If you’ve got a close friend who’s about to become a mom, here’s the perfect gift idea. When I was pregnant with Hayes, I remember how much I appreciated the thoughtful, practical things that made those first few weeks easier. So before one of my girlfriends recently went on maternity leave, I put together the ultimate new mom gift basket—I put together what I consider the best gift for a new mom—a cozy, functional basket filled with the exact things that helped me most in those early days (plus a few items I discovered later that I wish I’d had sooner).
Instead of using a traditional basket, I packed everything into this soft, plush diaper caddy. It’s neutral, functional, and something she’ll actually use every single day. I filled it with a mix of baby must-haves and postpartum favorites for mom. Below are all the items I included, how they helped me, and why I think they’re worth adding to any new mom care package. You can always pick and choose from this list and fill the remainder of the diaper bag pockets with newborn diapers 🙂 Totally customizable and such a thoughtful way to support a first-time mom.
1. Plush Diaper Caddy Organizer
I love this sherpa-style diaper caddy for keeping everything organized—especially during those middle-of-the-night diaper changes. I used one next to our bed for the first few months, and it made such a difference having diapers, wipes, and creams all in one place. It’s neutral, soft, and cute enough to leave out on the counter, which makes it one of those simple things that ends up being used constantly.
→ Shop the diaper caddy
2. Frida Mom Perineal Foam
This one is essential. I used this cooling foam daily after giving birth—it’s much easier to use than the spray bottles and provides instant relief. Highly recommend adding this to any postpartum kit.
→ Shop Frida Mom foam
3. Silverette Nursing Cups
These were a total lifesaver for me. They help prevent and soothe soreness while your body adjusts to nursing, and because they’re reusable, they’re truly worth every penny. A small investment that makes a big difference in those early weeks. I would add the nipple butter and then the silverette cups to my bra to nearly every feeding session and it helped prevent cracked & dry nipples. Linking the pink case I bought for them here too.
→ Shop Silverette cups
4. Night Light
This small night light was a must-have for late-night feedings and changes. It’s dimmable and soft—bright enough to see what you’re doing, but gentle enough that it doesn’t wake the baby fully.
→ Shop the night light
5. Newborn Diapers
This is hands-down something parents will go through a lot of during the first few weeks. An easy add-on to your diaper bag. Depending on how many items you grab from this list and beyond, you can always fill the remaining compartments of the bag with extra newborn diapers.
→ Shop my favorite diapers
6. Wireless Nursing Bra
I lived in these soft, seamless nursing bras postpartum!! They’re supportive but comfortable enough to sleep in, which is exactly what every new mom needs. At one point I had five of them. An essential for new moms.
→ Shop the nursing bra
7. Boon Trove Milk Collector
For any nursing or pumping mom, this small milk collector is so helpful. It catches letdown on the opposite side while feeding—because every drop counts you’ll come to find out! This was my favorite brand and version, it worked the best.
→ Shop Boon Trove
8. Baby Muslin Bibs
These muslin bibs are soft, absorbent, and come in the cutest neutral prints. I went through what felt like a hundred bibs when Hayes started teething (which was literally month 3), and these were always my favorite.
→ Shop the bibs
9. Lip Balm Set
Something for mom! My lips were so dry postpartum, and I kept one of these organic lip balms in every bag, drawer, and diaper caddy. Again, another essential you might not think about when you become a new mama and something you can’t ever have too many of!
→ Shop Cliganic lip balm
10. Bubbsi Bear Lovey
This little bear lovey is soft, snuggly, and such a sweet comfort item for naps or stroller walks. I loved having something small and cozy that Hayes could hold onto—it’s now the one thing he needs to fall asleep with in his crib. His favorite stuffy!
→ Shop the lovey
11. Earth Mama Nipple Butter
If your friend plans to breastfeed, this nipple butter is a must. It’s lanolin-free, baby-safe, and was one of the few things that actually helped during those early days.
→ Shop Earth Mama nipple butter
12. Sophie la Giraffe Teether
A classic for a reason. Sophie was gifted to me by several people at my baby shower, so you know it’s a good one! It’s easy for tiny hands to grab, made from natural rubber, and perfect for soothing sore gums.
→ Shop Sophie la Giraffe
13. Biodance Bio Collagen Sheet Masks
Something just for her. These collagen sheet masks feel so refreshing and hydrating—perfect for a five-minute self-care moment during nap time.
→ Shop Biodance mask
14. Breast Pump Wipes
These wipes are great for quick clean-ups between pumping sessions or while traveling. They’re gentle, residue-free, and save so much time.
→ Shop pump wipes
15. Booty Spatula for Diaper Cream
A clean, gentle diaper cream that actually works. I loved how easy this one was to apply and how well it kept Hayes’ skin clear.
→ Shop Paddle Pal
16. Inkless Ink Pads
Such a sweet, easy way to capture newborn memories. These inkless pads make it simple to take hand and foot prints without the mess. We still have Hayes’ in his baby box in his nursery. Something you might not think about or need in the beginning, but anything
→ Shop ink pads
17. Burp Cloths
Every parent, I’m sure, goes through millions of burp cloths. At least we did. This is another good filler item for those extra spaces in the diaper bag. Easy to buy a pack and roll up each cloth.
→ Shop Earth Mama nipple butter
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If you want more gift ideas or if you’re shopping for yourself, I’ve linked my Pregnancy Essentials folder HERE, Delivery/Postpartum folder HERE, Babies folder HERE, and the rest of my folders HERE.
This gift basket turned out so sweet and personal—it’s one of those gifts that feels thoughtful, useful, and full of love. If you have a close friend who’s about to become a mom, this kind of care package will mean so much more than a one-and-done gift. Hopefully you liked these new mom gift ideas!
