Best Gifts for New Moms
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Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyous occasion, but it can also be an overwhelming experience for new moms. As they navigate the challenges of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, thoughtful gifts can provide much-needed support and comfort.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best gifts for new moms—ranging from practical essentials to heartfelt treasures—that show you care and help make this special time a little easier. Whether you’re celebrating a friend’s baby shower or looking for the perfect present to welcome a little one, this curated list has something for every new mom.
Best Gifts for New Moms After Birth
As a mom of three girls, I remember feeling like my world was flipped upside down each time I had a new baby. There were so many ways that friends and family stepped in to help and make me feel seen, loved, comforted, and relaxed. Here are a few particularly thoughtful motherhood gift ideas for new moms who have recently delivered:
Meal Delivery Service or Meal Train Sign-Up List: After bringing baby home, having the energy to plan and cook a meal can feel exhausting. It is hugely helpful to have meals delivered by a subscription or with a meal sign-up from friends/family to ease the stress of cooking during those busy early days. Check out Feast & Fettle, HelloFresh, and BlueApron.
Nourishing Snacks: Some of my favorite gifts for the immediate postpartum period were homemade snacks and nutrient-dense foods like muffins, fresh-cut fruit, nourishing soups, breakfast foods that I could quickly grab in the middle of the night while nursing, and, of course, chocolate!
Comfortable Loungewear: Soft pajamas or a cozy robe with soft nursing clothes underneath can make breastfeeding easier and help a new mom feel more comfortable and stylish at home while getting to know the new arrival. The best pajamas are ones with a button up front for easy nursing and skin-to-skin with baby. I love these*, and these* for the best budget PJ set.
Flowers: Flowers can help brighten a new mama’s day when she has been up all night. If you are looking for the best flowers, I encourage you to check out your local farmer’s market if you have one - there are usually some really beautiful ones at mine!
Post-Partum Doula: Most people have heard of a doula who assists during delivery; however, postpartum doulas can also be invaluable to new postpartum moms. They are trained professionals who offer support and information on infant care, emotional support, and physical recovery after childbirth to new parents and their families in the weeks after giving birth. Consider giving a gift card or paying for one or two visits from a postpartum doula.
Lactation Consultant: While some moms jump right in with breastfeeding without any issues, it is very common to experience trouble with finding the best latch, pumping, milk supply, and best positions for nursing. A lactation consultant can be an amazing resource for any mom who may be experiencing trouble with breastfeeding and has expressed the desire for outside help. Consider a gift card or scheduling 1-2 sessions with a lactation consultant if you think mom is ready for help.
Sentimental Gifts for First-Time Moms
Sentimental gifts for new moms can create lasting memories and show your love and support for this next phase in a woman’s life. These gifts not only celebrate the arrival of a new baby but also create a sense of connection for new moms. Here are some heartfelt ideas:
Keepsake Box: A cute box for storing mementos* like the baby’s first lock of hair, a hospital bracelet, and other special items (don’t forget to send two if it is for a mom to twins)
Personalized Mom Jewelry: A necklace* or bracelet with the baby's initials, birth flower*, or birthstone can be a sentimental keepsake
Handprint or Footprint Kit: These kits allow a parent to create a lasting impression of her baby’s tiny hands or feet. This is a super cute Christmas ornament handprint kit*! I absolutely loved mine and have relished hanging them on my tree every year.
Baby Blanket: A soft cotton blanket* embroidered with the baby’s name or birth date can be a cherished keepsake for years to come.
Best Self-Care Gifts for New Moms
Self-care is essential for new moms, who often prioritize their baby's needs above their own. These gifts can help beat back the baby blues and allow new moms to carve out some much-needed time for themselves, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation during a busy and challenging time of adjusting to new mom life. Below is a list of some thoughtful self-care gift ideas to help mamas unwind and recharge:
Spa Gift Basket: The best gift basket for self-care can include pampering items to help her relax, like bath bombs, lotions, moisturizing hair care products for good-hair days, comfy socks, and candles or essential oils.
Subscription or Gift Box for Moms: There are many options for new mom gift boxes, offering everything from postpartum essentials* to self-care items* and items for the baby like these gentle body care products from Now! Foods* as well.
Gift Cards: A few gift card options to her favorite stores or a local coffee shop gives her the flexibility to treat herself when the time works for her.
Bonus points if you offer to babysit while she gets out for a little while!
Must-Have Gifts for First-Time Moms
As both a registered dietitian and mother of three girls, there are a few things that fit in the must-have category in my opinion. These gifts support both the mother and the baby to help get them through those first 12 months of life (and beyond!). Below is a list of a few of my top picks:
Safe And Simple Food Allergy Prevention: A Baby-Led Feeding Guide To Starting Solids & Introducing Top Allergens*: I am a little biased about this one because it is my newest book baby – but I will stand by that this research-backed comprehensive guide, filled with dietitian-approved feeding tips, a 9-day allergen introduction plan, over 80 family-friendly recipes, and 8 weeks of maintenance meal plans is a must-have handbook for new parents! While a mom with a new baby may not be thinking about starting solids yet - it is extremely helpful to have the most up-to-date information BEFORE the baby gets to this stage so the parents (and other family members) can prepare and feel confident as they enter the solid food stage.
Diaper Bag Backpack: A stylish and functional diaper bag* can help her stay organized while out and about. Every mom needs to have a bag for all the essentials! If she is nursing or pumping on the go, you may want to include a cute nursing cover* or a freezer bag* for milk storage.
Nursing Pillow: If she's breastfeeding, check to see if she has a good nursing pillow to provide comfort and support - if not, this is my favorite one!* It can make a world of difference when trying to get a good latch and not strain your back in the process.
Baby Carrier: A comfortable, high-quality baby carrier or wrap can be a great gift for moms after birth—both something for her and baby—allowing her to keep her little one close while having her hands free for other tasks. Look for carriers that support optimal and most ergonomic positions for baby and mother, like Solly Baby Wrap*, Baby Bjorn*, and Ergobaby*.
Finding the perfect gift for a new mom is all about showing her love, support, and appreciation after the baby is born, which is often one of the most exciting—and challenging—times of her life. One last tip – It can be extra special to write an encouraging gift note to include with the present. I remember holding on to dear words of love and support from friends and family during the most difficult times as a new mom.
Whether you choose something practical, pampering, or sentimental, the best new mum presents are those that make her feel seen, valued, and cared for. After all, every mom deserves a little extra love as she embarks on this beautiful new chapter
Thanks for reading!