Best Gifts for a New Mom
Here are some gift ideas to help moms get ready for a new baby. Plus some ways to pamper her in those busy and sometimes overwhelming days right after a new baby arrives.
BEFORE the BABY
- Frozen Casseroles
Getting Mom’s freezer stocked will be a load off her mind in the days to come. Homemade main-course dishes, such as lasagna or beef stew, are always welcome and freeze well. Pack your food in disposable foil trays so Mom will not have to worry about returning dishes. - Leisure Items
Most women get everything they need for their babies from family and friends. It is nice to have a new pair of pajamas, a nursing gown, or fuzzy pair of slippers, especially since there will be days when that morning shower does not happen until noon. - Your Time
Help her with organizing her home (rearranging furniture, storing off-season items, laundering the baby’s new clothes, sheets, and blankets). She will not have time to do that later, and she may not have the energy to do it alone.
AFTER the BABY
- A Long-distance Phone Card
Studies have shown that approximately 50 percent of all women experience some postpartum depression, usually in the form of the “baby blues.” It generally occurs on the third day postpartum and lasts for around 48 hours, coinciding with the first days home from the hospital. A phone card makes a thoughtful gift. You are giving the new mom a chance to visit across the miles with someone she loves and longs to see. Tuck it into a card and let the post office deliver it with your best wishes. - Nap Service
Offer to tend to the baby so Mom can take a nap. Interestingly, even the fussiest babies will sleep when this offer is made, so catch up the laundry and do the dusting while Mom rests. - More Food
Rather than dinner, try dropping off a breakfast of ham or sausage biscuits and a thermos of hot decaf coffee or tea. Consider a homemade feast, but do not hesitate to stop by a fast food restaurant and pick it up on your way to work. Either way, it is cooked! - Encourage a “Date Night”
When the new mom feels comfortable enough to get out, offer free baby-sitting so she and her husband can reconnect. Include a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant.
“Don’t Get Up” Basket
Want to be a new mom’s best friend? Take her the best baby gift ever by filling up a basket with treats she can enjoy! During the first few days at home, Mom deserves to be pampered. With all of her focus on the baby, she needs to remember to look after herself by taking time to rest, relax, and nap when the baby does. To encourage her to spend a nice block of uninterrupted time with her feet up, put together a “Don’t Get Up” basket. Consider it a new mom’s backpack for camping out on the couch.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Healthy snacks (pretzels or crackers)
- Gum, mints, and hard candies
- A chilled water bottle
- Thank-you notes, stamped envelopes
- Pen and a journal
- Personal items (Hairbrush, lip balm, moisturizing hand lotion)
- One quick diaper change (One diaper, wipes, ointment, a change of clothes for baby, and hand sanitizer for Mom)
- A disposable camera with a flash
- Reading material, crossword puzzles
- For a mother with older children at home: a new video, paper and crayons, or sidewalk chalk. This will keep the older siblings occupied and make them feel special and appreciated as well. You can always drop off the basket and take the older children home with you for the day! Then Mom really will not have to get up!
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