Question for those that had pre-mature babies

My neighbor just delivered her baby very early. I don't know exactly how far along she was, but she was due sometime in March.

I wanted to get them a gift certificate to the local pizzeria to get dinner, being they have two other kids and are back and fourth to the hospital quite a bit.

My DH thinks that's not good enough. Do I get something for the baby too? Maybe a premie outfit? Do they wear regular clothes in the NICU or just the hospital shirt?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

Re: Question for those that had pre-mature babies

It depends on how early the baby was born if they are allowed to wear clothes in the NICU. I did buy preemie clothes for a friend who gave birth very early, and while she can't wear them yet, hopefully in a few weeks she'll be able to use them. I think the gift certificate to a pizza place is a great idea though! HTH!

Question for those that had pre-mature babies

I'm sure anything at all will be appreciated. Dd couldn't wear clothes until she was moved out of the isolette into an open crib. Once she could be dressed we needed buttoned sleepers to allow for wires to pass through. I think the pizza gc is great. I think something like cold cuts, bread, and fresh fruit would be nice but I think any gesture large or small is very sweet.

Re: Question for those that had pre-mature babies

As a preemie mom (32 weeks) yes anything and everything is appreciated. If you are close o them, maybe offer to babysit so they can get to the hospital. We got a lot of clothes and my mil and mom cooked. My mom made a baked ziti, easy to eat and tastes good heated up. Good luck to them

Question for those that had pre-mature babies

My son was born 31+6 weeks.
He wasn't allowed to wear anything for many weeks.
We also didn't buy anything for him until we knew for sure he was coming home :( ( I know that sounds morbid , it was like we didn't want to jinx him getting well)
I would suggest gift cards for restaurants in the area, maybe prepare meals they can freeze. Gas cards ( we drove back and forth to the hospital 2x a day) maybe offer to babysit their other kids.
Again, anything would be appreciated.

Re: Question for those that had pre-mature babies

Thanks everyone!!

I will wait on the clothes until she comes home. And I did plan to offer to watch the other kids if needed.

Question for those that had pre-mature babies

Maybe gc for house cleaning service?

Re: Question for those that had pre-mature babies

My son's former nanny delivered her baby very early. I sent a personalize baby blanket from PBK. He was able to use it in the NICU and then it came home with them - something that was an extra form of comfort for the baby's transition home.

Re: Question for those that had pre-mature babies

I have a 26 week preemie (she's now 32 weeks adjusted/5 1/2 weeks old). The gift certificate is a great idea. You could also do a gas gift card for all the back and forth, a gift certificate to food places near the hospital, and definitely on my dream wish list would be a house cleaner. If my mom wasn't here helping with the house and my older daughter while my husband and I are back and forth to the hospital, the house would be a complete wreck. If they grab coffee at Dunkin donuts or Starbucks a gift card for that would be great too.

Some other thoughtful gifts we have gotten are a baby wearing shirt (they sell them at buybuybaby) and cute blankets and tiny hats. There are preemie stores online, not much available in actual stores. My favorite one I got is a hat that says "I'm a little fighter" with little pink boxing gloves on it.

What hospital is your friend in? People might be able to give gift certificate ideas for food places near the hospital itself which is also convenient for the parents.

Re: Question for those that had pre-mature babies

My daughter was born 6 weeks early and in the NICU for 6 weeks. Any and all homemade food or food related items (ie gift certificates) were absolutely appreciated so I didn't have to worry about cooking. We also got some preemie clothes as gifts because DD was only 4 pounds when she was born. She was able to start wearing clothes as soon as they took her IV out (about a week old).