When visiting a friend who just had a baby, it’s a nice gesture to come with a little something, whether it’s food for the parents or a gift for the baby or the mom. Of course new moms love showing off their babies and moms with additional children and will appreciate the extra hands to juggle the new normal. But if you are wanting to bring something, here are some ideas to gift new moms (because by now I’m sure the baby’s got plenty of love, right?). You could even create a “new mom” basket and include a variety of items in the basket.
– Snacks: In the early months, when it feels like the baby constantly needs you, it can be hard to make time to just pause to eat. I would include snacks that are high in fiber and high in protein for energy. Some examples of snacks to include are: granola, nuts, trail mixes, protein bars, instant oatmeal. Oh and don’t forget some sweet treats (I wish I included that in this basket I gave to my friend)!
– Freezer meals: Can you imagine being a new mom and someone handing you already made freezer meals?! There are a ton of freezer meal ideas online. I came across this one and want to try some of these recipes for myself. They sound so delicious! Freeze them flat in freezer bags so it takes up minimal space in their freezer.
– Lactation homemade cookies: If you know your friend is struggling with her milk supply, some tasty lactation cookies are a nice treat. I made these cookies for a friend and Mr. Pizza and I ate about half the batch because it made so many and were so good. I loved it with butterscotch chips!
– Blue Apron gift card: My friend gave me a trial and I can’t wait to try it out. All the ingredients needed to make several meals delivered right to your front door…amazing! I just scheduled it for next week!
– Matching clothes: There’s a small window of time when dressing alike is totally acceptable and adorable (actually, I’m all for it anytime, but others might think otherwise).
– Gift cards to Amazon, Target, or local restaurants (even better if they deliver)
– Bathrobe: In the beginning stages of breastfeeding, it will feel like you are topless for most of the day. A bathrobe or a button down pajama shirt would make things a bit more convenient.
Here are some ideas for items to put in a basket:
-Water bottle: It’s so important to stay hydrated when breastfeeding!
– Dry shampoo: I was never in a hurry to take a shower in the beginning (um, who am I kidding…even now) but I’m sure some dry shampoo would be useful to have on hand.
– Hand lotion: You could never have too much hand lotion.
– Lip balm: Again, another item you could never have too much of.
– Hand sanitizer spray: Keeping hands clean when you are on the go can be hard to do unless you have some hand sanitizer. (I’m adding a link to this one because I am so excited that I found this spray that is free of harsh chemicals.)
– Tea: It’s helpful to have other options for drinks to stay hydrated.
– Tasty treats: Haha, I know I already mentioned snacks, but those were the healthy options. Whenever I get the girls sleeping, I go into my pantry for a treat. I know it’s kind of a dangerous habit, but let the new moms indulge a little in something good!
What are some gift ideas for new moms that you have given?
coffee bean / 39 posts
This is perfect timing for me! A dear friend just had her first and we are going to visit this weekend. Thanks!
cantaloupe / 6630 posts
My friend gave me a Contigo – hot tea all day that won’t spill on my kids and fits in my stroller. Best gift ever
guest
This is so great! We recently had our second baby and people who brought or sent gifts were so sweet. The hard thing was how many people have read articles suggesting bringing toys for the new big brother or sister, which is so nice but seriously my son received close to 20 new toys in the last month since his sister was born (which was a bit overwhelming for us both.) This is a great list because it offers ideas for the mom/family. I think consumables like food is always a great idea – you could even bring a special treat like a new water bottle or a small package of crackers or fruit snack for the new sibling too!
blogger / kiwi / 626 posts
I always do a mommy basket with lanolin, soothie pads, dermoplast, lotion, gatorade glucose chews, chocolate, etc. I figure most people skip pampering mom after birth, so I want to make sure they have something special too.
guest
I would just make sure that your friend was indeed breastfeeding before packing a bunch of gifts intended for a breastfeeding mama. I really tried but it didn’t work for my son and I. Quitting was the hardest decision I ever made, and it’s still sensitive for me to discuss (he’s just 2.5 weeks old). If I received a basket full of breastfeeding supplies, I would probably bawl my eyes out at this point.
blogger / apricot / 431 posts
Emily: most definitely! I also was unsuccessful with breastfeeding with both children and would have had a hard time if someone simply assumed and brought those cookies when I was stopped bfing completely. It’s still a sensitive topic for me!
guest
I would seriously finish that basket in one sitting! Haha. I wish someone offered to watch my baby for an hour or come over or do the dishes for me! Anything that lets mom rest and relax!
blogger / apricot / 431 posts
@Colette1285: Hope the visit this weekend went great! Successful gifting?
@Mrs. Cereal: Great basket! I’d add those ice bags you put down there. Kidding (mostly…haha).
@travelgirl1: Oooh that sounds perfect, especially for winter months! Love it!