Is beer an appropriate gift for new parents?

[Teacher12345]

DH close colleagues are having a baby. She is being induced right now. DH mentioned that everyone will get them stuff for the baby and he thinks we should get them some beer.
I am not so sure. It seems a bit inappropriate but then the mum isn't BF and they are both extremely responsible (and the husband has waited for this baby for decades as his ex wife was infertile) and some of the nicest people I have ever met.
Would you buy some beer for new parents?

If they definitely drink it, yes. They probably won’t feel like it for the first few weeks, but it lasts. Maybe a tin of biscuits as well?

No, it wouldn’t be a gift that I would think of to be honest.

Maybe Prosecco? To have a glass to celebrate.

We got a lot of Prosecco when both kids were born, suited me down to the ground.

That said if they really like beer I think it’s a good present. A long with some flowers... and something for the baby

Buy them what you think they will like. If that's beer, then beer it is!

No

Also, good to hear they’re “extremely responsible” but a single bottle of beer (even each) won’t affect their ability to parent.

I know the usual cry on here is about what if the baby needs to go to hospital urgently, but if a newborn is ill enough to need urgent hospital treatment then an ambulance will be required.

I'd have hated that, it would be a reminder that as a breastfeeding mother, I can't drink for months. I'd also hate it if it was bought solely for the dad of the baby to have.

When we had our first some some friends bought us non baby gifts, they gave us a package with things like beer, chocolate, dry shampoo and a few other bits. It gave us all a good laugh
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No- bizarre gift. A bottle of fizz is celebratory, not sure why beer.

I wouldn’t buy beer. They might think they want it but the reality is most new parents don’t drink for a while!

Maybe a bottle of champagne?

@BullshitVivienne

I'd have hated that, it would be a reminder that as a breastfeeding mother, I can't drink for months. I'd also hate it if it was bought solely for the dad of the baby to have.

The OP says that she knows the new mum isn't planning to BF.

I usually do both - some fizz/chocolates for the parents to celebrate, and an outfit or something for the new baby

I give new parents takeaway vouchers, they need a break, they need food, it seems perfect. Also sock-ons for the baby.

You can drink when breastfeeding. You can’t get trolled but that’s probably not going to be on anyone’s list with a new baby!

Personally I wouldn’t have a problem with it - I’m 38 weeks and a good friend who is a bit of a wine expert has gifted us a lovely expensive bottle of white wine so that my first drink post pregnancy can be something really delicious! My midwife and NCT course leader have advised that it’s totally fine to have a glass, and said the best time to have it is actually during a feed, as it’s the longest period of time before the next. Very much looking forward to sitting in the garden feeding baby and sipping my wine!

OP, wrt your DH’s colleague, it’s a difficult one as this thread has shown there are some very different attitudes. Personally I’d not be wild about receiving beer as I don’t like it but the good wine my friend gave us was a thoughtful gift as he knew both of us would really like it. But it’s a very personal one, and if you’re in any doubt about how it would go down, I’d avoid it to be on the safe side.

Actually @Sheenais that’s a good point. Had skimmed the post initially but really weird phrasing

For me it depends on how well you know them. I definitely agree with getting something for the parents (but also a little something for the baby too). If you know that they BOTH like beer and would actually appreciate it then yes. But personally I would prefer prosecco or some nice gin

Even if she was breastfeeding she could still drink in moderation, the risk is more not being able to look after the baby rather than it affecting the baby through milk. That's my understanding anyway.

Beer? Are you kidding?

Does the mother really like beer? If so that's fine. If your DH is thinking in terms of the father wetting the babies head then no, not a good gift. Something for the baby and something for the mother.

I personally feel it is not appropriate but also not sure why champagne/prosecco would be acceptable but beer not if both mum and dad like it?

I'd have hated that, it would be a reminder that as a breastfeeding mother, I can't drink for months
You can drink while breastfeeding.

I'd have liked it. I liked getting things like pate, brie and alcohol as soon as I wasn't pregnant any longer.

The added details being picked on are just me saying this is a really wanted baby by two responsible adults who are not likely to be getting drunk and ignoring their crying baby.

There is too much in there to unpick so I’ll just land one of these instead:

@ShirleyPhallus really? How judgemental of you.

This is a peculiar post in numerous ways.

Good choice if they both drink beer. But crap if only he does. In that case there should be a nice treat for her . After all she is the one who did all the hard work.