I don’t think you need to wait and I also don’t think you should necessarily give a gift card. My twins were preemies and while we definitely had more to worry about than we would have otherwise, we were excited and overjoyed about our sweet little ones just like any new parents would be. I personally found it stressful that people held off on gifts while the babies were still in the NICU that we needed/could have used. So we found ourselves frantically buying our own registry items like breastfeeding pillows, burp cloths, bottles, little preemie hats, swaddle blankets, etc. I was a little hurt actually by the big lack of acknowledgement or well wishes before we brought them home.

Give the gift to the grandma and she can pass it to the mom at an appropriate time. There might be things they need if they're furnishing two nurseries and you obviously already know a lot.

Food. DoorDash or similar gift cards for the parents.

This is tricky but wait for announcement. Sensitive time.

Wait for them to announce.
Give an Amazon gift card.

Anonymous wrote:Maybe something for baby to sit in for a few minutes? Rock n play when I had a baby but maybe something similar now. I think there is one that sways??

I wouldn't do this for a preemie with health complications. Let the parents buy what they know works or wait because the baby can't be in something like that, etc.

BUT - Amazon for gift card! They can buy diapers, toys, blankets, sheets, bath sets, etc from Amazon

And, to have something with the gift card, buy a few bath sets (those super cute ones with animal hoods!) and a few sets of bibs and receiving blankets - you can never have too many of either and that way they don't need to do laundry too often.

If you live close by, see about bringing a casserole or two. (find out if they are vegan or vegetarian from the grandparents you are friends with)

Maybe something for baby to sit in for a few minutes? Rock n play when I had a baby but maybe something similar now. I think there is one that sways??

gift card

Burp cloths are always useful and you can never have too many. I like the muslin ones from Kea Babies.

If a gift card, go with Amazon.

Yes wait
Gift cards to whatever is local to them.
Diapers are always good but know what brand they want to use.
Board books are a good gift.

No baby registry to pick from. premature birth with lots of complications. Family setting up two nurseries one at home and one at grandparents house. Mother and baby will need a lot of support and extra care. Family not yet announcing birth although they likely will in a few weeks. I would really like to get them something but I worry. Baby is making wonderful progress and is likely to go home soon.

1) should I wait until they share news with everyone before giving a gift even though I am privy to the situation and would love to help get things situated before baby comes home
2) I’m friends with the grandparents more than mom and and baby
3) what gifts are most helpful without there being a registry?
4) if it’s a gift card, where is the best most useful location?

Thanks.