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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

What can I ask family for as presents for the new baby?

25 replies

chloejessmeg · 10/01/2009 14:35

Hello. I am due in april and I know family are soon going to ask what we want for the new baby. I have no idea what to say! My daughter is 12 months and we are expecting another girl so have everything for a girl already. Definatly don't need clothes, we have got a second hand cot so just need to buy the matress, got a double buggy from freecycle that is as good as new and i plan to BF again.

I honestly can't think of anything! I am going to suggest to get practical things like nappies and wipes but DHs family are very materialistic and I know they will want to buy something "proper" for the baby. I don't want to end up with loads of stuff we don't need as we don't have the space. I thought about suggesting mothercare vouchers but I still don't think they would feel like they have given her something iyswim?

Anybody else in the same situation? Any ideas?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

mum2b09 · 10/01/2009 14:40

This is my first pregnancy and because i was so excited i went out as soon as i was 20 weeks and bought absolutely everything i could see for the baby! So when everyone asked what to buy me there was just a few larger bits like the pram that i still had to get (but im supersticious so didnt want to keep the pram at my house) but obv i wouldnt ask family for so i just asked for vouchers incase there was anything else left that i needed or to put towards the pram and you can use them as your baby grows and needs diffrent things :D xxxxxxxxx

rempy · 10/01/2009 14:42

Cash for childs trust fund.

Absolutely no point in having loads of stuff that you dont need.

rempy · 10/01/2009 14:43

We keep a record of who has given what into our childrens trust fund, so when they're 18 they can see who has generously funded their first car/party/interrail ticket/drug habit.

ilovelovemydog · 10/01/2009 14:54

lol at drug habit

Highchair? You will need 2 of these at same time. Travel cot?

rempy · 10/01/2009 14:57

You will also need two of the second size car seat (the 9 month to 4 years one)

Original poster

chloejessmeg · 10/01/2009 15:03

We have 2 highchairs, travel cots and car seats! I am a childminder!

OP posts:

witchwithallthetrimmings · 10/01/2009 15:19

what about asking them to get your eldest something (a scooter, trike etc.) Will make the transition to two easier and has the advantage of being concrete

Original poster

chloejessmeg · 10/01/2009 19:06

I did think that about getting them to buy dd something. Although she has so much already as she has just had her first birthday and obviously Christmas. I guess there might be other things she can get.

Bit worried they might think it is a bit cheeky though?

OP posts:

bubbleymummy · 10/01/2009 19:22

What about a sling? v handy if you're looking after a lo and a toddler...

georgiemum · 10/01/2009 19:23

Gift vouchers?

Original poster

chloejessmeg · 10/01/2009 19:37

Bubbley - we already have one! We use it now with DD but it is a ring sling that can be used with BF and newborn etc

Georgie - I did mention gift vouchers in my OP but thanks anyway

OP posts:

CantSleepWontSleep · 10/01/2009 19:41

Reuseable nappies.

FatController · 10/01/2009 20:48

A postnatal doula to help look after you/ baby/ DD after the birth?
www.doula.org.uk/utilities/duk/dukVoucher.asp

HaventSleptForAYear · 10/01/2009 20:56

We were stuck on this one with DS2.

I don't like a lot of stuff and am quite anti useless presents.

I managed to come up with some things after the birth though.

Think about what WOULD have been useful with DD1 that you didn't get.

You have a ring sling but a backpack or meitei will be useful with two.

I also asked for extra bedding (isn't your DD still in a cot - so you'll need extra sheets, grobags?).

How about towels?

Or cutlery/cups and plates etc for a bit later?

Your clothes for DD1 won't all be the right season either - can't you let them get you some new ones ?

HaventSleptForAYear · 10/01/2009 20:56

I don't like giving gift vouchers for a baby tbh.

If you say you don't need anything, what on earth will you spend them on?

HaventSleptForAYear · 10/01/2009 20:57

More thoughts - cot toys if DD1 is attached to hers and would be jealous about handing them on/still uses them.

Books (maybe some of the ones you have are a bit manky?)

SwedesInACape · 10/01/2009 21:01

A Tripp Trapp Highchair

Original poster

chloejessmeg · 10/01/2009 22:45

Still don't need anything from the list!!

A second sling is a possibility, but TBH I won't know how I get on with this one till after the baby is born

Books - I sell children's books from home so have brand new books coming out my ears!

Tripp trapp - I love them but we don't have a proper dining table, we have a fold up one that only comes out when we are eating together so they don't make sence for us really. If we move then that will be an option

sheets and gro bags - have loads

Clothes - we have so many, and as dd is tiny, they should be the right age for the right season iyswim. Depending on the size of the next one obviously.

OP posts:

CantSleepWontSleep · 10/01/2009 22:46

You haven't commented on my suggestion!

Original poster

chloejessmeg · 10/01/2009 22:55

sorry. We already have re-usable nappies

OP posts:

snice · 10/01/2009 22:58

How about a family photo session?

lovelymumma · 10/01/2009 23:10

Hi, two cheapish buggies for summer would be handy for if you took children out with someone else.I had 3 children close together and found with second and third it was easier on holiday etc to take out two single prams if husband was with me.

Northernlurker · 10/01/2009 23:18

Do you have room for an outside playhouse? If so - ask for money towards that - it will be something for both your girls to play in and 'grow' in to. Then in the summer when you've got your hands full with your little baby, your big baby will start to be old enough to occupy herself with 'her house' a bit.

Original poster

chloejessmeg · 11/01/2009 08:08

Buggies - we already have 2 single Mclaurens which would do the job, and a Hauk one that lies flat but is a bit of a pita to push but would do until baby grows into a Mclauren. Also have a big Mamas and Papas travel system in the loft but don't think we will be using it as although it is lovely with the full carrycot etc it is just too bulky to keep in the house when I can only use it when there is an adult to push just the pram.

The outdoor house is quite a good idea, although DH's grandparents vaguely mentioned that they have one that we can have when the weather gets better. Will have to ask about that.

Do you see what I mean that there just isn't anything left to get?

We would be grateful for gift vouchers for mothercare or somewhere, as we could then get bits as and when we need them, if we find anything we need this time that we didn't last time, or something breaks etc. If all else fails they have lots of toys and now and ELC in there too that we could get later on when we have a bit more space as the baby stuff will have gone.

The stupid thing is, we are very skint and it feels silly to turn down gifts and presents when they are being offered, as we can't afford to buy anything brand new and most of DDs stuff was second hand (although perfectly good).

One thing I have just thought of is as the girls will be sharing a room, we could ask for some matching cot bumpers etc. The furniture doesn't match exactly (all pine but just different shades). So would be nice to have some pretty matching stuff to go with it all.

OP posts:

choosyfloosy · 11/01/2009 08:19

matching stuff sounds v cute for people to buy

what about some new cushions for a chair you bf in?

i've seen people recommend having a special box of nice toys and perhaps a DVD or two for that only comes out when bf'ing number 2 - could they put one of these together?

how about some of your favourite music so that new baby can get to know it??

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