ideas for "emergency" box for the parents of a newborn

I am hoping for some ideas from you for an "emergency box" of items to be given to the parents-to-be at a baby shower for their 2nd child.  It has been suggested that we put together items for the "box" that the parents can use to make their lives a little easier.  The funnier, but practical, is what I would like.  This is a coed shower.

sounds like a fun idea.  I'll put my brain on!

Micki

Nancy, one thing we bought with our second that some thought was funny was this. Our oldest was 4 and a half when our second son was born.  The little one would always cry in the carseat when we had to go out somewhere. The oldest would get so aggravated because he was stuck in the backseat listening to him.. He was always saying "please get this baby to quit crying". My dh got the idea to buy him some sound proof headphones, so there we would go rolling down the road with him in his big headphones! Other necessities for out trips were a lullabye cd and a ton of pacifiers so that when he dropped one on the floor we could hand him another. Coloring books and such would be nice to add for the older one.  Have fun! I bet you will get lots of great ideas!

Terri 

• if they have other kids: put in a new DVD that they don't have (instant intertainment)
• a CD (either music or book) for the car ride--- again entertainment for the kids
• a binki/pacifier string---- it has a clip for the babys shirt and it loops around the handle of the baby's pacifier
•  
• gas drops for baby Mylanta for the parent (we don't eat the best when we are busy with baby)
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• energy bar and vitamin water --- for mom (maybe beef jerky or Snickers for dad)
• disposable camera, because parents just don't remember to take pictures of the second child as much as the first (too busy)

Wow, I was just with my baby nephew and his 3 yr old bro!  Little packs of wipes, diapers, bibs, (books for the older one.  Games- He loves age appropiate flash cards.)  When the baby gets older diposable sippy cups, spoons, bowls.  Little snacks!  I could go on, and on!  LOL!  Teething toys and teething biscuits................

Oh, sisters, thanks for the ideas but most of you are giving me ideas for the babies and toddler.  That's the easy part.  I am looking for something cute to give to and to be used by the parents.  Adult things to help them through the busy days, nights, trips, etc. 

I really feel like the idea of an energy bar is fitting.  And, does anyone remember the commerical for Tylenol or a similar product that was given to the new mother while she was in the hospital?  I always laughed at that one.  It was almost as tho the writer of that commerical knew that a new mother of a boy would NEED the Tylenol so got her started on it before she ever left the hospital!  So, I'll add that to the box too.  Maybe paper plates so the little one can safely set the table and help with the dishes. lol

Please keep the ideas coming...nancy

How about Toothpicks to hold the new parents eyes open after they've been up all night???

Oh and clear eyes to get the red out! LOL!  An ax for the "splitting headache" from the baby with colic??

Just off the top of my head.  Hope you get more replies.  Neat topic.

Angie

How about a box of all occasion greeting cards - You know for those last minute occasions that pop up that you forgot to get a card for.

Maybe a couple of the mixes in a jar for a quick or easy meal

microwave popcorn (probably the only hot thing they might get in a day)

instead of baby wipes they need MOM and DAD wipes, (because they may not make it to the shower)

there is a product called "brush ups" they are little wipie things for when You can't get a chance to brush your teeth when you are out.

relaxation CD

bubble bath for the chance that mom might get one

a romance novel.

a coupon for a free night of babysitting

Amy, Marian, Angie, Terri and Purple Chef...Thank you sisters for such GREAT ideas!  This is something new to try at a Baby Shower, but with your help, I do believe it's going to be a great success and a popular thing for the parents to be. 

Now does anyone have an idea of what to place the items in???  I was thinking about a box with a "pretend" seal that is to be broken in case of an emergency. 

nancy

Ok, I just happened to look up on my computer shelf and saw a box....... its a box that we get coppy paper in from home depot (3 ream size) it has the kind of lid that lifts off, and can be put back on. You can put red contact paper on it and use big black magic marker to write "PARENT EMERGENCY KIT" "use supplies as needed in dire times".

How about a nose plug, a box of latex gloves and a can of air freshener for Dad for the really dirty diaper duties.

Marbles to replace the ones they'll lose

pen and journal - to record the amazing baby moments or thoughts.

**SeaWench**  CUTE!  Thanks, for the ideas.  nancy

I am thinking of one of those cadies shaped like a pacifier... for when the parent feels she is losing it! 

**Marcia**

I love it!  I bought it!  It's a done deal!  Did I say I love it?!  LOL

nancy