Frozen Meals
Caring for a newborn is completely time- and energy-consuming, yet other people in the house still want to eat every day. (The nerve!) Making and freezing meals in advance makes dinner as simple as reheating a pan in the oven. (Friends and family, take note: Premade meals are always a welcome gift for expecting moms, before the due date as well as later, when you stop by for a visit!)
Batteries
We know: BORING. But when the baby swing fizzles out at nap time, or the toy that's preventing a massive meltdown suddenly calls it quits, you'll happily take "practical" over "exciting" any day! Moms soon realize that if you need batteries, you need them NOW, so it's invaluable to have a good supply of spares in various sizes.
Easy Entertainment
With all this caretaking, sometimes Mom forgets to take care of herself. A spa day is rarely practical, so plan some realistic down-time entertainment that can be enjoyed during stolen moments, like a funny or uplifting book that can be read in short bursts between the many—MANY—interruptions of motherhood.
Water Bottles
Hydration is important for anyone's health, but that's especially true for new moms who need water to replenish fluid loss after childbirth, bolster their milk supply and ease post-pregnancy discomfort. Having a few easy-to-clean water bottles on hand makes this essential task so much easier.
Witch Hazel Pads
Not to be indelicate, but after everything your sweet lil' sunshine just did to your where-the-sun-don't-shine, you're going to be hurtin' when you get home from the hospital. New moms are always grateful to have these on hand. Many women swear by them as the best thing for relief during that tender time.
Cute Jammies
You might not feel up to going out right away, but feeling frumpy at home is no fun either. Considering your old wardrobe will still be snug (and you're SICK TO DEATH of maternity clothes), some new, cute jammies to wear around the house are just the kind of comfort a new mom needs.
Umbrella Stroller
This might sound like more gear for Baby—and technically it is—but it's actually a huge help for Mom. Standard strollers and travel systems certainly have their place, but nothing compares to the lightweight ease of a no-frills umbrella stroller for quick errands or walks around the block when Baby is a little older.
Breast Pads
Whether nursing or not, every new mom's life includes a little leakage. Breast pads are an often overlooked accessory, but they really cut down on emergency wardrobe changes (and publicly soaked-shirt mishaps.) They're available in disposable and washable varieties, and some even come with lanolin in them—super soothing for sore nipples.
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You're a Hero
You're a total hero after bringing Baby home, but that doesn't mean you need to save the world all on your own. Every mom needs some help, whether it's someone to cuddle the baby while she crashes for a nap, or someone to throw in a few loads of laundry while she cuddles the baby.
A Night Out
Eventually, you need downtime that goes beyond a brief reading break or an assist with the dishes—you need to be outside the house to relax, reconnect with your husband or friends, and remember the person you were before you were Mom. Plan little getaways so you can refresh and recharge.
