Nothing spells softness, security and comfort like a favorite pillow. A new mother will benefit from a secure pillow to lean against as she cuddles her baby in a rocking chair, and adorable animal-theme pillows make a decorative addition as wall hangings or on a baby's dresser. Pillows can also help support the mother's arm as she is feeding her new baby. Your baby shower pillow gift should be soft on the outside, but stuffed firmly for supportive comfort.
Nursery Themes
Find out what the mom-to-be's idea is for the baby's nursery theme, and buy a pillow to match. If ducks will be gracing the baby's walls, buy or make a pillow emblazoned with a friendly, fuzzy duck to match. If moon and stars are Mom's decorative vision, iron or sew a moon on one side of your gift pillow and a star on the other.
Make sure the pillow material is soft and washable. A removable cover is best, over a firmly stuffed pillow.
Pillows with a Purpose
Another great gift idea is to buy a nursing pillow. This is a present that will benefit both baby and mother. Nursing pillows aren't just for breastfeeding. These cushiony, semi-circle pillows support the new mother's arm when she' is nursing or bottle-feeding her baby. The pillows can also be used by the baby's dad, grandparents, or siblings to help with bottle feedings.
Nursing pillows can also be used as play aids for babies three months and up. They can support a baby's head to gaze up at toys dangling above, and help the baby to master the art of sitting.
Mom will also appreciate a back or neck support pillow, or full-length pregnancy pillows. These can be a tremendous help to women during the final months of pregnancy, when ligaments and muscles are being pulled to their maximum capacity.
Personalize Your Pillow
You can dress up a plain pillow to make it gift-worthy in no time. Sew on objects such as toys, animals or geometric shapes. If you know the baby's name ahead of time, add it to the gift pillow.
Occasionally, parents know the day their baby will be born. This is a gamble, as some parents are surprised by a baby that decides to come even earlier than the delivery date. But, if you're reasonably sure, add the baby's birth date to the pillow. Even if the baby is early, the pillow gift will be a conversation piece for years to come.
Pillow Shapes
Even more fun is a pillow cut into the shape of a baby-pleasing object. Buy or make a lion pillow, a smiling moon and big star, or a couple of plush beach balls.
Make a pillow mini zoo or circus for the baby - a bear, an elephant, and a smiling ringleader. Or, let Baby play "On The Farm" with a cow, horse, and pig.
Pillow Poetry
Another way to make your baby shower pillow gift special is to include a short poem. You can embroider, sew, or even draw a brief and welcoming saying on the front of the pillow with a fabric pen.
For ready-made pillow offerings with poetry on them, check stores and the Internet for a variety of choices.
Take the time to make or find a special pillow gift for your next baby shower gift. It will be a cuddly keepsake for years to come.
