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How To Put Together A Preemie Gift Basket.
In the past year or so, several of my friends, acquaintances, and colleagues have given birth to premature babies.
In addition to the emotional and physical support so necessary for both parent and baby; gift-bearing well wishers have often found it a challenge to find gifts that are suitable for a baby of such a small size, and with such special needs.
Like all babies, preemies need the basics baby essentials - just on a smaller scale.
In addition, they need some extra essentials to help them thrive in such a big world.
Therefore, from the necessary tools, to the easy-to-follow instructions, here's a simple formula for putting together a practical preemie gift basket any parent will love and appreciate.
* The Tools You'll Need.
Container :
1.) Large (or Oversized) Wicker Storage Basket - great for everyday storage
2.) Tull Lace - used for wrapping the basket (this material looks so much better than plastic and it comes in a variety of colors you can also use shrink wrap if you prefer)
3.) Rubber Bands (the thick tan ones are the best) - to secure the tulle lace
4.) Ribbons - to camouflage the rubber band and add some charm to the basket
5.) Basket Filling - this would only be necessary if you feel the basket lacks a look of fullness
6.) Scissors - to cut the tulle lace and ribbon
Contents:
1.) One Package of Pampers Newborn Swaddler Diapers - just the right size for baby
2.) One Refillable Tub of Pampers Sensitive Wipes - great for the sensitive skin of baby
3.) Several Preemie-Sized Onesies
4.) Several Preemie-Sized Hats - to keep baby's head warm, helping baby to retain body heat
5.) Several Scratch Mitts - preventing baby from scratching his/her face
6.) Several Swaddling Blankets - great for swaddling and helping baby feel secure and sleep longer
7.) Several Pairs of Preemie Infant Socks - to keep baby's feet nice and warm
8.) Bulb Syringe - to keep baby's air passages ways (nostrils and throat) clear of mucus and regurgitated milk
*[this was a life saver for my eldest when she was an infant, since both her nose and throat would frequently become obstructed with milk and mucus, cutting off both air passageways]
9.) Organic Baby Bath and Body Wash With Washcloths and Bath-towels
10.) Unscented Baby Oil - to give baby a daily massage - in addition to a detailed printable baby massage directions that you can find at (http://www.babycenter.com/0_a-fathers-guide-to-infant-massage_3834.bc)
11.) A Copy Of the Book Kangaroo Mother Care: A Practical Guide - a great book that explains a simple yet effective technique to help premature babies thrive (http://hubpages.com/hub/Kangaroo-Care-And-Your-Baby)
12.) A Soothing Musical CD - great for keeping baby calm and lulling him/her to sleep
13.) Baby Slings/Wraps - great hands-free way for mom and dad to carry baby and keep him/her secure while on outings, or taking care of everyday tasks
14.) Gift Certificates - don't forget about mom and dad; include gift certificates to their favorite restaurant, or menu list from an all expense paid food delivery service (three works worth) such as Schwan's Frozen Food Delivery
* Even with this simple formula you can "go green" by:
1.) choosing clothing that is made from organic cotton
2.) using a storage basket from recycled materials
3.) opting for "green" brand of diapers and wipes such as Seventh Generation.
This is an example of what you're finished product could look like.
* Putting Everything Together.
Once you've gathered all your materials together, strategically (don't just throw everything in) place everything from the content list into the basket.
Ensure that the items are placed in an aesthetically pleasing fashion.
Your goal is to present mom and dad with a stunning basket filled with the basic necessities for their little one.
Once that is done:
1.) grab the tulle lace; and using the basket for scale; cut a little more than what you actually need
2.) pull the lace snugly around the basket - not too snug though or you're snag the material
3.) gather it at the top or to the side (whichever looks best), and secure it with a rubber band (the thick tan ones are the best since they can snugly secure a good amount of tulle lace material).
4.) Cut off the excess material; leaving about an inch to a half an inch fanned at the top.
5.) Proceed to camouflage the rubber band with a ribbon, and tie it in a bow - Voila! You've got yourself a beautiful preemie gift basket.
With a congratulatory card in hand, present mom, dad, and baby with this beautiful and practical gift basket.
copywrite © 2009.
Comments
Thank you for sharing. No mettar how long ago the preterm birth, I feel, we,as moms who lived the experience will never forget those raw emotions, nor forget the scenes, scents or sounds of those trying times. The first time I spoke publicly about our 27 weeker twins was on live television for 15 minutes, while holding one and a friend holding the other. I got choked up a couple of times, but those in the studio were so warm and real, I got over it quickly. Love your blogs. Thanks again for sharing.
- Author
Oh wow, Jae! Thank you so much for the compliment.
Thank you, Veronica. I truly appreciate people like yourself who are doing more! I can't say that enough!
- Author
Thank you The Preemie Dot Com for stopping by. While at this time I am not in need of this book, I do love that you are trying to raise awareness, provide resources and celebrate the moments of prematurity through healing. I did check your blogsite out and I must say the material was absolutely beautiful. I'll be sure to pass along the information though. Thank you for reaching out to me.
I wanted to contact you personally about a Preemie Baby Book and NICU Companion Journal that I have just published with Amazon and CreateSpace. I have had marketed this journal on my own for over a year with much success although I was unable to offer wholesale opportunities for retailers like yourself. I have revised the baby book to include 72 pages of full color, at 8"x10".
Because of the popularity of scrapbooking in the NICU's this Mother's companion is completely scrapbooked with a very beautiful appeal to parents.
It is essentially a baby book, a companion journal and more. I cannot explain in words the effect that it has brought to NICU parents who have purchased the book.
My hope is that you will take the time to preview the journal and if you wish to purchase a copy I am able to offer you a 50% discount. I would love to begin and continue a wholesale relationship with you in the future.
I am able to send you all of the materials published online in link form, as well as a coupon code for your purchase. This journal is offered in both a pink and blue cover for those seeking specifics for each child or parent.
Our journal retails for $24.99 and of course with your coupon code, your cost is $12.49. Your links and codes are below:
To Purchase the Journal:.
[Blue Edition] https://www.createspace.com/3504058
[Pink Edition] https://www.createspace.com/3499333
Your 50% off Coupon Code:.
QDDUEQRH
We are bring awareness, resources and celebration in the moments of prematurity through healing, together.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jessica Williams [thepreemie@me.com] [www.thepreemie.com]
Let me tell you a little about the journal...
Contents include :.
Chapter One:. Expecting You...
As a preemie parent, I needed to hold on to the memories that came to fruition so quickly. Taking the two or three days in the high-risk pregnancy ward after the birth of my son, was a great time to embrace the joys that pregnancy had brought to me. 'A Journey to Home' brings the parents back to those moments; moments that will draw hours of reflection and surfaces hope for their preemie's future.
Chapter Two:. Our Home for Awhile...
For 33 days, I called the NICU our home. With a minimum of nine hours a day, I was fortunate enough to be a true advocate for my son and his experiences. Many parents are not. 'A Journey to Home' reminds us that the NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit is a place of progress and development. It outlines developmental goals, and processes to expect. It provides thought to relationships created in the NICU, Holidays and Celebrations as well as Milestones. Importantly, we have included areas to journal calendar reminders for each month as well as contact information for inside and outside the NICU.
Chapter Three:. Transitioning to Home...
Without even knowing it, we were transitioning to home when we began meeting the expectations of the NICU. When my child became bottle fed a certain number of times in a day, when he could maintain is temperature in an outside crib, when he was gaining weight, he was transitioning to home. This chapter is the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is place where all parents should start to celebrate in the fact that their child is becoming the developed child of a newborn baby at a higher gestational age. Our journal includes, going home goals, and checklists. 'A Journey to Home' provides areas to journal Baby and Family Care Givers, Sentiments, and of course phone numbers for medical, insurance, and follow-up care.
Chapter Four:. Resources for Us...
In the time I spent in the NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit I longed for companionship with other parents, activities centered around my newborn son, and honestly, a connection to the cause and hope for the greater good of other families. Resources for us provides all of that. The featured resources are just some of the free services on the internet where families can learn to crochet Preemie hats, scrapbook their NICU experiences, blog about their babies, and of course, bond with others going through the same experiences. Our hope is that everyone finds something that brings them into a sense of community. Prematurity is a lonely circumstance, although 500,000 babies experience it every year. Our hope is that we bring resources, healing and celebration to the NICU experiences in this chapter.
Example Pages:.
http://gallery.me.com/thepreemie#100011
See Full Video of the Journal(s):.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lJ8WncefbE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNklFhUJm08
To Purchase the Journal:.
[Blue Edition] https://www.createspace.com/3504058
[Pink Edition] https://www.createspace.com/3499333
Your 50% off Coupon Code:.
QDDUEQRH
Press Release:.
http://www.free-press-release.com/news-the-preemie...
Facebook Profile:.
http://www.facebook.com/thepreemie
Squidoo Lenses:.
http://www.squidoo.com/thepreemiebabybook
Twitter:.
BlogSpot:.
http://thepreemie.blogspot.com
Table of Contents:.
Expecting You
My Wish for You
The Day You Came Into My Life
First Photos of You
A Letter to My Baby
Photo Page
Ten Tiny Fingers, Ten Tiny Toes
Family Tree
About Our Family
Our Home for Awhile
Important Contacts
Conversion Charts
Monthly Calendars
NICU Dictionary
Milestones & Photos
My NICU Friends
Our Firsts
Moments We Have Shared
Holidays and Celebrations
Thoughtful Gifts & Expressions
NICU Visitors
Transitioning to Home
Going Home Goals
Going Home Checklist
Photo & Journaling Pages
Contacts & Phone Numbers
Sentiments
Going Home
Baby & Family Care Givers
Photo & Journaling Pages
Resources for Us
Miracle Bebe
Free Products, Services, Resources
The Story of Rowan Grey
The Preemie, Devoted to Healing
The Preemie, Free Downloads
Preemie Advocacy & Resources
We are bring awareness, resources and celebration in the moments of prematurity through healing.
Sincerely,
Jessica Williams
- Author
Oh habee, you know I will say a prayer just for you and your daughter. I hope everything goes well.
What a great idea! I might be needing it soon. My daughter is having early contractions. Please say a prayer!
- Author
Thanks prasetio30. It's amazing how many women give birth to premature babies, and their really isn't a large market for preemie products.
thanks Veronica. This hub is very informative. My neighbor was born the baby. I'll told her about this hub.
- Author
Thanks Hello, hello. With so many of my friends having preemies, there just happened to be a need for a gift basket that was more tailored to their specific needs.
That is a lovely and thoughtful hub. Thank you
- Author
thanks creativeone59, I love putting together gift baskets. I think it's a gift that involves creativity since you can make it anyway you like it.
Thank you for a cute little preemie gift basket hub. thanks for sharing. creativeone59.
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