Shopping for parents of young kids is easy
BY ALTHEA PETERSON World Staff Writer
Monday, November 19, 2012
11/19/12 at 7:06 AM
Because I Said So is a blog written by six parents and one grandparent.
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As the busy shopping season approaches, I'm going to run down things that we, as new parents, have used every day.
They are definitely items that I would give to fellow new parents, and I am eternally thankful to everyone who gave them to us at baby showers almost a year ago.
I will be back in the coming weeks with more gift ideas, as well as ideas on "baby" gifts that are probably better for older children, or at least older babies.
Gift cards
It might seem like a cop-out, but this should be at the top of every wish list for a parent of a young child. It means that you don't have to budget for diapers, larger clothes when everything is suddenly too small, formula and food, you name it.
The best stores to "gift" are the ones that the parent lives close to or frequents. However, if you are trying to hint that they need to visit you more often, you can always choose a store close to your house.
There's no right amount to give, which means that it's a gift that will fit any budget.
Boppy pillow
I have used this every day with nursing and bottle feeding alike, it helped my daughter learn to sit up on her own, and it even helped my sleep during a long van ride.
I had the variety that used slip covers (which are washable), and new pillows will usually cost around $35, with the covers around $10 each.
Baby swing
This is the gift that single-handedly got us through nights the first two months of her life.
A fast, motorized rocking motion at night got our baby to sleep better than about everything else we tried. Here's a few that I recall:
Bouncing while walking while shushing (while counting the laps just to keep from going crazy).
Rocking continuously in our arms.
Pacifiers and swaddling.
Stationary bassinets.
If you get any sleep at night, it will be because of a baby swing.
Gifts that don't cost anything
Here's what I'm talking about:
Baby sitting
A prepared meal
Adult company
Moral support
Parenting is tough, no matter the child's age, so a little bit of time off from the craziness is VERY welcome.
Showering, clean clothes and a non-fast food meal are all luxuries for full-time parents, especially in the early months.
Althea Peterson 918-581-8361
althea.peterson@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Gift cards are perfect for parents of young children. PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND / The Oklahoman file
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