Baby Gift / Shower?

[iliketoby]

1. Do you all think that it would be OK for me to throw my 36 year-old friend a baby shower? She didn't plan on this baby and has NO baby stuff left over (her youngest is 12). I know the rule about not throwing a shower for moms who already have kids, but it isn't like she just wants more stuff -- she's just as in need of baby stuff as a new mom. I don't want to upset anyone, you know?

2. And what are the things people find really helpful for babies these days??? Neither of us has had a baby in a long time, and the amount of stuff at Babies R Us is overwhelming. We don't know what would be practical.

Thanks for reading all this!

 

[marybet]

There is nine years between my sister's first and second child. We had a small shower for her, just family and close friends. I think it is fine to throw your friend a shower but I would keep it small, maybe 25 people. Of course I don't think any baby shower should be larger than 25 people. It is nice to celebrate the new baby.

 

[eeyore kelly]

Disposable bibs. My sister swears by them

 

[JenDaveBrendan]

I think it is more than okay to throw a baby shower, in fact I think it is a neccesity!! It has been a long time since she has had a baby!!! I would need one and it has just been 5 yrs. since my son!

When I was a first time mom I found that a lot of the stuff I got at my baby shower was totally not needed (as I look back on it now at least- although I really do appreciate everything )- in particular that sticks out to me was the "diaper genie" (I wanted this so bad) - it just didn't work and was the biggest waste of money IMO- more hassle than it was worth.

What I think is needed:
crib
changing table (or a dresser/changer combo - even better!! I would have loved to have gotten one of those instead of just a changing table!)
baby swing (a life saver!!)
bassinet
playpen (nothing fancy needed)
my DS LOVED that aquarium toy thing that attached to the crib - by fisher price- can't remember the name of it. It plays soothing music and the fishies go around and around. He was really intrigued with that for awhile. Best "toy" he ever got. I know they still sell it, it is just "updated" since he had it.
boppy pillow (even for bottle feeding this is really great!)
stroller
infant car seat
crib sheets (could have totally done without the blankets/pillows/accesories for the crib - to dangerous for baby and never used them)
infant tub for the sink
baby monitor
sleepers and onesies (my DS lived in these)
bibs
the dishwasher canister thing to put nipples/bottle tops/sippy cup tops in - I still use this!!! - the best $5-$10 someone ever spent!!!

hmmmmm..... I am probably forgetting alot, but these are the things that really stick out to me as being needed.

Jen

 

[kristen821]

It is ok to throw a shower IMO! The most useful things I had for my kids were...

The Jolly Jumper (by far the best invention ever!)
swing(they have portable ones now)
Bouncy saucer thing (looks like a walker but has now wheels)
baby bathtub
Stroller

You can always give diapers those are alway appreciated.

 

[NMAmy]

the dishwasher canister thing to put nipples/bottle tops/sippy cup tops in - I still use this!!! - the best $5-$10 someone ever spent!!!
Jen

I SO agree with this gift! I give it at every baby shower I attend. DD is 15 and I STILL use this thing all the time. It's great for running small items through the dishwasher.

ETA: Duh...I forgot the original question. Yes, I think it's fine to give her another baby shower. I've never quite understood that whole rule about only having one--each baby deserves to be celebrated.

 

[ahutton]

I think it is wonderful to throw a shower to welcome a baby!

As for the most useful things, I would be lost without my really good, ultra light weight stroller. I can collapse it with one hand, meaning I can hold DS in the other while I break it down. Another thing would be a backpack diaper bag. Again, to leave hands free.

As for clothes, sleepers (with feet for winter months) and onsies (long and short sleeve) in sizes beyond the 0-3 month size are life savers!

 

[stinkerbelle]

my DS LOVED that aquarium toy thing that attached to the crib - by fisher price- can't remember the name of it. It plays soothing music and the fishies go around and around. He was really intrigued with that for awhile. Best "toy" he ever got. I know they still sell it, it is just "updated" since he had it.

I can not TELL you how many of these I have purchase...4 or 5 for various moms...they LOVE it...but the thing sucks batteries to no end! hehehe

and I think it's perfectly fine to throw a shower! heck, stuff 12 years ago is probabaly "dangerous" to kids today...hehehe

 

[lecach]

With that age difference its totally fine to throw a shower.

My DS will be one tomorrow (wow - its gone by fast!). And my favorites are:

-Fisher Price Aquarium bouncy seat. It vibrates and DS spent many a nap in that thing

-boppy pillow if she is breastfeeding

-diapers - especially in size 1 or 2. Babies arent in newborn size for long

-pack n play - basically a portable crib. We kept it in our living room since we have a 2 story house and DS took naps in it and we changed diapers in it. Plus when he goes to Grandmas he sleeps in it.

-a shopping cart/high chair cover (babies lick everything)- ours was from www.sewcuteboutique.com -couldnt live without it. It fits all carts - even Sams Club - and highchairs. When he couldnt sit up well I would stop in the paper goods aisle and put a roll of paper towels on each side of him to prop him up.

-exersaucer - like a walker without wheels. DS's had a safari theme. He still plays with it.

-johnny jump up - we have ours hanging from the bathroom doorway. Its the only way I get a shower in the morning.

-Fisher price mirror for the car. It has lights and music and allows me to see DS in the rearview mirror.

 

[cats7494]

Oh yes!
In fact, my sil's just threw one for me 2 days ago. My other daughter is 11 - so we have nothing left over (we actually had a fire in our home and lost it all)
It was so very appreciated!

It is hard to even begin - but I have a check list that may help you...it is what we are using: Hope this helps!

Item
Bed
Crib
Bumper (maybe not - many dr.'s are now recommending not getting a bumper due to possiblity of SIDS now..
Mattress
Sheets for Crib
Sheets for Bassinet
Bedding
Mobile
Pack n Play / Bassinet

Furniture
Dresser
Glider/rocking chair

Accessories and decor:
Waste basket
Wall hangings/pictures/photos
Nightlight

Others:
Monitor
Baby Swing
Stroller/carseat
Baby bouncer
Baby bouncer - hangs from door
Baby gym - floor
Baby toys
Diaper Bag
Baby Record Book

Storage:
Toy box (?)
Storage bins
Diaper holder

Feeding
High Chair
Newborn bottles and extra nipples
Formula container - to go
Bottled water
2-4 pacifiers
Bottle brush
Pillow

Safety:
Secure loose cords
Cover outlets
Mirror for cars

Clothes/Acc.
7 snap onesies
7 sleepers
7 baby gowns with pull-ties
4 receiving blankets
Bibs
Diapers
Socks
Hat
Mittens
Snowsuit
Long sleeve shirts or onesies
Pants
Cloth diapers/burp cloths

Bathing/Grooming
Bathtub
Towels
Washcloths
Gentle baby soap
No tears shampoo
NICE fingernail clippers
Brush/comb
Nose aspirator
Medicine droppers
(Target has nice kits you can buy that has all of this stuff)
Diaper rash ointment
2-3 Hooded Towels

 

[Piglet]

I totally agree, we thought we wouldn't have anymore after DD (now 9) and now we are expecting another girl in April. We have nothing left.

Every little miracle should be celebrated.

Also, thanks for the list -- DD and I were just going over what we have bought (she is helping pick out pretty much everything) so that we have an idea of what else we need and this will be so helpful.

 

[cats7494]

I totally agree, we thought we wouldn't have anymore after DD (now 9) and now we are expecting another girl in April. We have nothing left.

Every little miracle should be celebrated.

Also, thanks for the list -- DD and I were just going over what we have bought (she is helping pick out pretty much everything) so that we have an idea of what else we need and this will be so helpful.

That is very neat! is your dd excited? My dd11 can hardly wait!

 

[iliketoby]

Thanks for all the ideas! Especially that list - I'm printing it out!

I was going to throw the shower, but her sister said I shouldn't. Her mom said it would be OK, but now I'm sure...it's on!

Thanks again!

 

[Piglet]

DD is pretty excited and wanted the baby here for Christmas. It is a long wait for her. She came along for the ultrasound and when we found out the baby is a girl, she was very happy. She is busy helping pick out everything which she thinks should be pink !!!!

Congrats to you and I hope everything goes well for you all.