Do you bring a gift the first time you meet a friend's baby?

bwm2bmw

I have no idea on what the etiquette is for this stuff anymore. I used to think you sent a gift to everyone once the baby is born (on top of the shower present) but I stopped doing that except for closest friends because frankly I was going broke. But it's customary to bring something small upon first meeting a baby isn't it? I'm seeing an old friend this weekend for the first time in a year and her baby is 6 months, do i pick up a small rattle or outfit or something? I have no idea what size she is even in. Am I making this tradition up?

PizzaBride

I don't think you have to bring her something, but it's a nice gesture.  I think it's different if you were going to visit her just to meet her baby (like she had just had her or something.)

jday1229

I do it but I don't think it's an etiquette thing. I just like to buy baby things

PitterPat11

I would bring something. Maybe a cute little summer hat. Thats cheap and cute and fits the age range and season.

Genevieved

I always bring something the first time I meet a baby, I usually get an outfit or something I know they can use.

Sticky41284

I don't know if it's customary or not, but I know I get something small for the babe just because. I think with a 6 month old, you don't HAVE to get anything, but it might be a nice gesture to give something small, like a toy.

jenna0627

I tend to bring gifts to my friends the first time I meet their LO. That being said I usually grab an outfit off a sales rack somewhere like Macys/Bon Ton. I like to bring something but don't spend a lot of money.

ivs112

I always bring a gift bag with a couple of little outfits or cute onesies when I go visit the baby for the first time. Sizewise, it would be best to get her 6-12 months.

starcolls

i do, but it gets to the point sometimes where its ridiculous. for close friends, i also buy something when they announce when they are pregnant, and for REALLY close friends something else when/if they find out what they are having. then a shower present, gift when the baby is born, and usually food!

my H keeps asking if anyone is going to make us food after all that i have made for people - i don't have high hopes!

majors31

i think that is an old tradition. i'm not sure if it is applicable if you haven't seen the person in a long time, though.  if you really just want to, get something small.  the kid isn't going to care anyway

Mabzie

i don't think you have to but i would personally get something small and inexpensive just because

chasbride07

When I go over to someone's house to meet the baby, I often bring something.  With my first, we ended up not having a shower due to bedrest so most people brought something when they came to meet the baby unless they sent something before hand.

In your case, if I had already sent something when the baby was born or for the shower, I most likely wouldn't.

cerad5

I do, but just for close friends. I have started a trend of getting something for the new mommy and daddy. Most people bring things for the baby and by the time the little one is born I had already bought a gift or two just for the baby. For one friend I got a gc to their favorite restaurant with a little note that offered free babysitting for a much needed date night for the new parents.?

christin3580

If I went to her shower.. I wouldnt bring a gift for the baby... IF i was visiting with in the first month I would bring something for the mother.. IE flowers a food dish something like that... 

However since you havent seen her in awhile and the baby is already 6 months thats up to you. If you were coming to see me and my baby at 6 months I wouldnt expect anything from you.. but I dont expect anything from most people..

topazwind

For a six month old I would most likely bring a small toy or teether (BPA free of course).  It's a nice gesture but certainly doesn't have to be expensive.

christin3580

starcolls:

i do, but it gets to the point sometimes where its ridiculous. for close friends, i also buy something when they announce when they are pregnant, and for REALLY close friends something else when/if they find out what they are having. then a shower present, gift when the baby is born, and usually food!

my H keeps asking if anyone is going to make us food after all that i have made for people - i don't have high hopes!

Oh I totally agree with you... my DH also asks this and I tell him from what i have noticed with in HIS circle of friends and their wives we should be lucky to get an OOOH SHES so cute.. Let alone a lasanga dish LOL

Most of my friends live in California New york Florida and Las Vegas... Theyve already sent things... and hes like Ummm miy friends havent done anything.. I said thats cus your friends wives are blitches LOL

TeamRey

I don't think you have to.  It certainly isn't something that I would expect.  Especially since the baby is 6 months.  But its a nice gesture if you want to.

jesstibb

I usually take diapers.

cbjpl31

I'm not sure what etiquette dictates but I always seem to feel obligated to bring something.

Ivana_Stolichnaya

I'm a sucker for buying baby clothes, so I'll usually bring an outfit with some flowers and a balloon or two.

beckys96

For two close friends I did.  For one I got some outfits and the meaning of her name and for the other I got her a blanket and a football toy (she is a fellow coaches wife).  I also took them dinner over. 

With one other friend - we just took over dinner.  Gifts are nice but I am telling dinner is the way to go - its the best.  I don't think you have to get them anything.

BeeLove

i always do.  I think its etiquette.

sjp

I always take something  . ..

jshf

I think that if she's a friend then it's probably nice to pick up something small.  If it's just an aquaintance, it's really not necessary b/c then yes, you will definitely go broke!  You can usually pick up a cute outfit at Marshalss or even costco for under $10.  I always buy sizes way bigger.  I think people just appreciate your thinking about them.