With so many expectant mamas in my life currently—and over a decade of watching the evolution of baby products—I thought I’d share some of my go-to baby shower gifts, as well as a few items I’ve found aren’t as essential. When you begin your search, you'll run into an overwhelming number of options. So, when you're holding that scanner at Target or adding items to your Amazon cart, I hope this list will support your journey into motherhood!
For Mom:
- Comfy slippers: I love gifting an expectant mama a soft pair of booties with non-slip soles—perfect for wearing around the house while she’s healing and bonding with her new baby.
- Bath soak: There’s nothing quite like a soothing bath soak. My favorite to gift friends and family is lavender-scented Epsom salt that mamas can use during pregnancy or for moments of relaxation during their postpartum phase when it's safe to soak again. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of warmth to a mama's self-care routine.
- Nursing bras: A supportive, well-fitting bra is essential—just make sure it’s not too tight and has no underwire. I personally loved nursing sleep bras. They were so convenient and breathable that I continued wearing them long after I stopped breastfeeding.
- Nursing pads: In the early days of breastfeeding, breasts may leak unexpectedly due to oxytocin and your body adjusting to milk production. Both disposable and cloth pads are available to slip into your bra. I used both but found myself reaching for disposables more often because they were more accessible.
- Microwavable heating pad: I didn’t have this during my postpartum days, and I wish I did! One of my clients had several around her home and used them to relieve tension and stress. She would ask me to warm them for about a minute before using them on her breasts, which helped with milk let-down during pumping sessions. The brand she used was Bed Buddy, and after getting one for myself, I’ve been gifting these ever since!
- 3-in-1 breast therapy packs: Lansinoh- my go-to (and other brands) make these, and the moms I’ve gifted them to swear by how helpful they are, especially in the early breastfeeding days.
For Baby:
- White noise machine: This is a must-have for soothing babies, especially in those early days when they're transitioning from the comfort of your womb. The sound mimics the noises they heard in utero and can help drown out background noise that might disrupt their sleep. I used mine with my daughter until she was about eight years old!
- Boudreaux’s Butt Paste: This is a family favorite! It was a lifesaver when my daughter was a baby, and I always gift a tube at baby showers. Aquaphor is another great barrier cream for everyday use.
- Boppy Pillow: Yes, they still exist! I loved mine when I was learning to breastfeed, and I’ve used Boppys for years for bottle-feeding my doula babies as well. They're great for support, though they aren’t meant to be used as sleep devices.
- Bassinet for rooming in: While a crib is important, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rooming in with your baby for the first six months. I don’t have a specific brand preference, but I suggest choosing one with a firm mattress. I recommend avoiding bassinets that strap the baby in or rock, as they can set up unrealistic expectations for sleep. Your baby just needs a safe, simple surface that adheres to safe sleep guidelines—nothing fancy! Plus, having a bassinet in your room makes nighttime feedings much easier, reducing the amount of time you're up and moving around.
What You Can Skip (though the choice is yours!):
- Bottle warmers: Over the years, I’ve found these less necessary, as warming a mug of water in the microwave and placing the bottle or breastmilk bag inside works just as well. Plus, it helps babies adjust to a range of milk temperatures, which is handy on the go.
- Formula makers: Formula-dispensing machines may seem convenient, offering "baby lattes" by providing warm, ready-to-feed formula at the touch of a button. However, some parents find these machines inconsistent with formula-to-water ratios, which is crucial for a baby's nutrition and hydration. Most of my clients have stopped using them altogether or ended up using them only to dispense warm water. And I encourage all parents to do their own research and weigh the pros and cons to see if a product is a right fit for their family.
I’m not here to criticize any companies or play brand favorites. But I am passionate about sharing my experiences, honest advice, and providing compassionate, non-judgmental support for new parents!
**If you’d like to download my free postpartum planning journal, which includes a list of healing products and tips to support your recovery, click here.**
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**Click here to give gifts like expert support for pregnancy, lactation, the postpartum period, or gentle infant sleep coaching to a new or expectant mama in your life!**
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