I'm sure every pregnant woman has had it happen to them: a major holiday or personal celebration (Christmas, wedding anniversary, birthday, etc.) occurs during your pregnancy, and you receive a gift for the baby.I see the logic and thoughtfulness on the part of the givers, and I personally have no problem with it. I am the over-prepared sort, so getting gifts for my baby makes me feel like I have one less thing to purchase. Plus, this is my first baby, so I'm all about over-indulging.
But woe unto those soon-to-be fathers and expectant relatives who stray from the two rules of mama gift giving:
1. If the mama in question is down about her new round appearance, is disappointed with the rocky relationship with her partner, or tends to be of the, um, 'self-concerned' sort, DO NOT buy her baby gifts! 'Tis salt in the wound!
2. After the baby is born, unless the mama hints otherwise, don't continue to buy her gifts for the baby on occasions which are clearly not for baby (anniversaries and birthdays). I know mamas who feel frustrated at times that the baby seems to have hijacked their identities (all their personal time for hobbies, friends, and work), so buying them gifts for the baby just says, "You are the baby, and the baby is you." That, of course, isn't true, so be mindful of the gifts that come to mama once the baby makes his or her debut.
Note: When in doubt, buy baby and mom a gift, so no one gets left out.
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