a question for you mamas...

[natty529]

hi mamas.. i could use a little help on this...
my sister in law is currently pg with her 1st babe after years of infertility... i am SO thrilled for her!!! so, her baby shower is in a couple of weeks and am debating what to get her.
the thing is that i haven't really talked to her about parenting etc. i'm not even sure if she plans on bfing (i hope so!!) and though she is a relatively crunchy person, i don't want to be presuptuous about her parenting. i was thinking about getting her a great sling and some baby legs and maybe something small just for her... thats what i would want. i would ask her all these questions... like do you plan to co sleep, breastfeed, utilize AP, do you know of AP? but we are not that close and i don't want to seem intrusive or judgmental.
so what do you think?
what did you get that you loved
or what do you really want for your babe?
what do you want just for you?

thanks in advance!

[Brisen]

I think the stuff you listed is great... now, where I am, slings are getting pretty common, and they're not really considered "out there" or anything. So I wouldn't feel like I were being presumptuous by giving someone a sling.

I'm not sure I would ask all of the questions, though. If it came up, sure.

[Twinklefae]

A lot of people recommend the "Dr. Sears The Baby Book" as a shower gift. It's a good all around baby care book (great for a first time mom, I bought it for myself!) with a crunchy edge. It really gets into why BF, cosleeping, babywearing are important without making it seem weird, or being judgemental.

[weeirishlass]

A sling is a great present! I make them for just about every baby shower I attend. And you don't have to be AP to use 'em. I might also include Sear's The Baby Book or something, to gently suggest AP w/out being overbearing. Or, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and just say that you weren't sure if she was going to nurse or not, but that book was a huge help to you.
I had the same fear. I wanted to get my SIL The Womanly Art, but I was worried she'd see it as me being pushy. I ended up giving it to her anyway, and she loved it, even though she ended up having issues nursing her preemie and used formula after 6 weeks. She still relaly appreciated the book, and just said she can use it next time.

[hubris]

I second the recommendation for The Baby Book. It's a good gift for just about any parent and can help to gently introduce AP if they aren't already down with the philosophy.

Your sling idea also sounds really good!