Cystic Fibrosis prem newborn gift advice

[abenstille]

Hi, I've just found out my friends new baby has cf and has been born 10 weeks premature. I'd like to spend about £40 on a gift for them. I was thinking along the lines of a premature baby outfit and a matching blanket. But Im wondering if a baby that premature would be in an incubator with just a nappy? Ive no idea really and would really like to get them something useful. Any ideas welcome. Thanks

A baby 10 wks early will not need any clothes as he will be in an incubator. I hope so much that he will do well but he was pretty early and has a serious condition. You can choose something for when he comes home such as clothes or toys but should be aware that he may not come home at all. How about something for the parents to ease their present situation just a little? Vouchers for a restaurant near the hospital so that they can escape the cafeteria? Some wine for them to enjoy of an evening? Or you could make a donation to the prem unit in their name or to the CF trust. I wish them lots of luck. A good friend with CF will turn 36 this year so it is possible.

Thanks Dr seuss, i can see Im going to have to give it some more thought. Good to hear about your friend.

Hi sorry I don't know much about CF but my son was born 13 weeks early in February and remained in NICU for over 5 months and still requires regular hospitalisation now due to complications with his lungs.

Excellent suggestions from Drseuss - prem babies can often wear only nappies and when they can wear clothes, grow out of them pretty quickly. We were given prem clothes that our son never got to wear. But parents need time away from hospital so anything that will allow them to do that will surely be appreciated. I was also given spa vouchers which I still havent been able to use but sure will do when things calm down a bit.

Don't know if they have other children but if they do, offer to look after other children. If you do have other children you are constantly feeling guilty about not spending time with the one at hospital or the one at home.

Good luck for your friend, I hope everything goes well.

Friend with CF reports that no particular clothes or toys are unsuitable and says that if they are sent to a CF centre, equipment will be provided.

Many thanks both of you. They live a couple of hundred miles away from us, so I cant offer practical help and this baby is their first. One thing I thought of yesterday was a personalised photo album - it looks lovely and I remember when my first was born that I loved seeing her name on things. Good advice re the clothes. Thanks for your time and thoughtfulness!

A personalised blanket with the baby's name is always nice and can be used for a long time even after the baby comes home.