Hamper for new Mum

[LukeT1988]

Hi all,

I've just registered to seek advice from other Mothers. I'm a soon-to-be Dad and already have asked this question on a Dad forum, but it turns out putting a guy wanting advice in a room other guys results in said guy not getting much advice, so as always, I'm relying on the Woman to help me out!

As mentioned before, me and my Wife are due our first baby in a few weeks and I want to make a hamper to give her. I've searched online for ideas and it seems all hampers are based around the baby, but the baby has already been spoilt by us and will be buy Family so I want to create a hamper just for her. I've already got the first thought ideas - Spa day, chocolate' flowers etc, but what I'm really after is things that a new Mum would love in those first few weeks but haven't really thought about.

So as a Mum, what was your cravings or simple pleasures you sought for during those first couple of weeks of the baby's arrival? Bear in mind I wamt this hamper to focus on treating her after what she's endured :)

[PotteringAlong]

When is the spa day for? Because with the bleeding, the leaking, the bruising, the feeding and not wanting to leave your baby I cannot think of anything worse for a new mum in the first few weeks after having a baby than a spa day.

[AnneLovesGilbert]

Vouchers for a shop where she can get some nice bras
Biscuits
Flapjacks
Crisps/savoury snacks
Her favourite bath products
Cosy slipper socks
A pretty soft dressing gown
Netflix if you don’t already have it (you can buy vouchers)

On the spa day - nice idea but if she’s breastfeeding she won’t want to leave the baby for a whole day. I got given a massage voucher and 6 months after my baby arrived I haven’t used it yet.

A pedicure or massage at home from a mobile beauty therapist would have been amazing for me.

Congratulations on your new soon to be here baby!

[saywhatwhatnow]

New pyjamas and dressing gown or comfy lounge set
Some vouchers for her favourite online clothes shop. After months of wearing maternity wear it's nice to have a few new bits.
Nipple cream
Pate, Brie and champagne

[MrBobLobLaw]

That sounds like a really lovely idea @LukeT1988

I would have really liked some fancy gin and tonic tbh! But maybe if your DP likes Prosecco/wine/whatever maybe she'd enjoy a mini bottle of that as a celebration.

A random but useful thing was a really big water bottle with integrated straw as I would get sooooo thirsty whilst breastfeeding, especially overnight and a glass of water would be gone in 10 seconds flat!

Some nice, cosy pajamas are always a welcome gift for me.

And I agree about snacks for nighttime feeds too (again, sooo hungry!) anything single serve is good, like flapjacks/cereal bars.

Fancy bath soaps etc are always good too, Aesop is a really lovely and natural brand (pricey tho!) but would deffo be a treat for your partner especially if she likes high end stuff.

If I think of anything else I'll comment again!

[LukeT1988]

Thanks for your ideas. The Spa voucher will be valid for a year and os for two so she can go with a friend while I babysit lol I don't expect her to use it straight away, but when she's ready. She's already mentioned wanting a spa as it's something I usually treat her to on Birthdays etc so it's become somewhat of an activity for us lol So I know it's something she'll want.

I never thought about Clothe vouchers so that's deffo something I'll look at getting.

Were there any gadgets/gizmos that you found helped you get through the day, be it to help you with the baby or to help keep your sanity! I like the idea of putting something practical or useful in there along with the treats lol

[MrBobLobLaw]

I really liked the wonder weeks book and app (it's like a week by week what to expect from your baby). I also watched lots of Netflix etc. Does your DP like reading? Some books for her kindle or a voucher to buy books might be good.

Lots of people raved about this night feeding light that emits a dim light and you can clip it to your top. It saves you having to startle baby/baby's dad in the night by putting on a brighter light. Can't remember it's name but hopefully that's enough to go on to google!

If she's crafty or sentimental maybe a 'baby memory' book might be nice. One of those ones when you fill in with pictures and memories of 'firsts'.

A bit more expensive but a Polaroid /instax type camera to take photos on could be fun to capture some of the early days.

[PotteringAlong]

The Spa voucher will be valid for a year and os for two so she can go with a friend while I babysit lol

You know you don’t babysit your own child, right? Would you say your wife will be babysitting for you whilst you’re at work / out? Nope.

[GingerRH]

@LukeT1988 there's a website called 'dont by her flowers' they do hampers! Have a look on there.

[JenDaw]

Such a lovely thing to do @LukeT1988 ! I might show my husband this 👌

[Marleym28]

I think it's a brilliant idea.
if it were me the spa day would be the best bit. Having a break from a baby and having someone to look after me for a few hours would be such a good reviving feeling
What a nice gesture and surprise.

Sounds silly but someone said to me about a nice/pretty thermos flask- that way her tea/coffee won't go cold a million times a day whilst the baby doesn't have a routine etc.

If there is a local restaurant she likes then maybe a homemade voucher for a dinner out to use when she's ready/Date night for you both

Or a homemade voucher book - a massage, a candle bath, just little gestures that's are in the comfort of home (in case she doesn't want to be away from the baby)

Just suggesting things I'd like 🤣

Hope that's helps!
Ps. Don't let any negative posts out you off. I think it's a lovely idea

[AlaskaWaves]

A bit random, but I found that an extra-long phone charger lead was so useful.
Hand cream, as you end up washing your hands a million times a day after all those nappies.