Gifts for arrival of newborn (2nd child)

[LouLouMoving]

Hi all,

My brother and his wife are soon expecting the arrival of their second baby boy. For their first born I made up a big basket of odds and ends I was assured by a friend would be very useful: basic medicines, nappies, sponges, bath thermometer, simple bath products, plain grows and a few teething toys, including the infamous Sophie.

Second time round and they're sorted. Has anyone got any recommendations as to what they've found useful? I don't want to add to them them being inundated with little outfits (especially when they've got hand-me-downs from big brother) and toys.

Thanks in advance,

Louise

[edanna1234]

Great question. For our second boy we appreciated items that our first child had worn out, but that we could not justify buying new ourselves. This includes clothes, but also teethers, soft toys, board books and bath toys.

Also, if it's feasible, the offer of a few hours of babysitting is always welcome.

[bonaome]

Booze

[Polly D]

Sometimes I do a Tesco or Ocado shop as a present. You could fill it with good ready-made meals, cakes and biscuits, some nappies and wipes, that kind of thing.

[LouLouMoving]

Great ideas - thank you.

Yes I would absolutely babysit for them but they live in the West Midlands so not all that simple/convenient. I can always write an I.O.U. for when I'm visiting though.

Not sure how my SIL would feel about being given booze if she's breast-feeding - might be a bit "salt-in-wound" but I'm sure my brother would appreciate it!

[Zedd]

My sister bought me some Aden and Anais muslins which I coveted first time around but could not justify the cost of for myself.

[Tickle1978]

Get you brothers wife something, nice shower gel, handwash or a fruit hamper or massage. Mummies are too often overlooked and they do all the hard work, have sore boobs, no sleep and a toddler to deal with!

[Pickle]

I found nice little cutlery sets we were given by one friend after we had our second and third children were really useful gifts - the sort of thing you find yourself having to buy when you're weaning, even when you've got other children.

Something nice for Mum is a great idea. I was given some Graze boxes when I had my 3rd child, which were a brilliant present.

[simonethebeaver]

Breast feeding mothers can drink, so I wouldn't worry about torturing your sister-in-law! Unless she chooses not to of course.

If they are within delivery distance of a Cook Shop, you could think about one of their packages. They do family size great quality ready meals that can be stuck in the freezer and cooked from frozen.

[oimissus]

you could get a special blankie toy/comforter for the baby - if big brother has one he's unlikely to be passing it on to his wee brother!

[Nunheadfamily]

I loved the cook meals a friend gave us. http://www.cookfood.net

[LouLouMoving]

Wow what a response. There are some truly great ideas in here. I got my SIL a mothers box from Neil's Yard last time round so I think I'll try to illicit if she liked anything in particular.

Food and cleaners sound like a great idea, with a blanket for the baby perhaps.

Great ideas - thanks all!

[hmt1979]

We got a voucher for a family portrait for my brother in law after the birth of their second child, managed to find a local deal which included a CD of images so they didn't end up paying a fortune for prints, they really liked it. Another idea is a manicure/pedicure for your sister in law - can take baby along once she feels up to it.

What about a voucher for a baby massage course if she has some childcare for her firstborn? Depends on budget of present also...

[edanna]

It would also be nice to get a present for the older child, something for 'big' boys and girls and even better if it's something that will occupy them while the baby is being fed etc.

[Convex]

some really lovely advice here.

im not sure about the gift for the mum - unless you know what she likes.

its really kind but you have so little time with 2 and unless you have childcare its impossible to actually go for a mani/pedi etc... having said that someone gave me some nice hand moisturiser which was good.

definitely yes on the treat for the older child.

and i really appreciated nice things for my younger baby that i didn't feel justified in buying as really we had enough hats/babygros/ etc - was nice to get a couple of cute outfits that i didn't have to feel guilty about buying! e.g. a nice blanket, babygro, etc.

[simonethebeaver]

I'd second the point about beauty treatments. My husband bought me a voucher for a spa day and it became a bit of a joke that it ended up being more stressful to keep calling them and begging for extensions than any stress relieved by the treatment!

[hind]

A family photoshoot ! Now that the family is complete

[LouLouMoving]

More great ideas!

I went into Cook today and found out they offer 10% off to new mums for 6 mths after the birth of a new baby. Good to know!

[GinaG3]

Second time around I could not live without our baby gaga bean bag. Seriously. My best EVER baby purchase! I've even converted others.