Question for Moms

[SummerStar]

My friend is pregnant with her 5th child. Since she's done this a few times before there's not going to be a shower or anything, and they already have a lot of baby stuff that they'll need (clothes, bottles, chairs etc...) but I want to put together a little gift basket for her. Just wanted to know some things aside from the obvious (diapers and such) that she will need or want for the new baby that she doesn't already have.

 

[infinity706]

Well, you should probably just ask her. I doubt anyone else would be able to tell you what she has or doesn't have.

 

[sunandshadow]

People commonly appreciate tupperwares full of food they can microwave and eat, when they are too sore and exhausted to think about cooking.

 

[SweetErika]

You could do some consumables, like Lansinoh cream (great for nipples as well as chapped lips, baby acne, dry skin), Alba Un-Petroleum Jelly (again, a great multitasker), Baby Aveeno Shampoo, a natural or petroleum and paraben-free lotion (I use regular Aveeno on our guy, who has sensitive skin and lots of allergies), and depending on when the baby is due, like Aveeno Baby Sunscreen. There are also some cool newer tools and toys, like a monkey that holds a Soothie pacifier so it's less likely to get lost and teethers. I'd get the shampoo/baby wash and lotion at Costco, then other stuff at Target, since both have very generous return/exchange policies. Speaking of Target, the gift cards are great and alsmost always appreciated by parents.

Also, how about things that are specific to this baby, like a hand/footprint kit, nice baby book that includes places for mementos, picture frame (maybe you could put a pic of her pregnant in it to give, then she could replace it with family or baby pics down the road), certificate for a personalized/custom book, etc.?

Another thought is to focus on Mom. She'll probably have/get a lot of baby stuff, but maybe you can find some things that will make HER feel better, like nice natural cream (Costco has some nice mostly-organic body butter sets right now), beeswax lipbalm, her favorite tea(s), a mani/pedi or massage gift certificate (are you a member of Groupon and LivingSocial already? Great deals abound for salon and spa stuff on Groupon in particular, and if you're interested in signing up for free, PM me), even offers for babysitting and bringing her family meals toward the end of her pregnancy and after the baby comes would probably be very much appreciated.

Or you could combine the two, and do some stuff for baby, and some for Mama.

 

[NippleMuncher]

Another thought is to focus on Mom. She'll probably have/get a lot of baby stuff, but maybe you can find some things that will make HER feel better, like nice natural cream (Costco has some nice mostly-organic body butter sets right now), beeswax lipbalm, her favorite tea(s), a mani/pedi or massage gift certificate (are you a member of Groupon and LivingSocial already? Great deals abound for salon and spa stuff on Groupon in particular, and if you're interested in signing up for free, PM me), even offers for babysitting and bringing her family meals toward the end of her pregnancy and after the baby comes would probably be very much appreciated.

This was my immediate thought as well. Since momma has been through this a time or two or six already and has all the necessities, why not treat her to something that she's probably not had in a while, such as items for HER rather than for the pregnancy/munchkin. After 5 kids she's probably forgotten what pampering herself is like.

How about a day at the spa or a gift certificate for a massage? How about that service that cooks you dinners for a week? How about maid services for a month or two? If you know her really well and know she'd appreciate it and not take offense to it, how about a gym membership?

 

[Lil_wild_thag]

think of more what the new mom will need. give her a basket of good like bubble bath and ect... After all you said this is baby 5 so I am sure they have all the baby things

 

[Eilan]

As a mom of four, I'm going to agree with the folks who suggested food or things to pamper Mom. I wouldn't even worry about getting anything for the baby. An offer to babysit or just run the vacuum would probably be just as appreciated as any material item you could buy.

 

[Softlier]

Gift Basket for Mom of 5

I would suggest a couple bottles of wine (decent $9-12 stuff that she won't feel like she has to save up) and maybe a good summer novel that's easy to read before falling asleep for 25 minutes - like maybe a recent "best erotic short fiction." Not that she appears to need encouragement ( ahem... ) but have to think an adult break from kids would be a benefit for a new mom of 5.

My other suggestion, a big box of benedryl to help the kids sleep, is probably not politically correct, so I will refrain...

 

[SweetErika]

I would suggest a couple bottles of wine (decent $9-12 stuff that she won't feel like she has to save up) and maybe a good summer novel that's easy to read before falling asleep for 25 minutes - like maybe a recent "best erotic short fiction." Not that she appears to need encouragement ( ahem... ) but have to think an adult break from kids would be a benefit for a new mom of 5.

My other suggestion, a big box of benedryl to help the kids sleep, is probably not politically correct, so I will refrain...

I'm not sure how serious your wine suggestion was, and know it varies from woman to woman, but I've had virtually no desire for alcohol since I've been nursing.The same goes for coffee and spicy foods - the hormones that come with breastfeeding make them unappealing. Caffeine affects me to an extreme degree, too.

Plus, I need someone else to be sober or watching the kidlet to feel like I can have more than a drink or two. Even when he's sleeping, the thought of an emergency that I need to be on the ball for always crosses my mind.

5 kids would probably drive me to drink, but I don't think alcohol, or anything that's not breastfeeding-friendly, is an appropriate gift.

 

[butterfly_flip]

Pampering gifts for your friend would, I'm sure, be gratefully received. Sometimes something simple, like offering to watch baby for an hour whilst she soaks in the bath/has an hour to herself, can be a most thoughtful present

 

[NikkiBastion]

1. A list of reliable baby sitters
2. ear plugs
3. a Cancun vacation for the child's entire second and third years
4. her husband a box of condoms

 

[Eilan]

Edited. Not worth it.