What Do New Moms Really Want?

First things first: gifts are great, but our team unanimously agrees that support is better than stuff. What kind of support, exactly? It completely depends on the mom you’re supporting. Some moms will welcome you into the trenches and would never turn down your offer to hold the baby while she sleeps or showers. Other moms would love your company or house help, but might not be ready to hand their baby off just yet.

Then there are moms like me who go full-on hermit postpartum. While I retreated into my introversion (and germophobia) in those early days, frequent texts and check-ins made me feel connected and cared for. Among my favorite texts: “I’m going to the market anyway, so send me your list and I’ll drop it on your porch.” The people-pleaser in me can justify this because they’re going anyway, and my hermit self is delighted that I won’t need to put on pants on account of the porch drop-off.

Bottom line: follow her lead and be sensitive to what she needs rather than what you think she needs. Read on for more ideas on how to show your support, from generous gestures to great gifts.

The Best Non-Material Gifts New Moms Truly Appreciate

Gift Cards for Essentials

Gift cards are gold in the new baby days. It’s a time when needs are constantly changing and survival is often the name of the game. A gift card to Target, Amazon, or a local grocery store will give her the flexibility to get what she needs as she needs it. A DoorDash card was among our favorite gifts in our newborn days (daze?) when the last thing anyone felt like doing was cooking dinner.

Meals—Delivered or Homemade

A hot dish is one of the kindest ways to take care of new parents. A friend delivered us a massive tray of enchiladas after our third was born and I still talk about how it fed us for days. Just make sure to check for any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Pro tip: Include disposable containers and utensils so that cleanup is a breeze.

Free Babysitting or Holding the Baby

One of the most valuable and under-given gifts is your time. Gift her an hour of you holding the baby while she sleeps, showers, gets a haircut, or just Netflix and chills. Reminder: not all moms will want others to hold the baby at first, so be sure to read the room and respect her wishes. That said, if she has older kiddos at home, definitely offer to take them off her hands! The kids will love the individual attention, and mom will appreciate not having to divide hers.

Cleaning or Laundry Help

New parents don’t need another onesie—they need clean ones! Hit the laundry room and get a load (or five) going. While you're at it, take out the trash that is undoubtedly overflowing with dirty diapers. Wash the dishes, straighten the house, make the bed... you get the idea. A cleaning service is also a great group gift.

Thoughtful Purchased Gift Ideas for New Moms

While your time, baby-holding arms, and elbow grease are among your most valuable qualities to a new mom, sometimes a good old-fashioned gift is the way to go—especially one that screams self-care. At a time when she’s just starting to put herself back together while trying on the new identity of "mom," here are some of our favorite items to help a new mom feel human again.

 
Mom will love wearing her baby's name around her neck! Photo courtesy of Mint & Lily

Luxurious but Practical Self-Care Items

Mint & Lily Name Jewelry

Instead of getting the baby’s name printed on yet another blanket, try putting their name on a thoughtful piece of jewelry for the new mom. With lots of different styles and price points, we love Mint & Lily’s line of name jewelry—I have all three of my kids’ names on a necklace that I wear every day.

Vuori Halo Essential Wide Leg Pant

She’ll want to live in these soft pants that are cute enough to leave the house in but comfy enough for sleep. They’re also a bit of a splurge compared to your basic lounge pants, which makes them something she might not get for herself.

Stanley Tumbler

It’s a safe bet that the new mom in your life is forgetting to hydrate. Get her a bottle of her own to incentivize her to drink up in style.

Caden Lane Mommy Robe

These robes are buttery soft and feel super luxurious. Bonus, Caden Lane also carries matching swaddles and baby clothes so mom and baby can twin in their lounge wear.

 
Sunflower Motherhood boxes are great for C-section recovery. Photo courtesy of Sunflower Motherhood

Postpartum Recovery Kits

Sunflower Motherhood C-Section Recovery Box

This kit is one of the most thoughtful gifts for postpartum moms who delivered via cesarean section. Included are underwear specifically designed for C-section recovery, scar cream, and a heat/cool pack.

FridaBaby Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit

This 11-piece kit was designed by moms who know the gnarly realities of postpartum recovery. It's a serious upgrade from the gear she’ll get at the hospital, complete with a game-changing “upside down” peri bottle (honestly, how is this not a universal design by now?) to an even better version of those glorious mesh undies that postpartum moms love (iykyk).

 
Photo courtesy of HelloFresh

Subscription Boxes or Services

HelloFresh Meal Kit Delivery Service

Diaper duty is enough without dinner duty, so treat the new parents to a subscription meal kit. HelloFresh has a plan specifically geared towards new parents, with everything pre-measured and ready to assemble, requiring zero trips to the grocery store.

Trade Coffee Subscription

Give the tired new parents an energy boost with a coffee subscription box. With coffee sourced from all over the country, you can adjust the frequency of deliveries so mom can stay caffeinated long after the initial postpartum rush subsides.

Audible Gift Card

A new mom’s hands will be occupied for the foreseeable future, but you can keep her in your book-club loop with an Audible subscription. She'll be well-read while washing bottles, bouncing a fussy velcro baby, or folding yet another load of laundry.

Diapering and Feeding Gear

Diapers

Sometimes it’s the least flashy gifts that are the most appreciated. Enter diapers, the unsung hero of baby gifting. Be sure to find out her preferred brand and size before you become the diaper fairy. Bonus if you get her a diaper subscription service.

Feeding Gear

Find out how mom is feeding her baby (don’t make assumptions!) and get her gear that helps. If she’s breastfeeding, consider a box like Swehl's Latch Kit. Got a bottle-fed babe? Check out the Momcozy portable bottle warmer or this handy Baby Brezza formula dispenser.

Gifts to Avoid (Unless Specifically Requested)

While always well intentioned and usually adorable, some gifts just aren’t practical and can add to clutter despite their cuteness. Consider steering clear of these gifts (unless she asks for them, of course!):

• Scented lotions
• Super-duper fancy clothes (did you know there are dry-clean-only baby clothes?)
• More blankets
• Newborn baby shoes
• Clothes where the size won’t match up to the season when the baby grows into it

Frequently Asked Questions about New Mom Gifts

Q: What’s the most useful gift for a new mom?

A: Anything that saves time and reduces stress! Meals are always at the top of the list, as is your help—whether that comes in the form of babysitting or house cleaning. When in doubt, ask the new mom what she needs.

Q: Should I buy something for the baby or the mom?

A: While any gift is appreciated, mom is often overlooked in those early days, which is also when she needs the most support. A gift that makes her feel thought of and cared for will stand out against the baby bluster.

Q: What’s a good gift for a mom who already has everything?

A: Moms who are already stocked with gear love the flexibility of gift cards. And if this baby isn't her first, offer to occupy the bigger kids for a while.

Q: Are group gifts appropriate?

A: Of course! Groups of friends can go in on big gifts like a house cleaning service, a postpartum doula, meal deliveries, fancy baby gear, or even a night nurse.

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