The 10 Best Gifts for Second-Time Moms (from Parents Who’ve Tried It All)

Beyond being a mom twice over, it’s literally my job to test baby items (I do so year-round as part of PureWow’s Happy Kid Awards). That said, when people started asking me for a baby registry when I was pregnant with my son, I wasn’t sure what to list. I planned on reusing a lot of the big-ticket baby items (the swing, crib, high chair, etc.), but there were some things I used the first time around that I didn’t love—or particularly like. And, as I soon learned when my son was born, things that my daughter loved that he didn’t.

So, what kinds of gifts can you give a second-time mom? What will she really like? I polled other parents and scoured what I’ve loved to compile this list—both for you and for reference when I need a gift for an expecting parent in my life (because no matter how much I swear I’ll remember that lifesaver or game-changing gadget…it always seems to slip my mind when the baby shower or birthday invite arrives).

What Makes a Great Gift for a Second-Time Mom:

• It simplifies her busier-than-ever, sleep-deprived life. Acts of service (like a meal delivery or cleaning service, or even a visit to hold the baby while they shower) are everything, and they are never forgotten! Trust.
• It’s a splurge she wouldn’t spring for normally. There are those gorgeous swaddles you dream of…and then there are the ones you’ll get by with. Most moms choose the latter, especially when facing a mountain of other expenses.
• It’s a treat for her personally. Little luxuries go a long way, especially when you’re in the phase of your life when a shower feels like a G-I-F-T.

The Best Gifts for Second-Time Moms:

1. Quince Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Nursing Shawl

Sometimes you want a little privacy if you have to nurse in public. Or you just need a shade to tuck your baby under when the outside world is overstimulating. Or the plane/movie theater/etc is chilly. Whatever the reason, this chic wrap provides some warmth and breathability, and it’s ludicrously soft, doubling as a baby blanket when you need it. Plus, it’s less than half the price of similar styles.

(That said, if the mom you’re shopping for has said she’s not going to nurse this time around, then please respect her wishes and find something else on this list!)

2. Frida Mom Pregnancy Skincare Kit

Dryness, chafing, swelling, itchiness—pregnancy wreaks havoc on your skin. This four-piece set covers it all, and while I didn’t use the chafing stick so often, I became obsessed with the in-shower lotion (a body wash that TRULY moisturizes?! Yes, please), stretch prep balm (sweet relief for an itchy, achy, ever-expanding belly) and—in the third trimester in particular—leg and foot swell spray.

3. A DoorDash or Uber Eats Gift Card

Give the fam the gift of not having to cook one night—and still enjoy their favorite meal. I’ve tried several meal kits and delivery services, and across the board, DoorDash and Uber Eats were the most reliable and low-lift. (Seamless had multiple gift card issues, unfortunately, which took several calls to customer service to resolve. And as much as I love Blue Apron and Hello Fresh, finding 30 minutes or more to cook can be tough those first few weeks.)

4. Late-Night Changing Dream Team: Magnetic Me Coverall + Hypo3 Diaper Spray

Make those 3 a.m. diaper changes—or diaper changes any time of day, really—ten times better with this duo. You’ll have to buy them separately, but oh, how they’re worth it. First, a stretchy outfit that’s easy to get on and off, especially thanks to its magnetic closures (!!), so you can dress bebe when you’re still half asleep.

Second, a diaper spray that relieves rashes before they get out of control, without swiping on gobs of Desitin. No mess, and babies don’t seem to mind the spritz at all.

5. SpaFinder Gift Card

Yes, yes, another gift card on the list. But right now, most parents are swimming in kids’ stuff—not to mention things to do—so an experiential treat can be even more valuable. A few moms told me how touched they were to receive a gift card for a facial or massage (or even couples’ massage), along with an offer to watch the baby while said mom enjoys the service. Who wouldn’t love that?!

If you’re not sure where to start, SpaFinder curates a ton of spa deals, so you could get a gift card and let them choose the service or place near them they’d prefer.

6. Pixi DetoxifEYE Depuffing Hydrogel Under-Eye Patches

As an eye cream addict, I’ve tried so many varieties, from $5 drugstore buys to $50 splurges, but nothing refreshes tired, achy eyes quite like these gel-like Pixi under-eye patches. Put them on for 15 minutes, and even a sleepless night feels a bit more bearable. (Plus, the cooling, soothing quality seems to last much longer than anything else I’ve tried.)

7. Case-Mate Gold Metal Phone Chain

Fact: When you’re a parent, you constantly have your hands full—and you’re always looking for your phone. This chain turns your phone into a wrist bracelet, so you have it within easy reach—and it looks glam in the process. (There’s also a gorgeous Kate Spade version, if you want to splurge a bit.)

8. LouLou Lollipop Hometown Swaddle

You know that luxuriously soft swaddle she was eyeing but went the practical route and bought three stiffer-yet-perfectly-fine blankets last time around? This time, spring for the fancy, cozy number that she refused to treat herself to. She’s got the basics covered. Aden + Anais makes some beautiful and wonderfully soft designs, as does LouLou Lollipop. Choosing a style that nods to her interests or hometown (or current town) is a nice bonus too.

9. Love & Fit SoftLuxe Stay Put Leggings

For the first six weeks, she’ll probably live in joggers and loose pants. Later, leggings will be key. These are the softest pair I’ve ever tried, yet the performance fabric is thick enough to still provide compression and smoothness, so you don’t feel half-naked running errands in them. But the best part by far is the combo of deep pockets (which can hold my brick-sized cell phone) and silicone grips at the waistband that keeps these leggings from slipping down, no matter how much bending and running around you’re doing. And, thankfully, the grips aren’t noticeable as you wear them—I worried they’d dig in or feel rubbery, but that hasn’t been the case.

10. Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

If she doesn’t already have this, spring for it. I know, I know—it’s the much-hyped tumbler everyone raves about these days, but they do so for good reason: It keeps drinks ice cold all day (or night), holds 40 ounces of water and has a smooth matte grip. As someone who could never commit to a water bottle—and was prone to postpartum headaches from not drinking enough water—this was a gamechanger.

Does Yeti work just as well? I’ve tested both, and I’ll be honest: yes, it does. You can’t go wrong with either option, though Stanley has a lot of fun accessories to customize your cup, like straw caps (that look like mini Stanleys!), holster purses and boot covers.