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Do baby things have to be obnoxiously garish or boringly beige? Here are 12 baby gift ideas

Look for things that are childlike, not childish, and are big on function not just form. You don’t have to shun colour or patterns but apply them where it counts. Parenthood doesn’t have to be ugly.

Do baby things have to be obnoxiously garish or boringly beige? Here are 12 baby gift ideas

The best baby items are those that strike a balance between what’s optimal and needed for the little one, and what’s tasteful, classy, and stylish for the pickiest grownups. (Art: Jasper Loh/CNA)

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When it comes to all things baby, there are two opposing camps. One is like a rainbow implosion of a theme park – obnoxiously bright and busy to the point of garishness because the consensus among both child development psychologists and paediatricians is that colours, shapes, and patterns can encourage a baby’s development.

However, in recent years, a muted trend has dominated social media feeds and favoured by modern millennial (and younger) #aestheticMums like Kylie Jenner. Think neutral-coloured baby gear (like oatmeal bonnets and taupe onesies) and earth-toned nurseries and toys (like sand-coloured stacking cups). 

Comedy writer, Hayley DeRoche, coins this “sad beige parenting” and “sad baby clothes for sad beige children”. Her funny satirical videos mocking the austere baby items in marketing campaigns featuring children with equally dour expressions (versus happy looking little ones) quickly went viral, spurring other hashtags like “sadbeigemum” and “sadbeigebaby”.  

Harsh critics of the less-than-colourful trend have deemed it “poverty cosplay” even, since these less-than-colourful baby items spotted in these perfectly curated nurseries of minimalist calm also spot heftier price tags and aren’t affordable for the average parent. While they may suit parents who cling on to their minimalist aesthetic, refusing to let their homes resemble a daycare creche or a bouncy ball castle, it begets the question: Are they optimised for babies and are they fun and cheery for the child? 

We’ve rounded up some must-have baby items with form and function (extra brownie points for baby gear that double up on duty or can grow with a child even), that strike a balance between what’s optimal and needed for the little one, and what’s tasteful, classy, and stylish for the pickiest grownups.  

HOUSE OF HOLLY REVERSIBLE DROOL BIBS

Feeding time can be a messy affair. The front side of the bib (made of a soft and breathable bamboo fabric so it’s gentle on baby’s delicate skin) features a classic and elegant garden print, decorative enough to disguise food stains. Its plain flip side is in bamboo terry towel for greater absorbency. The generous size means it catches spills from neck to chest. With two adjustable gold snap closures, it’s good for newborns and toddlers up to 24 months. 

(Photo: House of Holly)

From House of Holly, S$49 (US$37) for a bundle of three 

PHILIPS AVENT ULTRA SOFT SNUGGLE

(Photo: Philips)

This clever combi pairs a plushie (it’s lightly weighted in the paws to make a baby feel secure too) with a BPA-free soother – it makes it a lot easier to find and can be detached easily for effortless cleaning. The durable pacifier is made of medical grade silicone, and the collapsible and symmetrical orthodontic teats are designed to respect the natural development of the baby’s palate, teeth, and gums. Great for newborns to babies up to six months plus. 

From Philips, S$35

PUPPAPUPO NAPPY CADDY

The premium Japanese baby brand values simplicity, trendiness, and attention to detail. An example: This durable cotton rope weave diaper caddy that’s smooth and comfortable to the touch, even when bub’s delicate hands or feet hit it, makes baby changing easier, room-to-room. It’s also smart looking enough to be taken on the go (use it as a hospital bag even).

(Photo: Puppapupo)

The diaper caddy cum carrier is very roomy, yet not bulky – it stashes 24 diapers, wipes, towels, baby toiletries and other essentials. It comes with three inserts so you can get organised easily or simply take out what you need. Longer handles make it easier to carry; it comes in two natural shades, ivory and greige. When you’re out of the diaper stage, use it for baby toys or books.  

From Puppapupo, S$43 (excluding shipping)

OLI & CAROL RATTLE TOYS 

A rattle that’s also a teether, these unique handcrafted and handmade toys have been designed with certified otorhinolaryngologists to create the perfect sound pitch to calm babies, not overstimulate them. Made of 100 per cent natural rubber, the rattle is filled with upcycled cherry seeds.  

(Photo: Oli & Carol)

The toy is soft and easy to chew to soothe teething gums. Its hoop design makes it easy for babies to grasp, and they can be hung for easy storage. Hand painted with natural dyes that are certified safe and non-toxic for kids, plus there are no holes in the design to prevent bacteria and mould growth. Clean up is also a breeze: Simply wipe with soapy water and a damp cloth. Pick from several colourful vegetable and fruit versions.  

From Club 21, S$50

TIMO & VIOLET TROPICAL CHINOISERIE SHAWL BLANKET

The brand works with Aurelie Baudry Palmer, a French artist based in London, UK, who specialises in ink and water colour illustrations that capture the joy and poetry of everyday life.

(Photo: Timo & Vilot)

The Tropical Chinoiserie series revisits the Chinoiserie landscapes so fashionable in interior decor in Europe from the 17th century. The beautiful oriental design features birds, peacocks, and ornate foliage in a fun way, bringing deeper colours and whimsical yet elegant touches to baby accessories. The shawl blanket in 100 per cent organic cotton muslin (it is deliciously soft) is a versatile item that can be used by both mother and tot. Mum can wear it as a neck scarf (also an excellent cover for breastfeeding) or use it to swaddle her precious tot. Pretty to even frame up as a baby memento, when bub outgrows it.   

From Timo & Violet, approximately S$127 before shipping; enquire with the brand

HEGEN PCTO ESSENTIALS STARTER KIT

(Photo: Hegen)

A gift that will solve a mother’s pain points when it comes to bottle feeds. The kit bundles various sizes of the local company’s signature milk bottles, feeding teats and interchangeable milk storage lids, that make up its simplified Express-Store-Feed system which won the company the Singapore Good Design (SG Mark) award in 2018.     

Conventional milk bottles are cylindrical with screw-thread tops, but Hegen’s bottles are square with rounded corners, what it calls “sqround”. The benefit: They are easier for babies to hold, and less likely to roll away. The shape also makes them stackable and saves space in the fridge when you need to store milk. In addition, the no screw-thread tops can also be closed easily by adults with just one hand, but not by young children. These bottles also convert to air-tight food storage containers for baby purees or snacks like fruit and biscuits simply by swapping out the interchangeable feeding collar and teats with the provided lids.   

The feeding teats are designed to mimic the mother’s nipple to encourage latching and are deliberately off centred to promote upright feeding. Another plus: The built-in anti-colic air vent reduces unwanted air intake and prevents the bubbling of milk, to save precious nutrients from oxidation.   

From Hegen, S$138 

RALPH LAUREN POLO BEAR CONVERTIBLE GOWN COVERALL

We love double duty baby clothes. Made of soft cotton interlock and featuring ring snaps on the hem, this crew-neck one piece with charming bear motifs converts from gown to a coverall, to go from playtime to bedtime in a cinch. If baby’s skin is particularly sensitive, there’s also a version in premium organic cotton for S$159.  

(Photo: Ralph Lauren)

From Ralph Lauren, S$149 

BABY BJORN BABY CARRIER ONE AIR
(Photo: Baby Bjorn)

A baby carrier that grows with a child – you can use this from the time it’s a newborn up to three years of age – it can support the weight of a toddler up to 15kg and 100cm. Popular with parents, the Swedish brand’s carriers are thoughtfully designed to distribute the baby’s weight evenly, without putting strain on an adult’s back.  

The Carrier One Air model comes with an inbuilt infant insert with two height positions, and has a a wide, fully adjustable seat to ensure an ergonomically correct position for a child’s developing hips. The shoulder straps are thickly padded to offer superior carrying comfort; while the wide, sturdy waist belt relieves pressure too.  

This Air version comes in a lightweight 3D mesh fabric that stays pleasantly cool when you’re babywearing – ideal for our hot and warm climate. The material helps the carrier retain its shape better after multiple washes and is also quick drying. Choice of five colours.  

From Pupsik, S$295.20

CHARLIE CRANE LEVO BABY ROCKER IN BEECH

(Photo: Charlie Crane)

Founded by Thomas Lepine in 2013, Charlie Crane Paris is a baby and children’s furniture design company that recognises that having a baby doesn’t mean being saddled with ugly and gaudy things that you must hide away. The tasteful baby furnishings draw inspiration from mid-century Scandinavian design, and from famous 1950s French designers like Jacques Hitier and Jean Prouve, so they don’t look out of place in a stylish home. This quality rocker that adapts to a child’s movements, has a removable harness and adjustable seat (which allows for two different positions) is a fine example. It can be used from birth with the adjustable harness and up to five years, without it, transforming from rocker to rocking chair when the child grows up. There is even an activity arch that you can add on for added baby stimulation. 

From Pramfox, S$389

SENTIMENTAL SPLURGES 

Babies don’t stay little for too long. A commemorative keepsake not only helps to celebrate a little one’s significant milestones but allows parents to hang on to those first moments.  

TINY TIFFANY STERLING SILVER SPOON

(Photo: Tiffany & Co)

Born with a silver spoon indeed – this sterling silver from Tiffany & Co’s Tiny Tiffany baby collectibles to celebrate a little one’s milestones features Citrine, a seahorse character that is inspired by the luxury brand’s high jewellery designs, and with a Tiffany Blue enamel finish. The spoon also comes in two other variants, one sporting a baby bunny, the other a Tiffany Blue chick.  

From Tiffany & Co, S$275 

SAVOR PERSONALISED BABY KEEPSAKE LIBRARY

(Photo: Savor)

A cloth-covered made-to-order organiser with two “books” to help a parent store their little one’s cherished keepsakes, whether it’s their sonograms, a lock of baby hair, hospital name bracelets, and even their first pair of baby shoes. Each book opens to reveal compartments and acid-free drawers to file the adorable mementos. The set includes convenient labels and envelopes to make organising easy, and you can also get the library personalised with the baby’s name.    

From Uncommon Goods, S$222

DIOR BABY TOOTH BOX, TOILE DE JOUY KIDS

(Photo: Dior)

Give sentimentality an aristo-bohemian touch with this silver-finished metal petite holdall to save milk teeth for the Tooth Fairy. Designed by Cordelia de Castellane, the creative director of Dior Maison and Baby Dior, this 99 per cent brass and 1 per cent silver keepsake holder is engraved with the signature Toilet de Jouy Kids motif. Bonus: When the child grows, it can be upcycled to keep small accessories like dainty earrings. 

From Dior, S$390 

Source: CNA/st(bt)

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