Bringing a new baby into the world is one of the most overwhelming things a woman will ever go through. Pregnancy is tough, but what follows it is on a whole new level. Many things in life affect our physical health…diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and caffeine and alcohol intake, to name a few. And many things affect our mental health…stress levels, anxiety, burnout…the list goes on.

Maintaining a happy, healthy balance in all these areas is hard, and for many of us, it is a struggle. We often have to take time out or reach out for support. In general, life is a beautiful thing, but it comes with many challenges unique to each of us. Then you throw a new baby into the mix….

During pregnancy, our bodies can go through 101 changes. Feeling a new life growing inside us can be a fantastic experience, but when the hormones suddenly go crazy, the tiredness levels are through the roof, and however much you want to stop eating highly calorific snacks, it is not easy.
Those cravings are something else. We are told that this dramatic change to our lifestyle prepares us for when that bundle of joy finally arrives…maybe it’s true, or perhaps it’s an old wife's tail. Either way, whatever the changes to our lives involve, it does not begin to expose us to the realities of motherhood – not even close!

Having a new baby is sooooo tiring. In fact, it’s something that every new mum finds herself saying roughly 300 times per day. It’s unavoidable. And it is also true, especially during those first few months. The combination of lack of sleep, postnatal hormones and birth recovery whilst trying to care for a newborn is overwhelming even for the most experienced. It doesn’t get any easier with
the second – or even third – baby.

What is the perfect gift…?
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a new mum, it can be an extremely challenging task. Because let’s be honest, all a new mum really wants is a good night’s sleep and to be left alone in peace…. just occasionally. But what I can tell you is that whatever you choose, make it about her; no one else, just her. Because that baby is going to have loads of stuff…absolutely loads. The parents
will have already been planning for its arrival since that first scan appointment, and the grandparents have probably been stocking up on gifts way before the pregnancy was even announced. Plus, let’s be honest, a new baby wants for nothing. Even if you buy them the cutest fluffy elephant, it will be one of many. If you want to find a gift that puts a smile on the new mum’s face, make it about her. I wanted to look at some fantastic gifts, perfect for any new mum…gifts they would appreciate and benefit from. Let’s get started with four of my favourites…

Nappy Caddy – this is a total godsend. Imagine being in mid-nappy change and realising that the nappies are in the kitchen, the wipes are upstairs, and the bum cream…well, who knows where that is. The purpose of this little beauty is to ensure that everything is in one place. It is so easy to carry up and down the stairs…life could not be easy…well, it could, but you know what I mean! If you buy this for a friend, you don’t just have to cram it full of practical bits and bobs; it can double up as a treat hamper. Include some chocolate bars (for energy during the 2am feed) and a mini bottle of merlot or two, and this becomes a must-have gift.

Toiletries – this seems boring, I know. I remember when I was a pre-teen, and my grandparents use to buy me the same toiletries every year. I wanted something different, something exciting. But as we get older, these things become a luxury, and sadly many new mums don’t spoil themselves with nice toiletries or cosmetics. Women seem to push themselves down the priority list when their
children or partners need something. But if you are looking for the perfect gift for a new mum, things to make her look and feel nice will be appreciated more than you know. If she does manage to grab half an hour for some alone time in the bath, then your job is to ensure she has everything she needs to indulge…!

Meal Prep – this should be at the top of the list. The one thing no new parent has time for is meal prep. So, what do they do, you might ask? Well, during those first few weeks, neither mum nor dad eats properly. Snacks are grabbed on the go, and takeaways are ordered at 10pm when the baby may or may not have gone off to sleep. Self-care, including eating a decent meal, becomes the bottom priority, which is ironic considering fuel is one of the main things a new mum needs to keep going. So if you are looking for a gift that will be practical and greatly appreciated, food could be your best bet. Make some meals, purchase a Hello Fresh box…anything to get that new mum (and dad!) fed and full of the nutrients they all need.

Pamper Box – last but not least, my favourite of all…could we have a drumroll, please…a pamper hamper! Because the no.1 gift that every new mum should have is to be spoilt and made to feel special. Even if she only gets to grab small snippets or time between feeds, let’s ensure that that time can be spent loving and caring for herself. If you want to send a positive pick-me-up to a new mum, a pamper box is the perfect way for them to treat themselves to an evening of self-care at home. Just half an hour is a game-changer! Some delicious biscuits and a Pukka cuppa will leave them feeling revitalised; a refreshing face mask, collagen eye mask and a bath salt soak will help them relax and unwind. I am biased, of course, but if I were choosing a gift, it would 100% be this!

Come and have a nose at what’s inside: New Mum Gift Box – D'LUX GIFT BOX