Best Gifts for New Moms, According to a New Mom

“New moms spend a lot of time in pajamas or loungewear because their bodies were just put through the wringer, and they need to heal,” Lashbrook says. A silk robe is the perfect place to start. She recommends this washable silk version from Quince for its luxurious feel and price. Comparable silk loungewear tends to come at a higher cost. 

“I spent a lot of time in those early months on the sofa, wrapped in my beloved Olivia Wendel blanket,” Lashbrook says. “It’s soft and beautiful, and because it’s 100 percent cotton, more breathable—and thus all-season appropriate—than many of the microfiber options on the market. Wendel also makes baby quilts, but don’t neglect mom when you make your purchase!”

This footie, complete with magnetic closures, came to the rescue. “It made diaper and outfit changes so much easier because rather than buttons and zippers, the footie closes with magnets, making ons and offs quick and painless,” Lashbrook says. “And because it’s made from modal fabric, it’s stretchy and thus easier to fit over wriggling limbs.”

Sure, this one may technically be for the baby, but a mom will surely appreciate the convenience it offers. The footie is available in several whimsical designs and colorful patterns as well as sizes.

“I know other new moms who keep a water bottle in every heavily used room in the house, so they’re never without,” Lashbrook says. “My Owala keeps my water icy for a solid 24 hours—CR hasn’t officially tested this, but I think the ice lasts for about a day—and has a straw for easy drinking.”

See the insulated cups we’ve tested.

“Pregnancy is full of dangers, or at least that’s what some would have us believe. In my experience, this doesn’t change much postpartum,” Lashbrook says. “Thankfully, I had Emily Oster’s ’Cribsheet’ to reference whenever I was feeling a bit panicked about something new to fear.”

In the book, Oster, a professor of economics at Brown University, discusses topics such as sleep training, child care, and allergens. “I owe a significant portion of my postpartum calm—relatively speaking, considering the hormones and lack of sleep—to this book,” Lashbrook says.

“I have a Velcro baby, aka one who won’t let me put him down for more than 15 minutes without yelling at me,” Lashbrook says. “I started carrying him everywhere in my Artipoppe Zeitgeist baby carrier once he was about 8 weeks old since, at that point, I was mostly healed from my cesarean section and he was big enough to fit safely.”

For a slightly more cost-conscious option, Lashbrook recommends this Wildbird Aerial carrier (which she bought for herself). It’s similar to the Artipoppe carrier but nearly half the price. 

For more options: Best Baby Carriers

For new moms, any item that can help keep the baby occupied or entertained (even if for 15-minute increments) is a must, and this Lovevery play gym is not one to miss. Our parent evaluators loved this model and found that it wasn’t overstimulating, thanks to a lack of electronic speakers or loud noisemakers. This play gym is easy to clean, encourages tummy time, and boasts an engaging and attractive design to boot.

Read more: Best Baby Play Gyms

“Pooping postpartum is one of the most dreaded experiences after labor,” Lashbrook says. “Whether birth was vaginal or a cesarean, the pelvic floor is often damaged and makes that first bowel movement—and sometimes beyond—a nightmare. A toilet stool significantly improves this experience.”

Defecation posture modification devices (DPMDs) like the Squatty Potty are meant to ease bowel movements by elevating legs beyond the hips and into a squatting position. This has been found to lessen strain, among other benefits. 

Read more: We Tested the Squatty Potty and Other Footstools for Your Toilet

While we’re on the topic of relieving oneself, don’t overlook the importance of this post-birth staple. “Many hospitals in the U.S. give postpartum women peri—short for perineal—bottles to use instead of toilet paper when that area was just put through the wringer of birth,” Lashbrook says. “But their use can be a bit awkward, especially if your body is sore from labor. A bidet is a much better option and can be used far beyond the fourth trimester.”

Short of investing in a full-on bidet toilet, the Tushy attachment is a budget-friendly alternative. It’s compatible with most standard two-piece toilets and doesn’t require electrical installation. It has a dial to adjust the water pressure, and three settings.