OT: What to bring for a new baby?

Did she receive a birthday candle at the shower? Y'know the one that is numbered from 1 to 18 and gets burned at each birthday? Just a thought.

Spa stuff is great: scented bath salts, soap, scrubbie sponge.

Then there's also the food thing, preferably something from the chocolate food group or the ice cream food group.

-Jessica in Wisconsin

Does she scrapbook? Whether or not, you could do a baby book for her. I'm a CMC and we have the baby snap packs that look great in the 7x7 albums. You could do the decorating beforehand and then take pictures from them or take some while you are there to crop and included in the album. Just an idea.

Lynette in AL

Aww, that's sweet of you.

I'm thinking food for dad,

Food for dad? LOL! Bring that momma some food too!! ;) Seriously, I doubt much cooking is going on and she'd appreciate a homecooked meal. In fact, in my group of friends, whenever one of us has a baby we sign up for meals and I swear, the new parents don't have to cook for 3 weeks!!!

maybe some lotion or

I usually bring a meal and something for the baby. If you do clothes, buy for a year in advance. Seems most people love to buy 0-9 month sizes and you run out of gifted clothing pretty soon. I always get an 18 month outfit. It would be very thoughtful to do a mommy gift in addition if you wish.

A meal would be perfect. Call in advance to see if they want a meal ready to eat for that night. If that doesn't work out, give them a good casserole for the freezer.

If you do a meal, do the whole thing, including sides, salad, beverage, and dessert. And put it all in disposable containers so they won't have any dishes to do.

Seriously, the hardest thing to adjust to with a new baby is the lack of sleep, so most new parents are too dazed and confused to get the basics done like meals. If you are really good friends, you can always help with housework as well.

I agree with Sheri, a complete meal, either to eat right then or freeze for later is perfect. When I had my little ones I did not feel like cooking.

Amy :) AZ

Ok, as a brand new mom, I can answer this one for you... Even if you don't cook- get take out from mom's favorite restaurant (since she won't be going out for awhile). Most nicer (other than fast food) restaurants who normally don't do take out will put something together if you call and explain what you want. Almost as good is to get *favorite munchies*...doesn't have to be fancy, just something to enjoy while trying to figure out the new twists in your life.

Just my 2c... :-) Theresa in IL (who has to go feed the little one now....)

One thing that is not often thought of for the showers, but great down the road is a lot of the medical stuff. As new parents you don't think about needing things like gas drops, teething tablets, Tylenol, etc. until you need them, and it often calls for a trip to the store in the middle of the night. just a thought. Soni