Although baby showers and baby registries are a long-standing tradition in America, British parents-to-be aren’t subjected to “guess the chocolate-smeared nappy flavor” game or forced to sip a mocktail with a plastic baby frozen in an ice cube. Brits prefer instead to visit with a gift after the baby is born and the gender is revealed so they can properly shop. As for baby registries? The British tend to view a list of things you want other people to buy you as incredibly rude.
I did a little digging on some UK baby forums, and here is a snapshot of a thread on Mumsnet.com- it highlights the distinct difference in opinions of baby showers and registries:
It is fairly comical to me that something so steeped in tradition and practically a requirement in the US is viewed as presumptuous, uncomfortable and rude. I personally adore baby showers for close friends (but spare me those for third cousins and duty invites). As for a registry, I would much rather know what someone needs than just give them random stuff that I thought was cute.
Cheers to the Duchess of Sussex for continuing the time-honored tradition of participating in a baby shower with her nearest and dearest! The shower is supposedly to occur TODAY in the Big Apple, and according to multiple sources thrown by her BFF Jessica Mulroney at a hotel on the Upper East Side.
Although no baby registry has been found, I have rounded up some of my favorite baby items for Meghan and Harry. Catch me live on Fox 32 today at 12:45pm as I show off my picks!
Post-Baby Apparel for Mom
One piece of the maternity market that NO one covered when I was pregnant was the in-between stage. You know the one- you had the baby, don’t fit into your old clothes but don’t want to wear your maternity clothes. Motherhood Maternity came out with their BOUNCEBACK Collection, a line of postpartum pants that feature seamless compression to work with your post-baby body. I can totally see Meghan in these Destructed Post-Pregnancy Cropped Jeans for spring!
Another item that moms need- nursing attire. Queen Elizabeth kicked off the royal nursing trend, and it has been followed by the royal offspring ever since. If Meghan chooses to nurse, this Seamless Nursing Bra is a must-have. It has over 500 5-star reviews and was voted the best nursing bra by The Bump and What to Expect.
This Striped Lift Up Drape Front Maternity Top is ideal for nursing- it provides full coverage while you feed and is super soft & comfy. I love that the navy and white gives off a little nautical vibe. Pair with a nursing tank/cami and the BOUNCEBACK denim for an easy weekend look.
Soothing on the Go
From trips to see the Queen to flights to America, this baby is sure to be a royal jet-setter! Meghan and Harry would LOVE the the first truly portable rocker that allows moms to rock their babies anywhere, anytime – it turns almost any bed, chair, wall, or even a tree into a rocking chair. The Ready Rocker by RockerMama is the first of its kind- no clunky glider, to creaky rocking chair. Ready Rockers are available in an array of colors and fabrics- Classic, Chic and Luxury. I was able to preview this at the Chicago Baby Show this year- see my demo video here!
Essentials for Baby
Even princes or princesses must deal with diaper rash, but there is finally a more “hands off” approach to taking care of that tush! The Boudreaux’s Butt Paste Rash Kicking Kit features two popular Butt Paste formulas – Original and Maximum Strength, plus the new Boudreaux’s Butt Brush – a mess-free silicone applicator. The pastes are Free of Dyes, Parabens, Preservatives, and Phthalates.
ULTIMATE Diaper Bag for Mom and Dad
Gone are the days of gaudy diaper bags- the latest bags on the market are sleek, chic and incredibly functional. The new Vianetic Smart Diaper Backpack is the most versatile 5-in-1 lifestyle diaper backpack for new parents. It even converts to a post-baby backpack with a laptop compartment and room for a bottle of wine- ideal for picnics at Kensington Gardens! Forget designer labels, grab a diaper bag that was designed by parents, for parents who crave a diaper bag that makes their life easier.
Nursery Safety
Although the royal family has bodyguards, what measures will Harry and Meghan take to ensure their baby’s safety in the nursery? Vertical Crib Liners from Go Mama Go are scientifically proven safer than any other crib bedding alternative – they maintain optimal airflow and are not dependent on dangerous ties or velcro. Just zip on! They are made with luxurious, stylish fabrics that offer fun mix and match options. 24 inches of padded protection for baby’s head and body comforts and protects to ensure a better night’s sleep. They even have a design called “Wishes of Windsor” which feature ruffles galore- what could be more perfect or princess-appropriate?
Cheers to another royal baby in the world, we can’t WAIT to see how Meghan and Harry parent in style! (And Meghan, here are my 5 things I wish I knew before I had a baby- my gift to you 😉
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are honest and my own as always.
