Becoming a new mom is a LOT of work. Like, maybe the most work of any job ever. It’s exciting and joyful, definitely, but there are also just so many THINGS to do — putting the finishing touches on the baby shower guest list, changing endless diapers, feeding your newborn every few hours, trying to feed yourself in between it all. 

If you’re a mom, you understand the madness. And even if you haven’t experienced the particular level of sleep-deprivedness that is new mom but still want to support the first-time mom in your life, you’ve come to the right place. One of the best ways to brighten up her day and support her through the chaos is with a care package — and we’ve put together the ultimate packing list. 

Keep reading for four care package ideas any new mom is guaranteed to love. 

Going from pregnant to full mama status is a huge identity shift. One day you’re, well, you (albeit with a little babe inside you). The next day, you have a mini-me out in the world. 

It’s easy (and normal!) for new moms to focus entirely on their newborns, even to the detriment of their own health. That’s why a self-care package can be so helpful. 

For a super easy me-time starting point, check out our Mama Must-Haves Kit. This kit combines three of our bestselling wellness products in one tidy little package that will have the new mom glowing from head to toe. 

The kit includes:

In addition to these wellness must-haves, consider adding a candle, bottle of wine, or a good book to help her relax in between feedings. Little gifts like these are a sweet way to remind her that even though the spotlight might be on her little one, she definitely deserves to be celebrated, too. 

It’s easy for everyday life things — taking out the trash, scheduling a dentist appointment, eating regular meals — to fall to the wayside during the first few months postpartum. One of the best ways to support a new mom is by easing the burden of these everyday domestic tasks by offering to clean her home, making her a home-cooked meal, or signing her up for a subscription grocery or meal service. 

When putting together this type of care package, think about how well you know the new mom. Are you close enough that you could pop by her house and surprise her with a deep cleaning? Or would a DoorDash gift card and a home-cooked casserole be more appropriate? The goal is to make her life a little easier without invading it. 

Another way to do this is by giving the new mom the gift of time. Offer your services as a babysitter, even if it just means stopping by for a few hours in the afternoon so she can nap. Chances are she’ll appreciate the gesture more than you know. 

Just because she’s given birth doesn’t mean the maternity shopping is over (especially if she chooses to breastfeed). The fourth trimester can be a real doozy, and a few luxurious pairs of PJs or ultra-comfy loungewear might be the thing that gets her through it. 

We’re obsessed with The Robe, a luxe French terry number perfect for greeting adoring family members and guests during those first few weeks postpartum. It’s machine washable, comfy enough to sleep in, and comes in three darling colorways: Slate Blue, Oat, and Black. One of each, please. 

The Softest Rib Nursing Dress comes in three dreamy colors, and it’s so breathable and comfy you’ll want to wear it to sleep. And you should! It’s as red-carpet-friendly as it is breastfeeding/pumping-friendly. 

Finally, a high-quality nursing bra is an absolute must for a breastfeeding mama. We’re big fans of the Dream Feed Nursing and Sleep Bra, a wireless and hardware-free cross-front bra perfect for nursing, lounging, and sleeping in. It’s so soft that she’ll forget she’s wearing one. 

Here’s something about motherhood that nobody talks about: Those early days can be a bit … welL … monotonous. 

You have to feed your baby every few hours, and life can definitely feel hectic and stressful during this time. But newborns also sleep a LOT, and chances are mama has some downtime that needs filling while she keeps an eye on the baby monitor or rocks her baby to sleep. Putting together an entertainment-focused package is a great way to support the new mom and get creative with your gift-giving. 

If she’s a movie lover, for example, you could include bags of microwave popcorn, some M&Ms, and a gift card to the streaming platform of her choice. Or maybe she loves to read, in which case you could pick out a few books and a lovely bookmark or sign her up for a subscription book service. 

Think about her interests, and cater your care package towards those. It doesn’t matter how much time or money you put into this gift; what matters most is the thought. Showing that you pay attention to her hobbies and interests is a fabulous way to demonstrate this.

When it comes to this sort of gift-giving — celebrating a new birth or pregnancy, providing support and community during a stressful time — it really is the thought that counts. You might get caught up in putting together the perfect care package, but don’t lose sight of what truly matters: Your support of the new mom during a time when she needs it most.

At the end of the day, that’s what matters most. 

Sources: 

Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy: prevalence, possible pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment | PMC.

The New Mother: Taking Care of Yourself After Birth | Stanford Childrens

Newborn Sleep Patterns | Johns Hopkins Medicine.