If you’ve followed me for a bit, then you know I’m a huge fan of the postpartum nursing cart. Another postpartum essential is a recovery kit. There are many pre-made kits like this one that lansinoh so generously shared with me. But recently, I had THE SWEETEST grandma-to-be reach out because she is wanting to put together a “new mom” basket for her daughter when she comes home from the hospital and thought I might have some thoughts about what to put in it.

Don’t forget to grab your free printable with a list of ideas to help when visiting mom + baby

Your new mom probably bought many of her own postpartum essentials in prep for this time period (plus she will get sent home with a few things from the hospital) but here is the list of items I found most helpful. More ice pads are always welcome, as well as a pack of baby wipes.

• Belly binder

• Pads

• Adult diapers for the first few days

• Ice pads

• Peri-bottle (part of this kit)

• Tucks wipes

• Cooling spray (part of this kit)

• Numbing spray (also part of this kit)

• Baby wipes

• Size-up underwear

• bin to contain it all

NEW MOM GIFT BASKET

Here are a few things I loved or would be fun for that time period

• These lactation cookies are delicious. My mother-in-law made me some eat and some to keep in the freezer and it was perfect.

• A new set of Pajamas (these are great for breastfeeding and stretch enough that you don't need to go up in size)

• A new robe

• Her favorite snacks

• A water bottle with a straw

• Dry Shampoo

• Lip Mask: Lips get so cracked and dry when breastfeeding.

NEW MOM HELPER LIST

But the most helpful thing isn’t a thing at all! I’ve mentioned before that the mental load of motherhood starts before baby even arrives with things like planning what to bring to the hospital, what you will need to bring baby home, sleep schedule, breastfeeding prep and postpartum needs, etc. I’ve found that a list of items that people can help our family with when they stopped by to see baby to be the most helpful. I was so sleep deprived and focused on baby that when someone asked how they could help, I knew there were things to help with but I couldn’t think of what those things were. Print this list for when people ask “how can I help?” I promise people want to help - especially grandpas - and helping is not just “holding the baby.”

PRINT YOUR HELPER LIST (plus a few bonus ideas for ways to help!)

Here are the items we found helpful when visitors came over:

1. Sign up for the Meal Train

2. Drop off a pack of diapers, wipes and/or formula (text mom if you don’t know type/sizes)

3. Take the dog for a walk

4. Light cleaning: wipe down bathroom and kitchen counters, Vacuum the rugs

5. Empty/Fill the dishwasher

6. Ask "What can I get you from Costo/Grocery/Target?"

7. Go grab or make coffee for everyone

8. Check the dryer and/or fold any laundry

9. Empty Trash Cans, take trash out and replace liner

10. Get the mail

11. Offer to watch/hold/listen for baby for a short time AND suggest that mom lie down, take a shower or attend to other tasks WITHOUT interruption

I’d love to know if there are any ideas or items that were helpful for you!