Best baby gift

"A FOOD PROCESSOR. I used it to make all-natural baby food, everything from green beans to applesauce. My daughter is 10 now, but the processor still has a place in my kitchen."--KIMBERLY A. COLLINS, WASHINGTON, D.C.

"My PARENTS LET ME STAY WITH THEM FOR TWO WEEKS after my daughter was born, and they took care of my every need. The only thing I had to do was feed my daughter. I slept, ate, wrote in my journal, slept some more. It was fabulous!"--ERICA WOODS TUCKER, NEW YORK CITY

"My girlfriend, whose daughter was born almost a year before mine, gave me three huge bags full of HAND-ME-DOWN BABY CLOTHES. I saved hundreds of dollars, not to mention hours of shopping time."--JEANNINE AMBER, TORONTO, ONTARIO

"AMAZON.COM GIFT CERTIFICATES. I was able to purchase all the things I didn't receive at my baby shower. In addition, I love the convenience of online shopping--you never have to leave the house."--SHEBA BACOT, NEW YORK CITY

"A bundle of WHITE CLOTH DIAPERS. I used them for everything from changing pads to shoulder protectors and, yes, as diapers when we ran out of the disposable ones."--TERESA JENKINS, JACKSON, TENNESSEE

"A BABY BJORN CARRIER. During the first couple of months my newborn didn't want to be anywhere but in my arms. The carrier let her snuggle close to my heart, and it kept my hands free."--ELKA SAMUELS VIANA, NEW YORK CITY

"A BASSINET-STYLE COSLEEPER that attached to my bed. If you're breast-feeding, it allows you to reach over and nurse your baby without ever leaving your own bed. It's great when you're exhausted and have to do middle-of-the-night feedings."--LISA SORENSEN, STUDIO CITY, CALIFORNIA

"My best friend gave me a HOMEMADE GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR THREE BABYSITTING SESSIONS. As a first-time mom, I was nervous about trusting just anyone with my daughter, but I felt comfortable leaving her with my girlfriend. I used the time alone to go see a movie, hit the gym and have a nice dinner out."--LINDA VILLAROSA, NEW YORK CITY

"A PLASTIC BLOW-UP TUB. My baby grew out of his little bathtub very quickly, but he's almost 2 now and should be able to fit into the blow-up tub until he's 3. It fits inside a regular bathtub very easily, is safe to use and is durable. I can deflate it and take it on vacation with me."--DAWNALISA JOHNSON, NORCROSS, GEORGIA

"Two FRIENDS OFFERED TO PAINT THE BABY'S ROOM. They also helped us pick up and bring home our baby's crib and changing table. We had been feeling so overwhelmed by all we had to do to get ready for the baby. Their help made the whole thing so much more doable."--ROSEMARIE ROBOTHAM, NEW YORK CITY

"A BABY GYM. It has a colorful mat and two arches from which hang a variety of toys--rattles, music makers, a mirror. It helps develop my son's motor skills, and it's washable and easy to transport. My son loves it."--ZIBA KASHEF, SAN FRANCISCO

"The VERBAL WISDOM OF SISTERMOTHERS. One friend in particular said to me, 'Really look at your baby, every single day.' She told me that with our daily work and chores, we hardly ever slow down our minds and bodies to look into the eyes of a loved one, particularly a young loved one. Our children speak loudest to us when they say no words at all. What she said resonated with me, and I still think of it, and of her, nearly 11 years later."--DARLYNE DANDRIDGE, ATLANTA