HE'S HERE

[Gooseygoosey12345]

My lovely friend had her beautiful baby boy last night. They've not put anything on social media yet so I thought I'd ask here! I want to get her a few little bits that I can leave on the doorstep. I made her a hamper a month back but I'd like to get some little bits for baby now we know he's a boy.

So, what did somebody buy for your baby that you absolutely loved?
And also, what would have loved to/did you receive that was useful/thoughtful/unexpected but loved?

I'm so excited for them and also so disappointed that I can't offer more support thanks to bloody Covid! Not that I'd push it on them anyway of course! But I just want her to know I'm here and thinking of her if she needs anything

[Littleelffriend]

Definitely no flowers, such a pain. Food or wine, maybe a spa voucher for your friend?

[latheritup]

A voucher for a Just Eat
A new dressing gown
Pamper products like a face mask
Posh chocolate
Nice slippers

[SadSecretSanta]

A colleague gave us a type of minky blanket when ds was born. Ds is now 14 and still uses it!

[SirVixofVixHall]

Food ! A big bag of shopping, or things to go in the freezer. Or something just for her, lovely bath stuff, a new lipstick etc.

[mellicauli]

When I was in hospital having my second son, my Mum brought me some fresh cherries. They were the most delicious thing I have ever eaten in my life. So maybe a basket of really nice fruit?

(She also brought a pink hat for my new son..which I really don't recommend!)

[Gooseygoosey12345]

@mellicauli

When I was in hospital having my second son, my Mum brought me some fresh cherries. They were the most delicious thing I have ever eaten in my life. So maybe a basket of really nice fruit?

(She also brought a pink hat for my new son..which I really don't recommend!)

Haha bless her! Fruit is a great idea!

[Ishbam]

A pair of gloves for pushing the pram on these cold days!

[Thimbleberries]

Any food that she specially likes that she can't have when pregnant (but is allowed when breastfeeding) that she's been missing? I am not sure of all the rules of what is or isn't allowed, but I got a friend some soft cheese (with grapes and cheese biscuits), wine (I guess not if breastfeeding).

Maybe audio books for long nights.

[Onedropbeat]

I got some lovely essential oils just for me when I gave birth and they were divine

[Elderflower14]

@PanannyPanoo

A baby nightie. So much easier than sleep suits for night changes.

My son is 25 and he had the traditional embroidery nighties.. So much easier to change nappies than pulling their legs about in the middle of the night.. I passed them on to a friend who's daughter had hip dysplasia at birth and she had to have a metal box over her hips. The nighties were prefect for her!

[TisTheSeasonToEatLots]

Why do people assume new parents need to be cooked for or have food delivered when they have a baby? The dad takes paternity leave anyway, there’s 2 adults and 1 baby (generally speaking), why on earth can’t you cook a meal? It’s much harder to cook when you have 2 young children and you are both working full time, no one drops food off then 🤣! Maybe provide a voucher for 3 years time when she’s back at work after the second and run ragged.

[Gooseygoosey12345]

@TisTheSeasonToEatLots

Why do people assume new parents need to be cooked for or have food delivered when they have a baby? The dad takes paternity leave anyway, there’s 2 adults and 1 baby (generally speaking), why on earth can’t you cook a meal? It’s much harder to cook when you have 2 young children and you are both working full time, no one drops food off then 🤣! Maybe provide a voucher for 3 years time when she’s back at work after the second and run ragged.

do you think I could get someone to drop home cooked meals for us now? Our youngest is 3, I could still qualify right?

[GreySkyClouds]

@Gooseygoosey12345

Thank you all
Definitely agree that mum gets forgotten about. I made sure her hamper was mainly aimed at her with a blanket I made for baby and a few other little bits. I was going to make some meals but I think her mum is staying with her so I'd hate to step on toes that way. I think I went a bit overboard with the hamper and have given my self few options left!
I'm thinking a big bunch of flowers (because you just have to, don't you?!), chocolates. Is there anywhere to buy cooling pads? I feel like they would help!
Maybe some a little set for baby, cute baby grow, bibs etc. I also said I'd buy one of those sleep bags but he's a bit little for it yet so I'm going to hold off

Flowers are such a faff (trim, food, vase, change water, throw out...)

[Salapandas]

@TisTheSeasonToEatLots when you are both working full time you haven't taken the financial hit that comes with being on maternity leave so can buy you own pre-made meals if you so choose.

[speakout]

A delivery from hello fresh? Lots of dicsount codes around, don't pay full price. I am not the biggest fan, too much packaging etc, but really simplifies meals. I have done a few, and they are super easy and convenient.

[Parker231]

Cook vouchers - they can then use them when it suits them.
The baby needs very little so they have probably already got what is needed. I remember being given loads of outfits which they never wore as, for ease, we kept them in babygros until they were nine months.

[TisTheSeasonToEatLots]

@Gooseygoosey12345 absolutely 😆! I have a 3 and 4 year old and I’m expecting our 3rd, I’d love it if someone dropped meals off now 🤣🤣.

You know a voucher for a restaurant isn’t a bad shout though, we always went out for a meal a couple of weeks in (with the baby).

[QueenOfLabradors]

@InMulieribus

The very, very best thing anyone bought me when DC1 was born was a Braun ear thermometer. I thought the friend who bought it was bonkers, but it turned out to be a godsend on countless occasions.

Otherwise: I was very grateful for bibs, as I had one with reflux, who got through about 100 bibs a day.

Yes yes yes! Ear thermometers weren't around back in my newborn mummy days, at least not outside hospitals, but the digital thermometer from that period of our life is still in regular use now. Although at least we don't have to stick it under the armpit of a wriggling baby any more!

[HamishDent]

Another vote for Cook vouchers. It’s something I always give as a baby gift along with some JL vouchers which can be spent on whatever is needed. You get sent so many baby outfits and toys, it’s good to have something which makes life a bit easier for the parents in the early days.

[AlexandraEiffel]

The book 'what mothers do' by Naomi stadlen

[HamishDent]

Another thing we were given were vouchers for a really nice restaurant. It was something to look forward to as a couple which could be booked when we felt ready to leave the baby for a few hours.

[Coyoacan]

When my dd was born some thoughtful soul gave me a bath thermometer and it was one of the gifts I most appreciated.

[WhoseThatGirl]

A really good flask so she can make a hot drink before bed for when she wakes up. Some tea pigs for the flask.
A phone bank charger for the nappy bag.
Chocolate.
Take away vouchers.

[TisTheSeasonToEatLots]

@Salapandas who on earth buys ready meals when they’ve had a baby? I couldn’t think of anything worse than eating processed crap, very strange logic. If you can’t afford to eat you can’t afford to have a baby besides!

[MyCatShopsAtAldi]

My best present first time round was a Tuppence and Crumble star wrap, which was brilliant for buggy walks and the car. It was so good I asked for a smaller size one for my winter baby second time round!

My best present second time round, wrap notwithstanding, was a box of cake a friend had posted/delivered. It was amazing!