Gift List Ideas for Parents-to-be/Baby Showers:

Best to ask if there is a gift list registry available. If not, then at 6 months pregnancy or 3 months prior to adoption of a newborn baby, help collect these items for the expectant/adopting families:

120 disposable newborn diapers with umbilical cord cut out (Huggies brand)

120 disposable size 1 diapers, Seventh Generation brand

10 economy-sized Huggies unscented, natural, sensitive skin baby wipes

Rubbing alcohol and q-tips for cleaning umbilical cord 7x/day, 1 set

10 Desitin diaper ointment tubes, 40% zinc oxide

10 Desitin diaper ointment tubes, regular strength

Unscented baby diapering corn starch, 2 bottles

1 infant ear thermometer, with disposable covers

12 economy-sized cans of Similac infant formula

12 newborn baby bottle with nipples

12 regular-sized baby bottles with nipples

Nipple cleaning and baby bottle brushes, 2 each

1 baby bathing tub

5 bottles of infant gas drops, simethicone

5 bottles of Pedialyte liquid, clear, to mix with infant formula in case of diarrhea

2 breastfeeding pumps, with freezer-safe breastmilk containers

Johnson & Johnson tearless shampoos, 5 bottles

Dr Bronner's Mild, Baby, Liquid Castile Soap, 5 bottles

Unscented baby oil (organic jojoba oil, unscented), 2 bottles

Baby hair brushes, 1

Burpcloths (thick, waterproofing material on backs), 7

Baby washcloths, 7

Baby bibs, 4 newborn-sized, 4 regular infant-sized

2 piece organic, unbleached cotton pant & shirts: 12 in newborn, 12 in size 3 to 6 months

Infant organic, unbleached cotton socks and hand covers: 5 in newborn, 5 in size 3 to 6 months

1 infant nail clipper to trim nails every 2 weeks

2 newborn infant carriers with snap-in umbrella strollers

2 regular-sized car seats with snap-in umbrella  strollers

1 diaper backpack, black, plain, so men can carry it too

1 baby jogger with UPF 50+, rain, mosquito covers

1 easy-to-clean baby carrier, for short hikes/walks/running errands/around the home

1 crib with crib mattress

1 crib mattress acid reflux wedge to elevate baby's head for spitting up safely in crib

5 complete bedding sheet sets, organic, unbleached cotton, with one musical mobile in red, black and white

1 play pen (travel crib) for living room

1 musical, wind-up, slowly rocking swing, with adjustable positions to let baby sit or sleep in slightly elevated position

Pacifiers, 2 newborn, 2 for 3-6 months

1 baby dresser with a change table, cushion on top of it

For twins, double above amounts and include gift cards to SuperTarget totaling at least $1,000. Collect another $1,000 in cash from everyone for the expectant mother of twins. Also, plan a free weekend babysitters list with contact info for all parents, so they can have one entire weekend per month of free babysitting, until their baby or babies reach 1 year of age.

Another good idea for families expecting twins would be to organize the financial (banking) community to give them a free single family house with adequate bedrooms and baths, through Habitat for Humanity. Make sure it's located within walking distance to an excellent, safe public elementary school.  Remind everyone that a compassionate, generous,  family-friendly community is a sign of a good, long-term real estate investment.