Tell me what I can do

[georgeharrison]

I have a girlfriend who is due in May.  She has become a great friend recently.  They are struggling financially.  She has a son that's Tman's age, a daughter that is 2.5, and is having a boy.  She didn't register because she feels uncomfortable with this being her third child.  I respect that, but I really want to do something nice for her.  I'd like to get her something she can really use, but I know she would never tell me.  I was thinking I'd get her some diapers (I have already verified she is using disposables), but I'd like to get her something else as well.  Give me ideas.  It's been so long since Tman (so I don't remember), and I know there are new things out there.

Also, I'd like to get her some food for after the baby comes. I'd like to give her some meals and some stuff for snacks/lunches, etc.  The purpose so she doesn't have to worry about feeding herself/the rest of her family when she's freshly home from the hospital.  No one did this for us, and we ended up getting take out constantly in the beginning.  They do not have the $ for this.

I'd appreciate suggestions.  Moms, what was most helpful for you when you were first home?

[jennlin]

the food after baby was THE BEST gifts i got. honestly, i can buy any physical thing if i needed it...but the time saving of having food available is a god-send.

[niq]

Food after baby seems really nice.

FWIW, here are the most gifted baby products on Amazon. I guess they either stopped selling or moved them somewhere else, b/c I was pretty sure that would be on the top of the list.

www.amazon.com/gp/gift-central/gift-guides/most-gifted/165796011/baby_product/ref=?pf_rd_p=1283287722&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_t=1001&pf_rd_i=gift-guides-most-gifted&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=02RT0DVYR5F5PBNMWJJB

ETA diapers and a lot of nursing gear is under Health & Personal Care:

www.amazon.com/gp/gift-central/gift-guides/most-gifted/3760901/health_and_beauty/ref=?pf_rd_p=1283287722&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_t=1001&pf_rd_i=gift-guides-most-gifted&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=02RT0DVYR5F5PBNMWJJB    

[Deleted]

Not knowing firsthand, but I would guess of course the diapers/wipes, maybe a GC for wherever they shop (Target, Safeway, etc) in case she needs to go the formula route and can't bf.

Most of my friends have LOVED what we called the Baby train, the bringing pre-made meals that can just be thrown in the oven and cooked to eat or reheated. Different people signed up for different days, with the caveat that ALL knew that this was about the family of the new baby and to help them through the early adjustment phases and not necessarily chance to see baby and visit when they're exhausted. I think you're idea of things for snacks and lunches for the existing LO is awesome.

[dana86]

For food you can maybe go online and ordered up a variety of stuff from Swan's to be delivered to them once they get home. All pretty easy things that they just need to pop in the oven, but they also have snack type things to which would be good.

[sarack]

I'd get her a car seat if she doesn't have one or give diapers and wipes. they'll need that for sure.