Quick Note

I wrote this blog post 3 years before becoming a Mama of my own. It includes some great suggestions for practical treats for a new Mum. If I was to do it again, I’d definitely opt for natural/low tox options. If you’re looking for my postpartum essentials, click here!

Anyway…

Last week my sister-in-law had her very first baby (see her baby shower here) which was super exciting! I decided to make up a new Mum survival kit for her in the hospital but was a bit clueless as to what should go inside. I wanted it to be both practical but nice. I decided to ask a home decor group that I’m part of on Facebook as I knew all those Mamas would know what was best, especially since they’re mostly Kiwi ladies! I used their advice and my very limiting country supermarket (seriously, who doesn’t sell hand sanitiser?) to make up my kit for her.

What I included in my kit:

• chocolate (duh, this was a VERY popular suggestion)
• tissues
• hand cream
• wet wipes
• antibacterial wipes
• lipbalm
• nursing pads
• glass mug
• cookies
• nappy rash cream

I packaged all these things up in a gift bag and printed out a wee tag. The gift bag was stuffed full!

Suggestions for Your Kit

Unfortunately I couldn’t quite fit all the great suggestions I received in one bag, but I’ve decided to share them all here anyway in case you too are wondering what new Mums would love.

• Pure and Simple Lanolin Cream
• Washable Bamboo Nursing Pads
• Hydrogel Nursing Pads
• Lucas’ Papaw Ointment
• Witch Hazel
• Berocca Tablets
• Organic Decaf Coffee
• Medela Purelan
• Batiste Dry Shampoo
• Mamaway Ring Sling Baby Carrier
• Can Be Used For Different Positions – Breastfeeding Privacy – Ocean Lanna
• Apple Itunes PrePaid Card 25$
• CamelBak eddy Insulated .6L Water Bottle
• Lush Gift Voucher
• A magazine for the hospital such as Your Home and Garden or Oh Baby!

More Suggestions

I’ve heard my Mum say that a baby doesn’t come with a manual, which can mean some stressful and trying times for a new mama! Some of the ladies on Facebook suggested some ideas that are great to help Mum out after she gets back from the hospital too, such as:

Cook Her a Meal.

Mum is tired and busy and probably doesn’t want to cook by the end of the day. You could get a group of friends together and schedule who will cook dinner each night for the first few weeks or simply gift one meal. (Natalie has a great post about this here.) Knowing the couple’s likes, dislikes and allergies would be handy. Freezer meals are so great and homemade baking will go down a treat too. If the new Mum is breastfeeding you could even try these lactation cookies!

Clean Her House.

She will love you for it. Take over all your cleaning supplies and give her house a spring clean. Vacuum the floor, do some laundry or even just do the dishes.

Hold Her Baby.

Offer to hold the baby while she takes a shower, or take the baby for a walk while she has some alone time. This is a good chance for her to have a little time out and a breather. I wouldn’t suggest doing this if you’re not very good with babies or not close with the Mum however.

Having a new baby in the family is such an exciting time! Hopefully these tips will come in handy. If you make up your own New Mum Survival Kit I would love to have a look, so tag me Instagram!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive some income.