10 Best Gifts for a New Mom When She’s in the Hospital

If you are wondering “What is a good gift for new parents?” then you are in the right place!

As an experienced mom of 3, I want to provide some guidance on the most practical things to get a new mother (that are also thoughtful and meaningful).

Keep in mind that when visiting a new mom after birth, she is likely to be tired and not feeling her best.

Your new mom friend is probably also super excited and potentially a little foggy-headed (I know I was after my first was born). 

Unfortunately, with lack of sleep, those things aren’t likely to change very soon, making any after delivery present really more of a heartfelt survival kit gift!

10 MOST USEFUL GIFTS TO BRING NEW PARENTS

1. A FUNCTIONAL BUT CUTE DIAPER BAG 

Some new moms may have already received a diaper bag at their baby shower. And honestly, what mom wants a super diaper bag-looking diaper bag? Find a bag that is practical, fits her style and doesn’t look like a cliche diaper bag.

Backpack diaper bags are a great way to do this. They are not only really practical but also stylish (and better for the new mom’s back). Buy her a diaper bag that doubles as a backpack and holds diapers, baby essentials, and mom’s odds and ends!

2. HEALTHY SNACKS 

Hospital food may not be appealing for the new mom. If you are visiting a new mom who just had a baby, treat her to some delicious & nutritious snacks such as cheese, crackers, or grapes to help keep her energy up.

One of my best friends brought me my favorite smoothie and it was honestly the best thing at the time. Sometimes solid food is too much for a system that just birthed a newborn. Soups, pudding, jello and yogurt are all things that the hospital can offer, but they don’t taste the same as the same good stuff from home or a local restaurant. 

3. CHOCOLATE

Literally every problem can be solved by chocolate. The healthy snacks above are even better when followed by chocolate.

Caring for a newborn is exhausting. When new moms are exhausted…they want their chocolate! If you aren’t sure what kind of chocolate your new mom friend likes, consider making up a gift basket with a variety of different chocolates. Unless your friend doesn’t like or can’t eat chocolate, you’ll hit a home run every time with this gift.

4. ANYTHING LAVENDER 

Unless your loved one is allergic or averse to lavender, lavender items make a great gift for new parents. Lavender is naturally a calming and soothing scent; it relaxes you and in some cases, can put you to sleep. A warm & relaxing lavender bath is perfect for a tired, stressed-out new mom.

Also, a lavender candle, some lavender wax melts, or lavender essential oil just might help soothe the new baby to sleep (a bonus gift for any new mom)! Added Bonus- it takes away that “hospital” smell and makes the room feel more cozy. 

5. NURSING PILLOW 

A nursing pillow helps the mom relax her back and provides soft cushion and good support for the baby. A nursing pillow ensures that her baby is at the right height for her breast, so her shoulders don’t do the work for her. Her back is supported when using a nursing pillow, allowing her shoulders and neck to relax. 

Nursing pillows aren’t just for breastfeeding moms – bottle-fed babies can use them, too!

6. BABY SLING 

A sling or wrap can improve bonding between mom and baby and help parents stay hands-free so they can get tasks around the house done. My third baby wasn’t happy without being held; my baby sling was a huge blessing so that I could take care of my other two kids and still make my baby happy.

Many times that baby sling was the only thing that allowed me to push a grocery cart around Target with all 3 kids in tow. 

7. DIAPERS

One of the best gifts for a new mom who has given birth is diapers! She will be going through at least 10-12 a day for a while, so they get used up quickly! Gift her a family pack of diapers for the baby. Check on the diaper type she’s planning to use ahead of time: cloth or disposable and give accordingly. This will save her a lot of time and effort (and expense)!

This is an especially important one if these are first time parents. The number of diapers a newborn goes through in those first few days can be shocking and easily feel overwhelming, and they may not be prepared. 

8. MOVIE/TV SHOW/STREAMING SERVICE

The hospital makes new moms stay in the hospital for at least  24 hours after the baby is born. That means a lot of sitting around and waiting. I remember watching a couple of movies but not enjoying them – they were the only ones available on the hospital tv.  I would have loved for somebody to surprise me with a great new movie. 

This gift is also great for new moms once they are home too, because they may be spending a lot of time nursing (or just resting because they’re exhausted) and a great new show (or streaming service to watch shows) is the perfect way to do that. I went through so many series while nursing, it’s not even funny!

I wish that the Roku had been around when I was nursing. This device is phenomenal. No more getting up and disturbing baby when you want to change the channel or switch between streaming services.  

9. WOOMBIE

Any baby will love this! I can’t even tell you how much I wish I had this when my kids were babies. Forget the swaddle that comes undone as soon as you put the baby down – now there’s the Woombie.

It is a wrap that keeps the baby warm, cozy, and comfortable while being made of fabric that is light, breathable, and ergonomically shaped with a ‘hip-healthy’ design.

10. ARRANGE DINNERS FROM FRIENDS

Casseroles…freezer dinners…anything is wonderful to a new mom who is too busy attending to baby and trying to sleep (and maybe shower). Saving her time from cooking while caring for her newborn is one of the most practical and appreciated things you can give to a new mother. 

Use Signup Genius to email her friends and family (you can get those email addresses from her) to have them sign up to bring a meal to her. If you can, work it out so that she gets 3-4 meals a week for at least 2 weeks, if not more.

While you may not give this gift to her in the hospital, you can tell her about it when you visit her after delivery. You’ll make her day!

HONORABLE MENTION – CREATE A NEW MOM HOSPITAL GIFT BASKET

In case none of these good new mom gift ideas seem like the perfect fit, you could make your own hospital gift bag for a first time mom. Fill it up with toiletries and other essentials that would be pampering but also helpful in the hospital (and afterward). 

Ideas for new mom gift sets or for what to put in a new mom hospital gift basket (or bag) include: 

• Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum Recovery Essentials Gift Box. This is a set of products includes the C-Mama Healing Salve, a Bottom Spray, Postpartum Bath Herbs and a Nipple Butter. The C-Mama Healing Salve is a revolutionary, clinically tested healing salve.
• Organic Sitz Bath Soak. This amazing soak helps speed up the healing process after delivery.
• IceWraps Reusable Gel Ice Packs for nursing and more. These are the perfect nursing aid – they help with tenderness, clogged ducts, mastitis, soreness, and discomfort. Plus, the double for kid’s injuries. 
• Nursing Cover  – Shawl or Scarf. For a first time mom, having a nursing cover can help her feel less exposed as she’s trying to nurse her baby. Find a cute, trendy one that she’ll love and you have a winner!

I hope this list of the most practical things to get a new mother was helpful for you! Be sure to check out this list for the best gifts to give a new mom at the hospital when you are wondering what to bring with you when you visit mom and baby.