I am going to put together a care package for my friend and her baby for their 6-8 week stay in the NICU. (The baby seems to be doing ok but is still very far from being out of the woods, and apparently they aren't even allowed to hold him. Also, they have transferred him to a larger hospital that is better equipped for premies.)
But I need ideas. I don't really know anyone first-hand who has gone through this before and I could really use some suggestions. I got a really brief email from her today and she said that they have NOTHING yet besides furniture.
Here's what I have so far:
1. premie clothes (around 5 pounds because some nicu places don't let them wear anything prior to that) and a couple of receiving blankets.
2. Hand lotion for all the hand washing in the hospital.
3. Magazines/Books to read while she's bed-side.
4. Sleep mask in case she wants to nap next to the baby.
5. Gift certificates to near by restaurants (this might take some research)
Can you think of anything else?
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This is a wonderful thing for you to do. I haven't known anyone in this situation either but this is what I think I might appreciate...
ReplyDelete-If she's going to be pumping, maybe some bottles or liners or something else related like breast cream?
-Gas cards if they are going to be driving any distance to the larger hospital.
-Protein bars so she doesn't have to leave the room/hospital if she needs to eat?
-A cheap MP3 player loaded with soothing music for her to help block out hospital noises if she's trying to nap
Hey Nix, I'm still praying for your friend and the baby. My nephew was born 10 and a half weeks early, he's now 6 (7 on Saturday) and a barrel of energy. My sister and I had the only two bracelets to get into and out of the NICU per baby. I know we drank lot's of coffee (She didn't nurse) and were in and out of the cafeteria. Maybe the hospital has like a cafe giftcard or something that you could get and put funds on it. LARA bars are good too, they are made with only like 5 ingredients, usually fruit and nut and very yummy. Lotion was great because we had to scrub hands to elbows for at least 30 seconds, Aveno was our friend! A neck pillow was good for the long stretches. Hope Some of this helps give her a big hug for me!
ReplyDeleteA good pillow and warm fuzzy blanket. Check to see if the restaurants do pick up ordders maybe. Geeze, I don't know. Ask Evan Nicole at http://evannicole.blogspot.com/ She had NICU triplets
ReplyDeletePP's had some really good suggestions for gift ideas. I think any kind of food item or gift cards to places where they can grab a quick bite would be great since I doubt they will be cooking much for the next couple of months.
ReplyDeleteI'll continue to keep them in my prayers.
What about a lavendar pillow and a soft blanket for her. Anything that soothes and brings comfort. Maybe some slippers or warm, fuzzy socks.
ReplyDeleteYou are so very sweet to your friend. I am sure she will appreciate your support and wishes of love. Give her my love and prayers.
*big hugs*
I haven't been to the NICU yet, but I know it is coming. I am sure your friend will really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Maybe you could add in some snacks and some lip balm. Also, if you're doing gift cards for restaurants, make sure they're close by the hospital and maybe include a paper menu so they can plan in advance or get food to go if they need to eat in the waiting room.
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