There are a number of reasons that make babies so lovable: they're soft, cuddly, sweet-smelling and clean. Stretch this realization farther and use it as a guide to selecting baby gifts that go under the theme “Things That Keep Babies Clean.” Your mommy friend or daddy friend will love you for it. The following list spills the beans on “neat” retail presents for a baby.

1. DIAPERS. Donating a diaper cake for a baby shower is sweet (this type of cake is inedible, by the way). However, if you're a grab-and-go shopper, you can easily purchase a pack for your mommy friend or daddy friend in the supermarket. Diapers keep the unpotty-trained baby clean by absorbing urine and holding stool. Although diapers used to be made of plain fabric, contemporary ones are made of polymers, making diapers both super absorbent and disposable. Choose diapers that have a wetness indicator to make sure that the baby won't develop rashes which are commonly associated with unchanged diapers.

2. BABY WIPES. Baby wipes are true to their name: they are moistened, portable and disposable towelettes used for wiping away the dirt on the baby's skin (especially if your mommy friend or daddy friend is on the go). These portable cleaning sheets come in a variety of sizes, and a growing number even sport various scents such as aloe vera. If you're a careful shopper, you will notice that the better baby wipes are thicker (and therefore more durable and absorbent) and more conveniently packed (enough to prevent the moisture from dissipating without causing dispensing difficulties). Be sure to check that the wipes are hypoallergenic and alcohol-free. You can find baby wipes either in the toiletry section or beside the diaper rack of your favorite supermarket.

3. COTTON EAR BUDS. As an adult, you may think these buds are good for cleaning your ears only, but for babies, cotton ear buds are gentle all-around cleaning implements. Aside from cleaning the ears and serving as hygienic replacements to plain fingers, they're also good for wiping dirt away from the baby's eyes, nose and navel. Choose cotton ear buds that have a sturdy cleaning handle. Buy those inside refillable jars, to keep away dust particulates and liquids from contaminating the cotton. The jar makes gift wrapping an easier task for you and makes storage a piece of cake for the baby's parents.

4. BABY POWDER. If you're tired of the terms “wiping” and “swiping,” then you can breathe a sigh of relief because there's one neat product that doesn't quite follow the cleaning norm: the baby powder, which you can sprinkle away. Made of either talc or cornstarch, baby powder keeps the baby clean-smelling, dry and less prone to diaper rashes.

A gift that encourages neatness signals to your mommy friend and daddy friend that you're thinking about them and that you wish them the very best on their baby grooming duties. While you can easily purchase diaper change sets or baby bath kits, you'll find that giving small, individual items are just as welcomed.