best presents for a new, young parent? - Page 2

[hildare]

Originally Posted by cat13 

I second Dr. Sears's The Baby Book. It is such a great resource and is written in such a gentle, non-judgmental way.

unless you're a work-outside-the-home mama.  that being said, though, we own it too, and it's a great resource besides that problem.

if she's only 3 months along, maybe a good pregnancy or birthing book.. ina may, or gentle birth choices.. something like that.

some good freezer meals?  that's one nobody suggested yet.  even muffins or cookie dough. 

[A&A]

Originally Posted by hildare 

unless you're a work-outside-the-home mama.  that being said, though, we own it too, and it's a great resource besides that problem.

if she's only 3 months along, maybe a good pregnancy or birthing book.. ina may, or gentle birth choices.. something like that.

some good freezer meals?  that's one nobody suggested yet.  even muffins or cookie dough. 

She lives with her mom, so I assume that she won't need as much help with food as she would if she lived alone.  Thanks, though. 

[BornInSeptember]

I would give one of these:

miracle blanket

swing

moby wrap

They are my favorite three items and I use them the most!

[CrazyCatLady]

I had a baby in my teens.  I second the suggestions of either a good car seat, the baby book, or a bouncy seat (somewhere to put down the baby when you pee is always nice!)

[teraze]

I like the idea of a baby book - I wish I read Dr. Sears before I had my babe - I'm familiar now with the series but it would have been sooo much better reading those before I gave birth.  (You know, besides What to Expect...)

Another idea, if she's amenable of course, is perhaps paying her admission to a Lamaze or some other birth course, and/or a breastfeeding class.  I did both and found that really helpful.  And on the topic of breastfeeding, I found the latest "Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" super helpful - there's a cool section that helps problem shoot.  Still reference it.

Big tickets:  Car seat.  If she's car-less - or not, whatever - a stroller so that she has a place to carry stuff along with her babe.  I found I always felt better when I had everything I needed even though I rarely *needed* everything, (now it's just my babe, my sling, and my bag).  Toddler seat that rocks (Fisher Price makes one) - it's a cool seat that'll fit a newborn strapped in and grow with the babe.  Wish I had one now!  :)

If she's using disposables, she can never have too many diapers (although she can have too many newborn diapers!)  And wipes.  And nipple shields...a gift basket with super practical stuff me actually be the best gift!     

[hippiemombian]

I was 17 when I had my first and I wish someone would have given me a clue! Seriously, I had to figure out things on my own and most the time I didn't have the slightest idea what I was doing. Looking back now a good book that I could reference to would have helped. Someone to talk to so I could figure out what was "normal." Outside of knowledge I would say things that are not so much expensive up front, but add up, like diapers/clothes. Stuff that she will NEED, not just want, that she might not have the money for.

[carmel23]

Originally Posted by A&A 

If you were 18 and pregnant with your first child, what gift would you really like someone to give you? 

Friendship! I think it might be a little lonely being a young parent.  Getting the mama plugged into a caring/supportive community. 

Gifts:

Nursing pads

Ergo or other soft structured carrier

Good AP books

A waterbottle!  But that is a great gift for every new mama--drinking all that water!

A car seat is an excellent idea as well....

[A&A]

Thanks all!  You've given me a lot of great ideas. 

[suschi]

The book, How To Raise A Healthy Child In Spite Of Your Doctor,   it was written by a pediatrician Dr Robert Mendelsohn.  I bought several copies (round 10 bucks ea) from amazon and included a copy in the basket of goodies.

[BubbleMa]

Lots of great ideas!  If you can swing it, a nice convertible carseat (like a Britax Marathon 70) would be an amazing gift.  One that she can use from newborn to toddler and beyond.  She wouldn't have to worry about a carseat for several years.  If you have mutual friends/family maybe you can go in together for one?

[dreamingtree]

Originally Posted by teraze 
  And nipple shields...

Those actually cause more problems than anything with breastfeeding, in specific situations they might be recommended by a lactation consultant but I think for the most part the resources I have read say to avoid them if you can.  But a gift basket of useful breastfeeding things is a great idea!!! Boppy pillow/nursing pillow, nursing pads, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Lansinoh lanolin, phone numbers/contact info for breastfeeding help :)  A Moby wrap or sling is a great idea, too. 

[A&A]

Thanks for reminding me about nursing pillows!  I loved that with my babes. 

[teraze]

Ack!   I meant the pads - for leaky breasts.  I went through at least a box a week.  For months.

Originally Posted by infojunkie 

Those actually cause more problems than anything with breastfeeding, in specific situations they might be recommended by a lactation consultant but I think for the most part the resources I have read say to avoid them if you can.  But a gift basket of useful breastfeeding things is a great idea!!! Boppy pillow/nursing pillow, nursing pads, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, Lansinoh lanolin, phone numbers/contact info for breastfeeding help :)  A Moby wrap or sling is a great idea, too. 

[phathui5]

An Ergo, if your budget allows.

Diapers and wipes.

Any of the Dr Sears books.

[MsBridget]

The Baby Book by Sears. 

[wake_up]

Originally Posted by teraze 

Ack!   I meant the pads - for leaky breasts.  I went through at least a box a week.  For months.

Oh yeah!  Nursing pads for sure.  I got a nice couple pairs of wool ones from a friend for this time around, and I love them!!!  The disposable ones are good to have around too.  Nobody told me about leaky boobs the first time around, and I started leaking at 5 mos pregnant!
 

[mamayogibear]

You could give her a doula. Well not give her one to keep but hire one for her;) Or maybe  a student doula who needs more births to become certified.

[teraze]

Originally Posted by mamayogibear 

You could give her a doula. Well not give her one to keep but hire one for her;) Or maybe  a student doula who needs more births to become certified.

Oooo - thinking big!  I like this idea!  There was a student doula that observed every one of my birthing classes and she seemed really cool and interested in all of us (then) pregnant mommas.  Definitely something to explore...  

[lunarlady]

I think young parents so often feel alone. So I would say helping your friend find and get to some parent/mom groups would be good. Things like a birthing class that meets weekly, LLL, a new mom playgroup, natural parenting group. Since you do not live super close, even just researching all the options and giving her an easy to reference list would be good.

If you can afford it, a doula would be great. if you can't, some books on birthing and parenting would be helpful.

As for material things, I would suggest something for her, like a gift card for clothing, nursing bras, or a massage/pedicure/facial. Lotions, bath salts, sitz bath concoctions, things for self care. Most new moms get a lot of baby clothing, but not much for them.

[KnittinKitten]

Craigslist is a great place to find used cloth diapers and carriers. It's a good idea to have some point of reference for how much things go for retail as.compared to what people are asking. I got almost my entire cloth diaper stash (much of it prepped but never used) for $50.