Your best friend, sister, sister-in-law has just had a baby. It’s the holidays. Now is the time to make her life easier in any way possible. You’ve come to exactly the right place—the gift guide for new moms!
This gift guide says, “New Mama, I see you. I see your aching body (and boobs), your sleepless nights, your dinners of cereal and Oreos, your exercise routine of walking back and forth across the living room bouncing a baby. And I’m here to take care of you.”
Read on for products and ideas to support the new moms you love and help them feel a little more like themselves again.
Expert Support
A visit or session with an experienced pro can help a new mom with the skills and reassurance she needs as she starts her parenting journey. For example:
Pelvic floor PT
“Even just one visit is great to go through how your body has changed and what your goals are,” says Lexi Burtman, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor work. “Doing that early on can save you headaches and other issues down the line.”
Lactation support
Lactation specialists can help a breastfeeding mom and baby establish a good latch, learn different positions, and troubleshoot any concerns.
Meal Delivery Services
Nothing like spending all day trying to soothe a fussy baby—and then having to figure out dinner. A subscription to a meal delivery service can be a heavenly surprise for a new family, reducing stress around meal prep and making it easy to keep everyone well fed. Companies such as EveryPlate, Dinnerly, HelloFresh and more offer a range of options, including ones that can be tailored to specialty diets or food restrictions. Or collaborate with friends or family and set up a meal train for a week in the new year!
Subscription Boxes
Self-care, coming right up. You can tailor these monthly deliveries to the mom’s interests, whether it’s beauty products (TheraBox, Allure Beauty Box), books (Book of the Month), fresh flowers (The Bouqs Co.) or snacks (Universal Yums, Atlas Tea Club).
Online Classes or Subscriptions
Treat your mom friend to yoga classes, the calm of meditation, or parenting insights…all without having to leave her house. Online classes, parenting courses or coaching, and subscriptions to apps can all be wonderful gifts for a new mom to use on her own time from the comfort of home.
Good Sleep
Here’s a gift that’s proven to give back: Our research shows that Nanit parents get 36 more nights of sleep a year. And babies who use white noise get an average of an hour more sleep per night. So, give a new mom the present of rest and peace of mind with Nanit's award-winning Pro Baby Monitor and Sound + Light.
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Breastfeeding Supplies
For any new moms who are breastfeeding, they’re likely logging in a lot of hours on the task. These items make it as comfortable and supportive as possible:
Nursing pillows
A well-designed nursing pillow like the Boppy or My Brest Friend takes the weight off the nursing mom, literally, giving her baby a supported place to rest while feeding. And they’re helpful when bottle feeding a baby too! Journalist and twin mom Alicia Quarles, who has hosted several of our Registry Real Talk panels, loves the TwinZ Pillow for breastfeeding multiples.
Breast pumps
A good breast pump is an invaluable resource, letting a new mom share the load of feeding with a partner or other caregiver and get a break. Brendan Fallis told us that a wireless breast pump was a big stress reliever for his wife Hannah Bronfman when she was nursing, letting her pump when they were on the go. “Instead of worrying about being close to somewhere [where you can plug in a pump],” he explained, “you can continue through your day which is nice.”
Nursing bras
No new mama wants to have to struggle with a hungry baby and complicated clothing. It’s all about easy access. A nursing bra or three (and there are plenty in cute colors and prints!) will save your new mom friend valuable minutes and effort at feeding times.
Podcasts for Moms
A gift guide for new moms wouldn’t be complete without some friendly just-for-her company. Because when she’s nursing/washing bottles/folding wee onesies, she’s going to love having something to listen to, a podcast that feels like a helpful friend. Here are three to connect her with:
Raising Parents
Your friend may have read host Emily Oster’s book Expecting Better when she was pregnant. The thoughtful insights continue in Oster’s podcast. Raising Parents aims to temper parents’ overwhelm and ease their decision making with sound research and relatable discussion.
The Longest Shortest Time
This podcast isn’t new—it wrapped up a few years ago—but its archives are full of excellent listening (nine years worth!) for anyone entering the parenting world. Created by radio producer Hillary Frank when she became a mom, the episodes center on compelling personal stories that will stay with you for days.
Never Thought I’d Say This
If your friend was a Full House (or Fuller House!) fan, she’ll appreciate this podcast, hosted by the show’s Stephanie herself, Jodie Sweeten, as well as life coach Celia Behar. Funny, real, and utterly relatable, the episodes are welcome validation for all that’s wild and wonderful in parenting.
Mental Health Support
Long-term support networks can be life-saving for a new mom, helping her through any postpartum mental health issues and building up her village. Consider a subscription to a therapy app or making her an appointment with a mental health professional or access to another resource that you trust. You could also give her a membership to an app (like Nanit’s Insights) or support group where she can connect with expert advice and other new moms for shared experiences and support.
Tis the season to make sure the new moms in your life feel extra loved and cared for with a holiday gift guide that meets them exactly where they are.
