What to gift parents with a baby in the nicu

The answer isn’t more baby clothes.

I recently went through all of Bella’s old baby clothes from storage to see what we can use for baby sister who is coming in just two months! I realized that we were gifted an over abundance of baby clothes when Bella was born! I know that people want to show they are there to support you in such a difficult time. And with Bella being born 11 weeks early and spending 80 days in the nicu, I can only imagine how helpless our friends and family must have felt. We appreciate every small token of love sent our way during that difficult time. But looking back, it’s clear to me now what we could have used instead of more baby clothes.

Here are a few ideas on what to gift someone with a baby in the nicu - many of these would apply to all parents with newborns in general.

• Books about positive mindset (Staying hopeful and positive was the only thing that got us through the journey. To some, this may be a new concept. So look for books by Eckhart Tolle, Ryan Holiday, and Deepak Chopra to name a few. It will help pass time sitting in the nicu and keep your mind busy while away from baby at home pumping. Links to some of my recommended books here.)

• Books from other parents about their nicu journey

• List of Facebook support groups (especially now with covid and people not being able to meet in person. I joined numerous groups with women all over the country who are or we’re going through the same thing as me. It’s incredibly helpful. ex: “preemie moms”, “nicu moms”, “preeclampsia survivors”, etc.)

• Journal to document how you’re feeling, how much you’ve pumped, what baby is going through each day, and milestones.

• Home cooked meals, Instacart, door dash gift cards

• House cleaning service, or offer to help clean yourself if you live close.

• Dog walking help

• Help entertaining older siblings

• Starbucks delivery (I remember so many times wishing someone would just drop off some iced espresso on my doorstep anonymously)

You can’t put a price tag on mental clarity. All of the above ideas will help your friend or family member stay sane during a whirlwind of a time.