There is not a wrong way to give a baby gift, but there are some considerations that come into play, depending on the birth order of the new baby.
Today I am sharing some thoughts based on my experience as a mother of four.
FIRST CHILD.
First babies are the easiest. The best policy? Stick to the registry. First-time mothers literally need everything, and they have gone to the trouble to pick the items they want and put together a registry in hopes that you will buy these items. It serves mothers of first babies best when you stick to the registry. Don’t make the gift about what you think is best or what you think she will like. Just follow directions.
SECOND CHILD.
Most people do not fill out a registry for second children, but they might. Generally speaking, with a second child, practical gifts are a dream come true. Focus on items like diapers, wipes, burp cloths, basic white onesies and sleepers. If the second child is a different gender than the first child, then clothes are a great choice in addition to the practical items.
If there is something special that you gave the first child, it is kind to do the same for the second child. So often the first babies get all the beautiful silver cups or monogrammed diaper covers. These items make sweet gifts for subsequent children as well.
THIRD AND FOURTH CHILDREN.
By the third or fourth baby, regardless of gender, clothes are equally as practical as diapers and burb cloths. I had three daughters and one son, but by the time the third girl was born all of my girl clothes were ready for the donation bin. It was a delight to receive fresh frocks and new items for that third girl.
With big families, often the best gift is to provide childcare for the older children. Don’t underestimate this as a gift to a family with a new baby. Maybe you take the older kids to a park, snap some cute photos, and share the digital album with the parents.
The same guidelines for practical gifts (diapers, etc.) and special gifts (silver cup, etc.) apply for third and fourth babies. I also like to remember the new mom. By this time she knows the drill, but it’s still a major life event, and she might appreciate something special that is just for her. A new robe, a delightfully luxurious body lotion, or a tube of your favorite lip gloss are a way to delight and shower the new mother with tangible gifts.
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