Here are 15 fool-proof (and thoughtful!) ideas of what to bring when visiting a new mom so you don’t show up empty-handed. Remember, it’s essential to shower a new mom with love, too.
When a baby arrives, it can feel like the love and attention quickly shift from the new mother to the new life. So, if you’re reading this, thanks for caring about what to bring when visiting a new mom. Your thoughtfulness means a lot to her.
Keep reading to learn what to bring when visiting. We also cover what you should not do when visiting a new parent and some free ways to help mom feel supported during this time.
Check out our Postpartum Shop and build a custom Postpartum Gift Box to send to a new mom.
What should you not do when visiting a new parent?
Before we discuss our top 15 ideas for what to bring, let’s discuss what you should avoid when visiting a new family.
Here’s a quick list of don’ts:
Don’t ask to hold the baby — wait until the baby is offered to you
Don’t show up empty-handed — bring something (anything!) to show you’re thinking of them
Don’t comment on how tired mom looks — she is well aware of how tired she looks
Don’t ask how the baby is sleeping — ask how mom is sleeping instead
Don’t mention how messy the house is — pitch in and run the laundry or do the dishes
Don’t overstay your welcome — keep your visit short and sweet
Don’t visit if you feel sick — wait until you feel well and wash your hands before holding
Don’t offer unsolicited advice — listen to see if the mom asks your opinion before giving it
Remember, hold the mother until she asks you to hold the baby.
If all else fails, remember that the most supportive way to approach visiting a new mother is to hold the mother until she asks you to hold the baby.
What do new moms need most from visitors?
While every postpartum is different, mothers need to feel cared for, seen, and supported during this time. There are some straightforward ways to help her feel love and attention during this early time, and our ideas below do just that.
Hint: she probably doesn’t want another bouquet of flowers or a baby blanket.
If you’re up to it, you can consider creating a new mom gift box for a memorable present she will remember forever (and be thankful for).
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What to bring when visiting a new mom
1. Meals, meals, and more meals
The best thing you can bring a new parent is a meal. Whether you opt for a home-cooked meal or a postpartum meal delivery service, the whole family will appreciate you helping take one less dinner off their plate.
Make sure to gift the meals in a disposable container, so there’s no worry about washing another dish and returning it. Also, ask about any dietary restrictions within the family beforehand.
Hint: check out idea #11 for a bonus tip to make this suggestion a home run.
2. Her favorite drink
Offer to stop and pick up her favorite coffee, tea, or drink on your way over. It’s a simple gesture, but a hot – or iced – beverage prepared exactly how mom likes will feel like she won the lottery.
You can even pair it with a gift card to a local coffee shop.
3. A reusable water bottle filled with treats
Recovering from birth requires a lot of energy, and the new mom must stay hydrated.
Bring over a sizeable thermal rambler and fill it with hydrating electrolyte packets, gum or mints, individually wrapped candy, chocolates, chapstick, or anything else she loves.
4. Diapers and wipes
Ask mom or her partner what diapers and wipes they prefer and pick some up before heading over. A newborn can never have enough diapers! Opt for a pack of size one or two, as they will quickly grow from newborn diapers.
Bonus points if you change a dirty diaper or two while you visit.
5. A bag full of groceries
Considering dietary restrictions, showing up with a bag of groceries will make you a hero in almost any household.
Here are some simple grocery items to bring:
A carton of eggs
Avocados
A loaf of bread
Sliced cheese
Prepared oatmeal cups
- A carton of milk
Butter or ghee
Full-fat plain yogurt
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
A magazine or two
6. A cozy robe and slippers
Those early postpartum days require extra warmth. Any new mom will greatly appreciate a robe and a pair of cozy slippers to wear while walking with her new baby.
7. Anything postpartum healing related
Healing from birth is no joke and requires various items, some of which can quickly run out. Bring over any postpartum must-haves to help mom feel cared for.
- Pads or mesh underwear
- Feeding supplies
- Cozy socks
- Heating pad
Pay close attention to how mom gave birth – vaginal or cesarean – and which corresponding items to buy to help her feel supported.
New! You can build a Postpartum Gift Box to send a new mom on our website.
8. An Amazon gift card
The number of middle-of-the-night purchases when a new baby arrives is too many to count.
An Amazon gift card is the perfect gift to show up with when visiting a new mom – it helps her buy just about anything under the sun with the click of a button.
9. A self-care bundle for mom
Self-care can feel like a cruel joke in postpartum, so a small self-care bundle is always a good idea.
We adore this bestselling New Mom Self-Care Gift Box. It’s packed with supportive, simple self-care items such as a postpartum journal, an herbal-infused Epsom salt bath blend, an adaptogenic chocolate bar, and more.
You can always make your own with a few sheet masks, a weighted heat wrap, a nice hand cream, a non-toxic candle, and whatever else you think she’ll enjoy.
10. A carton of formula or milk storage bags
If the baby is breast- or formula-fed, bring a tin of baby formula or a carton of breast milk storage bags when you visit. Text a family member beforehand to check on mom’s preference.
11. Paper plates and cups
A family with a new baby will eat many meals at home, and with that comes many dishes that require washing. If you’re bringing a meal (or not!), showing up with paper plates and disposable cups is always a great idea. We love this eco-friendly all-in-one plate and utensil set.
12. Homemade energy balls
Energy balls are packed with energy-promoting nutrients but are also pretty delicious. Make a batch or two of these dark chocolate nut butter balls to bring when you visit. Everyone in the house will love them, so make a few extras just for mom.
13. A book or two
…preferably not about birth, babies, or postpartum.
Pick up a book or two in Mom’s preferred genre and drop them off when you visit. It’s nice to have something to do while she's tethered to a pump or finds herself with a spare few minutes. I know; we’re laughing in our heads, too.
You could also consider gifting her an Audible membership so she can listen to anything she chooses without using her hands.
14. Dessert of any kind
You can’t go wrong with dessert if you’re still struggling with what to bring when visiting a new mom. Think cookies, donuts, cupcakes, or even a scoop from her favorite ice cream shop.
15. A helpful attitude and no expectations
Above all, it’s essential to remember that you are there to support the parents when visiting a new baby. Don’t hesitate to speak up, ask how you can help, and not overstay your welcome. Keep visits under an hour, ideally.
Free ways to support a new parent
If you want to go above and beyond, below is a list of easy, free ideas you can do in addition to whatever you bring over. These tasks may seem simple or too easy, but they’re beyond helpful for new parents.
Walk the dogs
Take out the trash (and replace the trash bag)
Wipe down the counters
Empty and load the dishwasher
Entertain the older kids
Run a load of laundry
Fold and put away laundry
Final thoughts on visiting a new mom
Remember, the new mother you’re visiting is going through a significant life transition and is grateful for any effort, especially if she’s at its heart.
Keep the tips shared throughout this post in mind, and you can rest assured you helped make a new mom’s day that much easier. After all, it does take a village.
