What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby
A baby is a pretty big deal. And what better way to help out a new mom and dad than with some of the most useful items for baby, from diapers, meals, or a newborn photoshoot? In this article we’ll talk about what to bring to someone who just had a baby that will be really appreciated by parents.
We’ll also share what not to bring, because it turns out there are lots of things people think they should do or buy when in fact all babies need is love and maybe a little food! This list includes both what you can make or buy as well as what you might want to purchase online. So without further ado, here are our top ten items for new parents:
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby
1. Meals
2. Gift them a Newborn Photoshoot
3. Diapers and wipes
4. Caffeine
5. Reusable Water Bottle
6. Gift Cards
7. Comfy Pajamas
8. Wine or Champagne
9. Bath Bombs
10. A Cleaning Service
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- Meals!
New moms and dads are tired! Learning to be a parent is one of the most exhausting times and the last thing they need is to be worrying about what to cook for themselves and other kids. They’re too focused on doctors appointments, photo sessions, bonding, learning to breastfeed and soothe their baby… they don’t want to think about food at all. So, take those new parents a meal! Better yet, sign them up for a meal train, if they aren’t already! Having meals covered for the first few weeks really is a huge gift! Meal Train also has the option to send gift cards to places like Grubhub, which is nice for people who don’t have time to make a meal or want to let the family pick the meal themselves.
However, if you do have time to cook the meal yourself, things that reheat well are best! Foods like lasagna, tacos, soups, enchiladas, rotisserie chickens and sides are always great! Grilled foods are always a nice change, too! New parents will surely appreciate this gesture. If you want to go above and beyond, add some breakfast for the next morning or another item from this list to help them transition to their new family dynamic.
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- Gift them a Newborn Photoshoot!
A newborn photoshoot is a great gift for a new mom and dad! It’s a way to capture those first few weeks and months with the new baby. And what better time to do it than when the baby is just born! The little newborn details don’t last for long and those sweet memories will be something they cherish forever.
Some things to keep in mind when gifting a newborn photoshoot:
– Make sure you book well in advance, or advise the parents to call me as soon as possible for their consultation, as these newborn photoshoots tend to fill up quickly.
– Check with the parents that they haven’t already booked or check if they have a photographer in mind. If you are interested in gifting money towards a newborn photoshoot with me for a friend or family member, I would be happy to help arrange this.
-A newborn photoshoot can be an additional investment for the family, depending on how much you want to spend or if it is a group gift. Consider a money pool at a baby shower to help the family get their beautiful printed pictures of their new baby and family together.
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- Diapers and Wipes
Assuming they are using disposable diapers, this is such a practical gift! You know it won’t go to waste (or I guess maybe it technically will ha!) and it will definitely be appreciated. You really can’t go wrong with this gift. I suggest size 1 or 2 because newborn diapers don’t last too long. Be sure to check their registry to see if there is a brand they prefer!
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- Caffeine
If they weren’t coffee drinkers before kids, chances are they are now! Being parent is so exhausting, especially when you have older kids to take care of. So, take them a latte from your local coffee shop! If you’re local to St. Louis, maybe some Mudslingers or Sugar Beans Coffee House? If they need the caffeine that’s not coffee, take them a fountain coke or something to give them energy to get through their day. Depending how close you are to them and how open they are to it, you could also offer to sit with their newborn while they rest or nap! I remember when my first baby was born. A friend came over to visit and she watched my colicky newborn while I showered for the first time in who knows how long haha! I still remember how helpful that was!
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- A Reusable Water Bottle
Take the new mom a NICE reusable water bottle! If they have given birth at a hospital, they’ll most likely have a big plastic one they were given, but something like a stainless steel yeti is a really great gift that will last for a long time. I still use the one my sister gave me 8 years ago! Especially if the new mom is breastfeeding, they will really appreciate this gift. It’s crazy how thirsty you get when you sit down to nurse a baby!
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- Gift Cards
If you are having trouble deciding what to bring to someone who just had a baby, gift cards are always a great option. There are so many unexpected expenses that will come up and things they realize they need once the baby is born. They’ll be grateful when they have a gift card when they need to run out for gas drops or wipes! Target is a great place to get these because they have everything!
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- Comfy Pajamas for the New Mom
If you’ve ever had a baby, you know how much time you spent snuggled up feeding and comforting a new baby. A new pair of comfy pajamas to lounge in is a great gift for a new mom! Check out these pajamas from target. So comfy and they’re really great for breastfeeding because of the button up front.
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- A Bottle of Wine or Champagne
A new baby is a reason to celebrate! Drop off a bottle of wine or champagne with their dinner. They’ll love you for it!
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- Bath Bombs
New moms are sore and exhausted after having a baby. Bath bombs or bubble bath are great gifts to help a new mom rest and take care of herself! Bath bombs are pretty time consuming to make yourself, but also pretty fun. If you’re not crafty, you could grab some bath bombs from my favorite place- Lush.
What to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby- A Cleaning Service
So, this isn’t something you’d bring as something you would gift them, but any new parent will love the gift go a home cleaning. New parents don’t have time to deep clean their houses and mom should be resting anyway. My parents gifted me a few house cleanings when my second baby was born and it was AMAZING to just be able to focus on my kids and not have to think about cleaning the bathroom or mopping. This is also a gift you could go in on with a group of people if it is more than you were wanting to spend alone.
What NOT to Bring to Someone Who Just Had a Baby
Don’t bring germs! I know it’s exciting to get to meet a new baby, but if you haven’t felt well recently, just stay away a few extra days. It’s not worth risking getting the family sick.
Do NOT bring formula and bottles to a mom struggling with breastfeeding unless she asks. It can be very discouraging and can really mess up their success.
Don’t give your advice unless they ask for it! Becoming a new parent is hard enough without having to try to please everyone. Let them follow their instincts and give advice only if they ask.
So, what should you bring to someone who just had a baby? Hopefully this list has helped give you some ideas. Whether you gift a cleaning service or photoshoot, or take them a meal, the new family will surely be appreciative. You’ll be surprised what little gifts mean when everyone is exhausted from being up all night every few hours feeding a newborn!
