Becoming
a parent is a big change in a persons life. A lot is taking place
during the pregnancy and preparation of the new arrival. As friends
and family members of those expecting, we can't forget to pamper
the parents-to-be during all of this. Unexpected gifts or gestures
are always a nice welcome to any mom or dad. As one of the contributors
to our website, Kerry Hayward from Missouri, has put together a
list of items that would be great gifts for expecting or new parents.
This list also includes some gift ideas for the baby as well. Kerry
is a mother herself, so she speaks with experience as she helps
the rest of us find the perfect way to pamper expecting or new parents.
In
this article:
gift
ideas for expecting or new parents
gift
ideas for baby
a couple tips for new parents
gift
ideas for expecting or new parents
disposable camera
roll
of stamps (so you don't have to run out and get some with thank
you notes to send--one less errand)
pedicure
before due date (you can do your own at home, but a friend once
that with all that goes on during labor, etc. at least her toes
would look great!) This can also pep you up that last week or so,
rotation
of dinner meals arranged by friends or neighbors, maybe for that
first week postpartum after coming home from the hospital (good
to check if the parents have any food allergies or restrictions
ahead of time, and good to set a time to be dropping off the meals,
or at least a ball park) - Get your friends together and plan a
week or two or month worth of meals that you, friends and neighbors
can do for the new parents.
large
size exercise ball (very helpful for use before, during and after
labor--also comfortable to use to sit on while working at the computer
and for exercising)
bottles
of water for nursing moms to keep at each nursing station since
it is so important to stay hydrated while nursing babies
quick,
healthy snacks/breakfast items (It becomes to easy to eat junk food,
since it's quick and easy to use only one hand to eat it with -
but it's not good nutrition for you OR your baby.)
restaurant
gift certificates (for places that have carry-out or delivery option
as well, since sometimes that is easier)--this gift is very nice
again later when the baby gets past four months and it becomes a
little more challenging to go out to eat
movie
rental gift certificates (Blockbuster, etc.)
books
on tape (easy to listen to while feeding the baby, rocking, etc.)
cozy
slipper socks/slippers
save
newspaper headlines and local news clippings from the day the baby
was born and make a collage and frame them for the parents and baby
- this way they can see what was going on in the world when they
were born
Below
are just a few gift ideas for the baby that Kerry found useful
being a new mom.
gift
ideas for baby:
diapers and wipes (they add up and go so fast! But probably
not newborn size since the parents probably will already have
a couple of packages of these and they aren't in this size for
very long)
easy-on
footie pajamas (i.e., zipper, snap or button up style, NOT
over the head)
sleep-sack
waterproof
crib/bassinet/lap pads
Boppy
pillow or Boppy 5 in 1 activity center
sling
or soft carrier (highly recommended--these are awesome!!!!)
possibly
a digital camera (we don't have one of these, but I think it
would be great especially for those who have family and friends
spread out)
And
here's just a tip for new parents:
create
multiple diaper changing stations if you have more than one
level in your house (we found this to come in very handy!!)
An
idea from something I attended recently:
For
those who are having their 2nd or 3rd child, instead of having
a baby shower, the host had something called a "Sip and
See" where she served brunch and coffee, etc. and friends
could come and meet their babies. Also instead of bringing gifts,
they asked the guests to instead bring change to put in a piggy
bank (which the hostess had bought as her gift) to start there
college funds or savings account.)
