The Best Baby Registry Items for New Moms (2024)

The months before giving birth can be one of the most precious times in a person’s life, and for many moms, one of the most exciting traditions is the highly-anticipated baby shower. In preparation for the baby, all of the mommy-to-be’s close friends and family will get together to show their support with gifts—from blankets and baby bottles to strollers and toys.

While I’m a huge fan of baby showers (I remember mine fondly and absolutely love spoiling my girlfriends at theirs!), one thing I have found myself thinking about lately is why we traditionally have these celebrations before and not afterward. A mother’s needs after the baby is born are quite different.

Let’s face it, most of the gifts an expectant mom receives at her baby shower are for the baby. But what about mama? Parents generally have enough onesies, burp cloths, and bottles to last them years. The time after you give birth is arguably one of the most challenging times: being sleep-deprived, over-touched, sore, and hungry.

Babies, on the other hand, sleep often (if we’re lucky) and live in onesies and diapers. Besides the boob or bottle, there isn’t much more they need. Moms need a lot in order to keep up with the baby, so I’m sounding off on what I think are the most important gifts for mama postpartum.

If attending a baby shower is on your calendar this year, instead of a cute gift for the baby to wear or play with, consider giving the new mom a present that promotes rest, relaxation, and self-care and makes their life easier.Not sure where to begin? Here is my postpartum mommy registry of items that a new mom will thank you for after giving birth. Or if you’re an expectant mom creating your registry right now, consider adding these items to your list!

Creating your baby registry can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help with editor- and expert-approved picks for everything you need for your new baby (and for you!) with our first ever Baby Registry Awards. Click here for our top picks for everything from bouncers to baby bottles.

For Labor & Delivery

For Postpartum Healing

Postpartum Care Kits

Yes, they give you most of these items in the hospital, but what I like about these kits is that they are a bit of an upgrade from the freebies. I like the elevated mesh panty and the clean and fragrance-free products.

Healing Products

From healing down under to taking care of sore and cracked nipples from newly breastfeeding or pumping, you’ll be glad you have these tried-and-true favorites on hand.

Pelvic Floor Therapy/Acupuncture

Birth does a number on the body. Whether you’re recovering from a cesarean section or vagin*l birth, your body takes a beating. So many women forgo treatment and just excuse the pain as part of the process. Remember that if something feels off, contact your doctor. There are so many resources to help your body recover.

For instance, four months after having my son Liam, I started having terrible pain in my wrist. After a week of pain, I went to the doctor to find out I had and still have (it came back with my second baby) Mommy Thumb. With the help of acupuncture and physical therapy, I’m on the road to recovery.

Postpartum Wardrobe Essentials

Nursing Bras & Tanks

Comfortable nursing bras with easy access for breastfeeding or hands-free pumping are key postpartum. Here are four highly-rated favorites.

Postpartum Underwear

Comfort is key during postpartum recovery—from leggings down to underwear. Once done with the disposable undies, these will be new go-to’s.

Postpartum Robes and Pajamas

Maternity Leggings

I basically lived in leggings postpartum. The high waist gives your tummy support without feeling tight at all.

Nutrition and Hydration

The First Forty Days Cookbook

We are trained to examine everything we put into our body while pregnant, but many forget the importance of helping your body recover after pregnancy through nutrition. The First Forty Days is a book that revives the lost art of caring for a mother after birth. The book includes 60 simple and delicious recipes for healing soups, replenishing meals and snacks, and calming lactation-boosting teas, all formulated to support the unique needs of the new mother (and to feed hungry partners, too).

In addition to the recipes, this warm and encouraging guide offers advice on securing help during the postpartum period, navigating inevitable relationship challenges, and honoring the rite of passage that is pregnancy and birth.

Food Delivery

Low-prep food delivery is key for postpartum parents. Consider registering for (or gifting a new mom!) fully prepared meals or convenient smoothies.

Food Services From a Postpartum Chef

Now I know this seems like a bougie luxury, but hey, that’s why you should put it on your baby registry for people who can get it for you as a group. While researching postpartum chefs, I found The Culinistas,a full-service, in-home, private chef company that can grocery shop, prepare postpartum recipes, and even clean up. Can I get a hell yes? Of course, it’s only available in certain cities, but freshly made food delivery is still a great gift. If this feels too indulgent for you, ask your friends for a food train of healthy meals. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is prepare food when you haven’t even had a chance to shower.

A Giant Water Bottle

And since we’re on luxury items, the social-media famous Stanley Cup seems like it was made for postpartum moms, who need an easy, one-handed way to get the extra hydration they need to recover.

Mental Health and Newborn Support

Coaching or Therapy for Transitions

Motherhood can bring you to your knees, and for a first-time mom, the transition can either be smooth or a little bumpy. Personally, I struggled with a loss of self and lifestyle as I entered motherhood. It can change so many aspects and relationships in life, which is why I highly recommend gifting a coaching or therapy session to the new mama in your life. Even if it’s just a consultation, it might just be the encouragement she needs to get the help she wants.

Pediatrician Support

Nothing can replace your regular check-ins with your pediatrician, but giving mom the gift of a trusted-service you can text with all your medical questions in the newborn phase is a huge help. I remember the first night at home I had a million—is the baby eating enough? Should I supplement? Summer Health, a text-based service that allows you to text a trusted-medical provider all of your questions (with pictures if needed!) and you get a response in less than 15 minutes. At $20/month you can gift a new parent up to a year of this service.

Mom Support Group

These are often called baby groups, but they are so much more than that—they’re a lifeline for a new mama. It gives you the ability to connect with other moms, share resources, and build friendships. And if you can’t make it in person, there are virtual options like Mysha.

Newborn Sleep Course

The hardest part of newborn life can be the complete lack of sleep. Taking a newborn sleep course can teach positive sleep habits, like learning about wake windows and sleepy cues for tired new parents.

Night Nurse Care

I can’t express enough the toll that consistent lack of sleep takes on your body. If you have a group of girlfriends who can split the bill, do it. You can hire a night nurse for two days or six weeks. Anything is appreciated, and mama will have peace of mind knowing her little is being taken care of by a professional. No need to wake up in a panic to check if the baby is breathing. Someone is doing that for you!

House Cleaning

Whether you offer to come over to do the cleaning yourself or you hire a service, the cleaning must be done. A few tips for offering to clean: let your mommy pal know she doesn’t need to interact with you or maybe even offer to come while she’s napping! Laundry, dishes, and bottle-washing are all welcome.

Doula Support

Doulas can help with a range of things pre- and post-pregnancy. Some will even leave with you from the hospital or birthing center or attend your home birth.

The Best Books for New Moms

The postpartum period is a time of transition, and these four books focus on different parts of the process; becoming a mother, early parenting, shifting relationships, and returning to work after baby.

I am a firm believer that taking care of a mother will help her take care of her baby, so why not show them support both before and after giving birth. New moms will definitely appreciate gifts that make their hectic day-to-day more manageable and comfortable. These suggestions are just the beginning—there are tons of items to will help a new mom thrive in her new role.

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, her birthday, or your very own version of a push present any day of the year, let’s normalize keeping the support for new moms coming well after the baby shower and birth.