Wondering what to buy a new mom for herself? These things go beyond the classic baby registry. Becoming a mom is a constant struggle of never-ending surprises and needs and overwhelm. It’s easy to spoil baby and forget about the mama – here’s what she needs in those early days.
When I was pregnant, I poured over lists of what a new mom would need. I was afraid of the unexpected. What would I be like postpartum? What would I need?
So I headed to my good old friend, Google.
What does a new mom actually need after baby?
Most of these lists were the same.
While I drank in all the information I could, I still felt like I was missing things. Was it really possible that all these postpartum women wanted was some loose PJ bottoms and a Boppy?
The answer for all of those women who wrote all of those lists may, in fact, be “yes.” But for me, it simply wasn’t the case.
In fact, there were a bunch of things that I didn’t anticipate needing. And even
What to Buy a New Mom for Herself: 7 Unexpected Things
I think we get so bogged down preparing for the “baby” that we forget there are things WE will need. Here you’ll find the things I needed as a new mom for myself – not baby.
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A huge cup with a lid and a straw.
This might actually be my number one thing. While still pregnant I was already walking around with a giant
The first few days after having a baby you are THIRSTY. All the time. Even more if you’re nursing. (it’s why this is also one of my breastfeeding essentials!)
Invest in a large water cup with a straw and lid so you can bring it around with you while you cuddle with your new baby and not have to worry about refilling or spilling.
Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Video
If there is one thing I can say you should invest in for your postpartum days, it’s a subscription to Netflix. It’s my #1 thing I suggest when people ask what to buy a new mom for herself.
Being pregnant and subsequently a new mom, you will quickly realize that daytime TV is terrible. I mean terrible. Do yourself a favor and get some kind of streaming service to keep yourself entertained while nursing your baby home alone mid-day.
Single serving quick food.
Yes, frozen meals are nice. Really, they are. But most of the time, my husband could help handle dinner when he came home. My biggest struggle was breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Thankfully I thought ahead. I made and froze individual servings that I could quickly heat up while the baby was asleep. Things like bean and cheese burritos, soup, and fried rice were perfect and simple.
I also had a stockpile of peanut butter, microwaveable oatmeal packets, and trail mixes. Things I could eat quickly and with one hand if needed were a lifesaver.
If you’re looking for something to bring a new mom, think of how you can keep her fed and nourished when help isn’t close by.
Lightweight shelf camis
While I bought a few nursing bras pre-baby, they can be difficult to navigate while we were both learning the ropes of breastfeeding.
I love shelf camis because they’re so comfy and not confining, which is great when your milk comes in.
The best part is you can easily pull a strap down and leave it down to feed, and pull back up to cover when the FedEx guy comes.
Zip Up Hoodies
These
Pulling up my shirt every five minutes to feed left me freezing. It’s nice to throw on a hoodie to keep warm while feeding.
Looking for more nursing fashion? Check out this post on what to wear while breastfeeding in the summer .
An E Reader .
Staying awake with a baby can be hard. If you’re nursing, you’re up at all hours and exhausted. My trick with all of my kids was to read a book on my e-reader.
I love the Kindle Paperwhite since you can download straight to it and the backlight is super adjustable. I’ve also used my phone, but the light is much brighter and I find it harder to fall back asleep after
Use Amazon Kindle Unlimited to download books whenever without racking up a huge bill. Some of them even come with audio books, which is perfect for listening to in headphones when pacing around with a cranky baby. I can’t recommend an Audible account more.
Signing up with this link will get you 2 free books in your free trial!
Favorite thing to buy a new mom for herself: Amazon Prime
Yes, it’s an upfront cost. But trust me on this, if you’re some kind of modern miracle who doesn’t have an Amazon Prime account, get one.
I can’t tell you how many times I thought of something that would make life easier and just Amazon-ed it at 2 am.
There are so many little things you don’t expect as a parents, and being able to get more wipes, nursing pads, snacks, or pacifiers without having to leave the house is such a gift.
Using this link to sign up will get you your first month free!
Moms- What did you find to unexpectedly need in the first few weeks?
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