Christmas gift guide for new mothers and babies

There is something in the water…EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE PREGNANT!? The birth announcements keep coming in thick and fast and I’m a little relieved that no one in my immediate friendship circle is knocked up so that I’m not completely out of pocket come January.

It doesn’t stop me from looking around though and thinking about ideas that will work well for baby showers or Christmas gifts. So, based on what I’m loving and using, and those products I’ve seen and fallen in love with, here are a few fantastic gift ideas to treat the beautiful new mothers your life this Christmas, whether the gift is for them personally, or something they can use then baby arrives.

Pure Beginnings

The whole range is really something special for your skin, and your babies. Not only are the products organic, but the ingredients are free from nasty chemicals and ingredients that should not be anywhere near your skin (such as mineral oil).

Pure Beginnings are incredibly fastidious about making sure they triple check all their ingredients, and this isn’t a “made in the garage” brand – whilst they started small, they are now able to combine scientific treatments and testing with their chosen natural ingredients to create products that are gentle, kind and yummy. They smell so good, you want to eat them and I promise you, you’ll be totally loved by any mother who receives this.

If you’re worried about the essential oils and plants used in the products, their sensitive range is my go-to. It’s fragrance-free and is formulated to boost the skin’s microbiome with the inclusion of prebiotic and probiotic ingredients. Basically, it’s goodness in a pot and it’s a staple in our household.

Bear Baby Muslin

Finding Muslin in SA is very tricky. Sure, you could probably pick up a cheap, Chinese import that, once washed, becomes stiffer than an ironing board. Not so with the Bear Baby 100% bamboo muslin. Guys, it’s so soft. Like, baby’s bottom soft. The material makes it breathable and it’s naturally chemical free and hypoallergenic for even the most sensitive skin. The geometric print is also totally on point.

Gnash

Retro is in full swing at Gnash – run by Nicole, a kick-ass Cape Town Mom with two darling kids – the theme is very much on-trend Scandinavian and you can see that emulated in the pieces that she sells. It’s beyond trendy, it’s timeless.

Gnash is probably most famous for its iconic Danish Pacifiers which are 100% free from BPA, PVC and Phthalates…and 200% cool. Okay, so my maths is totally off but you get the picture, right? They are available in a variety of colors, so if you’re looking for a dummy for your little one, check out the full range here.

For a gorgeous heirloom piece, their wooden My First Rattle is made from 100% natural, untreated beech wood it is not only safe on those little gums but is stylish too. Priced at just R100

Giggle & Beans

For a beautiful set, Giggle & Beans sell these stunning swaddles with either a double knot beanie or a headband in the most gorgeous prints.

Hand made locally, using soft Cotton Lycra, the swaddle is great for using as a cover when feeding too.

Whether you’ve blessed with a handsome boy or a beautiful girl, check out their sets here.

Haakaa Silicone breastpump

This is an absolute must-have for breastfeeding Moms. Full disclaimer, I also have an electric pump, which is great for when you need a super quick release BUT, where the Haakaa pump excels, is in its silence, and the fact that it’s one piece. No fiddly parts to wash. No noises that wake baby up. You simply squeeze the pump, place it over your boob and voila. It’s great for catching the let down in your other boob, and it’s nifty for putting in your bag if you know you have a long day ahead of you and will need to pump-and-dump at some point.

Don’t think about it, just get it here.

Cloud+Co

Add some practical sophistication to your newborn life with this on-trend brand. I have a thing for that English “to the manor born” vibe and the Cam Cam Copenhagen Changing Bag is so freakin’ countryside. This quilted changing bag is super durable and coated with a water repellent. I can see why it’s one of Cloud+Co’s most popular items.

Now that I am onto my second baby, I can categorically state that baby clothing needs to be simple and lovely – no fancy buttons or poppers that do up at the back. Changing a newborn is already hard enough without having to pull items over their heads and the new line of Konges Sloejd’s essentials is not only super easy to get on, but is great for delicate skin.

Made from the softest 100% organic cotton, it’s one of those pieces you purchase for a keepsake.

Letter board

You’ve seen those Instagram/Pinterest pics posted everywhere, the ones with the letter boards and the super cool quotes that you wish you had made up. Aside from using them for quotes, they make birth announcements really special, as well as milestones and weekly/monthly photos of your ever-growing baby. Curated South Africa do a double-sided board now which is great for giving you more versatility

Dear Rae

One for the mothers, and this might not be a MUST, but a beautiful piece of jewelry from Dear Rae is one of those gifts that can make you feel human – and I say this in the most loving way, but when you’re surrounded by nappies and upchuck and washing etc, it can be hard to remember what you were/who you were before you were “Mom”. Not that that is a bad thing, but it’s nice to have something pretty to wear, something un-babyish.