Christmas gifts for a first time mum

[Gemster19]

After some inspiration here - DP is generally very good at presents but he always likes to ask if there's anything specific I want.

First baby is due in Feb and I'm very aware that my life is going to be different whilst I'm on mat leave so I'm not necessarily going to want, or have time to use, the things I might normally like for Christmas!

I'm not really big on 'stuff' for the sake of it - I have a beautiful watch, I wear the same jewellery every day, I love my kindle so don't need any books and it's not time for an upgrade. I was very active before pregnancy but don't want to put myself under any pressure once baby's here with gym kit or even nice new clothes when I've no idea when I'll fit back into them!

Any new mums out there got any thoughts about things that they've absolutely loved, or wished they had, just for themselves whilst they've been at home with a newborn?

Some nice comfortable loungewear sets which you don’t mind being seen in! I was in scruffy maternity pyjamas and wished I looked a bit more put together for visitors whilst being comfortable.

Yeah I think nice but comfy clothes, probably one size up from your pre-preg size (assuming you haven't put on 'extra' weight other than the baby, breasts etc). I found all my tops fitted but I was a size bigger in trousers for a few months until I toned up again. Difficult to be certain what size you'll be after, so aim for stretchy things!

Also clothes which are good anytime but also work for nursing. Cardigans rather than jumpers / tops with buttons down the front etc.

I got a comfortable set of noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones which I use all the time when I’m up feeding my baby during the night or when she’s napping on me during the day. Along with that, an audible subscription? As I used to read a lot don’t have the time or spare hands now so I listen to audiobooks on my headphones.

For walks a buggy organiser, so you can have purse phone and most importantly coffee within easy reach! A decent travel mug (Contigo are good) as well is great. There are all sorts of designs and budgets of buggy organisers but I found mine a life saver with my second.

A nice heat pack, I like the long rectangle ones that you can drape around your shoulders, holding little one and being tired sometimes gets a bit achey so I think anything kind you can do for yourself like that is a win.

Birch box have a fab mum and baby special edition on offer. I got one for a friend and was suprised how many of the things were full sized and what a good selection there was.

Tots bots happy mat. Great for changes out and about. The usual changing mats are so cold for them to lay on, at this time of year especially. These ones are soft and comfy.

Decent Long line vest tops are fab if you are breastfeeding so you have that to cover your tummy and then can lift up a looser top you have on over the top, the soft ones with some boob support are fab for when breasts are engorged when your milk comes in.

Teething necklace? Neal's Yard set for mums? Nice robe/cardi/pashmina to cosy up with baby in style? Nice big pint glass/jug/water bottle as you will get thirsty! Loungewear you are happy to see visitors in is always nice, too.

Comfy loungewear you can easily bresstfeed in. Like the juno jacks hoodie

Some spas do a pregnancy pamper package. That’s what DP gave me for my birthday when I was expecting. Had a lovely relaxing day out with a friend.

I think I'd ask for a couple of nice maternity tops or jumpers that have built in breastfeeding access. I didn't bother with these as was told I could just put a stretchy vest under normal clothes and pull one layer up, and one layer down for feeding. This is true, but it would have been nice to have had one or two pieces to wear when out and about or with visitors. A friend had a jumper with buttons at the side which gave her a really discreet and easy way to feed.

I'd also look to get an annual pass or membership to anywhere local that would be nice for walks with baby. My National Trust membership was used every week while on maternity leave.

I'm struggling to think what it is you normally want for Christmas that you won't be able to use once baby is here? I literally can't think what that could be?

Just ask for what you want. I'd be really upset if everyone just got me 'mum' stuff. You will still be you!

I’d have loved some luxurious lounge wear! And if you don’t already have a kindle it’s much easier to read one handed while cuddling a baby .

Congratulations .

A lovely new bag?

Pregnancy massage voucher somewhere really nice! It’s such a treat on your sore limbs and back further into a pregnancy

I was heavily pregnant last Christmas (DS was born between Christmas and New Year) and DH got me some loungewear sets, some nice shampoo/conditioner/shower gel, a keep cup, a hamper of snacks and some spa vouchers.

He also upgraded my iPad from the 2012 version, plus got some wireless earbuds, which were perfect for sitting in bed watching Married At First Sight Australia at 3am.

I agree with the "you'll still be you" comment. What would you normally want?
I'm also due in Feb (with my second) and would love comfy clothes like a big hoody, a night away for pre baby, spa vouchers for post baby and homemade vouchers for 8 hours solid sleep! I won't get any of these things...

My first DD was a January baby (7 years ago!) and for that Christmas I asked for a lovely leather Storksak changing bag. It's something that I wouldn't have bought myself but I loved it and used it for my 2 children and still use it now as an overnight bag. X

A good hairdryer if you don't already have one, taking 4 mins to dry your hair instead of 8 will make all the difference.
A coffee machine, they make coffee with hot water rather than boiling water, so safer to hold around the baby.

Do you know what my absolute favourite present was.... it was a gift box filled with bath products and a candle. Everyone bought so much for the baby but my best friend bought me something and I was SO grateful. I didn't know I needed it until I did 🤣

She got me a beautiful set from In Bloom.
www.inbloomandco.com
It was a lavender bath oil, lavender bath salt and a gorgeous sea salt candle.

Xxx

A decent leak proof travel cup, so that when you've just made a lovely cup of tea and bubs fills their nappy, your tea will still be warm when you're done changing them! Also leak proof is good so you don't have to worry about putting it down on the table that is just put of reach and you don't want to move too much in case you wake bubs up, you can just pop it on the sofa next to you.

Thank you all for these ideas - DP now has a good list to choose from!

@miltonj and @Incywinceyspider of course, I don't necessarily just want 'mum' stuff, just things that I will get some use of over the next six months!

@whosaidtha I'm expecting I prob won't have much use for boozy city breaks or nice lingerie, shoes or perfume until baby is a tad bigger...