Good Gift for Mom Expecting Number 2! - Olmsted Falls,OH

My second girl was born 10 yrs after my first, so I had to pretty much start over. I then had my 3rd (a boy) when my 2nd was only 15 mo old... so we needed doubles of everything, since my 15 mo old was still in a crib & in my veiw was still a "baby" eventhough she was starting to walk. My 4th was born 2 yrs later... with him I needed a new paypen, a few new bed sheets (since mine had gone through 2 kids already & were starting to get holes in them), and a new high chair/booster (since my other 2 were still using theirs). Other then that I asked for diapers (size 1 or larger), baby laundry soap, bath products (I loved the calming lavander), baby wipes, new nipples for the bottles (eventhough I mainly breastfeed - it's nice to have a bottle around for daddy to use if momma got stuck in traffic), new binkis if she uses them w/ the kids, and anything else she might use to take care of the baby on a daily basis. He also got a cute little blanket bear (the head of a bear w/ a blanket for the body) - he slept with it for the first year almost 2, he did get a replacement at his 1st Christmas just incase, because we couldn't get him to sleep without it.

I'm carring #5 right now... I feel as if I'm starting over w/ almost nothing this time. Both the cribs I have were on the latest recall list, the infant carseat I had stopped latching correctly when my 2 1/2 yr old was about 19# (it lasted through 4 kids - 3 of mine & 1 of my sisters), the bassinet is on it's last leg (it lasted through the same 4 kids) - although I do have TONS of baby clothes... I have been going through them all and will be taking a lot to the Goodwill or Salvation Army. I am hoping to get a few new things for the baby... some new crisp sheets, unstained burp rags, an outfit or two (it's nice for everyone to have something new not all hand-me-downs), a special blanket, a binki just incase (I've had 2 that like them & 2 that wouldn't take one), new nipples for my Aven bottles, diapers, bath products, laundry supplies, reusable nursing pads (my sister is making me some - she sells green baby products), and I also need a new nursing night gown.

Altought I don't need much I did set-up a registary at Wal-mart & Target with stuff I'd like to have for the new baby... if your sister-in-law has time, maybe she can do this. That way people know what she thinks she need or the "theme" for the new baby... mine has kinda changed with each one.

Good luck finding the right gift & congratz on the new little one coming into your life through your brother & sister-in-law.

Anything that she'll be using lots of. For example...diapers in various sizes, wipes, diaper ointment, baby wash, baby lotion. The cost of diapers adds up fast and I'm certain she'd be ecstatic to have a big stash in her baby's closet. Or, you could get them a variety of giftcards to different restaurants that they could either order takeout from or go to. Some people in our church did this because they feared our freezer would be inundated with too much food and we really enjoyed it. A baby wrap (we have a sleepywrap that I LOVE) or a sling might also be a good idea. She'll be able to wear the baby and still do things with her other kiddo much more easily than holding the baby in your arms. You've gotten some good ideas in this list. Just think of ways to save her time or money. Every mom wishes she had a bit more of both of those! :)

I love your idea of a 'sprinkle'! That is awesome! Since you got a gift certificate for the portrait studio--what about an certificate for an engraved frame once the little one is born or a digital frame. Other than that, what about a Gerber Life policy, starting a savings account (with small beginning)or a piggy bank. My personal favorite is a savings bond. The EE series, which matures in 7 years, you only pay half of the amount that the bond is for--ex., you pay $50 but the bond is for $100. However, I just remembered you do need the childs social security number so maybe you could make a cute promissory note if that would be the way you would want to go! Good luck!

Diaper cake. This is such a great gift. You just roll them up and place them in rounds, use adorable ribbon, some travel size baby items, rattles, bibs, hats and mittens, socks, bottles,stuffed animals and even blankets can all be put on it. In the center you can even put a bottle of wine to hold it all together. I use a wooden dowel but have heard of doing this instead. You can google how to make a diaper cake and get lots of ideas and just personalize it yourself. I have even made these for wedding shower gifts with towels and kitchen utensils.

I know we never have time but how about a little bath/shower kit for her.

I would get her a basket with a few things in it, with babysitting vouchers sticking out! It would be so cute! You could make them really cute and print them off the computer. For the other things in it, your idea for the portrait studio is good, but how about going in and getting her a club card where she never has to pay sitting fees? I had a friend get me one, think it cost her about $30, maybe a little more, but it was great because it was good for 2 years and saved me lots of money. Cute new burp rags are always good for the 2nd, since the used ones are usually worn out. Also, how about a journal or scrapbook? Something for her to write in easily about the baby, since it's harder to find the time with your second child.

so many great answers. The other Moms have things covered. I just had my second boy. With my first child I realized how much easier gowns were with the sleep sacks at night. I only had a couple for my first and was constantly trying to wash them so I could use them again. I was thrilled to get a big bag of hand me downs from a friend that had a bunch of sleep gowns and sacks. This was SO helpful. It allows for middle of the night changes with your eyes closed. My point is even though they might have lots of girl clothes- they might need something simple like this.
Your sister in law is lucky to have you :)

A gift certificate for family pictures -- from Penney's or a local place that you like. It's something most people don't give, but well worth it! =)

Best thing ever.... just before my 3rd was born friends pitched in a paid for a housecleaning service for 6 months (twice a month). The second best thing ever was the gift card for a spoil-myself-rotton-day at a spa when I was pregnant with my 2nd -- massage, good food, facial, mani/pedi, etc. Wonderful.

After having my second child I don't recall needing anything as far as baby needs. My suggestion would be give her "time" and what I mean by that is offer to watch both kids (at her house) while she takes a nap, takes a bath etc. After mom has baby number 2 getting a shower every day becomes a challenge. Figuring out a schedule to balance two kids and her the other things she needs to do on a daily basis is exhausting.
Another suggestion would be to get her a cleaning lady for the first few weeks, she will have little time to sleep more less keep her house tidy. Laundry piles up, toys don't get put away and dishes are everywhere. We all know that every one wants to "come see the new baby" and new mom is nervous that her house is a mess.
The last suggestion is get her a gift of relaxation, a spa day, a manicure/pedicure etc. Remember everyone will be thinking about the baby needs, mommy will need help to figure out a routine.

Good Question and good luck

After having my second child, it seemed like keeping the house clean & getting my "mom" time was a challenge. If she likes spas, that is a great gift to allow her to treat herself to a massage, manicure, pedicure, or whatever service makes her feel refreshed. Another practical gift that people don't generally get for themselves is paying a company to come clean the house.

Perhaps a baby sling because she will be busy with 2 kiddos instead of one :)

I am a big fan of Sprinkles, too! I think every baby and pregnancy need to be celebrated before or after the baby arrives.

I am expecting baby #2 and decided I would register anyway. I don't anticipate a shower/sprinkle, but wanted to make a list of what I'd need and it just made since to do it at the store. And, that way if anyone does want to get us something they know what we have in mind. I suggest your SIL do the same thing....if anything just for her own sanity of making a list. :)

I found myself needing new infant medicines, butt pastes, and wanting a wipe warmer (didn't have one with the first babe). I also wanted a new mobile since my hubby broke our first child's. :) We also tried to not have every baby gear item available with the first and have since found some neat new ones that weren't around the first time.

What about room decor for the nursery/shared room? Mani/pedi for mom?

Love the gift card for pics. What about a gift card to Shutterfly or other online place to have birth announcements made? Ready made photo album scrapbooks from Hallmark and certain scrapbook stores (just add pictures and write important information? A baby journal/scrapbook from a book store? New books for baby with an inscription?

And please, do not forget to get something for the older daughter....even if she is 10! Have fun and thanks for celebrating this baby's arrival!

diapers. Moms always need plenty of diapers.

A sprinkle! What a great idea!

You have a lot of good answers already, but what about something she might need for the firstborn? If the older child is still little, will they need some things for her to replace the hand-me-downs going to the baby? For example, if they are planning on using the older child's carseat for the baby when it gets big enough, will the older one need a new booster seat? Just something for you to brainstorm about maybe.

I agree with offering your time! Maybe you could be a really nice Aunt and spend some extra time with the older one so she feels special and mom gets a break from taking care of both of them. We still have our niece over for sleepovers and special things because she was the baby in her family for a long time and when her baby sister came along, it was something we could do to make her feel special.

I really needed extra sheets, waterproof pads and covers for the diaper changing pads. I also found a baby bjorn and at about 6 months a backpack REALLY useful so I could have my hands available. I especially used the carriers for grocery shopping.

NetFlix. I can't tell you how isolating it is to be "stuck" at home, awake at the oddest hours with a newborn, only to have to wake in the morning to take care of other kids. Friends of ours gave me a 3 month subscription to NetFlix...it was awsome! I could watch any movie I wanted, no rush to return it, no store to bring it back to and another one would magically arrive in the mail.

I think it helped save my sanity while nursing at all hours of the night, only to find myself wide awake.

A baby album.

I didn't need much when I had my 2nd child. Even though it was the opposite gender.
But, I wanted a Moses Basket with my 2nd baby... and I LOVED it... and my son as a newborn slept REAL good in it, until about 3 months old.

I like the idea of meals. Either a schedule of who will bring meals when or a bunch of frozen meals.
Google "Blessingway" and through her a Blessingway. Ask that all attending bring a frozen meal, or a bag of diapers. I also love when people bring a bead and a story about why they picked the bead. Then you make a bracelet or necklace for her to wear while she gives birth (and every year after on baby's birthday is cool).

For second (or third, or fourth) baby gifts I usually try to wait until the birth and get something personalized, like a frame or rattle or even a onesie with the baby's name. Especially since it's your SIL I'm sure they'd appreciate a nice keepsake with baby's name and birthdate, and it's something that's undeniably hers and hers alone.

I make these "taggie" blankets that my kids love. They are the fleece square blankets with ribbons around the outside for the babies to hold on to. Something unique that really can't be handed down from a sibling. I can send you pictures if you are interested. I charge $20.00. You can e-mail me at ____@____.com

Thanks!

Oh my gosh, I've never heard of "sprinkle" but what a GREAT idea!

I didn't really need much, either, and I had a girl after a boy, so the pink clothes were much appreciated. Since it's two girls, even that is eliminated -- Unless they're born at different times of the year and clothing SIZES for the weather come into play - that might be something to keep in mind. For example, if one was born in the summer and has summer newborn or 3 month pajamas and the second will be born in winter and needs warm newborn and 3-month clothes.

If that's not the case, then I think your portrait studio gift certificate is a great idea (also giving a nod to how the poor second child never gets as many photos taken - hee hee!). And as someone said below, time. It gets exponentially more hectic and exhausting with a young child and a baby. Even taking one child for the afternoon is helpful if you can't do both. But in terms of material gifts, I love the photo certificate idea. Maybe make it a larger one instead of a smaller one since you want to give her more?