Top Gifts for New Moms
Bottles, bibs, booties, baby monitor -- yes, it takes some work and lots of supplies to prepare for motherhood! That’s why most new moms could do with a little assistance. When I was expecting, everything from hand-me-down clothing to help setting up a crib was much appreciated. Of course, it can be hard to know what a particular new mom needs. When in doubt, any of these thoughtful gifts for new moms are a safe bet!
Something tasty: Whether lasagna or lamb chops, a home-cooked meal will be welcome. Late in pregnancy, an expectant mom is just plain tired. I could barely move during my last month pregnant with my firstborn, Isabel, and definitely had no energy to cook! Take pity on your pregnant pal and make her a pasta dish or chicken potpie.
A gift card: A gift card to a spa, nail salon, or the hairdresser is the perfect get-ready-for-baby present. Again, fatigue is a factor (I was too tired to brush my hair, let alone wash and blow dry it), but so is sheer size. At 9 months along, I couldn’t see my toes to paint them, so an hour being pampered in someone else’s hands was absolute bliss. New moms won’t have much time to escape once their baby arrives, so now’s the perfect time to spoil them.
Simple baby gifts: It may seem boring to give a gift like burp cloths or swaddling blankets, but these are exactly the new mom gifts I needed most. New babies are messy little creatures who tend to spit up and dribble milk, so consider picking out some simple but useful cloths and blankets. Bonus: They are usually very affordable, too!
Baby clothes in a bigger size: Those teeny newborn jeans, tops, and dresses are adorable, but your baby will grow out of them pretty quickly. I received so many 0- to 3-month outfits for my baby that I changed Isabel’s clothes several times a day to get use out of all of them! Buy the next size up for your new mom friend -- she will thank you.
Remember that many new moms prefer to pick out their own gear, especially when it comes to big-ticket items like stroller or car seats, so leave those items on the store shelf. Your gift doesn’t need to be costly -- or even cost a penny -- to make a big difference in a pregnant woman’s life. And if you're stumped on what to get, ask her what she needs the most!
Photo by Camille Brodard ~ Kmile Feminine Creative Designer on Unsplash
