Holiday Gift Guide for New Moms 2025 (Postpartum Essentials That Make Life Easier)
By Dr. Alli Chisholm, PT, DPT
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love with my own family and clients.
I have a confession to make: I’m a pediatric physical therapist who specializes in working with infants, but whenever I go to a baby shower, my focus is mainly on the mom.
(Okay… and I usually grab a Baby Einstein Takealong Tunes for the baby, because let’s be real — it’s a sanity-saver and one of my go-to newborn gifts.)
But truly, when I shop for new moms, I can’t help but think back to that time in my own life. During pregnancy, everyone checked in on me — asking how I was feeling, what I needed, if they could bring me anything.
And then my daughter was born… and overnight, that attention shifted.
People stopped asking how I was doing and started asking how she was doing.
How’s she eating? Sleeping? Pooping?
All good and valid questions, of course — but those early postpartum weeks? They were some of the most isolating and overwhelming weeks of my life.
The Truth About the Fourth Trimester
If you’re still pregnant, my best advice is this: set up support before your baby arrives.
Even if you think you’ll be fine — you probably won’t regret it.
That might look like:
Setting up a meal train or grocery delivery service
Asking a family member to come by once a week so you can nap or shower
Investing in a postpartum doula or cleaner for those first few weeks
And if you’re already in the thick of it and realizing, “Oh wow, I actually can’t do this all myself,” — please ask for help.
I wish I hadn’t been so stubborn in those early months. I felt like I had to be Supermom — holding the baby, keeping the house clean, trying to “bounce back.” Looking back now, I’d give anything to go back and tell that version of me to rest, to receive help, and to remember that taking care of me mattered, too.
Sometimes help looks like big gestures — but sometimes it’s a friend picking up wipes you forgot, dropping off takeout, or watching the baby for 30 minutes so you can wash your hair in peace.
Why I Made This Gift Guide
Whether you’re a new mom yourself, pregnant and preparing, or a loved one trying to figure out what to gift a new mom who “already has everything,” this list is for you.
Yes, these are material things — but when you’re freshly postpartum, the right tools and comfort items can make all the difference.
I’m not about “stuff for the sake of stuff.” Every single thing I share here is something I’ve personally used, loved, or watched make life easier for the families I work with. Think of this as your list of intentional, sanity-saving postpartum essentials that will actually get used.
Clothing Must-Haves for the Fourth Trimester
Ekouaer 3-Piece Everyday Nursing Pajamas
I haven’t bought these yet, but they’re on my own Christmas list for baby #3. They’re soft, practical, and cozy enough to live in — the kind of set you wear all day without feeling like you’re in pajamas (even if you are).
Kindred Bravely Everyday Maternity Joggers
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can never have enough comfy pants postpartum. These are buttery soft, roomy enough for those giant pads and mesh underwear, and they actually last.
Kindred Bravely Sublime Sports Pumping Bra
I laugh now, but I truly thought pumps stayed on by themselves the first time I used one. Spoiler: they don’t. This bra lets you pump hands-free, which means you can actually drink water, text, or eat something while pumping. That’s a big win.
Kindred Bravely Everyday Maternity & Nursing T-Shirt
Pair this with joggers and slip-on sandals and you’ve got a “leaving the house” outfit that’s still comfy enough for all-day lounging.
It might sound silly, but cozy socks matter. These don’t slip off like cheap fuzzy ones and they’re perfect for snuggling up on the couch during cluster feeding marathons.
Ekouaer Labor & Delivery + Nursing Gown
I don’t love sleeping in pants, so this gown will be a lifesaver postpartum. Soft, nursing-friendly, and perfect for middle-of-the-night feeds.
Nursing-Friendly Sweatshirt (Amazon favorite)
Perfect for layering when the temps drop and you’re up at 2 a.m. rocking your baby.
Simple Kindred Bravely Breastfeeding Dress
It’s not fancy — but that’s the point. Comfortable, simple, and durable enough to last through multiple postpartum seasons.
Slip-On Shoes That Will Save Your Sanity
ODOLY Cork Footbed Slide Sandal (Birkenstock Dupe)
I love my Birkenstocks… but I wear them so much they fall apart fast. These dupes look and feel the same at a fraction of the price.
Kizik Lima Hands-Free Sneakers
As an infant physical therapist (and a mom of toddlers), I’m constantly slipping my shoes on and off. These are a dream — no bending, no tying, just step in and go.
I tried to find a cheaper dupe, but honestly, nothing compares. They’re warm, durable, and perfect for those crumb-covered floors we all pretend don’t exist postpartum.
Bottle Feeding & Nursing Essentials
Could you bake your own? Sure. But when you’re keeping a baby alive and running on three hours of sleep, store-bought cookies that boost your supply feel like a miracle.
I’ve seen so many of my client families swear by this. It’s basically a baby Keurig that makes the perfect bottle in seconds — because when your baby goes from calm to starving in 0.2 seconds, speed matters.
Recommended Bottles
If you haven’t yet, check out my 0–6 Month Holiday Gift Guide for my top bottle picks for reducing gas, reflux, and colic. When your baby feeds comfortably, everyone is happier and sleeps better.
I’ve tried several pumps and this is the one I always come back to. Check with your insurance before buying — many plans cover it!
Honestly, manual pumping became my secret weapon. I’d pump one side while using the Haakaa on the other and always got more milk than with wearable breast pumps.
I prefer this over the Boppy for feeding support. It molds to your body better and helps babies stay in a good position without straining your arms.
A great option for pumping or storing milk on the go. Keeps milk cold for hours — and yes, this one’s also on my Christmas list this year.
Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags + Nursing Pads
Simple, effective, and yes, necessary. You will leak. A lot.
Lanolin Nipple Cream
Those early feeds can be rough — and it’s okay to admit that. This cream helps soothe and heal tender skin as your body adjusts. Some soreness is normal in the beginning, but ongoing pain isn’t (and usually means something deeper to troubleshoot, like latch or positioning).
Multi-Purpose Nursing / Car Seat Cover
I love a product that multitasks. This one protects your baby from weather (and curious strangers) and gives you privacy when feeding out and about.
Infant PT or IBCLC Evaluation
One of the best gifts someone can give a new mom: real support. Whether it’s feeding struggles, head preference, or tension, a virtual assessment with an infant PT or lactation consultant can make all the difference.
Postpartum Recovery & Comfort
Massage Gift Card
If there’s a local perinatal massage therapist near you, this is worth every penny. Those nursing-and-holding-a-baby shoulders will thank you.
Pelvic PT Gift Card
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your pelvic floor went through a lot. Seeing a pelvic PT can completely change your recovery.
When hunger hits, you need one-handed food. These are protein-packed and actually taste good.
30 oz Stanley Tumbler with Handle + Straw
Hydration is not optional postpartum — especially if you’re breastfeeding. I swear by this cup because it’s easy to drink from while nursing.
Microwaveable Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulders
You don’t realize how tense you are until you use one of these. Pop it in the microwave and melt for 10 minutes of bliss.
I wish I’d had this with my first baby. It includes all the unglamorous-but-necessary recovery tools: peri bottle, disposable underwear, cooling pads, and more.
Simple but versatile — great for scar massage or as a gentle lubricant if you’re dealing with postpartum dryness.
You’re a Good Mom Affirmation Journal
Postpartum emotions can be a lot. Having a place to vent, reflect, and remind yourself that you’re doing an amazing job can help you process everything that’s changing.
If body image is a hard spot for you right now (it was for me, too), I wrote a post that might help: How to Deal with Negative Body Image Postpartum.
Final Thoughts
Mamas deserve to be cared for and celebrated — not forgotten — in the postpartum period.
You’ve already done so much for your little one, and you’re a vital part of their world.
Whether you’re prepping for your own postpartum season or shopping for a friend, I hope this list helps you find the things that make those first weeks just a little easier, softer, and more supported.
And if you want the full 2025 Holiday Gift Guide — including my top picks for babies 0–6 months, 6–12 months, new moms, and new dads — you can sign up for my email list here and I’ll send it straight to your inbox when it’s ready (plus a printable checklist for easy shopping).