Baby Cover Questions

[MamaHooks]

Today my daughter's teacher announced that she is expecting her third child. My daughter is extremely happy for her teacher. I was going through all my baby clothes and afghan patterns. None of them seem right. So here are my questions.

1. Would making a nursing cover be too personal?
   
2. Would a nice large shawl work as a nursing cover?

Or should I just make a round ripple afghan, booties and a sweater?

[darski]

I don't think it would be too personal. Of course, are you sure she will be nursing?

 

Most nursing moms appreciate the support of other women for a wise choice for baby and mom.

[Tiga]

I would have TOTALLY appreciated a shawl/nursing cover/baby wrap thingy when my girl was a baby.

 

I nursed, and honestly, I never used a cover up much b/c Ellie was born in June. In Florida. I'd just pull my shirt up just enough for her to have, ahem, access, and I was plenty covered up.

 

But for the cooler days, and light cover would be nice - something with holes so it's light and breathable.

 

Plus, so often people give gifts that are ONLY for the baby - something that she can use for herself as a shawl, too, would be really thoughtful.

[Shell]

i think a nursing cover that has another use is a great idea. when you gift it you could tell her that it is a nursing cover, but if she isn't choosing to nurse then she could use it for *insert*. Some people get offended that others assume they will breast feed, so having a second use is great. Lets her know you were thinking of all her needs. The ripples, booties and hats are nice, I'm just bored with seeing them Just kidding. I just think your idea is very lovely and I for one would have appreciated it

[Tapanga]

I would have loved a nursing cover! I agree that if the teacher is going to nurse, its a great idea! And it can double as a lovey as the baby gets older. I know my 2 loved anything that smelled like mama's "milkies".

I can see it now...after the baby dozes off, with the little milk smile and drool. You just slip the cover off your shoulder and wrap it around the little one to keep them all snuggly and warm. Ahhhh...

Ok, I need to make one!

[Empress Busy Bee]

Honestly I'd go with something else or at least a cover that alos has another function.

I nursed and I fully support it. However not everyone does it or can do it and unless you know for sure that's what she's going to do, you might be giving her a useless present.

[theworm]

Isn't a nursing cover just a small blanket or shawl? Couldn't it double as a carriage cover?

[darski]

I think a comfort/prayer shawl is a nice touch. it doesn't have to be about nursing but it can be.

[MamaHooks]

The idea of making a large wide shawl is so that if she doesn't want it to be a nursing cover that it is still usable. She knits, so I am assuming that she will make several cute outfits for her baby. Since this is her third child she most likely still has at least some of the itsy baby clothes. So I thought if I made a shawl that was large, but lightweight that she could use it for herself or for the baby. I am trying to think outside the box a little.

 

If you have ideas on what else a shawl can be used for besides cuddling in and snuggling a baby. Then please mention it. I would like to write a little note with the card. I would like the note to list off all the wonderful ways she could use the shawl for her and her children.

 

I know with my two children that a present for me and not just for my new baby would have been nice. I didn't mind all the attention being on my babies. However I felt at times like I was only needed for the popping out of grandchildren. Sometimes it is nice to be thought of as a person first and then an expecting mommy second. Maybe I am just a completely selfish person.

[Phoenix]

I think it's a wonderful idea to give her something beautiful and functional that she can use for herself as well as for the baby. When a coworker was preggers a lot of baby talk started here, and the main topic was how invisible the mothers felt as soon as the baby popped out. As if they weren't in need of extra pampering after going through childbirth!

 

If you don't do the shawl/cover, I'd still suggest something that is just for her to go with a baby item. One of those foot massaging tubs that go on sale around christmas might be nice

[Empress Busy Bee]

I know with my two children that a present for me and not just for my new baby would have been nice. I didn't mind all the attention being on my babies. However I felt at times like I was only needed for the popping out of grandchildren. Sometimes it is nice to be thought of as a person first and then an expecting mommy second. Maybe I am just a completely selfish person.

If you're selfish then so am I. I think moms are forgotten a lot of times and it's really nice that you want to remember her.

How about you make the shawl and then maybe some things for her?

 

I posted this list before. You could make one or two or five of these things. Make her a nice gift basket full of stuff.

 

Cozy pillows to cuddle up with. If she doesn't get a maternity pillow or body pillow; she'll need one for her belly, her back, and between her knees. Or just one to prop her feet on.

 

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/pillows.php

 

Comfort pack to sooth her aches and growing pains.

 

http://www.crochetme.com/Apr_May_2005/patt_comfort_pack.html

 

A bag or tote to hold some lotions, crackers, and water:

 

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bags_totes_purses.php

 

Remote cozy so she doesn't have to get up and down looking for them:

 

http://www.crochetpartners.org/PatternLibrary/CPpat222.html

 

Book cover for her pregnancy book and later baby book.

 

http://libiloucreations.blogspot.com/2005/08/well-i-thought-i-better-do-it.html

 

A book thong or other bookmark to keep her place.

 

http://www.crochetme.com/Feb_Mar_2005/patt_book_thong.html

 

Cell phone case so she has it near at all times.

 

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/cases_caddies.php

 

Head scarf to keep her hair out of the way.

 

http://www.crochetme.com/June_July_2005/patt_headscarf.htm

 

Water bottle holder.

 

http://www.christinascrochethaven.com/water_bottle_holder.htm

 

Lip balm holder.

 

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/keychain.html

 

 

Oh and this wrap shawl might be just the thing:

 

http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Apparel/LW1495+Crochet+Lace+Wrap+Top.htm

 

[MamaHooks]

Thank you for all your suggestions. Empress Busy Bee, the links are wonderful.

[Empress Busy Bee]

I can't wait to see what you come up with.

[just me]

Y' know, if you make a round ripple in a "lacier" pattern instead of the usual, or maybe a thinner yarn than ww, if she folds the round in half it would be perfect as a shawl or cover, then can be used as a blanket as the baby gets older.

 

It's possible that she has outfits, etc from the previous babes, but every baby should have their very own, special blanket that was made just for them (and one that was shared with Mom as a nursing cover would be even more meaningful when the babe is old enough to understand.)

[jessc031778]

I have made the seraphina shawl for the expectant women in my life, because it's more than big enough to use as a nursing shawl if they choose to nurse, but it's also pretty and useful for mom even if baby isn't with her....plus I remember the days of 3 AM feedings and there never seemed to be something light enough to not disturb the baby's bottle and still warm enough to chase away the chill that seems ever-present at 3 AM...

 

Jessie

[Crocus58]

I made my dil a nursing shawl when she was expecting her first child - She did not nurse, but she used that shawl all the time. It was about the only thing she received that was not "baby" colored and once in a while she wanted a break from the cutsey stuff. It was an extra blankie for the baby, it was a carrier cover, it was even a shawl for her at 3 AM when she fed the baby. The baby is a year old now and the shawl is still a constant companion where as the baby blankies I made, are in his room.