Find yourself in need of a gift for an expectant mother? A baby quilt is a quintessential gift but what if they already have a special blanket...or seven??? As a mother and a quilter, I've rounded up some of my favorite handmade baby items and gifts. The best part??? Most of these items have free tutorials available!
1. Backseat Babysitter
I've made two of these now: one I've gifted and one that is currently in the backseat of my Subaru.
Keeping the car organized with kids is no easy task. This gift will also last well past the infant stage. Go from storing pacifiers, diapers and rattles to keeping elementary aged kids stocked with snacks and entertainment on road trips. This gift will be well used for years!
Check out the Pattern
Backseat Babysitter from By Annie
Why this Gift Rocks:
The pattern results in a really professional finish. This is a unique gift idea that will get a lot of use throughout the years, being appreciated by both the kid who can reach his toys and the mama who likes to keep it tidy.
Things to consider:
This project will take several hours and some aspects, like stitching binding around the bulky cup holders, could be challenging if you haven't ventured into 3D sewing.
2. Tummy Time Mat
Babies need lots of Tummy Time to develop. Make it more appealing with a squishy quilted mat! Use contrasting colors and textures to keep Babies entertained.
Check out my free tutorial:
Circular Tummy Time Mat by Groundworks Quilt Studio
Why this Gift Rocks:
Babies need lots of tummy time so this gift is super practical and if you love making quilts, this is basically just a quilt with some fun textures and extra fluff. If your tummy time mat isn't the only one opened up at the shower, no worries because life with an infant is messy and it's always good to have two when one is in the wash.
Things to consider:
While an excellent gift, a Tummy Time mat won't be needed forever. Use two or three layers of batting to make it extra comfy.
3. Diaper Bag
Check to make sure they don't already have a Diaper Bag or one they're set on. Unlike a lot of other items on this list, you don't really need extra. This might be a good gift to talk about ahead of time to make sure your time and effort are put to good use.
Check out these diaper bag patterns:
Tripper by Sally Tomato
Why this Gift Rocks:
Having a special bag to tote all your baby gear around in is super cool. I can say this from experience. It's also a gift that will get years and years of use out of which is important to the maker who spent so much time on the handmade gift. Many diaper bag patterns available are so cute that they will transition from a diaper bag to a go bag.
Things to consider:
Making a diaper bag is one of the more involved items on this list. It might be a good idea to have a conversation with the recipient before planning this project to make sure that it would be appreciated. Some mama's have a very specific idea of what they want their diaper bag to look like and feature.
4. Nursing Essentials Bag for Mom
Mom needs some love too! Give mom a special place in the diaper bag for her things. If she's nursing, she'll likely want to stow Nursing pads and Lanolin in an easy to access location. Small project. Could gift along with Nursing pads or Lanolin.
Check out these patterns:
FREE Quilted Zipper Pouch Tutorial by Purl Soho
Taylor by Sally Tomato
Companion Mini by Sally Tomato
Why this Gift Rocks:
Moms need love too! Give her a special place in the diaper bag to keep her things. Initially she can use this for nursing and post partum needs like nursing pads, sanitary napkins, lanolin, and snacks. As she moves past the baby stage, this bag can transition as well, functioning as a small clutch or purse organizer.
Things to consider:
What kind of style does the mom have? Check out her registry to get ideas. You could also stuff the handmade bag with essentials for mom to make the gift extra special.
5. Changing Station/Pad
Why this Gift Rocks:
Babies need changed. Like a lot. Having a clean, soft, and stocked changing pad available in the diaper bag or trunk of the car (where I keep mine) is essential.
Things to consider:
What material will you use? You will want something ultra washable or a material that is water resistant so it's easy to wipe up on the go.
Check out these Changing Pad Patterns:
Simple & FREE Travel Changing Pad by We All Sew
Changing Station 2.0 by By Annie
6. Quilted Baby Bib
Have you seen a baby eat? Bibs will never go out of fashion. I haven't once thought "wow, have too many bibs". I have scrambled around my house trying to find a clean bib.
Check out these free tutorials:
Baby Bib Tutorial by Suzy Quilts
Baby Bib Tutorial by Groundworks Quilt Studio
Why this Gift Rocks:
This is a small, fast make that is still really meaningful. It doesn't require a lot of materials and is scrap or stash friendly.
Things to consider:
Avoid light fabric and solid fabrics. The more bold the design, the better it will hide that spaghetti sauce stain! Since a bib will be washed a lot, you want to make sure your stitch length is a little shorter than usual and backstitch everything!
7. Quilted burp clothes
This is a super easy make that will be well loved. Personally, I don't care too much if the burp cloth is rounded or square. What I do prefer is to have one layer of cotton (pieced or whole, doesn't matter) for the top and terry-cloth for the back. I've found the terry-cloth to be more absorbent that flannel.
Check out these free tutorials:
Quilted Burp Cloths by Modern Hand Craft
Quilted Burp Cloths by Sweet Red Poppy
Why this Gift Rocks:
I'm always reaching around for a clean cloth for drool, spit-up, eye-goop and other bodily fluids I won't mention here. Burp cloths will be well loved. This is a small project that doesn't take much time and could be a great way to bust some scraps.
Things to consider:
Check out mamas registry to see if she already has a lot on there or if she prefers organic materials. Cloud9 offers a lot of organic double gauze.
8. Quilted Sleep Sack
Babies can't actually sleep with a blanket! Sleep sacks keep baby snug and warm, often aiding them in falling asleep.
Check out these tutorials:
Quilted Sleep Sack Tutorial by Crinkly Quilts
Sew an Easy Baby Sleep Sack by Christina Dennis
Why this Gift Rocks:
Babies love to be swaddled and speaking from experience, you can't have too many! Between spit up and blowouts, it's awesome to have a stack to use whenever you need one.
Things to consider:
You may want to use organic materials, especially if the parents are really careful about fabrics, dyes, etc. with their little ones.
9. Car Organizer
Help mom and family be prepared for outings. It's so helpful to have a stock of items in the car like diaper cream, an extra outfit, wipes, water, etc. In case you run out while you're in the go or in a frenzy, you left the diaper bag sitting by the front door (which I've totally done, many times).
Check out these car organizer patterns:
FREE pattern The Miracle Caddy from Sew Can She
Road Trip from By Annie (pictured above)
Why this Gift Rocks:
You'll likely have a unique gift for mom to open up at the shower but it will be super practical!
Things to consider:
Choose classic fabric that works for babies as well as adults to keep the family using this gift for years.
There you have it! Nine quilted ideas for your next momma-to-be
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