Best Baby Shower Gifts

So many people receive that Baby Shower invite and head straight to the store to wrap up a cute outfit or trend of the season stuffed animal but the truth is baby showers could be even better if the gifts given could help support mom and baby on a deeper level.

Baby and Me Yoga Class at Mothership Launchpad Chicago

Best Baby Shower Gift Ideas:

-Diapers. Absolute best gift is diapers because they are the most needed item for a baby from birth for at least the next two years. You cannot go wrong gifting diapers to any couple with a newborn, infant or one year old. The gift that keeps on giving. ProTip is to write some encouraging notes or jokes on the new diapers to cheer up a sleepy parent on the night shift.

-Postpartum Massage. What more can I say? Mom needs to relax and heal.

-Housecleaning. If someone, could come in clean all the bathrooms & kitchen, freshen all the bed linens and do the laundry you would have one appreciative new mom and dad.

-Gift certificate to mom’s favorite restaurant tied with a ribbon around the neck of a bottle of champagne. Takeout is wonderful for that day that feels like you’ve had no sleep.

-Light weight travel stroller easy for a new mom to maneuver in and out of a car is essential. City Tour 2 by Baby Jogger travel stroller will stay with the family long past newborn stage and can serve a family well up to 6 years especially on vacations and dinners out. City. Tour Stroller. is very durable and comes with it’s own travel backpack to store in the overhead bin.

-Gift certificate for a pre or postnatal yoga class. Get strong with or without baby with a class that’s right for their needs.

- Gift certificate for a new moms group. Help them find a group of mom friends in the same stage of motherhood.

We would love to hear what your favorite baby shower gift ideas are in the comments!

Prioritizing Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness

Proper prenatal and postpartum care supporting both mom and baby are so important for the well being of a young family. Prenatal care can help an expecting mother develop a birth plan for her child’s delivery which will help the birth partner, spouse or friend help advocate for mom’s wants and needs during labor. Each mom and baby are unique and deserve the special attention the mom desires. Prenatal care helps educate a mother for her labor and delivery as well as her postpartum journey.

A few tips for Before, During and After Pregnancy

Before Pregnancy: Optimize your diet with whole foods, walk to achieve healthy resting heart rate and keep your body ready for the marathon that is labor. A goal of 10k steps is great! The fitter you are during your pregnancy the smoother your labor will be.

During Pregnancy: As soon as a you find out your pregnant schedule prenatal visits and if you aren’t jiving with your OBGYN now is the time to find a labor and delivery doctor that fits your needs. Find a community for expecting or new moms to join. This group of women who are in the exact stage of motherhood you’re in will be so helpful to your journey through your motherhood experience. Moving through pregnancy will make all the difference. Continue eating whole foods and staying active while waiting for you’re little ones arrival.

Recovery After Labor: Whole foods will get you through your recovery along with perinatal ice packs. Nipple shields will help protect your sensitive skin through breatfeeding as your uterus shrinks back into its shape over the first several months. Take an easy during your recovery whether you had a C-Section or natural birth. Both types of deliveries require rest, nurturing and bonding time with baby for mom to properly heal at her own pace. Join a local new moms group to find moms friends in the same stage of motherhood you are experiencing. You’ll find having mom friends with the exact same child will help you navigate so many questions you will have as your baby develops. It is so reassuring to know you are not alone in early motherhood and that other moms have the same questions as you. Don’t forget about you. It’s ok to wait to care for your baby but you also need to care for your body, mind and soul. Implementing yoga/pilates, meditation, massage and exercise are all great self-care activities to keep your cup full as a new mom. Moving your body during pregnancy and postpartum will make all the difference for your body and your mind. The real goal here is to be the healthiest mom you can be because in return it will benefit the whole family.

Wellness is wealth!