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Most people at one time or another in their life will attend a baby shower, and the question that will be on their minds the most is, "What do I bring?"

Truthfully, there are no hard, fast rules about what to bring to a baby shower. The host/hostess of the baby shower will have everything covered, in terms of food, location and beverages. Your job as a guest will be to provide presents to the mother-to-be. So, what type of presents should you bring to a baby shower? This article will give you some ideas to answer the question "What should I bring to a baby shower?"

Bare necessities

The one thing a mother and father-to-be needs for a newborn are the bare necessities. What are the bare necessities? They include things like diapers, cotton shirts, pants, pajamas, and baby bottles. Anything that a baby might need in the first few months of his/her life would make a good present. Also, remember that newborns grow fairly quickly so when buying clothes for babies, don't be afraid to buy something in a larger size.

Grooming products

Grooming products for the baby and the mother-to-be are a good way to go. For the baby, consider things like brushes, combs, washcloths, blankets, shampoo, towels, and changing sheets.

For the mother, consider things like lotions to help with stretch marks, gift certificates for a spa treatments after the baby has been born, free membership at a gym (make sure the mother will not be insulted by such a present) or a simple gift basket that will include bath salts, fragrances and all types of grooming implements.

Father-to-be

Also, a new trend in baby showers is the co-ed baby shower, so when thinking of things to bring to a baby shower, don't forget about the father. Of course, the mother-to-be will, in all probability, be showered with gifts, but the same can't be said for the father-to-be. So, think about bringing a gift for the father that centers on the baby.

One gift to give the father is an emergency gift basket, which can include things like diapers, bottles, books on parenting, blankets, baby clothes, and throw in a tee-shirt proclaiming, the father-to-be as the best dad in the whole world or something equally endearing.

Gifts for the nursery

Don't forget things for the nursery when thinking about what to bring to a baby shower. A lot of times parents wait until the last minute to finish a nursery, and probably do not have everything they need. So think of things like a crib, changing table, mattress and a diaper receptacle.

Travel items

Another important thing to consider to bring to a baby shower are things that parents can be used when traveling with the baby. For example, a car seat for bringing the baby home from the hospital, diaper bag to hold necessities for the baby, stroller, or a front baby harness or sling to facilitate carrying the baby.

Sentimental gifts

Sentimental gifts are nice as well. You can get the parents frames for baby pictures or cameras with rolls of films. There are kits that let you take a foot or hand imprint of the child. You can make a homemade gift like a knit blanket for the baby or even a small monetary gift like a bond, if you are a close friend or family member, for the baby's college fund.

Jacqueline Courtiol is a veteran teacher and mother who has lived through the trials and tribulations of a colicky infant. She is the developer of Colic Calm Gripe Water. For more information visit http://www.coliccalm.com.