If you are looking for a unique and personal gift for a soon-to-be mother, a New-Mama Care Kit is my favorite gift for first-time mothers.
I created this gift a few years ago when my best friend was expecting her first child. I knew she would receive everything that baby needed but I wanted to give her things that she would need.
Essentially, my New-Mama Care Kit is basket of things that new mothers really need but would never ask for.
If you are looking to give a unique and personal gift to a soon-to-be mama. Here is how you can make your own New-Mama Care Kit
1. Choose a Basket
First, I like to have a basket in which to put everything. The basket is great because it can double as a caddy for a new mother to store items once baby arrives (like feeding or diapering supplies)
2. Gather the Goods
- Reusable Nursing Pads – Whether or not a new mother is going to breastfeed, her breasts are likely going to produce at least a little milk at some point. Not only do reusable nursing pads absorb leaks, but they are made from bamboo fibers which are soft on tender breasts.
- Nipple Balm* – Attempting to get a newborn to latch can cause a lot of pain and nipple soreness. A balm can help lubricate and soothe sensitive skin. My favorite is the Earth Mama Nipple Butter which glides on smoothly and isn’t sticky like Lanolin.
- Nursing Tank* – Comfort and convenience are priorities in the early days. A soft nursing tank offers both to new mamas.
- Always Infinity Flex Foam Pads – The jumbo pads at the hospital are great immediately after giving birth but they are so bulky! Once I was home I switched from the hospital pads to Always Infinity Flex Foam pads. They are thin and comfortable yet super absorbent. They also wick everything to keep things feeling a bit more fresh and dry.
- Sleep Mask – New moms need to squeeze in sleep whenever they can! A sleep mask shuts out the daylight to help new mama’s get the rest they need no matter the hour.
- Dry Shampoo – When a mama is deciding to spend her few precious minutes away from baby washing her hair or sleeping, the sleep often wins (as it should)! Dry shampoo will help her at least feel like she’s freshened up.
- Mama Mug – Let’s face it, there’s no amount of caffeine that can actually make up for the sleep deprivation inflicted by a newborn. But at least a cute mama mug will help a new mother feel special as she attempts to refuel.
- One-Handed, Leak-Proof Water Bottle – Postpartum life can be dehydrating. A leak-proof water bottle with a one-hand open, makes it easier to stay hydrated when a new mama finds herself trapped under an eating or sleeping newborn.
- Hand Lotion – Lotion helps comfort dry and itchy hands that result from all those diaper changes and hand washing.
- Lip Balm – In keeping with the hydrating-mama theme, lip balm will keep her chapped lips at bay (and is also helpful in the dry and chilly hospital).
- Snack Bars – Post-partum life, including producing milk, and can make you HUNGRY all the time! I always include some snack bars in the new-mama care kit.
- Baby Nail File – While a baby nail file may not be the first thing someone thinks a new mother needs, I was surprised how long and sharp a newborn’s nails are. They scratch their faces and a mommy’s tender chest!
*I know that not all new mothers will breastfeed but I included some of these items because her breasts and nipples may be sore from latching, milk production or even allowing her supply to dry up. I like my new-mama care kit to have items that will ease discomfort.
3. Give a Little Detail
While most women will already know how to use the items in the basket, I like to include a note to explain why I included each one.
If you want to do the same, you can use my letter template as a starting point. Just copy it into your word processor and make any personal adjustments you like!
4. Gift Receipts
As I mentioned, each mother’s journey is unique. That is why I include gift receipts for everything (right down to the lip balm). I put them in an envelope that I tuck in the back of the basket.
5. Wrapping & Card
Once everything is gathered, it’s time to wrap! Sometimes I use clear wrap (as pictured) but I have also used a cute gift bag. Another, more eco-friendly, idea is to “wrap” everything in a reusable tote like this or this.
Even though I already include the letter that explains the basket, I also send a new baby card to express my joy and love for the family.
New-Mama Care Kit – Cheat Sheet
- Choose a Basket
- Gather the Goods
- Give detail
- Include gift receipts
- Wrap everything
- Include a gard
There you have it! This is exactly how I pull together my New-Mama Care Kit which is my favorite gift for moms-to-be.
Gifting a New-Mama Care Kit is my way to show my friends through the midst of cute onesies and adorable baby toys that I see them. It’s my quiet way of letting other women know that when their breasts are raw and they have chosen sleep over a shower (for the third day), that they are not alone. And that someone else knows what they are going through.
Of course, every woman’s postpartum journey will be unique. The idea of this basket is to make postpartum life easier for the new-mama in your life. Feel free to add things that helped you in your postpartum journey.
What would you add to this kit? I have tweaked mine through the years and love hearing about new items I should consider including!
