What Can I Get That Will Help the Most for a Mom That Has Nothing Ready?

Hi,
I would try a consignment store and get some clothes and such for cheaper that way. Diapers and formula are expensive so that is a good way to go. Good luck!

You can never have too many diapers. They will eat through a budget in a heartbeat. Also, a mattress pad to go under the crib fitted sheet or extra fitted sheets. Those get messed up quite often at times.

Maybe some size 1 diapers... some babies don't even wear newborn sizes, depending on how big they are. My daughter was 7 lbs 10 oz and only wore newborn clothes/diapers for 2 weeks.

Some ideas:
diapers & wipes
receiving blankets
burp cloths
care kit (comb, brush, thermometer, nail clippers, bulb syringe, etc)
baby shampoo, lotion
Boppy - one of my FAVORITE baby gifts, I'm still using it, one year later
baby bathtub - one that fits in the sink & has a sling for newborns
baby carrier - like Baby Bjorn, Evenflo makes a more affordable carrier
Bottles - even if she breastfeeds, she will need bottles if she pumps

Maybe a new mom care kit, get her things she will need after delivery, like a big water bottle to keep hydrated, lotion, chapstick, Advil, Tylenol, prenatal vitamins. I did this for a very close friend of mine and even got her Colace, tucks wipes, prep H, peri bottle, lanolin, and gave her a list of other things she'd need like pads, breast pads, etc. Someone did the same for me, and I loved it... as personal as all those things are, no one tells you that you will need them. I wouldn't have been prepared at all.

Just a FEW ideas... :)

Hope it helps!

We never had enough cotton footed sleepers! Between spit ups and diaper leaks we went through a dozen some days. Burp cloths were also well used around here. Best of luck!

Diapers and formula are terrific needed gifts. One can never have too many.

I don't think anyone can use too many diapers. Also, formula would be great if they plan on using it. But obviously, it's hard to know ahead of time if the baby will accept what you buy. So maybe gift cards to Babies R Us. I assume they sell formula???

Suzi

C.,

What a sweetheart you are. You will certainly be blessed for you generous heart. I would say diaper for sure (size 1 or 2). Also, she may not know but your local police station should give her a free car seat. I wouldn't get much lotion, it takes a while to go through. I loved the long sleeve onesies with both my boys. A swing is also a great tool to keep the baby happy. If she is tight on money she might also qualify for WIC.
Good luck.

I alwasy give baby wash and shampoo, wash clothes and lotion. I stick them all into a large diaper bag. Also, the little things like clippers, brush, thermometer, and medicine dropper. I've given this to most baby showers I go to, and I always hear from the mom's that they never thought to buy the simple every day things like bath stuff. Just smell it before buying it to make sure it's not too perfumey, some women are sensitive to perfume.

Particularly for a second baby, I would recommend a ring sling like the maya wrap (www.mayawrap.com). There are lots of these types of slings out there, so you can shop around for good deals and the best colors. If you just do a search for ring sling you'll get a ton of websites. There are always a lot available on ebay, too. Look for one that comes with instructions on the different carries it can be used for.

These types of slings are much more comfortable than the front pack carriers and last much longer. They are totally adjustable so they work for any size baby and can be used through toddlerhood. I still use mine for my two year old when she just wants to be carried and when we go shopping and I need to keep track of her. When she was smaller I carried her in it while I did housework and dishes. It always kept her happy when I needed to get something done. I don't have another child, but all of the moms that I know who have more than one child and use a ring sling have said that they could not manage without it.

To get the most for you money I would suggest a trip to a second hand childrens store. I am always finding barely or never used items for my kids for a lot less than I would pay even at walmart. Also it is a great place to pick up a carseat, a crib, or a swing. Wish you lived closer, my daughter has so much stuff that she has outgrown and I have kept! The everything for a dollar stores are a great place to go too!

Good Luck!

I agree with the other posters. I would also add an outfit or two that the baby can wear come spring/summer time. I got a few gifts like that and it was so nice to have something new when the new season rolled around.

Hey C.

This is very nice of you to help her. I would say anything that would help her in the long run. Of course diapers and wipes are great. You can also sign her up on web sites for things like diapers and formula and even free baby/parent magazines. If you go to carnation, emfimil, gerber, pampers, huggies and any other baby product you can think of and sign her or even you up they send cupons, gift checks, and even free stuff for their products. Even if you don't have her address use yours and give them to her as you get them. They can really help through out the months to come. The other things I would say are a basic kit of baby meds. like motrin, tylenol, gas drops, rash ointment. She may need things like q-tips, vaseline, or alcohol (if she is having a boy). She will not need these right away, but teething gel or teething rings/toys are great too. Of course clothes are helpful. if she is due soon warmer clothes would help and they are all on sale. Baby towels and wash clothes are great as well. Other things that may come in handy are swings, bouncy seats, and I have even seen a new blanket that swadles the baby just right without the strougle of trying to get a blanket tight enough. I would also say binkies and bottles, but ya never know what type she wants to use or the baby will take too. Home safety kits are great as well. She may also need the head rests that go inside car seats (she may even need an infant car seat) for newborns to help hold up their heads. I always get expecting moms car seat strap covers. They are like $5 and I do that because when my son was about 2, my husband was in a car accident and the only injury my son got was a strap burn from the car seat strap, he still 7yrs later has a scar from it.

That is some of the things I can think of. The other thing I would suggest is to check stores like TJ Max Ross, and resale shops for good deals on baby stuff. I know you said you don't want to give her money, but a gift card to babies r us would be good, because she is limited on what she can buy and geared toward baby/childrens stuff only. And you said a baby shower was not an option, but what about if you got a card and had everyone sign it and donate a few dollars towards stuff for the baby.

Well anyway, again I think it is very nice of you to help the mom out and I'm sure whatever you give her will be appreciated and useful.

Good luck to you both.

T.

Do you know the sex of the baby? I have two boys that are toddlers and I have quite a bit of clothes and toys that they have grown out of.

Personally, I cannot live without the infant swing. My son will not sleep unless I am holding him or he is in his swing.

Does she have a car seat? If she doesn't you may know someone who has one in storage or is done with theirs and ready to pass it on. They also sometimes sell used travel systems at Once Upon a Child and resale shops.

diapers....diapers...diapers

Diapers, diapers, formula, only when you know which is suggested by Dr. Burp wrags. Gift cards - Walmart, Baby's R Us. & perhaps more gift cards. That is a start

I would do diapers, wetwipes, etc. Also, let her know that a lot of the baby items are dangerous, they have harmful toxins....my son just had ear surgery due to 40% hearing loss, b/c of the Johnson and Johnson shampoo I used on him along with other household cleaning items, he is only 10!!! I wish I had been aware of this at the time my children were born. You can go to my website at www.livetotalwellness.com/srmissey for more information! Good luck!

DIAPERS! You already hit the nail on the head. The necessities are always the best, wipees, nasal suction bulbs, socks, hats, blankets, bibs, sleep positioner (if they use them). Also if there is an aread freecycle group on the web in your area, you can post a wanted: anything for newborn baby ad on there and people will give stuff for the baby. Good luck!

I think a starter set of Playtex bottles would be a wonderful addition to what you have already purchased. She will definetly need these even if she plans to breastfeed, as she may pump if she is working. Blankets, bibs...you just can't go wrong if she has nothing ready yet!

C.,

What a kind hearted lady you are! While you are thinking of things to purchase, keep in mind that in 3 months those 0-3 onesies and footies will be too small...something that I have found that is helpful is giving and receiving clothes for the later months or even years. Consumables are always helpful too...shampoo, soaps, detergent, etc. Just make sure it is ALL Free and Clear in case of allergies. Thank you for being an example to others...

Soaps, lotions, a giftcard, etc.... Blankets are always nice to have. Burp clothes I know she will go through alot. Just a few suggestions. I hope this helps.

~S.

Where do you live? I am in St. Louis and would be thrilled to give lots of good baby stuff to a mom in need. -A.

You got a lot of great ideas. I know when I had my first 4 years ago, I was well supplied & ready for the baby. One thing I never thought to buy that I received as a shower gift was a kit of infant tylenol, motrin, gas drops, thermometer & rash ointment etc. That first middle of the night fever had me up in a panic & I was so grateful when I remembered the kit. plus that is stuff that moms tend to put of buying when money is an issue because it's expensive & you don't need it right away.
thanks for helping this mom.

Bottles, clothes, diapers, wipes, bath supplies...
Make sure she has a car seat too. That is required before she can leave the hospital with the baby.

My absolute favorite baby gifts don't cost a lot: "The Baby Book" by Dr. William Sears is the most comprehensive book I've found-- it helps you through when your baby is sick, how to care for the baby, and anything else you could possibly want to know. (I think you can get it on Amazon.com for around $15.) The other thing I give is a prepared frozen homemade meal (like a lasagna). When I was a new parent, I can't tell you how wonderful it was to have a warm meal that I didn't have to prepare but didn't come from a cardboard box. I think she would find this especially helpful if she has another child to provide for. Also, I HIGHLY recommend telling her about the Parents As Teachers (parentsasteachers.org) program. They will send a "parent educator" to her house every 2 months to talk to her about the milestones her baby is reaching and what activities she can do at each stage, as well as answer any questions she has. This is really a great program (and it's free!)

PS- I thought about telling you to get a carseat because she won't be able to leave the hospital without one, but I know she can get a free carseat from the hospital if she can't afford one. Also, if you buy any more clothes, I would recommend buying a variety of sizes. It's really amazing how quickly they grow out of them, and it's really nice to have the next size on hand, so you don't have to run out and buy something.

Diapers. Diapers are expensive and any supply of diapers will definitely ease her burden. Also, sign up at the manufacturers websites for baby formulas. You get free formulas and some really good coupons that you can pass on to your friend. Hope that helps.

I'd go to Children's Orchard and just pick up some stuff in all honesty if the baby has a place to sleep, clothes and a car seat you don't really have to have all that other stuff. It's nice to have but not a necessity. Maybe lightly mention it to others at your work or church if they have items they'd like to donate to a mom to be in need.

They have community help programs in most cities, if you're really concerned that she won't have anything, that collect new and used items for mothers who are expecting and if you did that for her, she wouldn't necessarily have to know.

Otherwise, I'd say you can either get second hand stuff for inexpensive or they also have inexpensive new items at Walmart so that way you could get more for your money. She'll need:

A baby carseat (you can also get these through the city police dept for cheap or free, I think)

Highchair and jars of food (for several months down the road)

Newborn Diapers and Wipes

Bottles and Formula (if not breastfeeding)

Spit-up rags (or she can use washcloths)

Blankets--warm and cool

A baby lay down Tub and Baby soap

Changing pad

Formula, bottles, and diapers are necessities. I recommend those items first. Then I would suggest bathing items such as body wash, shampoo, lotion, etc. Cute outfits are great, but they grow out of them so quickly.

Give her a gift card to Babies'R'Us where she can only use it there for Baby stuff.

If she doesn't mind second-hand items, I think you can purchase a gift certificate to Once Upon A Child stores. I didn't mind second-hand items for my 2nd child at all! The money will go farther if this is an option for you. I think it's great you are looking out for her!

C., I think it's awesome that you are wanting to help out this co-worker. I can tell you that when I was pregnant, 5 years ago, I was so broke that I couldn't afford anything, and the kindness of others was how I made it through.

I think that onesies, diapers, sleepers, maybe a couple of swaddling blankets, are the real necessities. Maybe some baby soap/shampoo, diaper rash cream, lotion - those things that you need, but that it's harder to spend money on when you don't have a lot to spare. If you are in a cold area, some hats/mittens would also be great, if she is due soon. Keeping the baby warm, clean, and fed are really the things that she needs to take care of.

When my son was first born the most important things for me were onesies, diapers, blankets (some of the thin flannel receiving blankets and some of the heavier cotton ones, but they MUST all be machine washable), and burp cloths. We used the cloth diapers as burp cloths, and I have to say you can't have enough of those. If you want something else useful, one of those plastic baby tubs are good, as well as washcloths. Those were the things I used every day. I have saved all of them for my next child, so I won't have to buy that stuff all over again.

i dont know if your local hospital does this or not but usually you can order cases of newborn diapers thru them for reasonable

I have purchased multiple packages of diapers before and yes it's a lot to "wag" them all in but the mother to be was much appreciative. You could also purchase a large laundry basked and fill it will small things such as receiving blankets, powder, diaper ointment, you get the idea, anything that will fit inside. I have done this before and they loved it.
I am sure that given the situation she may be in, anything will be appropriate.
God Bless You!!

Hi C.,

http://www.oksafekids.org/car_seat_program.htm
Information is a great gift! At the above link you can get a free (new) carseat.

Don't forget your friendship, help after the baby comes, and home cooked meals. These were some of my favorites after I had my girls. :)

Paula

If she has a car seat...maybe a jogger stroller. That way she can takes walks with the baby and it can double as a way to push baby around the house. I love my jogger stroller. I would always buy my kids clothes but debating on spending bigger ticket items was always my issue. The jogger stroller helped me work out after I had my child and I wish I had it for my first child who came 3 weeks early. I just had the normal stroller which was fine if you have side walks...I didn't and if I wanted to spend time in my garden or such with the baby with me, then it was easy. Another thing would be the baby monitor. I used to find my best house work was done while baby slept. With the monitor I could tell if she was still sleeping or not and be in another part of the house for a period of time.

Here are a few thoughts:

(1) Craig's List - Go to http://kansascity.craigslist.org/ and under the For Sale section click on 'baby+kids'. When using the Search I put in my town and those closest to me to minimize unecessary travel to pick up the items.

(2) Children's Orchard - children's consignment clothing and shoes. There are several in the metro area. http://www.childorch.com/

(3) Churches - many churches can provide assistance with baby items, gear and information to assist new mothers.

(4) LeLeche League - get her in touch with a good lactation specialist. Breastfeeding will be great for the baby and less expensive than formula.

Hope this information helps.

There's also a great e-book for a small fee that helped me get free diapers, formula and other items I needed. With the the current cost baby necessities it was a huge help. I found the site at https://paydotcom.com/r/15946/Force4Change/17952757/

I hope this helps.

Does she have a car seat? Maybe you could go in on one with someone else (there are a ton in the $100-$150 range). I just got an Evenflo that goes from 5 to 55 pounds - it faces rear at first, then forward, but it's not an infant seat that you can carry in from the car with you which was nice when my son was new. He outgrew the infant one by 6 months. Other things I've used a LOT are my Boppy pillow, burp cloths, diapers, infant tub (also baby washcloths and towels), baby shampoo/soap, blankets, Tide Free (no dyes, perfumes, etc.), colorful rattles, lullaby CD's (Hallmark has a wonderful one). As nice as they are to have, I would avoid the nice-but-not-necessary gifts like photo albums and a baby book since it sounds like she really needs the necessities. Good luck, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!

~ V.

I'd get her a gift card to BabiesRUs. That way, you can be sure she'll be spending on things for the baby, and you don't have to choose what she needs most!

What a very kind, caring and generous person you are! The world should have more like you in it. I, too, am a grandmother, most recently to my 2 Y/O grandson, the first I've been privileged to have close by. My daughter and husb. and I all agreed that the most valuable item we had was a baby swing. I bought a used Fisher Price Papa San swing, which had a mirror above the swing, and a bird mobile, and the music included sounds of nature. It is nicely padded and the seat can be turned and adjusted several ways. They used it daily for many months, and he loved it much more than the older dated swing that I used here at my home. They are a bit pricey, but if you could find a used one, that's the one item I would suggest. It frees up Mom but keeps Baby in view at all times. God bless you for your goodness! Mary D

I think it would be cute if you filled up a diaper bag of essential goodies such as: baby wash, lotion, tylenol, wipes, onsie, an outfit, burp cloth, blanket, some diapers, bottles, pacifier, small toy, bottom cream, sunscreen, and anything else that would help to prepare her. That way you know she has some good essentials to take of the baby with! Just an idea.

I recently had a baby and my co-workers collected money to buy a gift card to Babies R Us. It was such a blessing because it was a large amount and I was able to buy several things I needed. Sometimes moms don't know what they will really use until the baby gets here. For instance, I wouldn't suggest getting bottles for a breastfeed baby yet. My baby is breastfeed so she is picky about which bottles she will use. So I have some bottles that she won't take. It is very nice of you to spend so much on this young woman. I am sure all the baby stuff you get will be appreciated.