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First of all, don't let the fact that a baby is premature or in the NICU stop you from buying a gift, either for the baby or a gift for the mom of a NICU baby. No matter how perilous the situation is, the parents and baby will appreciate a gift and it could be the sliver of joyfulness they really badly need.

Before you buy a gift for the NICU baby, it would be helpful to find out whatever you can (discreetly) about the situation. If you have visited the baby, you will have a good sense. If you haven't, don't call the parents to ask but try to ask other family members (keeping in mind they, too, are having a hard time). That could give you a better sense of what to buy.

If the baby is about to come home, something for the homecoming might be better. If the baby will be in the NICU for an unknown amount of time, comfort items for inside the NICU would be better.

Zaky Infant Pillow for NICU Babies

Probably the most agonizing thing about the NICU, both for parents and the baby, is that it forces parents to be separated from the baby after birth. To leave a hospital after delivering your baby and not take your baby with you is just a horrible feeling. To then have to go back and forth (and leave your baby frequently) is also mortifying.

The Zaky Infant Pillow was originally designed specifically to soothe premature babies in the NICU, and to make moms and dads feel like they are leaving just the slightest piece of themselves behind. While NICU nurses spend a lot of time with babies (in fact, many are assigned one-on-one during shifts), they simply can't hold a NICU baby at all times. The Zaky Infant Pillow imitates a hand resting across the baby.

"Take Me Home" Preemie Baby Set

Although the name could bring a few tears to the parent's eyes, this adorable sage layette just for preemies is beautiful and provides a cozy outfit for the day they do some home.

The set comes with a Sleep Sack, hat, bodysuit and coverall. The Sleep Sack reduces SIDS risk, and provides a safe outfit for the preemie baby to sleep in when he or she goes home.

This outfit can also be worn by preemies while they are in the NICU. Although NICUs always provide clothing for preemie babies, it does give the parents a sense of connection and control to bring their own outfits to dress baby in.

Baby Story Book

NICU babies will, hopefully, later grow to be kids who will love hearing the unique story of their first fight at birth. Give the baby a chance to see their first story with this great book that can cover the NICU stay and the first days at home.

Even if the baby doesn't make it, which would be just horribly tragic and unthinkable, the parents will always cherish those brief memories with the baby. This book allows parents to paste in pictures and keepsake from baby's earliest days.

The 12-page book can be customized and personalized with included stickers, or the parents can use their own stamps and stickers specific to a NICU stay.

NICU Grad Bib

Let the sweet NICU baby show off his or her NICU pride with this NICU grad bib. It's an adorable and inexpensive way to honor baby's trials and tribulations right after birth while also providing something practical for the baby.

Personalized Baby Security Blanket

Although blankets are banned for newborns, with the exception of receiving blankets used to swaddle, NICU babies have the benefit of constant monitoring. That means niceties like stuffed animals and blankets usually banned can be left in a premature baby's isolette to provide comfort.

A beautiful blanket is a nice way to allow the parents to feel they have personalized the baby's space in the NICU. A fine baby blanket also makes a wonderful keepsake later.

It can be used by baby when he or she is older at home, or hung on the wall as a decoration. It could even become a lovie for the baby later. This beautiful personalized baby security blanket will be a gift great for the baby both now and later.