What sort of gifts might a mother with a preemie baby want or need?

A friend of mine just had a baby 6 weeks before it was due. She will be practically living at the hospital for several weeks until the baby is ready to come home. I'd like to put together a gift basket of items she might want and/or need that are specific to preemie babies and being a new mom. Does anything come to mind?

What sort of gifts might a mother with a preemie baby want or need?
You are a wonderful friend! I would include several magazines, some paperback books -current best sellers, or crossword or word game books if she enjoys them, a book light with batteries, a writing pad and a pen, some snacks- cheese %26amp; crackers, candy bars, peanuts, etc., or a bunch of quarters for the vending machines. For baby- a couple of cute preemie outfits (Mervyn's and I think, Kohls, carry preemie sizes). The very best present you can give her though is to go to the hospital at least once a day and give her a break- maybe she could take a nap (if the hospital has a parent care room), go out for a meal ,take a walk- whatever. She will very likely just want to talk- I'm sure she's somewhat frightened, and a friend with a comforting shoulder is the best gift you could give her.

I will keep your friend and her baby in my prayers.
Reply:You can get her a gift card and she can go get what she really needs when they leave the hospital, the hospital provides the baby with the things he needs for now. You can bring your friend magazines and books I know she must be very worried so that will help her take her mind off that for a little bit
Reply:Preemie diapers and clothes. For mom something for her to relax and be a woman. Nothing that has artificial scent, that could irritate baby's skin. You could start a scrapbook for her of pics from pregnancy and the first days/weeks.
Reply:Definitely a Boppy Nursing Pillow. It can help her hold the baby in the right position for feedings. I know she will be anxious to do that once they let her hold the baby. It also works to sit on (delivery....ugh) and is a pillow in general. I love mine. Maybe give her a travel size gift kit for herself. If she is going to spend a lot of time in the Hospital, maybe a nice little hygiene kit will help. And some lotion. I remember having to scrub every time I wanted to hold my girl. My hands were so dry and cracked and rough by the time we took her home....udder cream and curel were good hand creams. A home cooked meal is a great gift (since she won't be home to cook). And, give her plenty of hugs and offer your support when she gets home.
Reply:If she's going to be at the hospital a lot, perhaps you could do things around the house for her. Have her make up a shopping list, then go to the store for her. Mow her lawn, dust, scrub the toilet, vacuum. That could help lift a huge burden off of her.



As for a gift, once the baby comes home there's going to be a need for lots of diapers. you can buy them by the case on amazon.com and have them delivered right to her.
Reply:You can give her basket full of cute preemie clothes ,burp cloths, blankets ,socks and for her just get her a basket with pampering things like lotions, body wash etc...
Reply:whatever u buy, don't bring it to the hospital because there is no space, bring it directly to her house.



buy preemie onesies and cute outfits, they are really hard to find.
Reply:Help with housework, meal preparation and "permission" to take care of herself. Those are things that every new mom needs, but are often overlooked. I'm sure the "stuff" will help, too, but she probably needs help now. You can organize a meal calendar--ask people to sign up for a specific day, then deliver a nutritious meal to the hospital/house. Those work well, and everyone gets the chance to visit with the new mom as they each drop off the meals (and stay to serve it and clean up).



ETA:

Being far away, you can still organize a meal calendar over the phone or email. You'll probably need mom to give you a lost of all those people who said "let me know if I can help with anything!" Also, a baby sling was the best gift I've ever gotten. Mine is a Maya Wrap (www.mayawrap.com).
Reply:Well, if she is going to stay real close to the hospital maybe she might like a toiletry kit so she can shower and get cleaned up. she'll feel lots better.
Reply:LOTS OF PREEMIE DIAPERS! These diapers are really hard to find because my mom had to preemie twins last year(im 14) andwe couldnt find the diapers at all. We had to go to walmart and get size 1 diapers. The when we finnaly found the diapers (in walmart) the twins were already moving on to size 1 diapers. If diapers are too expensive get a wipe warmer, they are perfect for wiping a baby's butt on a cold night. If you cant decide get both or a bunch of premmie slleper, blankets, and socks. Maybe some baby lotion, powder, soap, and shampoo. If not ask her what she would like. I f your the independent type like me i went out and bought toys for when the got older, a training potty,and a crib. My mom really like it because she coul use the crib now and save the rest for when she needed it.
Reply:i had a preemie as well...HATS..preemie hats. I always kept a hat on my twins head so hats are great...tons of recieving blankets..preemie diapers. The newborns were way too big for my babies..plus everyone only gave me size one saying they grow too fast...so throw a pack or two of preemie diapers in there. Maybe a preemie outfit or two. Doesnt have to be too dressy though. They are pretty much always swaddled so it really doesnt matter. Baby fingernail clippers...baby brush...MYLECON!!(gas relief drops...thats probably MOST important for a new mommy!) Maybe a nice baby blanket. I dont know how all out you are going...but that would be a GREAT gift. Maybe stick the book What to Expect In The First Year in their....Oh and better than a basket.....stick it all in a diaper bag!!!! You can never have too many diaper bags. Trust me she will be forever indebted to you for this gift!!!!!!
Reply:earplugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply:I would think she would need help at her house, or with other children if she has them. maybe ask her what she needs and go to the store for her. Some things like that are more helpful than gifts. If she is at the hospital a lot she may even need some laundry done for her, more practical things at this point then when the baby comes home get her a gift for the baby.
Reply:A nice bath set with pajamas for her to cheer her up, a journal to keep track of the advancements of the baby and so she can remember this time later, or offer to go clean up her house/do laundry/ water the plants/ feed the pets......
Reply:Most parents don't count on their baby's being so small, so she probably doesn't have preemie clothes and diapers.
Reply:she needs to think she is not just a mum, so a nice gift is appropriate
Reply:Onesies are always welcome. Those 100% cotton diapers were also appreciated. Are they registered at Target?
Reply:Get mom the things she needs for now. baby has all it needs from the hospital! If you would like to though you could get baby a stuffed animal or rattle or something. Mom needs all the help she can get here! a phone card so she can make calls, some snacks, some personal toiletries she could use there, film for her camera or disposable camera for pictures, batteries for cameras, favorite drinks for mom, a MOM cup or mug, some money in a card to help with mom's expenses, things like that. Help mom relieve stress any way you can. She is very worried about the little one!
Reply:Depending on where your friend lives, preemie clothes can be hard to find. My daugther's mostly came from Walmart and BabiesRUs. Preemie diapers can be hard to find, too. I loved Pampers Swaddlers. If the baby is hooked up to monitors, the clothing you buy needs to be able to be opened in the front, so look for side snap or side tie t-shirts and button down sleepers. The baby didn't get to pack on the baby fat, so anything warm and soft is nice. You can also send her some preemie size pacifiers. Those can be hard to find sometimes, too.