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Have you ever noticed that everyone oohs and awws over expectant moms before the baby is born but tend to forget about them once the little one makes their big debut? Having a baby and bringing them home is hard work that deserves recognition and appreciation – that’s why a thoughtful new mom care package is always a good idea!
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New Parent Care Package
Survival kits for moms are more than just a care package a gift. They’re game-changers!
Sure, baby blankets and scented candles are nice, but why not look for practical, useful, and pampering essentials that every new mom needs when you’re putting together a care package for new parents?
We’re talking about items that moms don’t register for because they aren’t thinking about themselves or their needs. They’re also items people don’t usually consider giving because they’re so excited to buy things for babies.
The kinds of products you only realize you need when you are in the throes of new parenthood and wish someone had told you.
So here I am, telling you, so you can be the person who’s remembered for being a total saving grace.
Note: These gifts are not for baby. They are the ultimate new mom care package items.
Mom and dad will receive plenty of items for their freshly born son or daughter. What mom doesn’t always receive are the luxurious gifts she deserves after bringing said little one into the world. By using the following suggestions to put together a postpartum care package, you’re sure to provide her with the TLC she wants, needs, and is worthy of.
How to Make a New Mom Care Package
Great news! An amazing care package doesn’t have to be beautifully wrapped or even in a basket. What matters is the new mom gifts that are inside!
Hell, you could drop off a grocery bag filled with your postpartum care package items as long as they hit certain requirements! Are you wondering if a particular product would make a good addition to a new mom gift basket? Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it helpful?
- Will it make her life easier?
- Does it help her feel cared for or pampered?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you’re winning.
To make an amazing care package for new moms, simply assemble a variety of these new mom gifts to fit your budget.
Using these ideas, your gifts will be helpful, useful, AND enjoyable!
When to Give a Mom Care Package
A traditional or drive by baby shower is a great place to deliver a new mom survival kit. If you’re not attending the shower, take it straight to her house so she doesn’t have to transport it.
It’s a great gift to give before baby is born, but a new mom care package can also be the perfect addition to your first visit to meet the new baby. Any new mom gift box delivered within the first 1-2 months of baby’s life will be super helpful!
Note: When you go visit, don’t stay too long, take something useful, and offer to help while you’re there.
How can you help?
- Hold the baby only if mom is comfortable. If she says yes to letting you hold the baby, insist that she take a shower, go rest, do something she can’t do when you aren’t there. Don’t let her entertain you.
- Take out the diaper pail bag or trash
- Wash the dishes
- Do a quick load of laundry
Ready-to-go Care Package for New Parents
Don’t have time to make your own care package for new parents? We’ve got you covered!
There are tons of premade postpartum care packages out there, but since most of them are crap, we’ve narrowed the list for you.
(1) Mama & Baby Bundle from Solly Baby
Solly Baby is hands down one of our favorite brands, and if you’re looking for a sweet and useful new mom care package that doesn’t focus too heavily on the gross aspects of postpartum, this is the perfect fit!
It’s packed with outrageously soft, luxurious products that will support mama through her new mom journey, from a robe soft enough to support even the most luxurious of mamas to the most comfortable wrap for babywearing a newborn.
(2) Postpartum Deluxe Care Package by LavendarMedowsCo
This new mom care package has so many products to help mom pamper her postpartum body– barrier oil, coconut oat milk bath, body wash, and more.
And, you can add a personalized message to the inside of the box for the new mama in your life!
(3) Nurtured 9 New Mom/Postpartum Gift Box Subscription Box
This subscription sends mama 3 amazing gift boxes to support her through different parts of her journey. Items include nursing-safe self-care products, clean beauty & body essentials, and luxurious soft loungewear.
We love that this company was founded by moms, for moms, and that mama gets 3 beautiful boxes over 3 months.
Postpartum Care Package Must Haves
(1) Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit by Frida Mom
This new mom care package has so many products to help all the things a new mom needs to care for her postpartum body–underwear, vaginal icepacks (padsicles), cooling pad liners, and healing foam.
It’s only a fit for someone you’re comfortable giving these items to, but it’s amazing to promote relief and healing after birth.
(2) Care for Birth Box from Bodily
An incredible gift that marries practical with comfortable, the Care for Birth box from Bodily includes recovery essentials like a periwash bottle and nipple cream, but also cozy, pampering gifts like cozy socks and comfortable mesh panties (a postpartum must-have!)
One of the other great things about this product is that it’s sure to cover several of the items on soon to be mom’s hospital bag checklist!
Just a few of the postpartum gifts for new mom included in the Bodily Care for Birth Box.
Mom Care Package Ideas: Self Care Products
Sometimes, new moms just want to feel good. It’s a hard time, and a little self-care pick-me-up is worth a lot. These gift ideas can help you pamper the new mama in your life!
(1) Dry Shampoo
And lots of it! Do you know how often new moms get to take showers? Trust me–if you don’t know, you don’t want to. Dry shampoo will allow her to freshen up when folks come over unannounced (this happens, unfortunately) without a shower.
Just spray and go!
(2) Comfy Pajamas
New moms practically live in pajamas, so having lots of comfortable ones is huge. Check out our list of best postpartum & nursing pajamas, but these Kindred Bravely options are a definite reader favorite!
We love everything Kindred Bravely makes, so we recommend them to our expecting mamas without hesitation!
(3) Face Masks
I’m obsessed with the Greek Yogurt Nourishing Sheet Masks from Aillea. AND, you can wear them while taking care of a baby if you aren’t moving around a lot, so they’re great to wear while you’re nursing.
(4) Pampering Bath Products
Bath time is SUPER RARE for a new mom, so when she finds time for that indulgence (possibly while you’re there watching her baby), she needs to enjoy it to the fullest.
I love this full gift basket from Etsy, which is an easy, one-click purchase.
(5) Oil Diffuser and Essential Oils
We run oil diffusers all the time, and they’re so calming.
I wish so much that I’d had one during postpartum.
(6) Weighted & Scented Sleeping Mask
Sleep is an unheard-of new mom commodity. Even if baby is giving mama a few moments of rest, her mind is spinning with to-do lists.
This sleep mask will physically close out the sight of all those worries and help mom relax while baby sleeps.
(7) Eye Cream
Lack of sleep is a typical part of the first several months with a new baby. There’s no reason that dark circles under the eyes have to be, too!
Eye cream, like my favorite – Ginzing from Origins, would be a welcome product in any new mom care package.
(8) Wireless Headphones
New moms need something to listen to the audiobooks with that won’t wake a (FINALLY!) sleeping baby. This hands-free option is a lifesaver, especially at night time!
Plus, their small size makes them an easy choice for a care package for new parents.
(9) Mama, You Got This Candle
Alright, I know scented candles are slightly overdone, but guess what, most new moms still love them! Add them to some of these other self-care products to make a fantastic gift.
What could be better than a deliciously scented candle coupled with some much-needed encouragement?
(10) Water Bottle
Hydration is essential, especially if the mama is nursing or exclusively pumping. But it’s SO hard to keep up with. A water bottle is a great gift, and if you choose a super cute one, it’ll give mom a little pick-me-up when she sees it too.
I’m totally obsessing over this adorable new mom water bottle. It’s absolutely adorable, and would remind me to hydrate, for sure!
Note: Since an ample amount of coffee will probably be a significant part of the new mom’s parenting experience, a funny mom mug is another great option for any new mom care package.
Care Package for New Mom: Memberships and Subscriptions
Are you interested in giving your friend a gift that keeps on giving? Then a membership or subscription service might be what you’re looking for.
(1) Wine Clubs
New baby, lack of sleep, and lots of poopy diapers – do I need to give you any other reason why a wine club membership is a good idea?
(2) Audible Membership
New moms spend a LOT of time just sitting around in the dark. (Don’t mistake this as resting. She just desperately doesn’t want to wake the sleeping baby who’s on her chest.) The ability to listen to audiobooks is a serious game changer.
(3) Grocery Delivery & Meal Kits
New moms need food! And luckily for us, food delivery services abound.
I’ve surveyed tons of mom groups, and the answer is pretty much unanimous. They all wish for more gifts of food, especially food that isn’t lasagna or casserole! (No offense to those of you who make lasagna and casserole. They do freeze well!)
If the new parents are cooking, or if you just want to send them snacks, you can easily do that through an Amazon Fresh free trial or through Instacart.
Want to let the parents pick their own food? Send an Instacart gift card or a 30-day Free Trial + $25 off the first order at Thrive Market.
If you want to gift them easy meal prep, also, you could even purchase a subscription to a service like HelloFresh!
(4) Amazon Prime Membership
Trust me when I say any new mom will go crazy for the easy access and quick shipping times that having an Amazon Prime Membership will afford her.
(5) Big Box Store Membership
Doesn’t it sometimes seem like becoming a mom goes hand-in-hand with the decision to start buying in bulk? I mean, when you’re going through that many diapers, I guess it makes sense!
An annual membership to a big box store will help them get amazing prices and quantities for their grocery shopping needs.
(6) FabFitFun Subscription
Not all new mom gifts have to be parenting-related. That’s why I love the idea of giving her a box membership, like FabFitFun, so she can enjoy getting goodies just for her.
Gift Certificates for New Parent Care Packages
(1) Amazon Gift Card
I don’t get how people parented before Amazon. My husband and I made so many middle-of-the-night orders it was insane. I basically sent up cosmic thanks to all the beautiful people who gave me Amazon gift cards as a new mom gift.
Also, you can use the gift card for things like Amazon Home Services, which provides handyman services, housecleaning, and so much more that a new mom might need during her postpartum recovery phase.
(2) Spa Gift Card
Whether your friend is interested in pedicures, massages, or facials, a spa gift card is perfect for new mom survival kits. Plus, they’ll give her an excuse to sneak out of the house for a little baby-free me-time!
(3) Housecleaning Gift Card
When I had my girls, the last thing on my mind was housework. Unfortunately, though, the mess goes on and cleaning has to happen.
You can always gift your loved one a housecleaning certificate that can be used to get the house ready before delivery or to help her out in the months after the baby is born.
Individual Postpartum Recovery Products for New Mom Care Package
Our bodies are put through the wringer during childbirth; that’s why it’s crucial to have access to all of the best postpartum must-haves after delivery. If you want to impress your friend or loved one with the perfect gift after she has her baby, any of these recovery products is an ideal option.
(1) Padsicles or Perineal Cooling Pads
Postpartum padsicles and perineal cooling pads are going to be a lifesaver for new mamas after delivery.
Our lady bits are sore and swollen after childbirth – cooling products will help alleviate these symptoms.
(2) Peri Bottles
Let me reiterate, a mom’s nether regions will not be in the best shape after delivery. Wiping after going to the bathroom is basically impossible.
That’s where peri bottles come in.
Some new parents might not think to steal the water bottle-looking product hospitals provide like I did.
For those individuals, receiving a peri bottle to squirt themselves clean will definitely earn you some brownie points.
(3) Disposable Mesh Underwear
Okay, listen – I know that buying your friend some disposable underwear might not be a gift-giving highlight but when they’re dealing with all of the “stuff” that comes with giving birth, they’ll thank you.
We love the ones from Frida Mom!
(4) Stool Softener
Again, not the most glamorous addition to a new mom care package, but the anxiety over the first postpartum poop is real.
(5) Numbing Spray
Before I gave birth, I didn’t even know that perineal numbing spray was a thing. Now, I make sure to tell any expectant mother I meet to add it to their hospital bag for mom!
This is a great addition to any postpartum recovery kit.
Care Package for New Mom: Breastfeeding Essentials
You might think that a pair of boobs is all you need for a successful nursing experience. Au contraire, however – there are plenty of nursing essentials a new mom will definitely want to have.
(1) Nursing Bras
Trust me when I say that any breastfeeding mama is going to want a good selection of nursing bras. And most of the time, it seems like you can never have enough.
Whether you buy them a high-quality nursing bra, like the Minimalist from Kindred Bravely, or a budget-friendly 3-pack from Amazon, you’ll help make their breastfeeding experience a little bit easier.
(2) Nipple Cream
I know it doesn’t sound luxurious, but I promise it IS. Personal care gets super neglected with a new baby. Add sore, raw nipples into the mix, and the new mom in your life will be begging for this postpartum care package favorite.
Help a mama, and her nipples, out!
(3) Breastfeeding Pads
From disposable nursing pads to reusable options, I always love adding some breastfeeding pads to any nursing survival kit I put together.
(4) Cocoon Nursing Cover
Nursing covers can be a pain, but this one is absolutely gorgeous, easy-to-use, cool for baby, and stylish. The Cocoon from We Are Amma is a gamechanger for nursing moms.
(5) Healthy Snacks
Did you know that breastfeeding burns 500 – 700 extra calories a day? It’s no wonder so many new moms feel hungry all the time! If you want to give her some healthy snacks to munch on, these are some of our favorite options:
- Skinny Pop (individual bags, so she can use them to make snack stations wherever she sits)
- Dried fruit (individual bags)
- Lactation-friendly muffins and cookies. Download my recipes here!
(6) Haakaa Breast Pump
So, most moms remember to register for a traditional breast pump, but these products aren’t always convenient for travel purposes.
A friend bought me a Haakaa manual pump and it quickly became one of my favorite postpartum gifts.
Not only does this little device help moms catch extra breast milk from their letdown, but it can easily go into diaper bags or purses if you need a little release while they’re out and away from the baby.
Care Package for New Parents FAQs
Bring a new mom help! Clean her house, do her laundry, take out her trash, cook her a meal. And if you want to bring a gift, bring something practical and that makes her feel pampered.
Assistance. The ability to sleep, shower, or eat while you hold her child, OR the time to love on her child while you clean her house, do her laundry, empty her diaper pails, do her dishes, and take out her trash.
Only include items she’ll really get use out of–snacks she can leave sitting around the house, water bottles to drink out of, a super comfy sweatshirt, or pajamas.
Yes! Bring a practical gift for the parents or baby, and if you can swing it, show up with a meal that isn’t lasagna. Also, don’t expect to be entertained or fed while visiting.
Practical, useful gifts that will feed them, relax them, or otherwise make their lives more comfortable.
What’s your most essential care package item for a new mom gift basket?
More Gifts for a New Mom
- Best postpartum pajamas for hospital
- Nursing pajamas
- Push present ideas: gifts for a new mom from husband
- Must-have postpartum supplies
- Gifts for first-time moms
- Funny mom mugs
Posts for New Parents
- Choosing the best backpack style diaper bag
- How to increase breastmilk supply
- Best postpartum leggings
- Baby’s first Christmas ornament
- What to expect after 2 month shots
- Postpartum doula benefits
Articles for Pregnancy
- Pregnancy planner
- Best labor and delivery gowns
- Getting ready for baby checklist
- Early pregnancy symptoms
- Hospital bag checklist printable
- Pregnancy pillows
- When to go to the hospital for labor
- Best maternity leggings
More Favorites from Undefining Motherhood
Katy Huie Harrison, PhD, is an author, mom, recurrent miscarriage survivor, & owner of Undefining Motherhood. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and 2 children (Jack & Branham). She believes our society puts too many expectations on women that make womanhood and motherhood restrictive. Her goal is to shift the paradigm about what it means to be a woman and mother, giving all women a greater sense of agency over their own lives. You can find Katy and her work featured in places like CNN’s Headline News, Romper, Scary Mommy, Love What Matters & more.
If the new mom is not planning on breast feeding, might I suggest lactation pads. Also try adding in some note pads or a diary in there too. Postpartum depression is real and can make up keep of mental health hard. Even if she just uses them for grocery lists, we have to remember that mental health can affect physical health. Especially for new moms that are not getting enough sleep, food, or time to actually de-stress.
I hadn’t considered nursing pads for non-breastfeeding moms. Thank you! And the notepad recommendation is wonderful. You are SO right about the risk of postpartum mental health struggles. I had severe postpartum anxiety, and while journaling wasn’t right for me at that time, it is for many women, and it has been helpful for me during so many other mental health struggles!