Baby gift ideas for new and expecting mums

Nursery gifts for a mum-to-be

From the moment your first baby arrives, sleep becomes more important than ever before so new mum gifts that help everyone get some shut-eye are always welcome.

Choose a gorgeous newborn swaddle to wrap Baby up snug and warm, a personalised onesie or comforter, or a look for a sleeping bag that the little one can grow into.

Gender-neutral colours are easy to find if the sex of the baby is unknown, and it’s always a good idea to go up a size or two, as babies stay in newborn sizes for a very short time.

A room thermometer combined with a nightlight is a great gift as room temperature can impact the sleep comfort (plus they look cute in a nursery).

A baby monitor such as the Owlet Smart Sock is the perfect present for a new mum as it suitable for newborns through to 18 months. It tracks a baby’s oxygen level, heart rate and sleep patterns and even sends push notifications so Mum will never miss a thing. This is the ultimate gift for peach of mind, even notifying parents if the little one’s reading fall outside pre-set zones.

Additionally,  the Owlet Smart Sock can be combined with the Owlet Cam to create the Monitor Duo so parents have a complete picture of their baby’s well-being. The Owlet Cam smart monitor uses wifi so you can see and hear Baby from anywhere via your phone. It also allows for night vision and allows for two-way talk, so parents can shush to reassure their bub or talk to one another via the monitor.

Special toys for a newborn

While babies don’t need toys from the get-go, they’re still lovely to give! A personalised gift such as a teddy bear with the baby’s name on, or with a special meaning to you (so they don’t forget where it came from) or the growing family is a thoughtful present for an expectant or new mum.

If you’re thinking more long term, a play mat or activity toy is very useful and fun in those key developmental stages; and will keep your little one happy while providing constant stimulation. One such toy can be the Done by Deer Activity Play Mat that focuses on developing your baby’s coordination. Each toy provides a different stimulus that can be changed and moved around as you see fit.

This can be combined with the Tummy Time Activity Toy that will help strengthen your baby’s neck and back while enjoying their play mat time. It even comes with a teether and rings to soothe bub’s itchy gums.

Gifts to spoil a new mum or mum-to-be

Massage vouchers are a clear and obvious choice and few mums-to-be are disappointed to receive some extra pampering. As time is even more of a premium once Bub arrives earthside, consider a voucher for an at-home massage service such as Blys so the new mum doesn’t have to factor in travel time to get some TLC.

Creating your own hamper with bespoke products that you know your mum will like is always a win. Choose a cute basket or container that can be used later to store nappies or baby toiletries for example, go for a colour theme and fill your hamper with a blanket or muslin cloths, a onesie and hat, face washers, nappy cream, essential oils, chocolate, earplugs, an eye mask… The personal touches you add will mean a lot.

Unique presents for a new mum

A wealth of personalised presents are readily available online and you might feel spoilt for choice!

From a personalised print of Baby’s birth statistics for the nursery wall, to a bespoke baby photo album, those important memories will never be forgotten with these thoughtful and unique presents for a new mum.

Fingerprint jewellery such as Deja Marc is particularly special as it can be worn for a lifetime, and close to the heart. Hard to Find has stunning necklaces and jewellery featuring initials to suit all tastes.

Give the gift of stories

Ok, so it’s going to be quite a while before a new baby reads these books, but as Mum and Dad get used to talking to their new baby, stories are a great opportunity for bonding.

Think Aussie classics like Possum Magic, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, and Alfie’s Big Wish; New Zealand favourites like Hairy McLairy; the classics of Dr Seuss or Winnie-the-Pooh; and special stories from your homeland or the family. Consider The Mousehole Cat from Cornwall in the UK, or Greyfriar’s Bobby for London; the Madeleine stories for France or Scaredy Squirrel for Canada, for example.

Meal delivery service for new parents

If you’re handy in the kitchen and live close to a new mum, it’s easy to double your meals and deliver health meals. If you’re farther away though, consider meal deliver services to take some of the load of new parents.

A Sydney option that has long been a favourite for baby showers and new parents is Dinner Ladies. Countrywide meal delivery services include Marley Spoon, MACROS and Chefgood.

Also consider buying vouchers from the new mum’s favourite or local café or restaurant so they can pick and choose what they want and when.