What is the correct etiquette when buying a gift for a new baby?

Along with all the other challenges that expecting parents face, there is the constant bombardment of information that tells them that they need to buy a whole big collection of stuff if they want to be in any way competent at parenting. Those who have been through it will often tell you that you can survive without most of the gadgets and shiny new things, but the pressure is on to purchase them nonetheless.

Obviously, this is where having a baby can get pretty expensive, and it is normal to expect friends and family to give a helping hand where they can. Much like with weddings, parents-to-be can sometimes get a little crazy with their wish lists, but a lot of the time, they are just looking for the kind of generosity that is going to make life with a baby easier. It is not a big ask, so long as the people they hope will give them gifts have the finances to do so. While it could be argued that one of the most valuable things to be gifted as a new parent is somebody’s time, some of the stuff you need for the baby also helps.