The Top 5 Gifts for New Moms + Baby Concierge!

TRUTH. Your friend has a baby and you have NO clue what to get her.

Especially if you’ve never had a bambino of your own. I kid you not one time Sean and I gifted our pregnant friends a toy golf club for 3 year olds +. Yep, this little nugget was STILL in the womb! (So sorry Steph and Will).

Leaving it at that, I decided to bring in the big guns…

Referred to as “The Rosie Pope” of the Midwest, please meet CEO and Baby Concierge extraordinaire, Tina Morton of Cloud Nine Baby Planning! This adorable mama rounded up 5 spectacular gifts you’d NEVER think of. And as a result, we will officially be the best mom friends ever and they will forever be in debt to us. In addition to these finds, she’s shedding light on what she does {a baby concierge sounds so luxurious!} and how she got started.

So without further adieu, take it away Tina!

 

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In this age of originality, it’s often times impossible to find that perfect gift for someone…especially a new babe! Luckily, we have baby registries. Parents hand-pick what they feel they need for their baby and Voila! Ask and you shall receive. But what about when babies are born? As a mama and a maternity consultant, I’ve been introduced to some fabulous little gift ideas, keeping originality and practicality in mind. There are only so many onesies a new baby needs…and let me be the one to tell you; new mamas do NOT want any more onesies for their babies! Babies told me they’re over them too.

#1. Amber Teething Jewelry

You’re probably seeing more and more babies with these brownish beaded necklaces on. You’re probably also wondering about what they do and how they work! Well, let me tell you!
Baltic amber is 44 million-year-old fossilized tree resin, harvested in the Baltic region. It contains succinic acid, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Once amber is warmed up by body heat, the succinic acid is absorbed through the skin. It actually helps relieve all kinds of aches and pains, not just teething; headaches, ear, nose, and throat ailments, asthma, and more.

My favorite Baltic amber vendor is Lemon Vines. They not only guarantee that only AUTHENTIC Baltic amber is used in their jewelry, but they also create all different kinds of beautiful teething necklaces and jewelry. I mean- they make an ombre teething necklace for babies (swoon). Better yet- they operate out of West Chicago, IL. I’ve also been able to order beautiful and authentic amber off of Etsy, straight from Lithuania! Shopping small and local is where it’s at, so be sure to stop by or call your local baby boutique to check for availability.

The key to Baltic amber is that is needs to be authentic, real amber…not plastic. The best way to ensure amber’s authenticity is to fill a cup with 1 part warm water and 1 part salt. Mix it up, and add the amber. If it floats, it’s authentic- if it sinks…get your new amber from a reputable vendor or company such as Lemon Vines or other Health and Wellness Vendors you can trust.
The reason every mama and babe will love amber teething jewelry is because IT WORKS. Teething pain diminishes, illnesses get cut short and less frequent, sleeping through the night is less elusive…I just can’t say enough good things about the effectiveness.

#2. Personalized Gifts

Once that baby is born, Mamas cannot get enough of seeing their little one’s name or initials on things. Even saying baby’s name out loud makes hearts skip beats!!

1. A huge favorite is personalized nursery art. Loves Letters, out of Arlington Heights, IL does it right. Katie Lindgren is the mother of two little boys and art teacher who paints in her free time. Her work is beautifully personalized, unique, and always one of a kind. You can choose from her previous designs or create something totally new- she will make it come to light. Some nursery favorites are name or initial canvases for over the crib or changing table, growth charts, or art work to match current décor.
2. Bannor Toys, is another great company to explore for a precious personalized gift. This husband and wife pair started out making toys in their basement and now they’re selling these gems nationally and beyond. They’re made of wood, not plastics, and are non-toxic, durable, eco-friendly, and CUTE. From personalized rattles to little wagons, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for that special new baby in your life.

#3. Handmade or Heirloom Quality Baby Clothes

When it comes to baby clothes, it’s hard for us parents to break the bank. We often times need to buy in bulk! However, there are times we’d like our babies to venture out into public NOT dressed in spit up-stained jammies. That’s why we love friends like you to give our babies that one-of-a-kind outfit we can dress them up in!

1. The rompers and dresses made by Feeling Peachy Creations and Grace and Amelia Co. are just too much. How does one even pick from this extensive variety of cuteness? These are hand-sewn by mamas in their homes, and are therefore exceptional quality.
2. Some other favorites include these very reasonably priced moccasins by Petals and Peonies, also hand-made. They are incredibly adorable and are great for chubby baby feet!
3. These bandana bibs from Mati Mati Baby are also a constant hit. All babies drool, and these bibs could not be any more adorable to catch all that baby drool.

#4. Specialty Baby Gear

Like I mentioned before, baby registries are amazing and should always be considered when giving shower gifts. However, some baby gear specialty items are always a great idea for a new baby also.

1. The Solly Baby Wrap is one of the best baby wearing wraps around. Again, a mama decided she wasn’t happy with her existing wrap’s quality and material, so she decided to sew her own with material that met her standards. She named the wraps after her first son, Solomon. She’s now sewing these like crazy so all of us mamas can enjoy them!
2. This fabulous find, the Milk Snob Cover, is pure genius. It’s a car seat cover, nursing cover and shopping cart cover all in one. No more stuffing these huge pieces of fabric in your diaper bag…it’s the BEST! This is a definite new mama favorite

#5. Something Just for Mom

Babies become the center of the universe immediately, rightfully so! However, mamas need some love too. She will be so grateful you thought of her.

M.I.L.K. Boxes are the newest hit and they are AMAZING. The gals at Your Milk Shoppe will create custom boxes for the expecting or new mama in your life with hand picked items perfect for the journey she’s on. For example, if she just found out she’s pregnant, a box might include the newest shade of pink or blue nail polish, some anti-nausea Preggie Pops, and some birth affirmations. If she’s just given birth the box can contain some lactation tea, a relaxing face mask and some comfy one-size-fits-all leggings, among many other carefully selected goodies and encouraging notes. Whether for the expecting or brand new mama, Amber and Kimmie of Your Milk Shoppe put their heart and soul into each and every box. Best of all, the boxes are delivered right to mom’s door! Visit Your Milk Shoppe and contact kimmie@yourmilkshoppe.com to order a box that will totally make an expecting or new mama’s day.

Maternity consulting and concierge companies like Cloud Nine Baby Planning believe in providing infinitely helpful maternity and postpartum wellness services to expecting and new mothers, which are perfect for gifting! We also believe in connecting expecting and new mamas to providers that will make their lives easier, such as prenatal massages or newborn photographers. Giving the gift of peace of mind and relaxation is completely priceless, and of course, always a favorite.

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Tina, you are a GENIUS! Thank you for these amazing suggestions. Bookmarked 4 LIFE. So now that we know how to put smiles on moms’ faces around the world, tell us a little about yourself!

My journey began in 2011 when my husband and I found out we were going to be expecting a baby. My life was immediately consumed and overwhelmed with all things baby! I spent countless hours researching products and walking aimlessly through the aisles of every big-box baby store around. All said and done, I ended up with six baby carriers and three different strollers- most of which remain unused to this day. Fast forward two more babies, wasted product purchases, and an overwhelming postpartum journey…Cloud Nine Baby Planning was born (no pun intended! Sorry, had to Tina ?). My vision to help expectant mothers and fathers feel in control and wholly prepared for their biggest life-changing event is at the heart of my mission. I want you to enjoy every minute expecting a baby and have the healthiest postpartum experience possible!

Aside from having three children of my own {the most valuable maternity consulting and postpartum experience possible!}, I have a Master’s Degree in the education field and over 12 years of Early Childhood education under my belt. I’ve also received professional training in maternity consulting, baby gear, maternity concierge services and bed rest concierge services through Baby Planner, Inc. – the leader in the respective industry. I’m so proud to have completed Baby Planner University, the forefront maternity consulting service training to teach extensive professional preparations in new parent readiness, baby gear consulting, maternity and bed rest concierge services, as well as birth assistance coaching. I am also a CAPPA trained Postpartum Doula. CAPPA is among the few leading birth industry institutions which provides vigorous educational preparations for postpartum doulas, labor doulas, and childbirth educators world-wide.

Tell us how you started your Cloud Nine!

After my third son was born, I couldn’t shake the feeling I needed to spread the love and passion I had for all things maternity and postpartum. I especially felt a pull towards, and a kinship with, moms-to-be in general. I had thought about launching a maternity consulting business for years but was never courageous enough! My husband’s support and my 9 month long maternity leave were the perfect catalyst towards me finally launching Cloud Nine. I have such a passion for women, mothers and babies and I just want to make the experience of expecting a baby and beyond as smooth as possible for them. Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe my dreams came true! I’m so proud and honored to be a part of these families’ amazing journies. It’s incredibly rewarding!

What insecurities and problems does Cloud Nine solve and put to rest?

We are a support system for mothers and fathers-to-be, from the very inception of the baby journey. We are with you every step of the way!

We can start as early as fertility; we have connected with wonderful professionals and providers who specialize in focusing on women’s reproductive health in conventional and unconventional ways, and we get as far as connecting families to highly professional nanny agencies when it’s time to go back to work after baby.

1. In-between, we focus our Maternity Consulting on preparing expectant parents for baby by providing custom baby registries through our partnership and special discounts with buybuy BABY, custom baby gear consulting, creating birth plans, hospital prep, nursery stocking and organization, routine planning and sleep support, among more.
2. Through our Maternity Concierge piece we connect expecting parents to the highest quality and most reputable providers in their field; we have done all the research for them. Whether parents are looking for birth doulas, medical professionals and birth providers, sleep consultants, lactation consultants, child safety professionals, photographers or nursery designers, we’ve got the contacts that they need.
3. We also provide Bed Rest Support to mamas who’ve been given the prescription due to health reasons and danger to baby, during which we swoop in and make sure everything in taken care of. We make sure Mom is comfortable and that the home is maintained, and we of course make sure everything is prepped for when baby arrives. 
4. We also happily specialize in Postpartum Doula services, during which we provide physical, emotional, practical and spiritual support for Mom and baby right after birth. We “Mother the Mother” so to speak, so we make sure mom is nourished, well rested, and can heal properly. We are trained in new baby care, and are passionate about postpartum health and wellness. We know that depletion can come on quickly, and we want to make sure Mom gets the support she needs to care for her baby.
5. Last but not least, we are proud BABYTALK™ Expecting Baby© vendors, which is the most comprehensive prenatal and new parent education class around. We cover exactly what to expect while expecting baby, beginning with the first trimester all the way to the postpartum period and everything in between. We host these classes in group formats and also provide them privately.

What’s the best way to help new moms to be? Especially us non-mamas who have zero clue?

The best way to help a new mama is to understand that life has just completely changed for her. Phone calls and texts may need extra time to be returned and the first couple of weeks after baby’s birth might leave her in a bit of a sleep deprived “newborn haze”!

Visit her and baby at her house, and bring a healthy meal. Maybe even run the vacuum for her when you’re there; make yourself useful! Tell her to take a shower or a nap while you hold the baby- INSIST on it. If she has an older child, take that kiddo for a walk or to the park so she can get some one-on-one time with her baby. She will appreciate it all more than you know.

This all sounds pretty spectacular! How can we work with you?

We are so happy to work with any mom, dad, family member or friend to help support their respective journey. We work with expectant parents through our Maternity Consulting and Baby Prep Services, Maternity Concierge, Bed Rest Support and Prenatal & New Parent Education. We work with new parents through our Postpartum Doula Services, and we work with family members and friends in creating custom gift packages containing any or all of the above services for the expectant mamas and papas in their lives.

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Tina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to help us today! You have an incredible story AND business.

If you are a mom or a mama to be, and need that extra boost of confidence everything is taken care of, be sure to reach out to Cloud Nine Baby Planning. Although I can’t speak from experience {I’m not a mom yet!}, all the moms I know rave about her. Hence why she’s here today!

Photography by Jennifer Kaye Photography

Image 3 via This Is Family || Image 4 via Banner Toys || Image 5 via Feeling Peachy Creations || Image 6 via Milk Snob || Image 7 via M.I.L.K. Boxes