20+ Thoughtful Baby Shower Gifts for the Crunchy Mama in Your Life

Finding the right baby shower gift for the natural mama in your life can be a bit challenging, but knowing what to look for and what to avoid are key factors to the beginning of your search. Here are my top recommendations for useful and safe products for the new mom-to-be!

Let’s first start by saying not all baby products are created equal. You can’t just walk down the baby aisle, load up the cart, and call it done. Many natural-minded parents are looking for the safest, relevant products for their new little ones.

This includes products made with quality, non-toxic materials, without harmful additives and chemicals that can lurk in some mainstream baby products (yes, even regulated baby products and toys). By searching for baby products that are as clean as possible, you’ll be giving both mama and baby the healthiest start.

Obviously, you’re shopping for two: the sweet new bundle who will happily mouth anything you give him, and, the parents. You want to get something for the new mom that will meet her approval and will be usable for her and the baby.

Whether you are a parent looking for the most up-to-date, relevant baby products for the expectant mom in your life, or you have no clue where to start, with this guide, you definitely don’t have to be a non-toxic mom expert to pick out a useful and meaningful gift. I’ve got you covered!

Related: 20+ Non-Toxic Gift Ideas for Moms

What to Avoid in Baby Products

Before purchasing a new baby product, it’s a good idea to be aware of the things to completely avoid. This includes materials, additives, and chemicals that can sometimes be found in popular baby items.

Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are chemicals that manufacturers add to products to make them resistant to flames in the event of a fire. Makes sense. But they are also health hazards. Scientists have continually raised concerns around fire retardant formulations that contain bromine, chlorine, or phosphorus. Research finds that kids often have the highest levels of flame retardants in their blood simply because they mouth so many things. And unfortunately, research also indicates a number of health issues consequence of exposure. For example, brominated flame retardants can cause cancer, disrupt hormone balance, and impact neurodevelopmental development.

The most commonly found fire retardant, TDCPP, can be found in nursing pillows, car seats, strollers, crib mattresses. All surfaces babies can spend a significant amount of time in and around. As a general rule, I always tell parents they should opt-out of purchasing baby products that contain polyurethane foam. Most polyurethane contains some form of flame retardant to meet the flammability standards. Alternatively, look for products that use wool, cotton, or even polyester as these are often naturally flame resistant and do not require extra chemicals.

PVC and Vinyl

Most baby products are labeled BPA-free and while that is good, research indicates that the replacement for BPA, BPS, is just as bad! So definitely know that plastics are not all the same. The best thing to do is avoid the worst offending plastics that often contain toxic chemicals (and even heavy metals). The big one to avoid is PVC. PVC will typically include both BPA and phthalates along with a slew of other toxic chemicals. Research shows these substances are endocrine disrupters and are often carcinogenic. For this reason, I always recommend that people avoid PVC as well as vinyl in toys, baby gear, and baby care products.

The safest plastic out there is polypropylene. Fortunately, many manufacturers use polypropylene for baby products. You can also identify this plastic by looking for the recycle code on the bottom of the product. Polypropylene will be labeled with a number 5. You can typically find this product in baby bottles, pump parts, and toys. It’s BPA-free and doesn’t contain heavy metal contaminants.

Additives

The other main substances to avoid are all hazardous and toxic additives. Above all else, this includes heavy metal contamination and phthalates. All baby products and children’s toys are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They have a fairly strict list of rules and standards to ensure the safety of all products sold in the United States. Their standards include no more than 90ppm lead in all children’s toys. They also prohibit the use of di(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), or butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP).

CPSC standards are good, but not good enough, in my opinion. Toys that can comply with CPSC regulations still contain heavy metals, BPA, or phthalates. Toys can still be made with PVC. Not all phthalates are banned in children’s toys, for example. So your best bet is to be informed and choose your products wisely.

Other Additives/Ingredients to Avoid

• Parabens: these are preservatives to extend shelf-life of products found in soaps and lotions. They have been linked to skin irritation as well as reproductive organ issues. Look for “paraben free.”
• Talc: most commonly found in baby powder, this can be contaminated with asbestos on occasion. Avoid and look for talc-free.
• Synthetic fragrances: you can find this in many baby care products. The ingredients that compose fragrance is a “trade secret” so you will never know what exactly is in the product. Steer clear.
• Sulfates: This can be used in baby soaps and can cause respiratory irritation. It’s also irritating to sensitive skin.
• Tributyltin: this is a really ugly substance that can sometimes be found on diapers’ adhesive parts. Avoid disposable diapers and stick to organic, nontoxic diapers or switch to cloth diapers.
• Formaldehyde: this is also a very toxic substance that doesn’t exist as an explicit ingredient in a baby product. Instead you can find ingredients that are more likely to be contaminated with it or release the substance over time. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Ingredients that can contain formaldehyde include many preservatives like quaternium-15 and DMDM hydantoin, methylene oxide, formalin, and methylene glycol.

As you can see, the list of things to avoid is LONG! I don’t expect all baby shower guests to take note of all this, but it’s always good to be informed. Luckily, I’ve researched the very best non-toxic baby and postpartum essentials that will make the perfect baby shower gift.

Less Toxic Baby Shower Gifts for Natural Mamas

I’ve grouped these gift ideas into useful categories to help you shop more easily. Remember, any of these gifts the new mom in your life will undoubtedly be happy to unwrap!

Diapering

Every baby will need a lot of diapering essentials from day one! Collect a few products and display them in a big beautiful basket or bin for presentation.

• HealthyBaby Disposable Diapers: HealthyBaby diapers are a premium, non-toxic diapereing option. For other options, read more about the best non-toxic disposable diapers on the market. But overall, diapers make a great baby shower gift — as long as you know which brand(s) the mama prefers.
• WaterWipes Sensitive Baby Wipes: Water Wipes top my list of the best non-toxic baby wipes because of their minimal ingredients. Since they do not contain a strong preservative, they are not as shelf-stable as some of the other wipes on the market, but they are perfect for newborns with extra sensitive skin. Stock the nursery with some of these!
• Earth Mama Organics Diaper Balm: Made in the USA, Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm is an herbal salve that safely and gently reduces diaper rash and redness. This particular Diaper Balm is non-toxic and contains no artificial dyes or fragrances, petroleum products, mineral oil, Vitamin E, phthalates, or parabens. Natural-minded mamas will definitely reach for this one often, so it makes a great shower gift!

Feeding

From breastfeeding and bottle feeding to purees and table foods, a lot of feeding happens in that first year, which means there are a lot of eligible gifts in this category!

• Green Sprouts Muslin Bibs Made from Organic Cotton: Fabric bibs are perfect for both bottle and breastfeeding. Newborns spit up a lot as their little bellies get used to feeding. These protect their clothing perfectly and help to avoid extra clothing changes. I love these come in a set of 5 bibs, too. For a shower gift, consider buying two sets, so mama will be fully stocked!
• Philips AVENT Natural Glass Bottles: Glass bottles are a great alternative to plastic as it’s naturally free of BPA, phthalates, and lead. These are great starter bottles that most babies love. You can find other options in my guide to glass baby bottles or stainless steel baby bottles.
• Mushie Silicone Spoons: Non-toxic, soft silicone is great for learning to eat purees. The long handle gives the perfect reach for mom or dad to feed their little one, and the soft spoon ensures safe eating. I don’t mind using silicone spoons, but if you prefer to avoid silicone, try these stainless steel spoons.
• Kiinde Kozii Bottle Warmer: The Kiinde Kozii is one of the best bottle warmers available. One of the things I really like about this warmer is that it uses water circulation to warm the milk and has really good temperature control. You can find additional options in my guide on the best bottle warmers.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is definitely an adventure for most moms. It can be challenging, rewarding, and exhausting. But always worth it! Every breastfeeding mama needs to stock up on all the breastfeeding essentials. They make great gifts, too.

• Organic Nipple Butter by Earth Mama Organics: Nipple cream can be a godsend in those early days as the body adjusts to breastfeeding. Earth Mama Organics makes one of the most well-known organic nipple creams on the market. Chosen by many hospitals nationwide for breastfeeding mothers, it is a reputable, safe product.
• Kindred Bravely Eco Nursing pads: Nursing pads help absorb extra breastmilk while nursing and any leakage between feeding sessions. Traditional, disposable nursing pads are fine, too. Organic Nursing Pads are easy to use and great for working moms. Many natural-minded moms look for washable nursing pads.
• Cotton Nursing Cover: Also known as an “apron style cover,” this nursing cover features a neck strap that holds the cover in place and an open neckline that encourages airflow. The cover is made from 100% cotton and has two pockets for cleanup and storage. For more nursing covers, you can read about some other options in my article on the best nursing covers.
• The Nesting Organic Nursing Pillow: Moms use their nursing pillows a lot. It’s great for breastfeeding, tummy time, and other playtime activities. But because the baby often is in direct, prolonged contact with the pillow, it’s a good idea to opt for an organic nursing pillow.

Sleeping

While sleep may not feel like it’s happening a whole lot, the right sleepwear and sleep tools can help baby (and parents) sleep better! Here are a few of my top sleeping product recommendations that would make great baby shower gifts.

• Organic Cotton Adjustable Swaddle Wrap: Since babies spend so much time sleeping, it’s wise to choose organic sleepwear and swaddles whenever possible. These swaddled are made of GOTS certified organic cotton with velcro adjustments, making swaddling easy to do, even in the dark. You can find more great swaddles in my guide on baby swaddles.
• Burts Bees Footed Organic Baby Pajamas: Burts Bees offers GOTS-certified organic footed pajamas that are perfect for wee little ones. Soft to the touch, easy to take on and off, and footed to keep toes warm. They also have some really adorable patterns. Can’t go wrong with these!
• Marpac Dohm Original White Noise Machine: White noise machines are a must-have for babies. They offer stagnant background noise to block out any other noise in the home. The Marpac Dohm is my #1 recommendation. It makes the sound of an actual fan inside the machine, as opposed to a recording of white noise. It has many sound adjustments as well.
• Ryan & Rose Pacifier: A sucking motion has an immediate calming and soothing effect on a baby and helps them get back to sleep. To a newborn, nonnutritive sucking (i.e. comfort sucking) mimics one of the sensations of being in-utero and often soothes them back to a happy state. This silicone pacifier is one-piece construction and is used in hospitals nationwide. They are very durable, easy to clean, and made for babies ages newborn through age 18 months. For other pacifier options, read about my recommendations for the best and safest pacifiers on the market.

Play Time

Once babies start to sleep a little less and grow more alert, parents need developmentally appropriate toys to engage their baby on a daily basis. There are a number of toys on the market, but many are overstimulating. Here are my top recommendations for safe, non-toxic playthings for new babies. These all make great gifts for new parents!

• Lovevery Play Gym: A play gym will last a long time and be put to good use. You can’t go wrong with the Lovevery play gym! As one of the most popular, this particular play gym was designed to provide infants with a way to stimulate their cognitive development as well as their motor skills. This gym offers different play zones with interchangeable toys, teething accessories, and learning cards. It stands out among the others because you can also conceal each station to prevent overstimulation. You can also read more about the play gym on our Lovevery play gym review article.
• Lorena Canals Play Mat: Playmats for babies are great for giving a baby an opportunity to explore their world on their own as they get bigger. And once they are in the toddler stage, playmats make great, non-toxic play surfaces. Lorena Canals makes wonderful rugs that can be used as a playmat. These are handmade rugs, made from 100% natural cotton and non-toxic dyes. They are also machine washable!
• Sophie the Giraffe Teether: Natural rubber is a great choice for teething toys because of its flexible texture. Not only is it a renewable resource, but it is non-toxic and safe for babies to mouth, drool, and chew on. Sophie the Giraffe is super popular. It has a soft texture and many chewable parts (ears, horns, legs). It also makes a squeaking sound when squeezed. Read about more great, non-toxic options in my guide to teethers.
• Look, Look Board Book: Believe it or not, babies love to read from day one. Start a baby’s library collection by gifting a few books that mom and dad can read with their new bundle. High contrast books are great for young babies who are developing their eyesight like this one, Look Look. Of course, there are so many great books! Get more ideas in my article on the best books for babies.
• BabyBjörn Bouncer: A bouncer is essentially a baby seat that gently bounces when the baby moves around. These make really wonderful baby shower gifts. The BabyBjorn has four positions and can be used from birth to age 2, making this a versatile bouncer that will last a long time. As with all BabyBjorn products, the fabric used is Oeko-Tek certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals. And with the fabric being removable, it’s easy to throw it in the washer. Read about additional bouncers in my guide to the best bouncers on the market.

Baby Care

The is nothing quite so nice as a squeaky clean baby! While it can be a little challenging handling a slippery baby, parents can be ready for bath time with some of these bath products, perfect to bring to a baby shower.

• Natemia Organic Hooded Baby Towel: Soft, gentle organic baby hooded bath towels are the perfect baby shower gift. Newborns and babies have sensitive skin and can easily get cold after a bath. Natemia makes wonderful baby towels, GOTS certified, and made of 100% organic cotton.
• Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Wash: Parents generally feel better bathing their newborns with a natural baby shampoo and body wash. Earth Mama has a wonderfully pure and gentle soap that is suitable for newborns. It is a gentle castile-based soap made with organic calendula and contains no fragrances, Triclosan, phthalates, parabens, petroleum products, dyes, or sulfates.
• Earth Mama Simply Non-Scents Baby Lotion: Babies don’t often need baby lotion, but if it’s a winter baby, he/she may be on the dry side and appreciate a little moisture from time to time. Earth Mama shines through again with a completely gentle, non-toxic baby lotion. Combine this with a few other baby bath items, and you have a complete gift set!
• Burts Bees Baby Organic Wash Cloths: It’s important to have a nice stack of gentle washcloths for a baby. Burts Bees Baby has a great line of quality washcloths, all made of 100% organic cotton. They are absorbent and dry quickly.
• Fridababy Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator: A good nasal aspirator is something all new parents should have on hand. Babies get congested and there is nothing quite like the Fridababy aspirator. It clears congestion in seconds. Many parents consider this to be the very best one on the market because it’s gentle and perfect for newborns.
• NailFrida SnipperClippers: Tiny little fingernails can be really tricky to trim, so using specialized baby clippers are the best tool. NailFrida’s the SnipperClilpper has a number of safety features built into its design to make the job easy.
• Crane Humidifier: A baby humidifier is a must-have. It’s great to use when a baby isnt’ feeling well, and it also comes in hand when the air is cold and dry. The Crane humidifier is an easy one (although, it does require daily cleaning). It has a nice, sleek design, too. For other options, you can check out my full guide to the best humidifiers for babies.
• Boon Soak Bath Tub: Babies are super wiggly, so when it comes time to bathe the little one, parents will really appreciate a bath tub designed for a baby. I love the Boon Soak bath tub as it has three stages (newborn, infant, and toddler), so it will last a long time. Be sure to check out my non-toxic guide to baby bathtubs for more bathtub suggestions.

Baby Gear

Home life with a baby does require a bit of gear. Here are the top baby gear items I recommend for all parents, and, yes, they make great gifts!

• Organic Baby K’tan Baby Carrier: Babies have an innate need to be held and really thrive when they are held close. Not only does closeness promote bonding but it also encourages physiological development. Early on, I recommend the K’tan baby wrap. It’s hassle-free and very comfortable for mom to wear. For other options, read about the other top baby carriers I recommend.
• Romina Crib: A crib can be a big deal. A baby will spend a lot of time in the crib over the first few years of his life. Romina Furniture is among the best of the best when it comes to non-toxic baby furniture. Not only are the designs incredibly stylish and elegant, they are Greenguard Gold Certified and extremely well made – from 100% solid beechwood – and are non-toxic, with no formaldehyde emissions. This is a larger investment, so it might be a good idea to go in on the gift with a couple of people. You can learn more about Romina and also find a few other options in my guide to nursery furniture.
• Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair: Possibly the most popular among the non-toxic high chairs, the Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair is made from solid beechwood and water-based paint. The chair is manufactured in Europe, and the tray is free of BPA and phthalates. It is sold in 14 different colors, too! Here are some other reputable, non-toxic high chairs you can look into as well.
• Naturepedic Crib Mattress: Naturepedic is one of my top recommendations for an organic crib mattress. Their mattresses are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified and the innerspring line is made with GOTS-certified cotton, heavy duty innerspring coils, organic cotton and PLA batting, and polyethylene waterproofing and firmness layers. There are no hidden chemicals or fire retardants in this one. New parents will definitely appreciate this!
• Naturepedic Changing Pad: A baby changing pad is a stationary, clean, and soft surface that sits inside a secure changing topper or tray on the baby’s dresser. An all natural, non-toxic changing pad is a must, and Naturepedic offers just that. Parents will appreciate the soft contored sides to keep baby in place while changing diapers! For additional non-toxic options, read my guide on the best non-toxic diaper changing pads.
• UPPAbaby Cruz V2 Stroller: This is a high-end compact, non-toxic stroller that offers a parent-facing option, which I find very useful in the earlier months, and parents can turn the stroller to face forward as well. The seat itself is compatible with both toddlers and newborns (using the newborn insert), and has an easy-to-use recline feature. It is easy to steer and offers a smooth ride. UPPAbaby does not use toxic flame retardants, BPA, Phthalates, Lead, PVC, Latex, Teflon, or Scotchguard in any of their products. Find more non-toxic stroller options in my guide on Buying the Healthiest Stroller for Your Baby.
• UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat: All parents need a safe car seat for their baby from day one. Unfortunately, a lot of car seats are full of flame retardants. The UPPAbaby was the first to market with their Merino wool-poly blend car seats that are naturally flame resistant. Both the Henry and Jordan models contain no flame retardant chemicals, and the wool used is Oeko-Tex certified. For more car seat options, check out my article on the best, non-toxic car seats.
• HALO BassiNest Swivel Bassinet: A lot of parents feel very strongly about reducing a baby’s chemical exposure, which means the baby’s sleep environment is super important. The Halo bassinet provides the baby with a safe separate sleep space, but sits right next to a bed and can swivel closer to the bedside when it’s time to feed or cuddle the baby. This one does contain polyurethane foam, but the company says there are no flame retardants in their products. HALO does offer an Greenguard Gold certified bassinet mattress, which I also recommend. If you want to look into other options, read my guide on non-toxic bassinets.

On-the-Go Products

When it’s time to run errands, meet up for play dates, or just take a walk in the park, parents need to be prepared for everything the baby might need while out of the house. Here are my top product recommendations that make great baby shower gifts, too!

• Fawn Diaper Bag: When it comes time for a mom to switch out her purse for a diaper bag, you want her to still feel chic. Queue: The Fawn diaper bag. Made from faux leather, the original design has a beautiful finishing and can be the perfect bag to take along for any occasion while staying organized and ready for anything. Of course, there are a number of diaper bags on the market that fit any style, so check out my other top diaper bag recommendations.
• Monica & Andy Baby Clothing: Baby clothing can be full of some really powerful chemicals, so it’s best to be picky about what you buy the new baby. While there may be so many cute designs and styles out there, I suggest sticking to organic clothing. There are a number of great brands out there. I love Monica & Andy clothing. They keep the styles sweet and wholly toxin-free.
• Enovoe Baby Car Mirror: When a baby is rear-facing (which is for a few years!) it’s really useful to be able to see the baby using a car mirror. The shatterproof mirror straps onto the seat and has an array of adjustments so mom and dad can see the baby perfectly. Once installed, the mirror stays in place! This will be a super useful gift.
• The Baby Shusher: This is the BEST baby shower gift ever. A portable sound machine is really helpful, especially with an unpredictable napper. Newborns fall asleep often, and having a shusher that can travel is very convenient. This one makes a “shushing” sound that mimics the same sound you would make when trying to calm a baby. Most babies (and parents) love it!

Mama Gifts

Don’t forget mama! The postpartum journey can be quite the adjustment. And little gifts that let you know you’re thinking of her, too, can be appreciated. Here are some ideas that every mom will love!

• Cake Cotton Candy Maternity Nursing Bra: A set of nice nursing bras are a nice way to support a mother’s breastfeeding journey. While there are a lot of comfortable nursing bras on the market, Cake offers a silky soft nursing bra, wireless, and Oeko-Tex certified. Perfect for the mindful mama.  
• Pact Nursing Camis: A comfortable nursing cami is a great gift for the new mom. She can wear these with any button-down shirt, robe, pajamas both at home and while out running errands. Pact makes organic clothing that is nontoxic and safe for the baby to be close to.
• Motherlove Box: The Motherlove Box includes a variety of self-care products. It includes natural products like nipple cream, sitz bath spray, and diaper balm. It’s the perfect gift that pampers both the pregnant and postpartum mama! 
• Five Year Journal: A new mom doesn’t often have time to sit down and reflect let alone detail her days for her future self to read. But there is a really great solution. This five-year memory book allows a mom to write just one or two sentences from each of her days for five full years! It’s a great way to build in a little self-reflection time that is totally manageable for parents with busy little ones at home.

Happy Showering the Mama!

I hope this guide to baby shower gifts has been helpful! Remember there is always room to be a little creative. Purchase a few things from one category and create a gift basket, or go in on a larger investment piece with a few other friends or family members. Enjoy the baby shower!

What did you purchase for the new mom in your life? I’d love to know!

Need More Baby Registry Help?

• Check out my ebook: The Baby Registry Handbook
• 11 Must-Read Baby Registry Tips and Hacks for New Moms
• The Best Baby Registry Sites: Where to Register and How to Score the Best Perks
• Ultimate Non-Toxic Baby Registry Checklist