STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

shopgirl1 · Nine West

My good friend is having her first baby

Elle · Hermes

I don't think cashmere would be bad for a baby's skin really. But anything they wear is going to get spit up on, peed on, or pooped on right quick so I'd probably skip the cashmere for the handwashing/dry cleaning factor (dry cleaning chemicals are not good for baby's skin).

Honestly, I'd ask her if there's anything she still needs for herself or the baby. Sooooo many people I know who've had babies have been overrun with blankets and onesies or very gender-specific clothing, when they could have really used some diapers or a Boppy. I think her appreciation of your thoughtfullness by asking would be worth any lack of suprise at you getting her a gift.

HTH!

Hermione · Kate Spade

i'm sure cashmere is far from being bad for a baby's skin ... it's so soft and luxurious, the baby would love it!

that said, i think it is ridiculous to buy cashmere for babies

they will definitely outgrow it - esp under one year, they just grow so fast, but they might throw up or pee on it ...

what a waste of money!

tri_sarah_tops · Marc Jacobs

Do you want a gift for her or specifically for the baby or both? How pregnant is she? If she's near the beginning or the middle of pregnancy, you should consider the prenatal comfort Boppy. It's really helpful and I can't sleep without mine. They also make a wedge (it goes under the belly) and one for back comfort.

When my best friend first found out I was pregnant she sent me one of these babyGap gift sets. It's adorable and I thought it was very nice and thoughtful.

As for material, I'm sure that cashmere can't be bad for the baby, but I think the fabric care requirements might make it impractical. I'm sure there are tons of great baby gift ideas, I'll look around and most more when I get a chance.

MissMee · Kate Spade

Take it from an old pro here - cashmere would be horrible for a baby!!!! Not because it would be irritating, but because babies tend to throw up quite a bit, and I doubt a tired Mommy will want to delicately wash cashmere baby stuff. It would be a nice gift and certainly appreciated, but it may only get worn once, if ever!

The best gift you can give any mother, especially a first-time mom who doesn't know better, is a nice gift basket of very useful stuff. Here's some stuff off the top of my head I know I used every single day or very often:

Mylicon drops, cloth diapers (to use as burp cloths), desitin, newborn and size 1 diapers, Dermoplast spray (makes the hoo-ha feel better so she can go to the bathroom), disposable nursing pads, infant tylenol, ear thermometer, lots of receiving blankets (again with the throw up), baby gowns/saques, baby tees or kimonos, refills for the diaper genie, a heating pad for sore boobs

My little ones only wore the gowns or tees because babies wiggle too much and more cute and complicated outfits get old really fast when you have to change a lot of diapers and pukey clothes. I used the Mylicon drops in every single bottle so they wouldn't get gas. I found the cloth diapers were easier to fold away that actual burp cloths that were padded in the middle. And diapers are just a no-brainer. Mom will appreciate those gifts the most after the baby is born, even if they seem very utilitarian at first.

Oh, and the Dermaplast became my best friend for the first week. They used it on me in the hospital to soothe the pain of the stitches so I could go to the bathroom (which is no easy task after delivering a baby!).

Elle · Hermes

FWIW, just wanted to point out that she may not have a vaginal delivery or choose to breastfeed.

fafa · Nine West

My little one wears cashmere pants and we love them I just wash them on the cold gentle cycle and hang dry. So I personally would love a luxurious baby gift like cashmere blankets. there is just so much cute fabulous baby stuff out there! Makes it hard to pick- Also the little giraffe blankets are wonderful!!

Tashina · Kate Spade

whatever you decide to get for your friend, get her diapers. that was the best gift i got at my shower. i had a ton of diapers and didn't have to buy any for the first 2 1/2 months and i was so greatful. also socks and onesies. no matter how many you have, you can never have enough.