New babies are everywhere in my village as of late. That means shopping for showers, sprinkles, and Christmas all in one. Personally, I think babies get way too many gifts for people who can't feed themselves or walk. I like to make my shower/new baby gifts to be geared more towards the needs of the mama. If anyone deserves a present, it is the sleep deprived woman who has just given, or is about to give, birth. Here are some of my go to gifts for moms of new babies. The Demdaco Giving Shawl I don't know about you but, my postpartum nights were spent swinging from sweating through my pjs with hot flashes to shivering because I cooled off halfway through the feeding session. This soft and sumptuous shawl is perfect for those late night/early morning feedings. It is perfect for throwing on when you need the extra warmth and it is easier to take off while rocking a baby than a cardigan or robe. It comes in a beautiful gift box and includes a bookmark with the sweetest note printed on it, "We all need a little comfort now and then…A reminder to help us know that we are not alone in the world…That there is someone in our corner, ready with a hug, no matter what. Always know you are being thought of, cheered on, and loved for exactly who you are - Someone who is beautiful and wonderfully made." Of course, the very best part is that IT HAS A POCKET! That was a godsend during long nursing sessions or when my boys fell asleep on me because it allowed me to have my Kindle and phone handy. The Kindle Oasis That leads me to my next mom must have, the Kindle Oasis. Why this particular type of Kindle? Why can't mama just read on her phone? Well, with my first son, I tried reading on my phone while I was nursing but either the screen would irritate him or I'd end up doom scrolling and Amazon shopping instead of reading. This particular version of Kindle is made for using one handed. It is lightweight and has buttons conveniently located so that, instead of having to hold it in one hand while swiping to the next page with the other hand, you can turn the page with the thumb you are using to hold the device. This allows one hand free for that sweet bundle of joy. Plus, the night mode is perfect for keeping the screen light dim enough not to bother baby and, unlike reading on a phone, you aren't tempted to scroll or shop instead of reading! Postpartum Affirmations and Journal for New Moms It says "for new moms" but, I would have loved to have had these positive little gems after the births of either of my boys. That 4th trimester was rough for me with all sorts of hormone fueled intrusive thoughts and postpartum anxiety. These cards would have been an amazing tool for my mental health and to encourage self care. There are 40 affirmation cards featuring lovely illustrations of mothers and babies that are diverse in several ways including depictions of mothers of various skin colors, mothers with physical disabilities, and mothers wearing head coverings , and even some proudly displaying rolls that pregnancy and life gives many of us. These are not faith based affirmations so you can be secure in giving this gift to friends and family that are any religion or not religious at all. The included journal makes a great tool for moms of newborns to do short daily mental health check-ins, brain dumps or worries, notes from postpartum doctor visits, etc. More than anything, a gift like this lets the mom of a newborn in your life know that you value her mental well being and support her self care needs. Pressing Pause Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet Jesus is a great book for Christian moms at any stage of motherhood. The relatable stories and soul warming biblical insights and prayers are long enough to be meaningful and short enough to fit into a busy mom's schedule. I have come back to this book during several points in the last 6 years I have spent as a mother and it always brings me peace. Free, or close to it, Meaningful Gifts
If none of the above gifts strike your fancy or fit your budget, there are lots of wonderful things you can give that will still support the women that bring the babies we love into this world.
Hopefully, this list gives you some ideas on how to support the moms with new babies in your life. Drop a comment below if you have a go to new mom focused present you swear by.
2 Comments
12/7/2023 07:37:45 pm
Great ideas, Sara! I especially love the idea of being someone's safe person to text.
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Sara
12/9/2023 05:26:07 pm
Thanks! Honestly, I think that might be the most important thing on the list that every mom needs.
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