SIL didn't buy present for her three month old niece as 'didn't see the point'

[ginfizzliz]

I kind of get it but I also think it's a bit rubbish as there are loads of things that our baby is getting interested in now and I loved buying gifts for my much adored niece and nephew (not hers she doesn't want children) when they were teeny tiny.

AIBU?

A three month old has no concept of Christmas - a gift is for the parents at that age.

I would probably be a be upset too, but realistically it's a bit of a waste of money!

It wouldn't occur to me to buy a Christmas present for a baby. What would be the point?

Well 3 month old don’t really get Christmas so fair enough. Did you get a present?

I haven't in these situations. They have enough.

I'd always include a 3 month old - how hard is it to buy a book, toy or onsie

There is a point 3 month old babies love playing with toys.

With my nieces and nephews I've only bought them inexpensive gifts at that age but they've been appreciated. Cuddle blanket, animal rattle etc.

Funnily enough, our seven month old DD got more than us

I would buy a present regardless of age.

It's a total waste for the baby, but stops the mother getting upset so she was unreasonable on that score only

My df did this years ago. Left a bag with presents behind the couch before he left . Went to stash them away and only 3 obvious selection boxes. Rang him to jokingly remind him he had 4dgc and he said oh I didn't think the baby would eat chocolate. Maybe so at 11 months old but surely the shops sell Christmas gifts for him??Was very thoughtless and I agree with you pretty crappy. It wouldn't be for show but because you want to treat your dgc surely?

My son was 3 Months at Christmas, everyone got him gifts. He got clothes, toys, and practical things like high chair.

I am with your SIL. No 3 months old needs a Christmas gift.
Also, is there a reason that it is only SIL who failed to buy it? No BIL/DB involved?

I always bought bath books or toys for babies in my family. It's not hard and definitely not expensive. It's just recognising and enjoying the fact that they are part of my wider family.

Meh.

Did she receive a card or gift for her birth?

I guess it's a bit 50/50 and I should just accept that not everyone loves buying baby presents like I do!

I do think there's a point though especially as even if she doesn't give two hoots about Christmas now she is starting to enjoy toys and books (as in register their existence ) and will be growing into them more and more.

I don't want to be that Mum who's offended but I kinda am a bit.

Both of my dds were born just before Xmas. We didn’t get them anything for their first xmases.

Other people did get them pressies, though I wouldn’t have cared one bit if they hadn’t.

No point?! No point in a huge Instagramesque pile of gifts but a few thoughtful presents - yes! Anybody who knows about child development knows that babies brains are growing all the time and their fine motor skills develop rapidly at this age so yes there is a huge point to toys.

Babies love stacking toys like cups or cubes, teething toys that they can grip onto, lift the flap books, simple musical instruments or simply robust safe toys they can hold and bang. Our little one got a few nice but simple toys and has really enjoyed them.

I didn’t buy much for my 3m old, but wrapped clothes etc so he could play with the paper. I wouldn’t think it was important to buy a baby gifts unless they had older siblings who would notice unequal treatment.

I would buy but more for show to demonstrate to the parents that i considered the kid was part of the family. However I would think it was pointless. All my 3/4 month olds wanted to play with were my car keys..

I didn't get my eldest ds anything for xmas when he was 3 months.

Of course I would have bought her something, there are plenty of rattles, teething rings or even a teddy for babies of that age. Jesus it wouldn't have cost much and would have meant the world to you on her first Christmas. Very thoughtless especially if you had bought for her children.

Babies love stacking toys like cups or cubes, teething toys that they can grip onto, lift the flap books, simple musical instruments or simply robust safe toys they can hold and bang.
All of these things can be found in the average baking/cooking cupboard. You dont need dedicated baby tat for any of that sort of play.

A damp facecloth thats been in the freezer is the best teething soother ever.

Also, is there a reason that it is only SIL who failed to buy it? No BIL/DB involved?

I read it as SIL is the single sister of OP's DH.

Babies don't 'get' Xmas but a useful gift like clothes or nappies or cream etc., addressed to baby but actually for the parents, wouldn't go amiss.

She's three freaking months old. If she's starting to notice objects or colours then buy yourself a colourful t-shirt to wear while nursing her.

This isn't 100 years ago where a baby would be gifted a wooden rattle because almost everyone was poor, made everything themselves and only had one of each thing. It's 2017. You probably bought everything she needs already and so did other relatives.

YABU.