Moms and Moms to Be

**freedeal** · 04-15-2006, 06:59 PM

It has been almost 12 years since I had my last child so I would like your opinions on a baby gift.

We have a young couple that we know (22 and 20) and they are expecting their first child. They are VERY broke. The father's mother and I are very good friends.

I am planning to spend more than I normally would on a gift for this young couple because I know how much they are going to need it.

I would like to use coupons and sales and be able to make a really nice basket.

Here are some items I would like to put in it. Please tell me what you would take off and what you would add to the list. I want to spend about $50 -$75. Much more than I normally would but they really need it.

1. Baby Wash ( I can get the Huggies brand for $1) normally $5
2. Baby Shampoo (Same as the wash about $1)
3. Baby Wipes (also about $1 - $1.50 each)
4. Baby Tylenol ( don't have a clue about the price)
5. Mylicon Drops (also don't have a clue about the price)
6. Thermometer (Do you have a recommendation?)
7. Baby Rash Ointment (A&D I think is what I used)

I have enough coupons to get a total of about 40 of items 1,2 and 3.

I would like to add items that are most needed and costly for young couples.

Any ideas? I really would appreciate some advice.

**wendy** · 04-15-2006, 07:09 PM

Diapers, diapers, diapers.

Hey, are they going to be buying their own formula or will they be on WIC (women, infants and children)? If they have to buy their own formula, that would be a very helpful gift. The baby wash and shampoo will last a while, so you wouldn't need 40, but the formula....oh the formula....

The last time I bought formula was over 10 years ago and the latest prices have made my jaw drop!!!

**freedeal** · 04-15-2006, 07:29 PM

Wendy, I guess you're right when you think 40 shampoos that is a lot. I was thinking actually maybe 12 baby wipes and 5-8 of the shampoo and 10 baby wash. I was actually thinking about a year's supply of those.

I can include some diapers. That I do remember to be expensive. As far as formula, I don't know if she will breastfeed or not. But formula I guess would have to be bought after the baby arrives. I don't know if they qualify for WIC. I do know that she was working until she got pregnant and then after about 3 weeks was put on bedrest.

**AGierald** · 04-15-2006, 07:44 PM

look around for diapers at places like sams club, formula too, or you can find info for the mom on breast feeding... im not a mom, but when i do become one, i currently have no idea of anything having to do with breast feeding, that might help

**baxjul** · 04-15-2006, 07:45 PM

I would have to agree with diapers, and I would buy extra wipes, you go thru those really quick!

**McD** · 04-15-2006, 07:51 PM

Diapeys and wipes. It seems like we are constantly running out of diapeys and wipes. I wouldn't even buy so much of the shampoo. I still am using sample bottles from the hospital. Maybe some pacifiers.

**ironmaiden** · 04-15-2006, 07:58 PM

Hmmm...Takes forever to go through shampoo and baby wash. A neighbor had a client of Johnson and Johnson's and brought us a basket of their products and it was years before we got through it all.

The first months are all formula (or breastfeeding) and diapers. Then there is the cloth vs. disposable issue. Cloth being cheaper - especially if someone else buys you prefolds and prowrap covers. But some people would rather do anything than wash diapers - it's an attitude. But even still, the first months when baby isn't sleeping, disposables would be very good.

**pita1213** · 04-16-2006, 09:25 AM

i'd get a few burp cloths to add in too. baby needs to be burped wether bottle or breast fed. cloth diapers work great for that and gives her the option to try cloth diapers if she wants instead of disposables.

**Jasmine** · 04-16-2006, 11:30 AM

The only thing I would hesitate on wipes and diapers is that the baby may have sensitive skin. We used the gauze wipes at the hospital and then switched DS to "Huggies Newborn Wipes" at home until I was up and moving enough to cloth diaper. Within a day, his little bottom was raw and bleeding. He just can't handle any commercial baby wipes. The only thing we can use are wet washcloths. Luckily we had only purchased one box of wipes since we were planning on cloth diapering. Otherwise it would have been a big waste of money. Maybe wait till after baby is born and see what they're using for those.

Cloth diapers will save money but some people don't want to use them. Diaperpin.com has lots of information if that's the route the mom's going to take.

The baby "head to toe" wash is easier, IMO, than having a seperate shampoo/wash. One big bottle will last a long time. Oh, and the bottle with the pump on top is great when keeping one hand on a wiggly baby.

The first weeks are really hectic and a pack of paper plates, plastic silverware, and stuff would be a real help for the mom and dad. Oh, and some cleaning wipes (Clorox wipes, etc) are nice to have. It's quicker to wipe the bathroom and kitchen with these than have to get out all the cleaning products.

guest7 · 04-16-2006, 01:02 PM

First, how nice it is of you to consider this family.

Would it be too forward of you to include a used Total Tightwad Gazette? Or some other frugal book- that's maybe- baby appropriate. That will help the broke family.

Go to http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com for some information in making your own baby food. I put the web site in booklet form and gave it to a new parent. Big cost savings there.

Another thing I put together in a booklet form was hints for the parents. Such as how to make your own baby wipes (using paper towels). Make your own bibs (using a cloth towel/napkin), most economical clothing to purchase for each age group (onesies/ sweatpants etc), how to swaddle a baby- so they'll sleep! Just a bunch of little stuff.

Childrens Tylenol will really be nice.

Thermometer.. They probably already have one. But infants use a digital rectal thermometer (red) and we like to keep it separate from the oral (blue) thermometer.

If you get diapers... include large sized. Not just the newborn. Also include coupons for diapers. I cut out the coupons for diapers, even though I don't need them.. someone comes along needing them. So ask.

Include gift cards to Cosco's or Kmart, walmart, etc. That's helpful.

**treeluva** · 04-16-2006, 01:32 PM

I know it may seem very inpersonal, but what about giving them all the coupons and a gift certificate to Walmart? That way, they can buy what they really need. They are going to (or should) get tons of baby wash and other cutey items, but a gift card could help them out a bunch by letting them buy the brand of diapers that baby can wear, (or their preference, I know when mine were in diapers, they would only wear Huggies. My preference with the first one, a necessity for the second one)

**HOOAH2003** · 04-16-2006, 04:25 PM

I really wouldn't get a lot of shampoo, that stuff just lasts and lasts

I like treeluva's idea about a gift card

I perfer the gerber cloth diapers for burp rags over the ones claiming to be burp rags

diapers are good so are wipes

**pecunierrant** · 04-16-2006, 06:54 PM

A case of disposable diapers and a gift card, maybe from one of the stores like a super Walmart where they could buy diapers, clothing as well as formula etc.
Diaper wipes. There are sensitive skin formula ones now, I think.

A note on the diapers- Id go for the second & third size levels. They grow out of the newborn size almost overnight.

Some other ideas to pick from-

2 to 4 blankets- a couple for summer months, light cotton.
A snuggly type baby carrier (that straps to the parents front).
A rocker/carrier.
A car safety chair.

Most of the baby toiletries last a long long time. I know many hospitals send you home with some and manufacturers give them to new parents at the Drs offices as well. I never used all of the ones we got up.

Youre a real gem for thinking of them, Im sure they'll be so happy!

**wendy** · 04-16-2006, 07:42 PM

At Walmart, there's a brand of diapers called "White Cloud" they are cheaper than brand names, but work just as well. A lot of people I know use this brand and have suggested it to me.

**McD** · 04-16-2006, 08:28 PM

My little one doesn't spit up on a regular basis (has done so maybe 5 times since he's been born) but we lose pacifiers like crazy! Also, if they plan on using formula sign them up for either the enfamil/similac web clubs. I'm signed up for both and they mail me tons of samples, cans of formula, coupons etc.