It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming our first little boy into our family. Three kids later, I can still recall how hard those first postpartum days were. Life with a newborn is such a whirlwind of exhaustion, wonder, and joy. I don’t know how we would have made it without the loving support of family and friends. As a Dallas newborn photographer, I talk with so many new moms every year, and I love hearing about the things that make adding a new baby to the home just a little bit easier.

If you’re expecting a baby or know a mom with a new little one, here are a few gift ideas that can really make a difference in the first weeks and months after the baby’s arrival. 

A Professional Newborn Photoshoot

While they may seem to last forever when you’re in the midst of them, those newborn days really are fleeting. They won’t be a squishy, sleepy, tiny person forever! When you’re sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, it can sometimes feel hard to enjoy the moment. Gifting a professional newborn photography session is an amazing way to support a new mom because it will allow her to cherish the beautiful aspects of this stage for years to come. Let’s face it: it’s hard to capture the cuteness of newborns on a phone camera. With soft natural lighting and a trained eye, I can make sure moms never forget all the sweetness of the newborn days. Talk to me about adding a newborn session to your registry!

A Meal No One Else Is Covering

It’s no secret that new parents appreciate dinner delivered to their door—it’s so hard to cook when there’s a tiny person who needs you constantly. If you have more than one kid, it can feel almost impossible. But why not offer to bring a meal no one else is covering? Sometimes breakfast can be the hardest meal of the day to prepare; knowing there’s a quiche or breakfast casserole in the fridge can make those bleary-eyed mornings just a little bit easier. If there are other little ones in the house, pre-cut fruit and easy-to-grab snacks can be a real sanity-saver for postpartum moms.

Give Mom (and the Kids) a Break

Speaking of older kids, I know from experience how overwhelming it is to take care of a newborn and toddlers at the same time. Big kids need so much more stimulation than babies do and it can be hard for a mom to meet their other kids’ needs when they have a newborn to care for. Having someone take the big kids out of the house for a day or even a couple hours can be a wonderful break for everyone. The kids get to burn out some energy and mom can rest with the baby!

Self-Care for Mom

In those first weeks, everyone is so excited to meet the baby they can sometimes forget that mom needs care too! I know from experience that feeling loved and supported in those early days was so important for my physical and mental health. Friends and family can offer to watch the baby while mom takes a nap or goes out for a couple hours to get coffee and a mani-pedi. Little breaks are key for surviving the newborn days!

Personalized Gifts

Personalized or embroidered gifts can be incredibly meaningful and special. Items like a blanket with the baby’s name, a custom-made onesie, or a piece of jewelry with the baby’s name or birthstone can become cherished keepsakes. These thoughtful touches show that you’ve put extra effort into your gift, making it even more special for the new mom.

If you’re a mom, share some of the most helpful postpartum gifts you’ve received. I love moms supporting other moms!