuser in one! Plus it's a cute little owl. I also love Bath and Body Works. I have a few of these and love them!

5.) This... Thing is supposed to help babies sleep. No idea if they work. But it's interesting.

BONUS: This panda plush?

She used to say she could taste sleep and that it was as delicious as a BLT on fresh French bread.

1. this bed just looks so damn comfortable. Like you could just fall into it.
   
   
2. graham crackers and milk are so tasty and great for a midnight snack!
   
   
3. 
   these adorable sleeping cat pajamas even have matching slippers.
   
   
4. I personally prefer the dark, but this looks like a beautiful night light to fall asleep to, especially for anyone who likes the ocean.
   
   
5. if the baby shusher doesn't work, play the baby some 80's music
   
   “She used to say she could taste sleep and that it was as delicious as a BLT on fresh French bread.”
   
   
   Thanks for the contest!

sycee led night light

Man I’m just learning how to do all this so I think that’s a way to do this. Gonna look and check the rules again

Son #1 has the giraffe.

Son #2 has the sheep.

They have different sound settings and noises. And very portable! And cute.

https://www.amazon.com/Shusher-Machine-Lullabies-Soother-Portable/dp/B07C345VXK

And it's battery is rechargeable. You just plug it in with USB and recharge every few days.

With a quick google search

A week at the most. We did it where where you go in and comfort every 5 minutes night one, 10 minutes night two and three, 15 night four, etc. Buying a shusher and this giraffe helped a lot as they gave my son comfort and now he knows when the shusher and the giraffe come on it’s time to sleep.

I would second babywearing. Right now LO is so young that you really shouldn't be doing any aggressive training. Babywearing worked so well for me because I had the same problem that my LO only wanted to sleep when snuggled. That and walks. At some point you realize that you need to lose the battle to win the war. To me, LO getting some decent naps in to reset paid off much better than fighting to get him to nap where I want him to.


So for shushing there is this white noise machine:
baby shusher

I have this and I love it. Just provides a Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh Shhhhhhhhhhhh Shhhhhhhhh noise. There are options for 15 minutes or 30. It's battery operated but LO has this at daycare and uses it for every nap and I have only had to replace the batteries once in the 9 months he has been there.

My LO is 12 weeks. She's very curious but doesn't particularly like "toys" yet. She has a few little baby rattles and rings, but doesn't seem to really care if they are around or not.

She is REALLY entertained by light fixtures though, and windows.

Over the past few weeks it has been easier to get her interested in her crib mobile, though. I made that for her (why they don't sell Star Wars mobiles is beyond me). She really seems to think that's cool.

We were also gifted a crib bumper like this. She really dug that for a while (ie, 10 minutes, but that's pretty record breaking for her).

Edit: For activities, it's generally tummy time, plus rolling her around, and singing. They like to pretend that they're having conversations, so you look at them in the eyes to talk, then wait for a response (from them, a coo or whatever sound comes out), then respond back (I usually laugh, so she laughs, etc). A lot of people suggest mirrors under them during tummy time, mine doesn't care two licks about that but yours might!

I use the light from this [seahorse ](Fisher-Price Soothe and Glow Seahorse, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P4CEV5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sHkOyb4BCKARJ) . It makes water sounds and plays music too.

My babies loved this, and it's now a go-to for baby shower gifts: https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Soothe-Glow-Seahorse-Blue/dp/B00P4CEUS2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1518893919&sr=8-4&keywords=baby+seahorse+toy

https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Soothing-Miracle-Babies/dp/B00D2JN87I

This worked great to get our baby asleep. Kind of expensive since there isn't much to it, but $30 is nothing if it gets them to sleep more.

I know you said you don't have time, but making a sandbox for her (of course with parents permission) would be awesome, and they could keep it for years. Plus you could always update it each year- repaint the sides, add decoration, etc as a birthday gift.

From Amazon: A turtle that shows the constellations. My baby brother had one and loved it- and my parents enjoyed having a pretty night light that they could use as a learning tool.

Also this keepsake kit will allow the parents to make a new Christmas ornament of their girl's first Christmas, plus they can make an extra one for the favorite grandma. Yes, this isn't really for the daughter, but lets be honest; she'll play with the box and be completely overjoyed.


If you want to really make the daughter happy, this sensory tub is AMAZING. Just a tub, you say? Oh no. This can be filled with sand, small pebbles, noodles, water, beans, etc to fully engage her sensory experience. I teach with a program that has one-year-olds and they go crazy when these tubs are brought out. You can even make it into a cute basket by including things like this and this and still stay in your budget! :)

For me? I'd like this so I can sleep in a few mornings :) Good luck to you in your quest for the perfect present!

My aunt got my baby the cutest stuffed giraffe , it lights up and plays music

I bet this 3D giraffe's head in a window wall decal would look great in your house!

And in my opinion, these giraffe leggings are amazing, and clever!


This is freakin' adorable a giraffe straw holder!

If you're like me, you love beanies that are shaped like cute animals such as giraffes

I would actually get the onsie in a 3-6 month size. Most people get new moms clothes in 0-3 months so I go up at least one size when I buy a gift. Also check out the comments on the onsie if they have it as some infant clothes sizes are crazy wrong.

I have a lot of friends who are pregnant or just a baby in the last couple of years and was a Nanny for over 10 years and I buy one traditional gift for the baby and the rest are gifts that are not the 'norm. Depending on how much money you want to spend here are some ideas: mani/pedi or massage for mom (Groupon is great!), restaurant gift cards that deliver, house cleaning services, baby massage class, box of healthy snacks especially for breastfeeding moms,

Here are some more traditional but still very useful gifts parents might not know about that I posted somewhere else.

Hands free bottle holder
http://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Feeding-Bebe-Sling-LLC/dp/B003Z66X5W/ref=pd_cp_ba_3

Plush pacifier: I get this for almost everyone because you loose so many pacifiers and it keeps it in the baby's mouth.
http://www.amazon.com/WubbaNub-22352-Giraffe/dp/B003CK3LDI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1398892663&sr=8-5&keywords=pacifier

Non-electric travel bottle warmer
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I110D8/?tag=buzz0f-20

Swaddle Pod
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-SwaddlePod-Caterpillar-Newborn/dp/B006K6DF9Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1398893796&sr=8-8&keywords=swaddle

Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow- looks like a boppy but it does so much more. I really like to give this to parents because you're not supposed to lay infants straight on there backs after feeding so you prop them up with this. It helps with spit ups, gas, and colic.

http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Cuddle-U-Nursing-Pillow-More/dp/B000RHYPS4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398894056&sr=8-3&keywords=baby+lounger

Baby Shusher - actually works and just saw they have a app but only for iphones for now
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Soothing-Miracle-Babies/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398894587&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+shusher

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/baby-shusher/id419606496?mt=8

Hope this helps!

I think it was that and the fact that the back is velcro and there is a battery pack that could be pulled out. Those would be my guesses. I will say it's super soothing though. So is the Twilight Turtle

this is the closest I could find without being overly cheesy, like this one.

Edit: Scratch that, this is much cooler.

My baby enjoys a shusher (any white noise machine would prob work) it calms him and he now knows it means time to sleep!

https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Soothing-Miracle-Babies/dp/B00D2JN87I

My daughter loves these two night/light toys:

Rainbow in my room

And

Light Turtle

She also likes these little kid magnet toys - they are really weird looking - but when she finally figured out the "pull" of the magnets they became amazing to her:
GeoMag

I obviously have a girl - but I'm sure your kid would love any of these! Pretty universal items!

Single mom of a five month old baby here, so like you I handled all wakeups. She did the standard non-stop fussing until she was a little over two months old. I was walking her around my apartment in her stroller at 3am losing my mind. What really made a difference was the Shusher. It sounded so silly to me but it has been a lifesaver. I still use it to soothe her to sleep, and it's easier than shh-ing her myself. Best $40 I ever spent. They also have an app but it's $5 and glitchy. It will be my go-to gift for any baby shower for here on out.

And it does get better, I promise!!

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Soothing-Miracle-Babies/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412621475&sr=8-1&keywords=shusher

We have this one and he seems to like it.

We also have the constellation turtle which is just a stationary night light, but he seems to enjoy as well.

When it's bedtime, I put him in his crib and turn on one or the other. Sometimes both. He just stares at it until his eyes get droopy and he falls asleep.

I got this owl thing for our son. We've been using it for nearly 2 years and it works great. It has some built in basic options for white noise that it can play and it also has a Bluetooth speaker. It charges via usb cable so you can take it on trips and stuff as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HP06EFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2ixgDb3C2QFR0

I have heard nothing but good things about this baby shusher.

Have you tried using white noise? My baby loves it. We have this and it turns off after 40 mins then back on when it heats baby cry. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYH6S22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AeVDDbRCDR04A. But I have used the vacuum and my stupid loud dish washer before too

What about one of the constellation night lights? I know they're technically for babies/young children, but they're actually really cool.

http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Turtle/dp/B000BNQC58

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cloud-b-7323-ZZ-Twilight-Turtle/dp/B000BNQC58/

Edit: Added UK link -- there are a bunch of different varieties beyond turtles too.

We have the Skiphop owl sound machine and love it! It has multiple sounds, can be a nightlight, and also projects things onto the ceiling.

ETA: here’s a link to it on Amazon. It’s just under $30! There’s also an elephant version that’s about $10 more.

It's a little portable one that hooks on to the bars. Nope, it wouldn't have to sit in the crib. (But, it could.) You could even just put it on the floor near the crib, I'd think.

https://www.amazon.com/myBaby-SoundSpa-Sound-Machine-Green/dp/B01N9EZFJI/ref=dp_ob_title_baby

Our daycare won't (aka can't legally) swaddle, or even use a sleep sack, but this was ok.

We have the Skip Hop owl.

We use it both as a night light and a white noise machine. There are several noise and light levels as well as different sounds.

One note: There was a recall about the power adapter. I took the steps and they replaced it very quickly and effortlessly. I imagine the newer ones ship with the proper adapter.

My son loved this at that age - we still use it as a noise machine. But one of the settings is it changes the colors of the projected stars and it THRILLED him as an infant.

VTech BC8312 Wyatt the Whale Storytelling Baby Sleep Soother with a White Noise Sound Machine Featuring; 10 Stories, 10 Ambient Sounds & 10 Calming Melodies with Glow-on-ceiling Night Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCM7795/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WOpOBbAKN5XRV

Also, does your fussy one like ceiling fans? Ceiling fans were the ultimate calmer when my son was little. Even now as a one year old lying under a fan soothes him really well. Good luck!

Our kid was the same, wouldn't sleep at all. It was mind numbingly terrible for the first couple of weeks. Then we bought the shusher which helped our kid sleep when nothing else would.

It sounds dumb, it's just a machine that makes a stupid shushing noise. But boy did it knock him out.

VTech Baby Lil' Critters Soothing Starlight Hippo, Pink (Amazon Exclusive) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012CG961I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vvbhDbC7HYV1C

I'm so sorry I just saw this! Looks like the price is $40 now, but this is the same one we bought a year ago and haven't had any issues with it ever. It goes everywhere with us!

Night Lights for Kids, Baby White Noise Machine and Sound Soother - Project Nursery Dreamweaver Smart Night Light & Sleep Soother w/Bluetooth Firefly Jar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WF7T64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qDj0CbXS5NRM9

yes!!! We were dealing with the same things and I was super pregnant and cranky and tired. We ended up putting a door knob cover on her door so she couldn't get out. We tell her to just knock and call for us and we do have to go in multiple times at the beginning of the night, tuck all her dolls in etc. One thing that recently helped was to transition from living room where she gets her pajamas on to our bedroom where we have ' family meeting' which is books and talking about the day. Then brush teeth and bed. I find that spending some time on our bed helped her instead of just straight to her room. Then we say she can play in her room with lights out but nightlight on and to call us when you want to be tucked in. Within 30 seconds shes calling for us. Giving her control has been huge! Then before bed I go over what we will do the next day with great excitement. And lastly this turtle light was a huge help! once again gave her control of her environment, she could turn the dim light on whenever she wants:
https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Turtle-Nightlight-Projector/dp/B000BNQC58