10 Gift Ideas for New Moms

I know, I know- this blog has become baby central. If you're not interested in all things baby, you should probably move along and find a different blog to read. Right now, my brain is 100% consumed with Baby Pep so my blog might be a little bit lacking in diversity of material. However, if you are interested in all things baby, I'm hoping this will provide some good tips for those of you who may soon be in the same boat or are hoping to shower your loved ones who are expecting.

As a new Mommy, I've been making a mental list of all the products and resources that have been invaluable to Chuck and I during this newborn period. I've learned what things we could have left off the registry and what things we absolutely could not live without. So if you're looking for gift ideas for the new mom in your life, here are a few of my recommendations:

1// Fleece jammies (with zippers!)- Baby clothes are probably the most common and most fun thing to buy, but I'll let you in on a little secret- newborns really don't need cute, fancy clothing. When they're not eating or pooping, they're sleeping. Fleece jammies are the most practical thing you can purchase for a new mom. Also, if your new mom is like me and has zero experience dressing babies, those tiny little snaps can be super annoying. Zippers are your friend.

2// Diapers- Not the most fun thing to buy, but absolutely the most practical. Newborns poop. A lot. Like 10 times a day. Your new mom friends will thank you for this thoughtful (albeit a little bit boring) gift. Personally, I went with the Honest brand because I liked the idea of investing in a diaper that wasn't going to take 500 years to decompose in a landfill somewhere. That being said, we received Pampers Swaddlers from the hospital and we loved them too. Unless you know your friend will be cloth diapering, I have a sneaking suspicion that s/he will likely not care what brand her baby "goes" all over.

3// A helping hand- My nurses, midwives, pediatrician, friends and family members have all said the same thing: Baby comes first, household chores come second. That's all well and good, but seriously the chaotic state of my house is currently driving me crazy and I'm guessing I'm in the same boat with a lot of new moms. If it's someone who you feel comfortable enough with, offer them a helping hand- ask if you can do their dishes or a few loads of laundry. I guarantee this is a completely invaluable gift.

4// Pacifiers- These Avent Soothies are perfect for Mamas who are breastfeeding. I wasn't too keen on the idea of pacifiers until our ride home from the hospital and the consequent days when Baby Pep was fed, diapered, well-rested and still fussy for no obvious reason. I am now a full-fledged supporter of the pacifier.

5// Receiving blankets- These are one of the most useful items to have on hand for newborns. For swaddling and snuggling, yes. But mostly, I've been going through these bad boys quicker than wildfire just sopping up spit up and leaky breast milk. I guarantee no new Mom can have too many of these.

6// Humidifier- This may be more specific to Mamas of winter babies, but I so wish I had gotten one of these at my baby shower. Chuck and I are absolutely going to need to invest in one for Baby Pep because this poor kid is peeling like crazy. The dry, winter air and his soft newborn skin are a terrible combination and we've been having to lotion him up like crazy! I've also heard that humidifiers are good for congested little ones.

7// FOOD- I want to write an ode to the friends and family members who have cooked for us. A nice, homemade casserole or even a gift card to a friend's favorite restaurant (that delivers!) are such thoughtful and priceless gifts. It's cheap if you're on a budget and will be so appreciated by any new parent who has zero time to even think about what's for dinner.

8// Books- Alright, I know this may sound silly and could totally be just me talking, but I would love to receive books as a gift. I'm not talking baby books, but books for Mom. Much of being a new parent is trying to entertain yourself while cradling, nursing, soothing, etc. your baby. Fortunately, my bookshelf is filled with to-read books, but at my current rate, I'm flying through 2-3 books a week and will have to be making a library trip sooner than later!

9// Halo Sleepsack Swaddles- This was something not even on my radar, but the hospital gave us one when we were discharged and let me tell you- this thing is a miracle. We've put Baby Pep in this nearly every night since we came home and it virtually knocks him out every time we wrap him up. I'm not saying that this swaddle had made my baby the best sleeper there ever was, but it certainly hasn't hurt! I will definitely be buying more of these.

10// Nursing pads- Clearly, this is something you probably want to buy for a friend you know well and who you know plans to breastfeed. Breastfeeding supplies are another one of those gifts that are not particularly exciting to purchase, but are a big help to a new mom, like me, who has zero clue how much her boobs are about to leak. Seriously, breast milk everywhere.

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What's your favorite gift to buy for new parents?

If you're a new parent, is there anything you would add to this list?