Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

A very young soldier's wife in my DH's unit just gave birth to a 1 pound, 5 oz. baby girl. She was only 24 weeks pregnant. Both baby and mommy are doing well, but it looks like the baby will be kept in the NICU until around September.

On behalf of the unit, I'm putting together a basket of items for the family. Can anyone suggest things they might need (for both the baby AND the new parents)? I know the parents are staying in the hospital for about another week and they are over an hour from home, so I'm sure there's little things they need as well, but with the baby coming so prematurely, I cant imagine they were ready and have everything they need. If you had a premie what are some things that the hospital doesnt provide that you would have liked to have??

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

I don't know what to suggest, but my are with that family!

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

what about getting together some giftcards to get fast food or dinner out around the hospital for the parents that way they can maximze their time with the baby?

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

Would it be possible to get a gift card or some $$ together for a nearby hotel so they can stay close for a few days?

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

for that family!!!!

I think the giftcards sound like a good idea.

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

If the baby is going to be in the hospital for approximatley 3 months, I would send gift cards for dinners/lunch whathaveyou. Also gift cards to Stop and Shop ( or whatever spermarket they use) IT will just make food shopping that much easier.

As for the baby, she won't need much as the hospital will provide everything she needs.

It is very thoughtful of you to put something together.

ETA: I had a preemie and she really had all she needed at the hopsital. We bought her clothes to wear, just to make her more comfortable. That's really all I can think of.

Message edited 6/8/2009 3:06:16 PM.

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

GAS CARD!!! for the many upcoming trips to and from the hospital



im praying for this peanut - makes me think of my bug - I'm 25 weeks and she's probably about that size right now

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

Gas card is a great idea!!

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

I will pray for the little baby & Family ,, I think gift cards would work even if you did 15 bucks for random food places Etc..

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

MY SIL's twins came very early and preemie clothing and teeny hats to keep their body heat were appreciated.

I also agree with the giftcards idea. Another suggestion----is there anyone who does housecleaning? I think something like that would be very much appreciated as well, to help her get things in order for when the baby does come home.

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

I think everyone has great suggestions.....I just wanted to send my prayers over

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

Thats so sweet of you to do this on behalf of the unit. And if the whole unit is contributing hopefully you'll have lots to work with.

I think the gift cards for food and possibly a hotel are a great idea. I know when my dh was in Womack for a while we ordered from places like Tripps, Mash House, Chilis, and Carrabas when we craved a good meal and couldn't stand hospital food any longer. (Maybe for the first while you could ask wives to volunteer to either cook for them or organize picking up the food of the places don't deliver? We used to do this for families of injured/fallen soldiers).

I think AAFES does gift cards that they can use on post for the commissary, the PX and for gas (I'm assuming they're at Womack and will be going through post every day). If so they'll save even more $$ there rather than going to outside supermarkets and gas stations.

I think the suggested gift cards would be the most useful things for now. They won't need any clothes for the baby or anything if the poor little thing will be in NICU for so long. Maybe a blanket or little mittens or something might be a nice gesture for the baby, although I'm not sure he/she will need them yet.

My are with them during this difficult time.

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

As a mom with a baby in the NICU now my daughter is 3lbs 5 ozs what makes my life easier now is when people send meals over. I have 2 kids at home (not sure if they do) I would also appreciate someone to come and clean my house (merry maids or something like that) I feel like all I do is run from the hospital and back. So I have no time to do anything at home.

GC for babies r us would be great. They don't really dress the babies in the NICU. If she says that they will put something on the baby there is a website preemiesrus.com that sells clothes for all different preemie babies starting in the 1lb range and up.

Hope that helps.

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

I think a gass card is a great idea...

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

I like the gift card idea for hotel, gas and restaurants. That's a great idea for their situation.

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

what about even gas gift cards???

Re: Need suggestions: VERY premature baby

She'll need premie clothes and they are not always easy to find. But make sure they feel confident that baby is going to be ok. My sister had a premmie, not that early, but she didn't want any gifts until everything was ok.