Wondering What to Get New Parents? Consider Safety and Preparedness Gift Ideas

Date Published: May 5, 2025

Becoming a new parent is an incredible journey filled with joy, sleepless nights and a constant desire to keep your little one safe. Friends and family often want to give meaningful, useful and memorable gifts to new parents. While cute baby clothes and nursery decor are always appreciated, one of the best ways to support new parents is by helping them prepare for emergencies.

Often overlooked as ideas for what to give new parents, safety gifts, while not wrapped up in a bow, are a thoughtful new parent or baby shower gift — offering parents a sense of empowerment, knowing they are prepared for any situation. Unlike traditional gifts that a baby may outgrow quickly, safety gifts provide long-term value. These gifts show that you’re not just celebrating a new baby — you’re standing beside the parents in their most important role yet.

Picture this: you are enjoying a quiet lunch, and your child begins to cough and struggles to breath. Because you have taken a CPR and first aid course, you will know the steps turning a terrifying moment into a manageable one. CPR and first aid training empower new parents to protect their child, making these gifts priceless. Many new parents might not consider safety until they are faced with an emergency. Safety training will give them the skills and confidence to ack when moments matter.

Another advantage of safety gifts is the peace of mind they bring to new parents. The constant worry about their baby’s health and safety can be overwhelming, but having the tools and knowledge to handle emergencies alleviates some of that stress.

The American Red Cross offers courses relevant for new parents, including:

• Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED: Covers first aid emergencies such as choking bleeding overdose shock and teaches CPR/AED for children and babies.
• Advanced Child Care Training: This training can be for new parents, family members, caregivers, and babysitters. The course delivers leadership training, child behavior and discipline training, as well as information on professionalism, safety, basic childcare and more.

When choosing new parents' gifts, think beyond the usual baby gear. Investing in their confidence and preparedness through CPR training and first aid kits keeps their little ones safe leaving a lasting impact and showing genuine care for the baby and the parents. And when minutes matter most, a safety-centric baby gift could make all the difference in keeping their child safe and healthy.

How Do I Gift an Online Course to New Parents?

To gift an American Red Cross online course to new parents, follow these steps:

1. Find the Online Course
   1. Visit Find a Class on the American Red Cross Training Services’ website.
   2. Use the Find a Class dropdown tool
      1. Select “Choose a Class” and change to ‘Online Classes & Training’
      2. Select “Show Classes.”

2. Select the Desired Course
   1. Choose the online CPR/FA/AED course you want to gift and add it to your cart.

3. Enter The Recipient’s Details at Checkout
   1. During checkout, make sure to enter the recipient’s name and email address so they receive the course access email.

4. Complete the Purchase
   1. Finalize the payment and review the details before submitting.

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5. Email Confirmation & Course Access
   1. The recipient will get an email with instructions to access the training.

What about in-person or blended classes? After completing an online course you gifted, recipients who wish to take an in-person or blended CPR/First Aid/AED class (if applicable) must register themselves for a skills session.

First Aid Kits: A Practical Gift for New Parents

Also consider giving new parents one of the first aid kits from the American Red Cross Store. First aid kits are recommended for every household, especially for those with young children. With the right first aid supplies on hand, parents can quickly handle minor cuts, scrapes, burns, and other common childhood injuries — without scrambling in stressful moments.

A travel-size first aid kit for the diaper bag or car is perfect for baby showers or even as a holiday present for new parents. For added value, consider pairing the kit with an emergency first aid guide to help parents feel even more prepared.

Why Gift First Aid Classes or Supplies to New Parents?

One of the greatest gifts you can give new parents is confidence - especially in handling emergencies. Babies and young children are naturally curious, sometimes leading to accidents and unexpected health concerns. Their developing immune systems and tendency to explore the world by touching and putting objects in their mouths make them particularly vulnerable to certain dangers. Emergencies happen anytime and anywhere and knowing how to act is critical.