New mothers have a lot on their plates, even if they are getting the help and support that they need from friends, family, and a parenting partner. While some of the changes to a new mom’s routine and needs are challenging, others are an opportunity to celebrate, but they can still be overwhelming. Understanding what gifts might be needed to make life easier can help a lot, especially for someone’s first child.

Self-Care Products for Mother

Baby showers are often a chance to get much-needed supplies while celebrating the addition to your family, but they are not just about gifts that help the baby. New mothers also need to take care of themselves, so it’s a good idea to have a few options in mind that help lower stress and promote good self-care habits. These gifts also work well for occasions like Mother’s Day or as birthday presents.

  • Heating pads to help with sore muscles and joint pain
  • A foot spa can help encourage healthy skincare routines while easing aches and pains
  • Massage guns and other muscle massage products
  • New yoga mats
  • Weighted blankets

These are often included on baby shower registries because they help so much with the physical toll that can come from daily feedings and carrying a baby around everywhere. If they are not included in the registry for an upcoming shower, it’s a good idea to understand baby shower etiquette for guests before buying something off-registry. It also doesn’t hurt to ask the person organizing the shower if off-registry gifts would be appreciated.

Newborn Essentials

Most of the items you’ll find on a registry are going to fall into the category of essentials for newborns, but it can be easy for a first-time mother to leave off items that are going to be needed. That’s why it’s a good idea to look into products like newborn baby bundles that might incorporate an item or two from the registry alongside other essentials that were less anticipated. It avoids the issue of whether you departed from the registry by making sure that the gift includes items that were specifically sought after, then adds in bonuses. If you’re shopping for individual items instead of a bundle, it helps to know what you are looking for.

  • Bibs, bottles, and burp cloths for feeding
  • Diapers, diapers, and more diapers than you would ever believe are needed
  • Bottle warmers and sterilizers
  • High chairs and boosters
  • Blankets and infant clothing

Many of these essentials are included in new baby bundles, but larger items like high chairs are obviously not going to make the cut when you buy a bundle kit. Take a look at the registry and then cross-consult with lists of essential items to help yourself find the best gifts possible for a new mom. It helps if you can find something for the baby and something that helps the mother take care of herself, too. If the new mom has not looked into important health items like vitamins and supplements for newborns, it’s a good idea to check out widely used options that you can add to other gifts as well.