Donating items to new moms in need

[GF_Girl]

I have always wanted to make blankets and donate items that would help a new mother struggling financially cope with having a new baby. I thought of making a knitted blanket (not just for the crib, but to keep baby warm) along with a hat and scratch mittens. But I would like to give something to the mother as well, but since I do not have any babies or close to any new mothers could anyone offer advice, or constructive criticism?

 

[1990Domer]

Crisis pregnancy centers always seek out such personal items. You local Catholic Charities office or St. Vincent de Paul society can help. Your parish will have the number.

 

[pensmama87]

If you wanted to specifically make something, washable nursing pads might be an idea. Other than that, personal care items would probably be needed - regular toiletries, but maybe also those kinds of supplies really needed by the newly postpartum mom. You can check with your local pregnancy resource center.

 

[maryjk]

I’ve recently had a new, young mom, in need, move in with our family.

She said something the other day that might answer your question. She had been talking to her friends, who don’t have children.

She said that it is hard to understand, but nothing makes her happier than knowing that her baby has what it needs. That when someone gives something to her, for the baby, she feels great joy. Almost as though the gift was for her.

Now, of course, it would be wonderful to give something to the new mom as well. And if you want to do that, just think of anything that makes you feel good. For me, it might be hand cream or body wash. If you were going to make something, maybe a nursing cover or a scarf.

 

[midori]

It was weird, but one of the things I had trouble tracking down was baby washcloths.

I could never have enough baby washcloths. A damp washcloth was way better than a diaper wipe. They had great grip and everything, and washing them was way more affordable than having to buy lots of diapering supplies.

So-- finding a soft, textured fabric with a cute pattern or color, and cutting them into little squares, finishing the edges, and maybe tying them together with a ribbon— it wouldn’t be nearly the amount of time that knitting takes, but it would still be a very personal and functional gift.

 

[UbiCaritas]

It was weird, but one of the things I had trouble tracking down was baby washcloths.

I could never have enough baby washcloths. A damp washcloth was way better than a diaper wipe. They had great grip and everything, and washing them was way more affordable than having to buy lots of diapering supplies.

So-- finding a soft, textured fabric with a cute pattern or color, and cutting them into little squares, finishing the edges, and maybe tying them together with a ribbon— it wouldn’t be nearly the amount of time that knitting takes, but it would still be a very personal and functional gift.

Ooooooh, I love this idea!

Here’s another, depending on the amount of work you want to do.

When a friend has a baby, I generally try to make her a biggish quilt–smaller than a twin size, but rather larger than a typical baby quilt. It’s for both her and baby to snuggle to snuggle under.

When I had DD, I spent a lot of nights lying on the couch with her on my chest so she’d sleep. A friend gave me a quilt like that, and it was SO lovely to have something warm and snuggly to lie under! Now we use it over the both of us while I read DD (now a toddler) stories. Back when she was a much smaller baby and learning to roll over, crawl, and play during tummy time, I used it for that, too.

 

[Kelfa28]

Here is the thing I learned when I became a mom for the first time.

Everyone wants to make and give you baby blankets. I think we had 10 different ones that were made for us by so many different people.

I think if you made a seriously high quality one, using high end and really soft yarn…it will get used.

My mother knitted several blankets for her grandchildren…all of which made out of this incredibly soft and beautiful yarn.
My girls loved them…especially my middle who drags it with her everywhere.

Getting them was nice, of course, but after the first or second…it got overwhelming and we just never used most of them.

Another thing…a lot of moms don’t use hats, scratch mittens of booties…especially booties. Moms will just put socks or use the feet onesies.

What really could have helped me big time? Diapers, wipes, receiving blankets/wash cloths, white socks and toiletries.

When I go to a baby shower…I make a big basket of general toiletries for a baby…basically things you’d never think of right away…but when you need it you are so thankful it’s there and that you don’t need to make a 2 am trip to the drug store.

I get Motrin/Tylenol, a thermometer, nose spray/boogie wipes, Vicks vapor rub and a Nose Frida, Gas Drops…and finally rash cream, aqua lotion and a stack of wash cloths and receiving blankets. Usually I’ll also throw in a gift card to Target or something to get diapers and wipes because those are so personal and I don’t want to impose my taste in diapers on another mom.
I like Pampers but I know my sister loves the Target brand and another mom friend of mine swears by Huggies.

If I really know the new mom really well…my sister was one and my best friend was another…I’ll throw in a humidifier too…especially if it wasn’t listed on the registry.

My best friend did this for me for my shower and she gave me a humidifier.

It was, by far, the best gift I got because we forgot about it at first…then my first baby got a cold with a horrible runny nose.
Instead of panicking and sending my husband off to the store in the middle of the night to find something he had never bought before…we just went into the bathroom and grabbed the nose spray and set up the humidifier.
When my daughter started teething at 2 months we had Motrin in the medicine cabinet.

It was such an awesome and thoughtful gift that I just pay it forward at each baby shower I attend.

I did one for my sister and she called me one morning thanking me profusely because her new son had a cold and they didn’t realize they had everything they needed for it in the house already.

 

[UbiCaritas]

It was weird, but one of the things I had trouble tracking down was baby washcloths.

I could never have enough baby washcloths. A damp washcloth was way better than a diaper wipe. They had great grip and everything, and washing them was way more affordable than having to buy lots of diapering supplies.

So-- finding a soft, textured fabric with a cute pattern or color, and cutting them into little squares, finishing the edges, and maybe tying them together with a ribbon— it wouldn’t be nearly the amount of time that knitting takes, but it would still be a very personal and functional gift.

For that matter, if you have a serger or something of the sort, you could buy ready-made cloth wipes and finish the edges in the color and pattern of thread of your choosing–a bit less work for a very pretty and decidedly useable result!

 

[Casilda]

I have always wanted to make blankets and donate items that would help a new mother struggling financially cope with having a new baby. I thought of making a knitted blanket (not just for the crib, but to keep baby warm) along with a hat and scratch mittens. But I would like to give something to the mother as well, but since I do not have any babies or close to any new mothers could anyone offer advice, or constructive criticism?

Bless your heart for wanting to help the smallest in our society. See if you can find a local chapter of the Christ Child Society.

nationalchristchildsoc.org/site/?q=node/14

Our local chapter has these programs,
Layette Program
Bereavement Program
Hygiene Packs for Elementary School Students
Hygiene Backpacks for Homeless Students
Caps, Gloves and Mittens Program
Annual Christmas Giving
Mentoring Program

I was given crochet, knit and sewing patterns for a variety of needs. The ladies meet once a month, also have a big assembling meeting. You do not have to meet regularly but can work at home and deliver finished items.

 

[wild_thing]

I second (or third or fourth) the idea of handmade washcloths or burp cloths. It’s hard to find super soft ones that aren’t ridiculous expensive or super thin. If you want to make something specifically for the new mother, I also suggest asking a crisis pregnancy center in your area. When I volunteered at one, they were always happy to receive toiletries.

 

[nodito]

It’s not super glamorous but I think toiletries and underwear would be super practical for financially-struggling new moms.

 

[Mary_Estelle]

It was weird, but one of the things I had trouble tracking down was baby washcloths.

I could never have enough baby washcloths. A damp washcloth was way better than a diaper wipe. They had great grip and everything, and washing them was way more affordable than having to buy lots of diapering supplies.

So-- finding a soft, textured fabric with a cute pattern or color, and cutting them into little squares, finishing the edges, and maybe tying them together with a ribbon— it wouldn’t be nearly the amount of time that knitting takes, but it would still be a very personal and functional gift.

Back in the '50’s my mother did this an more. She used flannel for everything including diapers. My brothers and sisters never ever had diaper rash or skin problems and yes, she "washes out dirty diapers with Drift. Does anyone do this anymore. But then , my Mother was exceptional(sigh).

 

[Allegra]

I think hats and sweaters are a better bet than blankets. I don’t have enough places to put all the lovely blankets we received with our first and the blue blankets are already starting to come in for our second! I second the idea that for most new moms, they are just happy to have what their baby needs.

 

[MomaMary8]

I have always wanted to make blankets and donate items that would help a new mother struggling financially cope with having a new baby. I thought of making a knitted blanket (not just for the crib, but to keep baby warm) along with a hat and scratch mittens. But I would like to give something to the mother as well, but since I do not have any babies or close to any new mothers could anyone offer advice, or constructive criticism?

A beautiful idea. I was once a poor struggling mom (saved for months for a $25 high chair.). If it hadn’t been for my mom, we would not have had a blanket for our baby. Some get a lot, some don’t…the ones who don’t are the ones in need.

For a treat, you could make the mom mittens, but really a new mom in need is thrilled with just gifts for the baby. May God bless your generosity!

 

[lifeisbeautiful]

I think it is a beautiful idea! God Bless you!

I would call local Pregnancy Crisis Centers and let them know how you would like to donate these items. Like others have said, I know I loved presents for my baby, they were like presents for me. Even when my husband has asked me what I wanted for an occasion I have at times wanted baby items. It is very kind of you to think of the mothers, though, and I know they may have needs as well. Are you hoping to knit something for the mother? You could ask the pregnancy center for suggestions.

 

[Allegra]

I wasn’t really a mother-in-need, but I do remember being really touched by a handmade knit hat that a “NICU grandma” had made for my daughter. Because most NICU babies are preemies, these ladies make special extra small, extra soft hats for them to wear, because the hospital standard hat usually doesn’t fit. My daughter was born to term and so the regular “NICU grandma hat” didn’t fit her. Someone told the “grandmas” and one of them whipped up a hat especially for her. Her nurse brought it in for her to wear after they were finally able to remove the IV from her little head. It was the first garment other than a diaper that she had been able to wear because of all of the wires, tubes, and sensors and she wore it for her hospital pictures. I have a picture of her with it on in my room and I kept it for her in a little keepsake box. It really does mean a lot to mothers when someone goes out of the way to do something kind for their child.

 

[AllieT]

I think for new moms, a gift card to the closest Walmart, Target or CVS would be ideal. That way they can get something they need or that baby needs. Even $5 - $10 can be a help. You’d likely spend more than that on yarn for a handmade item.

It’s so generous of you to take the time and to utilize your natural talents to make something special for these babies and possibly their mothers!

As for the baby items, when I donated a crocheted blanket to a hospital maternity ward, they were asking for matching newborn hats (preemie size, too) with drawstrings to adjust the size…just a thought…

 

[Regina7]

I’m the director of a crisis pregnancy center. We give out homemade blankets when a mom has a positive pregnancy test (along with literature and a little 8-week baby model). I love the blankets because it’s a tangible item that proves to mom that this baby exists and isn’t a glob of tissue. Very often, this blanket is baby’s first gift. I truly think that getting a gift for baby helps deter these moms from abortion.

It’s great that you are making them. In a crisis pregnancy center, they have more meaning than just warmth.

 

[Xantippe]

Ooooooh, I love this idea!

Here’s another, depending on the amount of work you want to do.

When a friend has a baby, I generally try to make her a biggish quilt–smaller than a twin size, but rather larger than a typical baby quilt. It’s for both her and baby to snuggle to snuggle under.

When I had DD, I spent a lot of nights lying on the couch with her on my chest so she’d sleep. A friend gave me a quilt like that, and it was SO lovely to have something warm and snuggly to lie under! Now we use it over the both of us while I read DD (now a toddler) stories. Back when she was a much smaller baby and learning to roll over, crawl, and play during tummy time, I used it for that, too.

Nice!

We have something exactly like that from a crafty auntie. Ours is almost, but not quite twin bed sized, and it’s a blue flannel patchwork quilt in the shape of a dog. The almost-three-year-old sleeps with it every night. Very, very cute, soft and warm. I believe the auntie made her own son a version of it in brown in the shape of a teddy bear.

We don’t have as many handmade blankets as it sounds like other people have, but I love all of them.

I also love flannel receiving blankets. I feel like you really can’t have too many. You can use them to keep an infant warm (but not too warm), line a change table, wipe a runny nose, put stuffed animals to bed–you name it.

 

[pensmama87]

I also love flannel receiving blankets. I feel like you really can’t have too many. You can use them to keep an infant warm (but not too warm), line a change table, wipe a runny nose, put stuffed animals to bed–you name it.

Throw em over a car seat to protect from the elements, roll em up to hold up a floppy newborn in the seat, cut em up for wipes, line bassinet with them to avoid changing the sheet so often…

We have tons of homemade blankets but we don’t use them very much. For some reason most of them are not machine washable, which is probably my #1 consideration when it comes to all things baby.