Gifts for First Time Moms

Gifts for Mom and Baby

• Practical items (pacifiers, extra bottle nipples, etc) are not often the popular items for a baby shower, but they are crucial necessities after the baby comes. Check the mom's baby registry if she created one, and note what she did not receive but still wants. If you can handle a splurge gift, a rocking chair is a great choice since many mothers choose to rock their babies to sleep or to soothe them. For stylish new moms, a cute diaper bag that is more fashionable yet functional is a gift that would be useful every day. New moms spend an enormous amount of time feeding the baby, and for breastfeeding moms, a good, supportive pillow can make those often uncomfortable times more pleasant. And don't underestimate the gift of diapers--it may seem impersonal,but be assured that a new mommy will be enormously grateful.

Gifts Just for Mom

• Motherhood is an enormous joy, but particularly in the early days, it is enormously exhausting too. Often, new moms find themselves neglecting health, fitness, fashion and recreation to accomplish the higher necessity of caring for the baby. Nonetheless, a fantastic gift to a new mom is one that lets her focus on herself every once in a while. A gym membership or fitness DVDs and equipment to use at home will help mom lose the pregnancy pounds that are no doubt "weighing" on her mind. Services that make her life easier--such as housecleaning services or meal services--are invaluable. A gift certificate to a favorite store to get a new sweater or pair of shoes, or even just a fancy coffee, will help her feel a sense of normalcy in a world that has become topsy-turvy. If mom seems like she could use some pampering, send her to get a manicure, pedicure, massage or body wrap.

The Gift of Time

• There will come a point where the new mom needs to get out of the house, and offering yourself as a baby-sitter is a thoughtful and welcome gesture, giving mom a chance to run errands, go for a jog or enjoy a date night. To make the gift even more meaningful, plan an outing for the new mom and provide gift cards for each place she goes. If she feels uncomfortable being away from the new baby, as is often the case, accompany her and assist when needed or plan an outing that is in a specific time frame. Just being able to get away to grocery shop alone might be exactly what she needs.