One of life’s best moments is when a loved one tells you they’re expecting a baby. You may experience a range of emotions—happiness, excitement, and sadness (because they are leaving the “girls club”). After jumping up and down and shedding a few happy tears, what comes next is the realization that you have to find the perfect baby shower gift.
Many of us only think of babies when buying baby shower gifts, but moms are just as important. It’s good to honor, support, and celebrate the mother’s journey into motherhood. Don’t know what to get a new mom or a mom-to-be? Here are our top baby shower gift recommendations for new moms.
Baby Shower Gifts for Moms-To-Be
1. Pregnancy Pillow
A pregnancy pillow helps reduce the pain associated with side sleeping and supports an expectant mom’s growing belly. The large body pillow supports the back, neck, belly, knees, and hips. It cradles their body to reduce tossing and turning, ensuring they get quality sleep. Getting enough sleep during pregnancy is important for physical and mental health.
Related reading: What Nursing Pillow Does a C-section Mom Need for Best Recovery?
2. Maternity Robe
This is a practical baby shower gift for the mom-to-be. A maternity robe has plenty of room to cover a full baby bump, and she can carry it to the hospital on delivery day. Some robes have stretchable fabric to ensure the mom-to-be stays comfortable as her bump grows. A robe is also perfect for nursing and is so soft she won't want to take it off!
3. Stretch Mark Cream
Stretch marks usually appear as the skin stretches rapidly during pregnancy. The skin’s support structure breaks down and forms scars. Many pregnant women develop stretch marks, and using a stretch mark cream from the first trimester can help soften the skin as it stretches. The cream hydrates the skin and boosts elasticity, helping prevent scarring. Be sure to get a stretch mark cream that’s safe for pregnancy.
Baby Shower Gifts for Nursing Moms
4. Breastmilk Storage Bags
Food containers and baby bottles for storing milk take up a lot of space in the fridge or freezer. Breastmilk storage bags are the best way to preserve and store breast milk. They keep breastmilk safe, protecting important nutrients and vitamins that help a baby grow. But get strong bags with a double zipper seal that prevents leakage. They should also have a wide neck for easy filling and pouring.
More info about breastmilk storage bags to keep breastmilk safe.
5. Baby Bottle Warmer
Some babies are very particular about having their milk at the right temperature, especially breastfed babies who are used to warm milk right from the source! A bottle warmer makes it easy to warm milk thoroughly and evenly. Warming a baby’s bottle in boiling water or running hot water over it takes longer than using a warmer. A bottle warmer does the job fast and preserves nutrients. Also, there are no dishes to wash afterward.
6. Lactation Massager
A lactation massager will help the new mom overcome certain breastfeeding challenges, like engorged breasts or clogged milk ducts. It can ease breast pain, loosen clogs, and stimulate milk supply. It’s beneficial in the early days of breastfeeding and improves flow for mums who pump regularly. A past study on lactation massagers showed they can enhance breast milk flow.
7. Nursing Dress
Nursing-friendly clothing gives a new mom easy access to her breasts so she can feed her young one quickly. If she wants to express milk and bottle-feed the baby, a nursing dress makes using a breast pump easier. Comfortable nursing dresses can help the new mom through the demanding schedule of nourishing a little human.
8. Nursing Pillow
This pillow makes it easier to hold your baby comfortably during breastfeeding and reduces the strain on the mom’s neck, shoulders, and back. It also helps the baby to latch correctly. Latching troubles can cause painful nipples. Also, when a baby is learning to sit up unsupported, a nursing pillow can provide cushioned support to help them transition.
9. Nursing Bras
Breasts tend to feel heavier during breastfeeding, and most nursing moms wear nursing bras for support and comfort. A nursing bra has a latch that can be opened easily and quickly to expose the nipple for breastfeeding. It also provides extra support to engorged breasts. Nursing bras are made of breathable and soft fabric to reduce the chances of irritation and chafing.
Baby Shower Gifts for Travelling Moms
10. Travel Backpack/Diaper Bag
If the mom-to-be is a globetrotter, get them a travel backpack or a diaper bag that provides straightforward organizing and quick access to diapers, wipes, bottles, and personal necessities. It should have an assortment of compartments and pockets and be functional and fashionable. Babies need a lot of stuff, and a bag is perfect for storing everything important.
11. Stroller Organizer
This is the perfect gift for a mom who loves to keep baby items in a single place. One with many compartments and ample space ensures they don’t have to dig around their bag looking for baby essentials. Stroller organizers can hold a phone, keys, a pack of wipes, diapers, and water bottles. Some have an insulated compartment that keeps things cold.
12. Baby Carrier
A baby carrier provides a feeling of security and comfort for the baby because they stay close to their mom as they observe their surroundings. Research has shown that babywearing promotes attachment, bonding, and emotional and intellectual growth, leading to a better child/parent relationship in the future.
Get a baby wrap carrier that mimics the womb environment, helping the baby feel more comfortable as they adjust to their new environment. Babywearing increases nurturing behaviors and secures attachment.
A hip seat carrier is also a great choice as it distributes a baby’s weight evenly around the parent’s lower torso, putting less pressure on their back and shoulders.
Get the Best Baby Shower Gift for the Mom-to-Be
As your loved one embarks on a new chapter in their life, buy them a gift that will make their journey smoother. Consider giving gifts that promote relaxation and comfort. You can't go wrong with items that will keep her comfortable or make her feel pampered as she cares for her young baby.
