NICU Care package ideas

[wineallthetime]

Help! A is turning 1 in 1.5 months. We'd like to do a little something for the NICU to honor his birthday. What do you think would be best? I think we'd like to gear it more towards the parents vs something for the babies. A few ideas:

-A cozy blanket for each room

-A little care package with things like gum, chapstick, granola bar, small gc to the cafeteria, crossword book, ect (any other ideas for this?

-My mom keeps suggesting cozy socks for the parents/caregivers. 

-A meal catered in for all families visiting at that time 


Any other ideas? There are 52 rooms, so I really can't get TOO crazy because this will be expensive.

[nam2013]

First off all, that is amazingly sweet of you!
- small notebook and a pen to write down memories and/or questions.
- Some relaxing tea?
- Hand cream, the rubbing alcohol makes your hands so dry
- Dry shampoo
- Maybe some stickers/small colouring books for visiting brothers or sisters?
- dextro energy tablets

ETA to safe cosy you could get travel size version of things.

[guster]

I think this is incredibly sweet.

I love the blanket idea most but 52 nice ones might get pretty expensive.

I think I would do the little care package route with Chapstick, gum, a pen and either a notebook or Post-it‘s, some chocolates and nuts, etc. You you could incorporate a pair or two of fuzzy socks like your mom suggested.
And you could put it all in a reusable canvas tote bag (so they had a vehicle to bring things to and fro, or a basket.)

ETA: and you could also still cater a bagel spread one morning if you felt like doing a bit more.

[nam2013]

guster I like the reusable tote idea! Maybe you can find one of those linen ones and get ‘A care bag’ printed on it. A would have a double meaning that way .

[nam2013]

You can get inexpensive blankets at IKEA, but I’m not sure if you think they would be nice enough.

www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/usearch/?&query=Throw&sort=price%20asc&view=grid

[wineallthetime]

Thank you, ladies! Great ideas. One thing I'm struggling with is that some people will be there just overnight while some will have already been there months!

[kim22]

Instead of 52 of something, could you donate one large item that could benefit families for a long time like a comfy glider or does the hospital already have something like that? Maybe have a little plaque on it saying something like many thanks for the loving care A received and hope that all babies who start out here thrive as he has?

[guster]

Jan 23, 2019 16:09:38 GMT -6 kim22 said:

Instead of 52 of something, could you donate one large item that could benefit families for a long time like a comfy glider or does the hospital already have something like that? Maybe have a little plaque on it saying something like many thanks for the loving care A received and hope that all babies who start out here thrive as he has?

That’s a great idea. Is there a kitchen the families can use? Something like the ninja coffee bar or a nespresso machine? You could also do big snacks baskets for the kitchen so parents (if they’re there for a day or for weeks) could have a healthy alternatives to take out?

[wineallthetime]

Jan 23, 2019 16:09:38 GMT -6 kim22 said:

Instead of 52 of something, could you donate one large item that could benefit families for a long time like a comfy glider or does the hospital already have something like that? Maybe have a little plaque on it saying something like many thanks for the loving care A received and hope that all babies who start out here thrive as he has?

To be honest, our hospital is 7 years old and amazing. We were so spoiled being able to stay there vs other NICUs. All rooms are private with a comfy recliner and pull out couch/bed thing. There's also a family lounge with comfy seating, coffee, laundry, toys, activities, ect.

[Sunny41]

It warms my heart that you want to do this and that you had such a good experience there. I can't believe all these littles are almost 1