Gift for terminally ill baby

[FabulouslyGlamorousFerret]

Has anyone got any ideas for a gift for a very poorly 6mth old little girl, she's mentally developmentally typical but has an illness similar to MND which means her muscle tone is affected therefore most baby type gifts are unsuitable. Any ideas? I'm stumped and as this will be her only Christmas I want it to be right.

[pastabest]

A light projector that projects shapes and colours on to the ceiling.

[Bella8]

Firstly so sorry to hear that & my thoughts and prayer are with the family. Could you get her parents a personalised Christmas bauble in a box so each year they hang on the tree and think of their little one?they do angel ones or circular and they can be personalised with photo just a name.

[Bella8]

Or*

[Bobbiepin]

Maybe a keepsake blanket voucher for the parents? I know its not really a gift for her but would be nice. They send off her baby clothes and make them into a quilted blanket. Made with love by Sophie on Facebook does loveky ones.

[shakeyourcaboose]

Agree with pasta any form of baby sensory toys would be great gifts.

[Hauntedlobster]

Bauble is a nice idea but please don’t buy an angel one. Light projector or a sound machine would be good?

[PricillaQueenOfTheDesert]

If you’re looking for something other than a cuddly toy, how about something musical. My DDs had a wind up music and light show (which I still have for GC visiting)
At 6 months she is still only tiny, so cuddly toys are still appropriate, I bought my GD a singing dancing musical monkey from Tesco when she was 1 and she loved hugging it, but it was cute to watch it dance too. I’ll try to post a link if I can find the toy.

[Fieldsofold]

I think something that can be enjoyed in the moment. A helium balloon or a piece of clothing. Or just a really beautiful fancy pop up Christmas card that is a lovely object in itself that you can write a poem in and her parents can keep if they want

[Bella8]

my friend got an angel one for her poorly little one and loved it because they felt the angels were watching over him. It's a personal thing though and not for all as last thing anybody wouls want to do would be to upset the parents further. I would for a baby's 1st Xmas circular one and get photo put inside or just name of baby on...

[Bella8]

go+

[PricillaQueenOfTheDesert]

I’ve found the monkey, it says it’s suitable for 9 months so maybe not what you want. But as I said my GD loved and hugged her musical monkey. Ps it’s cheaper on the Wilco webpage too.

[Hauntedlobster]

That’s a really nice thought bella, didn’t think of it that way. Could write a wee note to that effect in the card too

[FabulouslyGlamorousFerret]

Thankyou, I like the light projector idea, I'll have a google. I think the memory blankets are a lovely idea when the time comes.

Thanks folks

[NerrSnerr]

My little boy has an Ollie the Owl which is lovely. It plays white noise and music and has a cry detector so the music plays if he cries at night.

I would go for something the baby can use, I can imagine Christmas will be hard enough without gifts that are reminders that it will be her only Christmas when they open gifts.

[FabulouslyGlamorousFerret]

Nerr yes, the reminder that it's her only Christmas is the vibe I wanted to avoid (but I totally appreciate the suggestions)

I'm currently googling light projecting toys that have movement and variety, a lot seem to be just sedentary stars.

[putputput]

Can you talk to the parents and see if there is any piece of equipment they would benefit from? And maybe make a contribution.
Physio and OT are painfully slow at providing equipment; particularly for under 2s. Parents often resort to buying it themselves and it is so expensive. Bath aids/ comfy seats/ communication aids/swing for garden.
If not then sensory toys are brilliant - light projectors/ bubble tubes - you can get ones with big head switches designed to be used by children with limited mobility.
Vouchers/experiences are also great. They allow the family too make quality memories. Depending on how well the family can get out you may have to think creatively.

[Sirzy]

I agree with talking to the parents, there may be something specific you know she will benfit from, even if you word it “I would like to get a sensory toy or similar is there anything she needs?” So it doesn’t seem like you don’t want to put thought in (if that makes sense!)

[furryelephant]

A disco ball is great for movement of the lights! I’ve worked with children with complex needs and it’s always a hit you can also get sensory baskets with all sort of different material/objects that are great to run her hand over? Or you can make your own!

[ImAMarshmellow]

What about one of those hand/foot casting things. You can get variations which include the parents hands or just ones that take a casting of the baby’s foot or hand.

Also memory bears/blankets made with favourite items.

Alternatively sensory is always a good way to go.

a day out for the family to a zoo or similar.

[monkeywithacowface]

I would stick with a sensory toys and maybe a really lovely pair of pj's/babygrow. Something that can be used and enjoyed now. You could look and see if their is anyone local that offers hydrotherapy sessions for babies. I have done hydro sessions with children with complex needs and degenerative illness's and the sessions are wonderful

[monkeywithacowface]

there not their

[Mammatron]

My dS had this light up wobbly panda at that age and loved it, even if she’s not able to move it herself I’d imagine she’d still enjoy someone else wobbling it for her

[Fueledwithfairydustandgin]

These light bulbs are amazing for babies. A friend showed me them after they were used in her little girls therapy sessions disco lightbulb
We also have this and it is lovely. The stars move and you can change the colours
Also what about a little Christmas story for them to read to her or a cd. If the parents like a certain style of music you can get the baby cd versions of songs (don't think I described that well)

[Beetlebum1981]

I’ve used this website before and it has lots of ideas that might help you
www.cheapdisabilityaids.co.uk/sensory-toys-and-sensory-lighting-1-c.asp

[Beetlebum1981]

Also just found this www.sensorytoywarehouse.com