I'm a Former NICU Mom - Here Are 7 Great Gifts to Give a Loved One in the NICU
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Finding the right gift for a mom with a child in the NICU can be tricky. It’s not as easy as selecting something from the baby shower registry, that’s for certain.
Parents of NICU babies often have different needs than those with full-term newborns. Regular diapers and baby clothes won’t fit, toys may not be appropriate, and nursery decor, while nice, isn’t very useful during this time.
So what should you give them?
First of all, as a former NICU mom, I want to commend your thoughtfulness. When I had my daughter at 28 weeks, the support from my loved ones was invaluable. Every kind text, gift card, and offer to run errands meant so much to me and helped me cope with the overwhelming weight on my shoulders.
That said, your kindness will be remembered. If you’re not sure where to start, I have seven gift ideas that will be truly useful and appreciated by the NICU mom in your life.
1. Starbucks or Local Coffee Shop Gift Cards
To a NICU parent, coffee is a lifeline.
Think about it–having a child in the hospital is like a full-time job. Parents are constantly learning, planning, and managing logistics. They need to stay on top of insurance, understand medical terminology, and advocate for their baby, all while coping with the emotional toll.
Many parents are also juggling the NICU with their 9-5. Even if they aren’t working, it’s still a lot to handle. Remember, even if they’re not coffee drinkers, they can also use the gift card to purchase tea or a quick bite to eat before they visit the hospital.
2. Meal Delivery
On a similar note, meal delivery can be a lifesaver for a NICU mom. If you want to do something nice, give her a break from hospital food, which, let's be honest, probably isn’t that great.
Here are a few different ways you can gift a meal:
Meal Delivery Service Gift Cards: Buy a gift card for services like DoorDash or Uber Eats so she can order food directly to the hospital. If you’re in NYC, check out Mamieli, a fantastic meal delivery service for busy families and postpartum parents! Use my code FLRRiSH to get up to 15% off meal bundles.
Restaurant Delivery: Send a meal from her favorite restaurant or deliver it yourself.
Homemade Meals: Drop off freezable, homemade meals at her home. Just be sure to text and ask when you can stop by first!
3. A Gift Certificate for a Post-natal Massage
One of the best gifts you can give to a NICU mom is encouragement to prioritize self-care.
When my daughter was in the NICU, my husband had to beg me to go out to dinner on my birthday. I also recall a day when I went to get my nails done, and as the nail technician massaged lotion onto my hands, I was filled with guilt about not being with my daughter.
Many NICU moms struggle to put themselves first, but taking breaks isn’t just optional – it’s necessary!
Giving her a certificate for a post-natal massage isn’t just about physical relief; it’s about giving her permission to prioritize herself. While she doesn’t need anyone’s permission, knowing that those around her support and encourage self-care helps normalize it and reduces feelings of guilt.
4. A Good Pumping Bra
If you’re considering a practical gift for your NICU mom, I highly recommend a pumping bra.
Here’s why it’s a great choice: Firstly, you can never have too many pumping bras. Secondly, having multiple bras allows you to find the most comfortable and best-fitting option for you. Personally, I swear by the Nyssa Fourthwear Postpartum Bralette. It’s incredibly comfortable and has pockets designed for heat and ice packs, providing relief for any breast tenderness.
If choosing a pumping bra feels overwhelming, you can always opt for a gift card so they can select their own.
5. A Yearlong Membership to Headspace or the Calm App
If you’ve read my article about mindfulness tips in the NICU, you know how crucial it is to calm your nerves and reconnect with your body when feeling overwhelmed.
A subscription to a meditation or mindfulness app like Headspace or Calm will help the preemie mom in your with exactly that. She can listen to it on the commute to the hospital, during skin-to-skin, or even right before bed to promote better sleep.
A mindful, relaxed mom is in a great position to care for her family! If you want to gift her something a little more personalized, you can buy her Preemie Parent Journeys–an audio course I created for parents in the NICU. This will not only help her feel less alone, it will equip her with the essential tools she needs to feel supported, educated, and understood on her unique journey.
6. Books
One of my most cherished memories is watching my dad read books to my daughter in the NICU. Children's books are a wonderful way to foster bonding in the NICU. They make a great gift for NICU families because anyone can participate – mom, dad, aunts, uncles, and more.
A couple of my favorites include:
The “Preemie Adventures” series by my friend and colleague Adam Wood. He created these books to educate readers about life in the NICU and bring cheer through funny and educational storytelling. I highly recommend picking one of his books up on his website or through Amazon!
Anything by Little Ward Books. These books would make a great gift for a NICU mom since the publishing company is family-owned and dedicated to raising awareness about the NICU experience. The book, “Our NICU Journey,” even includes illustrations based on real members of neonatal staff. The stories are so encouraging and sweet!
7. Peer Support
One of the things I wished for most in the NICU was someone who understood what I was going through. Just having someone to talk to who had been through it before would have made a world of difference. When you don’t know anyone else who has experienced a preterm birth, the hospital can feel like an island.
That's where peer support like FLRRiSH comes in. Having someone who has walked in the same shoes can make a measurable difference in confidence, clarity, and well-being. We offer practical advice based on real-life experiences, which feels more personal and relevant compared to generalized professional support.
Peer support is also holistic, covering everything from mental health to navigating the healthcare system to balancing caregiving with other responsibilities at home. It complements professional care perfectly and is a thoughtful gift idea for a NICU mom!
If you have a loved one with a child in the NICU, consider purchasing a one-on-one coaching session for them to gain peace and clarity on their journey. For more information, visit our services page or email me at hello@flrrish.com.