NICU Gifts (that support small business!)
I personally worked in a NICU for 5 years. I have talked to so many new parents who felt so alone and struggled with such specific things. The NICU is a very challenging environment and not one parent is prepared for how it will feel.
As someone who cares for a family who is in the NICU, there are many things you can do. The one most important thing is to be a constant presence with no judgement and no pressure -just a listening ear who checks in regularly. It can be helpful to remember important dates like the due date or an upcoming surgery. Put them in your calendar so you can check in! If you are someone who is close and has time, meals and child care can be a help as well.
With all that being said, I did spend time a lot of new NICU parents, and there were certain things they received that were special and appreciated. So I thought I could share some to help all of you who haven’t spent months in the NICU. I have focused this search on items that are provided by small businesses. As a small business myself, I know how important every sale can be to keeping things going and creating the things you know the world needs. (I do receive a commission for the Amazon links, but the small businesses still make just as much and you pay the same amount - it’s only Amazon that is paying me!)
Gifts for the baby (with a focus on celebrating their sweet baby and all of the steps along the way!):
NICU Milestone Cards - https://amzn.to/4p2aWf5
NICU Read Aloud Books-
I Love You Everywhere and All of the Time - https://amzn.to/4j2K0KA
The Moment You Were Born - https://amzn.to/4ahtnbX
It Had To Be You - https://amzn.to/3MBmtEK
Beautiful and stretchy swaddle blanket - https://amzn.to/4952O7z
Beautiful muslin swaddle, darling and so good for the baby’s development and comfort - https://amzn.to/3MBq3Pf
Monica and Andy Clothes - It can be fun to have cute preemie clothes that you can look back at some day! This outfit with snaps in the front makes it easy for Vitals stickers and tubes to go where they need to go. https://amzn.to/490Dxvp This kimono style can also be great for the NICU: https://amzn.to/4j6cfbu Honestly all of their stuff is so cute, organic and affordable!
My First Year calendar: A great way to record and remember all the little (and big) milestones - https://amzn.to/4qlhSFf
Swaddle Sleep Sack: super helpful and SAFE when baby goes home: https://amzn.to/49iZnvd
A pillow that can be made custom to be the exact length and weight of your baby when they were born - https://thebirthpillow.com/
Gifts for the siblings:
One of my roles in the NICU was to help siblings and families feel comfortable in a space that truly wasn’t made for them. If siblings were going to be present, the staff needed them to be quiet. Since many of the siblings were young, this could be a challenge. The trick wasn’t just that the toy shouldn’t play music or beep/buzz. You also had to consider how kids play with toys. Have you ever rummaged through a tub of Duplos or dumped them on the floor - so loud! So here are some ideas of things that keep kids busy, don’t cause a mess, and are relatively quiet. Bonus points of items that help kids be involved and understand with their baby.
Our New Baby in the NICU: A Special Book for Big Brothers and Sisters - https://amzn.to/4p1LDtG
All About Our Baby and the NICU: A Book for Curious Kids and Their Families - (more information for older kids or longer NICU stays) https://amzn.to/4pIn1XM
Babies that help kids play through what they are seeing and hold something when they can’t hold their baby. (Also preemie diapers and left over syringes/bottles can be perfect for baby dolls!)
Soft squeezable baby - https://amzn.to/4p4YeMy
Wooden doctor kit - https://amzn.to/452OCL6
Vinyl baby - washable - https://amzn.to/45ecb3y
Toys that keep kids busy (and maybe, quiet):
Mini magnet tiles- https://amzn.to/4j6wVA8
https://amzn.to/3KDFYvP
Interactive toys for young toddlers, buckles, zippers, and things to put in and takeout:- https://amzn.to/3MOnY2g
A mobile adjustable magnet road, just add a couple of match box cars-
https://amzn.to/3KRYel6
Magnet drawing board-
https://amzn.to/3Y1szkc
Storytelling Magnets-
https://amzn.to/4saLabp
Gifts for parents:
NICU Strong Adult coloring book - https://amzn.to/3MIlx1l
Journal - https://amzn.to/3MJ4rAn
A comfy robe. Robes are great for the NICU because they open in the front. This is helpful for Kangaroo care (when they place the baby on the parent’s bare chest - an important part of caring for a NICU baby!) and can also be helpful for moms who are pumping. Here is a soft one being provided by a small business - https://amzn.to/491S9uq
A NICU Journal can be so helpful when sleep deprived and so many new words and things to remember - https://amzn.to/491IB2m
Weighted Eye Cover - speaking of sleep deprived. You don’t know sleep deprived until you are a new parent, especially a NICU parent. This could be helpful when parents try to get a little rest - https://amzn.to/3KXPCcH
Cute gear to celebrate being a new parent. When you don’t get to carry your baby around and show them off, a comfy celebration of parenthood can feel important - https://amzn.to/4aTeJYz
Another cute sweatshirt. (If it's not the perfect fit, click ont he Kite and Crest Store for many other beautiful options) - https://amzn.to/4pkNKZP
Water intake is important for mamas who are healing and may trying to provide breastmilk. This kind of gift can be super helpful (and super bonus if the NICU nurses fill it with yummy hospital ice!)
High quality and a small business, cup with straw and keeps things cold (or hot) - https://amzn.to/4p0545W
Ability to personalize with “Mama” or anything else - https://amzn.to/4iZGhNW
Finally, I don’t have a link, but you can not go wrong with a gift card to a coffee shop or restaurant that’s close to the hospital (or delivers!). Hospital food is not great and it can feel like an extra treat to be able to fill your body with things that feel good.
I hope you found this list helpful. I appreciate all you are doing to support these special families. Your attention and care can make such a big difference.
