Unique Gifts for the Mom-to-Be

Looking for a gift for an expectant mother? Sure, you can go for the layette set, the burping cloths or the bibs. But if you’re looking for something different – something inspired – consider these 2009 winners of the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA), sure to delight that pregnant friend or relative who means so much to you.

Nursing in Comfort

Breastfeeding is one of the best things a new mom can do for her infant, but it isn’t always the most comfortable. A nursing infant can feel heavy and awkward. My Brest Friend Deluxe (Zenoff Products, Inc.; $41-$45;) is a wearable nursing pillow that encircles a breastfeeding mom with a narrow band of cushioning and support at her back. The band widens to a comfy, secure surface along the front to facilitate baby’s latching on. An adjustable, silent-release belt secures the fit around mom’s waist and a side pocket keeps sundries within easy reach. A NAPPA Gold winner, this product won rave reviews from our parent testers, including one mom who told us, “It’s a HUGE help to breastfeeding moms, and makes it much easier to support the baby.”

For the Bookshelf

With dozens of new books out on pregnancy and infant care, it’s hard to know which to choose. Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Newborn: The Complete Guide (Medically Updated), by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, Janelle Durham and April Bolding (Meadowbrook Press, 2008; Fifth Edition; $15) fits the bill. A NAPPA gold-award winner, our parent testers loved this book’s positive, realistic and thorough approach to preparing new parents for their birth experience. It encourages questions, offers alternatives and empowers parents-to-be to make decisions based on accurate, balanced research and personal choice.