What to but for premature baby - 28 weeks

[rachael2401]

Hi All,
A friend has had a baby at 28 weeks after labour was brought on by a urine infection. I am not that close to her but would like to buy the baby a present. As far as I know baby is doing well - breathing on his own. I have looked at mothercare website and they have some sleepsuits for early babies but wanted to ask what people have found good as I'm sure that there are things that I wouldn't even consider like are poppers a pain? What would people recommend as a good pressie for her? What did you all find really useful?
Thank you in anticipation of your help!

I had my babies at 27+6 and to be honest, I didn't want anything for the babies - it was all too much. Depending on which hospital your friend is at, the baby won't wear any clothes at all for some weeks - they have to be able to see the baby's chest to see how they're breathing and how much effort they're making. In some places, you are allowed to have a blanket that you can put across the top of the incubator - makes it a bit more personal and blocks out some of the lights which are on pretty much all the time in SCBU. You might want to buy a really lovely book that she could read to the baby when they have skin to skin and he gets to hear her voice. In terms of a present for your friend, a notebook and pen would be great - BLISS (the premature baby website) has a forum and they recommend keeping a diary - at 28 weeks, the baby is going to be in for quite a few weeks and there will be some ups and downs so keeping a diary to show how much progress the baby has made - that she can look back on if she's ever having a bad day. Maybe also a little keepsake box? Or this - www.chefonboard.com/category_Mum_Gifts_1.htm - when I was discharged from hospital but running backwards and forwards to SCBU, this was brilliant.

Hi
Go to the peeny weeny baby website - loads of lovely stuff for prem babies
In NNU.

Hya Rachael, I had mine @ 29 weeks (both now doing well. If you do want to buy something a teddy he/she can have in the incubator is a nice touch! (ones that make soothing noises are nice. I had 2 teeny ones from mothercare to put in each cot. Another great Idea Is a Cuski! (not sure who supplies them so just type 'cuski' in browser) this is a teddy mum keeps near her (preferably under her top or somethin) so her smell is on it. This is then put in the incubator to help bond. Might sound odd but theres been lots of proof behind it. Another great one is 'baby blooms'! they look like flowerrs but are actually made up of baby vests, socks, bootees etc that baby can actually wear (think they sell them at firebox). I do agree with Mandy though. It can be a traumatic period so something to help mum unwind (or just a treat) would be good. you could try the usual chocolates, bath stuff etc. Another good one in this department is 'gelicity spa' (I've tried this myself). It turns the bath to jelly - but its for adults it as aromatherapy oils in it, it keeps the heat in for a lot longer! (always nice in winter) & its great for aches & pains ( she'll probably be feeling it if she's just given birth).This is also available at firebox (I don't work for them just incase your wondering! & in all honesty its fun!. It might help ease her worries for a bit. I always try & look for something different when I'm buying gifts & I really hope this helps.

Oh yeah & were I was we could have musical soothers .I had the fisher price rain forest one. You can have lullabys or nature sounds but the one next to me had a chicco night light one which was really nice too.