Nothing shows a new mom love like a hand-picked postpartum care package filled with things to support her after birth.
When we’re looking to celebrate a new mom, there are literally hundreds of newborn items on the market that grab our attention.
Onesies and stuffed animals are cute, but if you’re looking to support a new mom into her fourth trimester, here is the perfect way to get a postpartum gift basket filled with everything she wants and needs during this precious time.
Snacks to munch on
A mom-friendly water bottle
Something to help keep warm
Calming essential oils
Self-care items for mom and baby
Supportive affirmation cards
Cute hair accessories
Gift cards
Here are my essentials for a postpartum gift basket
1. Snacks to munch on
Whether breastfeeding through the night or preparing a bottle at 3 am, she will be hungry. Focus on items that are easy to eat, high in protein and fat, and quick to prepare.
Simple snacks like trail mix, cereal bars, nuts, or homemade oatmeal energy bites are my favorites to include.
Throw in some yummy adaptogen-infused postpartum chocolate or her favorite treat to keep her oxytocin levels nice and high.
2. A mom-friendly water bottle
A new water bottle is an absolute postpartum must-have (in every room!). I’m not sure why water tastes better from certain water bottles, but it does, right?
Mom will need to stay hydrated all day and night, so giving her a brand-new water bottle could encourage her to keep drinking. My favorites are the stainless steel bottles from either Simple Modern, Owala, or MomJug.
3. Something to help keep warm
One of the keys to postpartum recovery is warmth. Moms need to stay warm those first few weeks after giving birth. Keeping the body warm via warm foods and clothing helps aid in recovery.
I always include a pair of fuzzy gripper socks in my postpartum care baskets. Other ideas to keep mom warm would be a cozy new robe (perfect for breastfeeding mamas!) or a soft bamboo pajama set.
Warming comfort is always the way to a new mom’s heart!
I found a reusable rice heating pad to be a lifesaver in my postpartum experience and for years to come. It can be warmed in the microwave and used throughout the day to provide soothing heat wherever mom needs it the most.
4. Calming essential oils
This Peaceful Essential Oil Dropper from Seasons of Mama is one of my favorite things to bring to a new mom.
I have gifted this to many friends and received the same response each time: “This is amazing, so peaceful, best smell in the world!”.
Essential oils provide a range of benefits, and this one particular was created by a midwife just for mamas.
5. Self-care items for mom and baby
Another thing I always include is a few self-care items for BOTH mom and baby.
A postpartum journal is always a lovely gift. It could encourage her to write down her birth story or journal about the small (but mighty!) victories during these first few weeks.
A few baby items, like pacifiers, loveies, or burp clothes, are great since you can never have enough!
6. Supportive affirmation cards
Affirmation or mantra cards for new moms provide a great pick-me-up for those hard days and sleepless nights. I love throwing these into my care package to uplift and inspire Mama with a new daily message.
Don’t forget to enjoy reading through them before gifting them for a quick reminder of how amazing you are!
7. Cute hair accessories
The reality of postpartum is that it’s not a good hair day (or month, or year). Give her a little boost with a few new cute hair accessories.
The good old “mom bun” will become a staple, and you can never have enough scrunchies! Claw clips and dry shampoo will also be very beloved and appreciated by a new mom.
8. Gift cards (!!!)
Finally, a gift card is a small but mighty addition to any care package!
These are wonderful because mom can choose to use them whenever works best for her and her family. Giving the gift of massage, postpartum doula visits, or restaurant/takeout are all beautiful ideas.
Final thoughts on crafting a care package
No matter what ends up in your postpartum care package, it will be so appreciated because it includes the most essential things: your love and support!
New moms and parents are often forgotten once a new baby is born, so any form of care you can show is fully recognized.
