Expecting Mom Care Package
Whether you’re getting yourself ready with everything you need for postpartum life, or putting together a new mom gift box for a friend, there are a few items moms will definitely want to have by their side when baby arrives. From the practical gifts to make her life easier, to gifts that are comforting and will pamper her, I wanted to share a complete list of my must-haves for postpartum life, and everything I wish I’d had in my own new mom care package.
Practical Gifts for Expecting Moms
1. Extra Long Cell-Phone Charger Cord
New moms can feel like they’re seemingly always feeding baby – or in those very early days – snuggling up with baby while they sleep. Having an extra long cell phone charger cord is super helpful so that they can have access to their phone during the downtime snuggle moments give you, or while nursing their baby.
2. Rolling Cart or Basket
Grab a pretty basket or rolling cart that can be used to move around the baby essentials. Diapers, burp cloths, extra nipple shields, bottles, your pump – the list goes on and on. It’s great to have everything you need by your side quickly and easily. This one from Ikea is a classic, and useful well-past the newborn baby stage.
3. Nursing Bra
Definitely not a glamorous gift, but nursing bras are a must for breastfeeding moms. Having several – especially during those first few messy weeks – is really helpful.
My runaway favorites were these, by Bravado, because of how comfortable and soft they were.
4. Insulated Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important on a regular day, but is especially important while you’re breastfeeding, since breastmilk is made up largely of water. Grab her a fun water bottle with goal markers to keep her motivated, or an insulated bottle that can stay with her and stay cold for the whole day.
5. Stroller Organizer
Once you’re ready to venture out on walks with baby, or to the store, having a stroller organizer is a big convenience that you’ll want to have. Simple ones like this one can hold your water or coffee, and a bunch of other quick access small items for baby, like pacis or toys.
6. Diaper Bag
A good diaper bag is a new mom essential, and a great gift. I love the convenience of a backpack-style diaper bag since it helps keep your hands free.
Jujube bags are a little pricier, but great quality, machine washable, and a little more compact than others. I’m able to stuff clothes, diapers, wipes, and more – for both of my toddlers – into the Jujube BFF bag, and I use it almost every day.
I’m also a big fan of Skip Hop bags for their roominess, quality, and quilted fabric.
You May Also Like: Diaper Bag Essentials: What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag for a Newborn
7. Breastfeeding Pillow
Some people don’t consider breastfeeding pillows a must, but having breastfed both with and without one, I definitely prefer the conveniences of an actual breastfeeding pillow.
It’s super helpful for getting baby into a good position, and some – like my favorite, “My Breastfriend,” have a pocket to store helpful items, like nipple shields, pacifiers, or baby nail clippers.
Gifts to Pamper a New Mom
Give her a little TLC and relaxation with these comforting gift ideas.
1. Slipper Socks
Cozy, comforting, and safer than regular socks if you get a pair that have grips on them.
2. Bluetooth Headphones
Wireless headphones are so helpful for those long nights of feeding and rocking a baby. Easy to use, and no messy cords to worry about.
My airpods are hands down my absolute favorite. These are an especially great option if you have an iphone or are buying for someone who does, since they will be super easy to connect.
3. Yeti Mug
If you want to pamper a new mom, it’s sometimes the littlest, most obvious things that matter: hot tea or coffee being one of them.
Yeti mugs will keep your drink hot for hours (I’ve inadvertently tested mine many mornings), and the airtight lid will also help keep any spills at bay.
4. Cozy Robe
The first few weeks as a new mom can be a blur of feeding your baby, cuddling them, and trying to keep yourself from napping the whole day. Having a cozy robe to lounge in is a great gift for any mom. I love Pottery Barn robes for their extra coziness.
5. Nursing Friendly Pajamas
Having pajamas that are easy to breastfeed in are just one simple gift to make a new mom’s life easier. I wore these everyday, and bought five of them so I could almost always have one clean without having to worry too much about doing laundry.
6. Mom Necklace
A customizable mom necklace is such a fun, keepsake gift for a new mom. I’m a big fan of all of the options that Tiny Tags has, and the numerous ways you can customize their jewelry.
7. Weighted Blanket
When a new mom needs sleep, she needs sleep, and a weighted blanket can be a helpful and practical gift to help her relax and sleep just a little bit better.
8. Silk Pillowcase
My silk pillowcase is one of my most favorite buys from this year. It works wonders on your hair – especially if you’re a curly girl – and is great for your skin as well. This is a luxurious feeling gift that won’t break the bank.
9. A Good Pillow
What else do you need to go along with that new pillowcase? A great pillow!
Coop pillows have about a zillion reviews on Amazon, so I decided to get one and see what all the fuss is about. The verdict: it’s worth every penny, and will help any new mom sleep just that much better.
The pillows are 100% adjustable, and come with a guide to help you figure out how much filling to keep, add, or take out of your pillow. The difference in quality and comfort of sleep is crazy, and no one needs that more than a new mom!
Must-Have Postpartum Care Items
Ok, now onto the practical items that every new mom should have on hand for her postpartum care. They may not be glamorous, but you’ll be forever grateful to have them within reach and these are some of the gifts new mothers need the most.
If you’re gifting a care package for an expecting mom, buy one or a combination and put them in a cute basket (HomeGoods and Target are always great options for baskets) to add a little something special.
1. Nipple Cream
Life changing stuff, and completely saved my breastfeeding experience with my first baby. Never did I think I would be writing about nipple cream so much, but here we are! Use this in copious amounts, and don’t look back — my favorite go-to brand was Lansinoh.
2. Witch Hazel Pads
All I need to say about these is that I didn’t have them after giving birth to my first child, and when the hospital gave me some during my stay after having baby #2, I kind of stared around in amazement wondering how I survived without them the first time around.
Witch hazel pads are a postpartum must-have and help make the healing process so much more bearable. Some hospitals will give you a small pack, but I also purchased my own.
You May Also Like: The Complete Postpartum Care Kit Guide: What New Moms Need After Birth
3. Nursing Pads
Nursing pads are a must to help keep breastmilk from soaking your shirts as your body adjusts to baby’s feeding schedule and general feeding needs.
4. Sitz Bath Kit
Sitz baths are another great tool that can help you heal better and soothe those sore areas post-birth. Having a kit on hand to easily make one is definitely a good idea.
You can either grab an already assembled kit, or buy the separate ingredients (here and here) so mom can choose to set everything up in an actual bathtub as well.
Food is the Way to a New Mom’s Heart
When in doubt, meals and snacks are always a welcome gift for new moms, and something you’ll want to have on hand for yourself. Here are some ideas to help a new mom be prepared for meals throughout those first few weeks.
1. Starbucks Gift Card
Not a meal, but oh so comforting.
2. Meal Delivery Service
Gift her a week’s worth of meals from one of the many many meal delivery services. Some, like Home Chef, have meal options that only require you to mix ingredients and throw them in the oven. Many of them also have hefty discounts for first time subscribers.
3. Basket of Her Favorite Snacks
Breastfeeding can make you feel constantly hungry, so it’s a good idea to have some of your favorite snacks on hand. For a gift, grab a pretty basket and arrange a mix of her favorites.
4. Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is easily the most helpful kitchen appliance I’ve bought in the last many many years. There are tons of recipes online that are easy, fast,and delicious. I wish I had known about this gadget when my babies were newborns!
If this is a gift, get bonus points by printing out a few of your favorite Instant Pot recipes and putting them in a binder for her to easily reference.
5. Freezer Meals
If you are majorly type A or on a planning kick before baby, make some freezer friendly meals ahead of time. These are also always a very welcome gift for tired new parents.
What are your go-to gifts for new moms, and is there anything you wish you’d had in your postpartum care package?
Related Postpartum Articles & Others You May Like
- Last Minute Things You Should Do Before Baby Arrives
- How to Write a Birth Plan You’ll Love
- The Ultimate Guide to What Newborn Babies Actually Need
- How to Get Your Newborn to Sleep
- The Best Nursing Friendly Tops & Dresses
- The Breastfeeding Tips All New Moms Should Know
- The Best New Mom Apps You’ll Want to Have
- Diaper Bag Essentials: What to Pack in Your Diaper Bag for a Newborn
- One-Piece Affordable Swimsuits Moms Will Love
Leave a Reply