It’s fun to prepare for the arrival of a new baby… choosing nursery decorations, buying outfits, selecting cute and cuddly toys… And yet, a bit of the fun seems to wane and a challenge sets in as a family welcomes a second, third or fourth sibling into their home. Being creative in gift giving is a challenge, too, if subsequent children are the same gender as the first and relatively close in age.
We experienced this head on with three daughters, each two years apart. Well-meaning friends and family were eager to welcome our newest daughter and shower her with gifts, but she was coming into a home with a basement stockpiled with plastic tubs of clothes and toys from her older sisters. What is a friend to do?
How can parents create traditions that celebrate each new baby?
Here are some practical ideas to bless and not burden new moms and babies:
Things a Friend or Relative Can Do For Baby:
- Special Items: Baby book, baby blanket, piggy bank, baby’s first bibs, growth chart and special silverware (Tip: Make sure these items do not hold family traditions for grandparents or aunts. Also, make sure they fit your friend’s parenting style. Modern moms range from crafty scrapbookers to digital memory makers!)
- Personalized Items: CDs of music with songs including the child’s name (we love the collections from www.JustMeMusic.com), or frames, plush toys, cups and more (see www.LillysKids.com or look at local toy stores).
- Consumables: Diapers (or a gift card from www.Diapers.com), wipes, cream, baby powder, baby wash, lotion
- Savings bond
- Items on a Registry: When our second baby came, I spent time creating a registry to provide ideas for those who were asking what we needed. Stick to the registry or purchase a gift card. Moms with new babies do not need more clutter.
For the Family:
- Frozen or Hot Meals: Use disposable containers and include a supply of paper goods for dining to spare time on clean up and returning dishes for a tired mom! Also, call ahead to verify allergies and food preferences.
- Gift Cards for Photo Development: Purchase a card for Snapfish or another local or online developer. You might even consider a gift certificate for professional portraits.
- Practical Items: Laundry detergent, batteries for baby gadgets, pizza or Chinese delivery gift cards, paper goods, grocery or super store gift cards.
- Big Sister/Brother Shirts: You can purchase these at children’s clothing stores or online at www.CafePress.com or even www.eBay.com.
For Mom:
- Coupon for Free Babysitting for Older Siblings. This is great before or after delivery. Give your friend an afternoon to herself before baby comes, or a date night with Daddy.
- Goodie Bag filled with her “favorite things”: Lotion, tea, magazine, scented candles, comfy socks or a favorite snack
- Flowers, Balloons, Edible Bouquets (www.CookiesByDesign.com).
Traditions Parents Can Start for Every Child:
- For Older Siblings before Baby Arrives: Take the kids on fun family outings before baby arrives. Take each sibling shopping to select a hospital gift for the baby. Read books about becoming a big sibling or attend a hospital class.
- For Older Siblings When Baby Arrives: At the hospital, give each child a “Big Sibling Gift” from Mommy and Daddy that they can enjoy in the hospital room. Craft kits, a favorite quiet toy, “older sibling” books and shirts make great choices.
- First Birthday: Create a time capsule. Ask guests to contribute letters, photos, newspaper clippings or even receipts (I buy a dozen eggs, gallon of milk, and loaf of bread on each first birthday and include the receipt in the capsule to compare prices in the future.). Seal the capsule and save it to open on the child’s 16th birthday. This is a great way to preserve memories. Purchase “autograph” teddy bears at the local party store for each guest to sign.
- First Christmas: Give the baby a special ornament and gift. For girls, we like “My First Christmas Doll” from www.LillysKids.com. For boys, you can purchase a “First Christmas Teddy Bear” plush toy or blanket from www.PersonalizationMall.com.
- All Birthdays: My husband purchases a rose for each year on our daughters’ birthdays and presents them with a card. Keep the cards in their scrapbooks and save the petals for their weddings. For a son, balloons or cookies make fun “bouquets,” or start a collection. Decorate your home for the birthday child with balloons and streamers and use a special birthday plate for the honoree.
KCMO mom Kristina Light, mother of three girls, has more than her share of onesies, but a new box of laundry detergent would always be nice!