For the baby: the birth registry.
The most important thing when giving a birth gift is to try as much as possible to respect the parents' wishes.
Memory lane
Yes, even if it's their first child and you have five. Even if you feel like you have more experience and know what they need...
Even if you want to do well, we know that. You have to consider that new parents are discovering their new world and their child; if it's not their first, they have a whole family life to rebalance.
All of this with the energy and restful nights that come with the arrival of a newborn: remember to be mindful of everyone's sensitivities.
Remember the arrival of your little ones, you were lost, for sure, but isn't it worse to receive a thousand and one pieces of advice from everyone?
If you don't know: ask
This is still the best way to avoid making mistakes: ask what they want/need, check the birth registry if they have one.
You have no idea what a baby might need, you don't dare ask the future parents? Ask other parents you know, or at a specialized childcare store.
Especially if you intend to buy something a bit bulky: be sure to ask the future parents for advice...
And what about the siblings?
Older children can feel unsettled by the arrival of a new child in the family; it disrupts the order of things!
Depending on their age and involvement in the pregnancy, the older brother (or sister) may not necessarily be thrilled about the birth...
For an older brother or sister who is truly older
If there's a significant age gap, the elder child doesn't have much trouble understanding the situation. However, it's important not to forget them and give them a small treat. Avoid giving a "fake gift": a comfort blanket or something for the new arrival...
The idea is to value their individuality within the family and show them that they are not forgotten, especially at certain sensitive ages (adolescence, for example, which is already a difficult stage and which the arrival of a new family member can complicate further...).
For the one who has become a big brother or sister
When the older children aren't so old, it's important to reassure them about where they stand among their siblings and help them understand what's happening.
For example, we should avoid rushing to the newborn and only having eyes for the baby: it's important to value their new role, like "how cute is your little brother" "will you introduce me to the baby?".
A nice book about the arrival of a little brother or sister can be an excellent idea to help them better embrace the situation.
A set of fun and educational care products can be a good idea. Usable from birth, LiLiKiWi products allow for genuine emancipation of the little big one and can help them participate in hygiene rituals more independently.
Blended families
In the case of blended families, you might have quite a few siblings to spoil... The idea is obviously not to spend your salary on a birth gift.
And yet, these families have often experienced many twists and turns: parental separation, the arrival of a new partner with or without their children...
And even if the arrival of a child is an absolute joy, it can bring difficulties for the older children who may not yet be entirely comfortable with this new family structure.
A small gesture, even a very simple and therefore inexpensive one, can perfectly suit to acknowledge the older members of the family and reassure everyone about their place in a large family.
Let's not forget the mom!
Birth gifts are meant to celebrate a birth, yes, and at a birth, we obviously talk about the arrival of a baby, but let's not forget that it's also the birth of a mother.
It's important to put it in context...
With this paragraph, we're not saying dads should be forgotten, but rather mums shouldn't be, after all, they went through a rather incredible experience.
For 9 months, the expectant mother is the center of the world: she is complimented, pampered, cared for...
Overnight, after a more or less intense delivery (even if everything goes well), she is physically bruised, psychologically overwhelmed and the baby becomes the center of the world.
Indeed, watching people from her circle gather around the bassinet and finding herself in the background, alone observing all this, can weigh heavily on a new mother's heart...
We take care of the mom and her needs, not the house...
To help the mother feel supported and loved, it's essential to include a thoughtful gesture for her when giving a birth gift.
Be careful, we're talking about a thoughtful gesture for her: a new vacuum cleaner is not an appreciated birth gift for mothers who need to remember their own identity, not their role in the household...
Instead, a small piece of jewelry engraved with the baby's initials, a plant, a beautiful poster commemorating the new birth...
A good book or graphic novel about unapologetic motherhood to help her feel less alone and to de-dramatize any potential difficulties with motherhood.
Good quality skincare products, 100% natural, so she can take care of herself and her health. (Don't forget that pregnant and breastfeeding women have specific skin needs; there are many more or less serious aesthetic problems. We can't help but add our two cents as cosmetologists, can we?)
A massage might be a bit delicate in the first few days after childbirth; the body is transforming and she may not necessarily be comfortable.
So there you have it, a guide on how to choose the best birth gift for this budding little one and their family. The main thing is to enjoy all these little people and above all: congratulations to the happy parents, welcome to this crazy adventure!
A question, a reaction? Let's chat between parents, young and old, at coucou@lilikiwi.fr