Emergency kit for the mother of a newborn

[emyandpotato]

One of OH's best friends is pregnant and when I was pregnant she absolutely spoiled us with things for LO and now I'd like to do the same to show our gratitude. I was thinking of making a gift box of emergency supplies for when she has a newborn, including a DVD/ online film voucher, instant cappuccino, chocolate, Lanisol cream, nappies, beast pads, relaxing bath stuff, dry shampoo but I don't really know what else to include, or even if it's a good idea?! I don't really want to get clothes as I know from what she bought Rory that our tastes are very different. Getting her instant meals isn't really practical as we may not see her when her baby is small as we live quite a distance. Ideas?!? What would you have really loved to receive?

 

[hanfromman]

I know I was amazed at how quick we got through baby wipes especially with the first meconium poos that seemed to happen every couple of hours! They're a bit boring but she might appreciate them in the first few days so she doesn't have to rush out and buy more - we had to send out my parents to stock up! And maybe a pack of muslin squares as I know I've often nearly run out of clean ones before now Oh and maternity towels, the nice soft thick ones? I think women often find they need more of those too as the bleeding is unlike anything any first time mum will ever have experienced before

All really boring stuff but I know I could have done with more of all them at some point!

 

[Aoifesmum12]

Aww, I got one from a friend when I had LO....they put bath things in for LO...that was helpful. Nappies and wipes are majorly handy and definately muslin squares...I don't know what we'd have done without ours! Also another thing I've found priceless is a dummy clip (if they're using a dummy for LO.).

 

[brunette&bubs]

could you make a couple freezer meals to put in throw-away containers for her to just pop in the oven?

i think it is a great idea.
wish i had more ideas for u

 

[emyandpotato]

Aww, I got one from a friend when I had LO....they put bath things in for LO...that was helpful. Nappies and wipes are majorly handy and definately muslin squares...I don't know what we'd have done without ours! Also another thing I've found priceless is a dummy clip (if they're using a dummy for LO.).

I don't know if they're using a dummy. I didn't so I don't even know where to get a clip What bath things for a newborn? We just use water so I didn't think about anything like that!

 

[emyandpotato]

could you make a couple freezer meals to put in throw-away containers for her to just pop in the oven?

i think it is a great idea.
wish i had more ideas for u

Thing is I can give her an emergency kit any time between now and then but freezer meals may be awkward for her to store for a long time, plus at the moment she lives with her parents and I don't know whether that will continue and feel rude asking as she's more OH's friend and I don't know her too well.

 

[Aoifesmum12]

Aww, I got one from a friend when I had LO....they put bath things in for LO...that was helpful. Nappies and wipes are majorly handy and definately muslin squares...I don't know what we'd have done without ours! Also another thing I've found priceless is a dummy clip (if they're using a dummy for LO.).

I don't know if they're using a dummy. I didn't so I don't even know where to get a clip What bath things for a newborn? We just use water so I didn't think about anything like that!

You can order them on line....it's just to save you keep bending down to pick them up if LO drops them. We used johnsons for in the bath..the lavender one was nice and we used the shampoo too.... We only used a tiny bit when she was tiny so we still had it when she got a bit bigger. I wouldnt bother with any of the moisturising creams or anything like that though as we found them quite harsh for lo's skin. Sponges are a fab thing to get too!!

 

[MrsLMC]

I don't know how I would have drank without a sports water bottle in the first few weeks when I was establishing breastfeeding. I always seemed to be at the wrong angle to drink from a glass

 

[littlegreenie]

lovely idea. How about lavender oil for her bath to aid post labour recovery!

 

[emyandpotato]

lovely idea. How about lavender oil for her bath to aid post labour recovery!

Yes that's a good idea! Is there anything in particular that's good for stitches and post birth recovery?

 

[weejenb]

An energy drink maybe? Lucozade helped keep my energy levels up majorly during breastfeeding! What about painkillers, maybe some ibruprofen/paracetamol to combat aches/pains/headaches?

 

[katherinegrey]

Maybe some bedtime bath stuff for baby?? We love our johnsons bedtime bath and lotion. Kleenex tissues for those baby blues?? A boots voucher so she can buy herself some of her favourite make-up or something? A real treat for me now is some of my favourite shampoo! I really appreciated having a boots card in a pack someone made up for me.

 

[TennisGal]

Lavender is great for the stitches...Neals Yard do some great bits, and some lovely new mummy things.

Weleda do lovely things for baby bath...

And chocolate. Everyone always loves chocolate

 

[weejenb]

Ooh maybe some Bio-Oil, even if she doesn't get stretchmarks it's an amazing moisturiser too!

 

[lindseymw]

A bottle of Badedas for her (it's gorgeous bubble bath!) and it's supposed to help with recovery.

 

[Bean66]

If getting bath stuff for baby and wipes check what products she uses. My mil gave us some pampers stuff and simple and Johnsons products which I won't use. So complete waste.

We just use water too and olive oil or coconut oil.

Actually you could get coconut oil for her. It's the best thing her everything. Very useful to have it.

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!!!

Voucher for make up is a good idea. I'm running out of mascara and on mat leave I feel I need to buy the cheapest out there.

 

[LilyValley]

Definitely lavender oil for the bath, even if she's got some in preparation she'll need more I know I did. Palmers Cocoa Butter? My stretch marks didn't arrive until after I gave birth (weird I know) and its been helping to make them less noticeable. Definitely a sports bottle, holding a glass is awkward with a newborn!

I've found I'm using my nail file a heck of a lot more lately. My nails went quite brittle after having my LO and they keep snapping, I have to file them often so I don't catch my LO's skin.

 

[emyandpotato]

If getting bath stuff for baby and wipes check what products she uses. My mil gave us some pampers stuff and simple and Johnsons products which I won't use. So complete waste.

We just use water too and olive oil or coconut oil.

Actually you could get coconut oil for her. It's the best thing her everything. Very useful to have it.

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!!!

Voucher for make up is a good idea. I'm running out of mascara and on mat leave I feel I need to buy the cheapest out there.

I've heard coconut oil is really good, must try it! I think she is definitely a products sort of person. We're still getting through the masses of talc she bought us when I was pregnant, and I used the baby shampoo myself in the end.

By the way, a little off topic but if you're getting a cheap mascara then Collection 2000 Skyscraper mascara is the best out there! It's only about £3 and I find it better than Benefit and other posh brands.

 

[Scottish mum]

Can maybe add a book about being a first time mother!! I read lots as couldn't believe how shocked I was lol x

 

[emyandpotato]

Just thought about adding a tummy band to use when pregnant but also as a bra when her milk comes in and it's painful. I found that a life saver, but don't know if it's a little creepy?!