When you're looking for a gift to buy a NICU mother, it's important to keep in mind that some gifts are much better than others.
Many typical baby gifts, such as baby clothes, diapers and nursery decor, are actually upsetting to NICU moms because they remind her of just how far her baby is from being able to use these items.
And other typical baby gifts, such as stuffed animals and baby toys, aren't allowed in the highly germ-sensitive intensive care unit environment. And getting gifts that you can't use is a big bummer.
So we've questioned hundreds of NICU mothers about which gifts they love the most, and we're sharing it here with you so you can be SURE to delivery a gift that will truly bring joy and comfort.
Of course, you don't have to buy a thing to show her you care - we've put together another list with some helpful ideas here: How to Help a NICU Mom - The gifts money can't buy.
Bring Art to the baby's NICU space
Our NICU Crib Art is a most awesome way to bring a spark of joy to the otherwise dreary and depressing NICU environment. Hopeful quotes & sweet illustrations inspire - they're a unique way to decorate the NICU. Laminated, double-sided original art can be hung on incubators, cribs, or anywhere nearby. NICU nurses & parents love 'em.
A Tote Bag For Transporting Milk
Any NICU mom who is pumping will need a way to deliver her milk to the hospital while keeping it cool. And, sure, she may have some crappy old cooler tote that will suffice, but she'd feel pampered and delighted to have a nice, clean, brand new insulated tote. There are millions of them out there - find one that's cheerful and you'll make her day!
A Hands-Free Pumping Bra
While we're on the subject of pumping moms in the NICU, if your friend is pumping and she doesn't already have a hands-free pumping bra, GET HER ONE NOW!
I have never, ever yet met a pumping mother who didn't absolutely love it. And they always wished they had it sooner.
Without a hands-free bra, it's impossible for any pumping mom to do anything else while she's pumping, and NICU moms usually have to pump every 3 hours round the clock.
With a hands-free bra, she can get stuff done in comfort while doing one of her most incredibly important jobs - providing the vital milk her baby needs!
NICU and Preemie related books that make great gifts
Ready for Air
This book is awesome!
Read my review of Ready for Air if you want to learn more about it. Love it, my daughter loves it, I think you & your NICU mom will love it too!
Anchored
Anchored by Kayla Aimee is a beautifully written, sweet & joyful tale of one mother's journey with having a preemie in the NICU.
And while it does touch on spiritual matters and struggling with faith, it's a great read for anyone of any faith. It's a great comfort for a mother who feels all alone in the NICU.
I had the honor of chatting with Kayla shortly after the book was published, (back when I briefly was thinking of hosting a podcast🙂)- here's where you can listen to that interview.
Preemie
Preemie by Kasey Mathews is another fantastic story of prematurity, an intense journey through the NICU, all told in such a beautiful way.
A great read for any preemie moms!
Here's my review of Preemie, in case you'd like to learn more.
Half-Baked
Half-baked is an entertaining mom's story of struggles with infertility and and the NICU.
The author's wit that will keep you giggling, yet on the edge of your seat wondering how everything's all going to go.
Great for a friend with a good sense of humor!
Go Preemies
Go Preemies is awesome for parents and kids alike.
It reminds parents that amazing individuals have survived prematurity to go on and lead incredible lives - it offers hope.
It's also great for siblings of preemies to read, and parents love to read this book to their preemies once they're home and grown, to remind them just how awesome preemies are!
Trish Ringley is the founder and CEO of Every Tiny Thing. She has been a NICU nurse since 1997, and she's been creating the products and accessories that NICU parents love since 2014. When she's not at work caring for NICU families, she's raising her two teenage kids, gardening, and raising service dog puppies for Canine Companions for Independence.
