Now that I’m six months into being a mom to two little girls, I feel like I’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t. The process of preparing for a baby is so different when it’s your second. There’s no spending an hour researching the best nail clippers or what monitor to buy. You buy some new onesies and burp cloths, and purchase your favorite baby blanket in a second color. Okay, so it’s not that easy, but you’ve done it before and you can do it again.
Baby Gifts For New Moms
After going through all of my now two-year-old’s things, I figured out what I had and loved, what I needed, and I found a few new things that I ended up relying on. Here are the best baby gifts for new moms in 2021.
THE GIFT OF 15 MINUTES TO HERSELF
My six month old will sit happily in her bouncer for 15 minutes which, in mom time, might as well be an hour. She’s loved it since she was a month or two old, but once she started grabbing toys and, eventually, bouncing, it’s been one of her favorite places to hang out. I’ll put her in a seat when I need to throw laundry in, hop in the shower, or answer a few emails. It’s a life-saver and it’s cute, so I don’t mind having it out in our house.
THE SOFTEST BABY BLANKET
We have the Chenille and Luxe Little Giraffe blankets and really love both. They’re beautiful and have been a go-to gift for me for years – even before I became a mom. I knew I’d want them when my first was born, but didn’t know how attached she’d become to it.
THE CUTEST TEETHER
The Little G Teething Toy is not only cute, but it’s easy for babies to grip and is made of food-grade silicone, so there’s no worrying about what baby is putting in their mouth. It comes in silver, pink, and blue. My now 6-month-old has been chewing on this teether for a month and it’s easily one of her favorite things to chew on. Bonus: it’s dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe! I’ve been throwing this in the freezer for our newly teething 6-month-old.
SMART BABY MONITOR
Invest in a monitor that will allow multiple users to be able to watch your baby. Ours has breathewear that lets me see that our baby is breathing when I check in on her, which puts a new mom at ease. Easy to use mobile apps allow you to see your baby wherever you are.
FLEECE BOOTIES
Finding socks that actually stay on can be tough. I eventually gave up on socks and put my daughter in fleece booties with snaps. Plus, they look adorable.
PLAY GYM
My first daughter used her play gym almost daily during her first year and it’s getting a lot of use with baby sister, too. There are such cute options these days, and many that grow with your baby.
THE SOFTEST ROBE
There were few days that I opted to wear anything other than pajamas as a new mom, and the only other thing I wore was my favorite Little Giraffe robe. It’s like a blanket, and perfect for staying warm and cozy while caring for a baby.
ZIP-UP SLEEP SUITS
Snaps are fine but there are few things more annoying than trying to put snaps together at 3AM. Zippers make life so much easier.
A HOT CUP OF COFFEE
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten to drink my coffee, but even when I do remember to drink it, I don’t stand a chance at finishing the entire cup before it’s cold. Find a mug (insulated or electric) that will keep your coffee warm. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, and who needs a hot cup of coffee more than a new mom? No one. The correct answer is no one.
PEACE, QUIET, AND SAFETY
A doorbell might not sound like an exciting gift, but give me a second here. A doorbell that shows you who is outside and allows you to speak to whoever is out there without opening the door (safety is key!) is such a great feature for parents. And... I can silence the doorbell during nap time.
A SOFT THROW, BIG ENOUGH FOR FAMILY SNUGGLES
Most of those new baby days are spent in bed or on the couch, and when doing so, a Little Giraffe throw blanket is a must. We have two in our living room and use them every day all winter. They’re great for family snuggles, naps, and movie nights.
