Gift for Preemie?

NQueen11 · October 2014

Hi ladies, help me out. A friend of mine delivered at 31 weeks last Wednesday and I am going to meet her little peanut on Friday. He is in the NICU and doing extremely well! Breathing on his own, feeding tube instead of IV's, etc. I want to bring something. My first thought is stuffed animal but I'm sure that's been done. Any ideas? Any STM's with a preemie in the past have a favorite gift that someone brought to you? Thanks!! :-*

munchkin8590 · October 2014

I don't have any experience with this but I'm sure any preemie sized clothes or diapers would be appreciated since most people don't plan for that

jennjilljo · October 2014

munchkin8590 said:
I don't have any experience with this but I'm sure any preemie sized clothes or diapers would be appreciated since most people don't plan for that

I agree. Preemie sized clothes and diapers. Maybe something nice for mom, who is probably exhausted.

MapleMomma · October 2014

My guess is that stuffed animals won't be allowed. I'd suggest something for the mom since I'm sure this is very stressful for her. Maybe a massage, pedicure, nice lotion, etc.

HailsMom · October 2014

I don't think many NICUs will allow stuffed animals in with the baby.

In addition to the clothes idea, you might consider something like a gas card, gift card for a restaurant near the hospital where baby is, or even something like offering to help clean their house or something so they have less to worry about and can spend more time with baby.

dacora · October 2014

Pregnant Chicken actually just did a post about preemies HERE. The ideas about ways you can help sound perfect, gifts of food or even gas money. The hardest part for a mom of a preemie is the fact that they leave the hospital without their baby, so things like meals and transportation are super important. I imagine your friend is going to be spending a lot of time at the hospital so cooking is probably very low on her list of priorities.

There is very little that you could bring for the baby that they could use in the NICU. I'd say to bring gifts for your friend instead, she will appreciate the support and consideration.

mandamoochie · October 2014

I also agree with gift cards for mom / the family. I was gonna say starbucks / dunkin donuts / any other coffee place. But also a massage or some other form of relaxation for mom would be nice. I'd hold off on baby gifts until they are outta the nicu.

psychobutthead · October 2014

I would say bring peemie clothes. My stepsister had a preemie and all of her family refused to buy anything because they thought he was going to die.
I think truly any gift will be appreciated. To me it would mean a sense of hope from others that the baby is going to survive.

Alygohome · October 2014

I agree with preemie clothes, or even preemie diapers (is there such a thing?)

mom2xover2002 · October 2014

We preemie parents love gift cards!! Food for them to eat at home, casseroles etc are great! She probably looking at a minimum of a 38 day stay. Ask parents if there is anything they need. We aren't afraid to tell you. As for crib stuff hold back! Each NICU is differnt. Clothes wise, hats, socks, the little shirts with the side snaps are the best!! Easiest to put on with all the wires etc! Otherwise be there for vent sessions on frustrations, and offer to take them to the hospital if you can.

NQueen11 · October 2014

Thanks guys, all great ideas! Helps a ton.

mom2xover2002 · October 2014

@NQueen11‌ only reason I'm guesstimating on the length of the NICU stay is my preemie was there about 40 days and he was 3 days shy of 31 weeks

mom2xover2002 · October 2014

@Alygohome‌ yes they have preemie diapers. Sometimes they fit, sometime not. My cousin has to use the cabbage patch ones...lol and my 30 weeker used newborn because the preemie ones didn't hold enough when he peed and we had to change his bed all the time...lol...

@NQueen11‌ if they (the NICU) lets you and the parents can take you back offer to take photos of them holding her hand or her hand around their finger, their feet, etc.. 12 years later it's fun to look back on how tiny my bug was. And he likes it too

mandamoochie · October 2014

Another thing I'd offer (not necessarily a gift) but see if they were set up at home for baby. Or if there are any errands that need to be done or anything that is just general -mundane boring everday stuff they might not be able to think about or get to right now. Examples: lawn work, running to the post office, getting groceries etc. I didn't have a preemie, but I can only imagine that stuff would be the last things I'd care about - but unfortunately might need to be done.

lorifromwi · October 2014

I just brought home our 7 week preemie foster daughter in July. Swaddling blankets and sleep saks were more important than I ever thought.

Preemies need to sleep a lot for brain development and may like darker, quiet spaces to keep them calm. I would steer clear of anything noisy or bright until the LO gets adjusted to home life.

Also, preemie clothes and diapers...preemie SOCKS if you can find them. Total pain the in @$$ to find for me so I had her rotating two pairs of socks for the first month!

Bring her a frozen dinner that is big enough for two meals. Preemies eat often, so very little time in between to get anything done!

Whatever you decide will be appreciated!

CatLadyTX · October 2014

I think it is great that you are trying to find the most thoughtful gift possible. My NICU mom friends loved gift cards. If they have other kids at home, it might be nice to get the older kids something little. The baby is getting a lot of attention from mom and dad right now, so they might be feeling left out.

sunshine525 · October 2014

This post is great! My niece was born Wednesday at 33-34 weeks and I just feel so bad for her mom. I can't imagine leaving the hospital without my baby!

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