What to buy a baby as a gift if you don't know their weight?
Want to buy a lovely gift for a new baby, but don't know how much they weigh? Don't worry. There are plenty of thoughtful gifts you can choose without knowing the baby's size.
This is especially true when buying for a premature baby. Babies born early can be much smaller than expected, and their clothing sizes can change quickly as they grow.
Perhaps you're buying for a friend, colleague or family member. You want to celebrate their baby's arrival, but you're not sure what size clothes to buy, or whether the baby is still in hospital.
The good news? You don't need to know a baby's weight to choose a beautiful and meaningful gift.
Here are our recommendations.
1. Baby blankets – a lovely gift that doesn't need a clothing size
A soft baby blanket is one of the easiest gifts to choose when you don't know a baby's weight.
Blankets are practical, beautiful and can be used for months or even years. They can also become treasured keepsakes.
For premature babies, smaller blankets can be particularly useful, although parents should follow their neonatal unit's guidance about what can be used in hospital.
Why blankets make a great gift:
- No clothing size to worry about.
- Useful as baby grows.
- Available in lovely colours and designs.
- Can become a special keepsake.
2. Muslin cloths and swaddles – practical gifts parents always need
Muslin cloths might not be the first thing you think of when buying a baby gift, but they're incredibly useful.
Parents use them for feeding, winding, wiping up little spills and countless other everyday jobs.
Larger muslin swaddles can also be used as lightweight covers and blankets when appropriate.
Why they're a good choice:
- No need to know the baby's weight.
- Useful for premature and full-term babies.
- Lightweight and easy to wash.
- A practical gift that parents can use every day.
If you're putting together your own gift, a pretty muslin makes a lovely addition.
3. Soft toys and comforters – something special to treasure
A soft toy or comforter is a lovely way to welcome a new baby into the world.
It might not be something the baby can use immediately, particularly if they're very premature or still in hospital, but it can be a special keepsake for the family.
For premature babies, octopus comforters are also a popular gift. Their distinctive tentacles make them particularly meaningful to many neonatal families.
Always check hospital guidance before placing toys or comforters near a premature baby. Soft toys and loose comforters should not be placed in a baby's sleep space.
Why they're a lovely gift:
- No sizing required.
- A lasting keepsake.
- Suitable for gifting to boys or girls.
- Can be enjoyed as baby grows.
4. Baby milestone cards – celebrate every little achievement
Milestone cards are a particularly thoughtful gift for a premature baby.
For families with a baby in NICU or SCBU, milestones can look a little different. The first cuddle, coming out of the incubator or reaching a new weight can all be enormous achievements.
Special premature baby milestone cards help parents capture and celebrate these precious moments.
They're a wonderful gift because they don't depend on the baby's weight or clothing size.
Why we love them:
- Thoughtful and personal.
- Help parents record special memories.
- Particularly meaningful for premature babies.
- Something families can treasure for years.
5. A baby gift voucher – let the parents choose the right size
If you'd really like to buy baby clothes but don't know the correct size, a gift voucher is an excellent alternative.
This is particularly useful for premature babies, whose clothing requirements can be quite specific.
A baby weighing 2lb will need very different clothes from one weighing 6lb. And if they're still in hospital, they might need specialist clothing that works around medical equipment.
A voucher means parents can choose exactly what they need, when they need it.
Why vouchers make sense:
- No risk of buying the wrong size.
- Parents can choose clothes suitable for their baby.
- They can wait until the baby grows.
- A practical gift that is genuinely useful.
SHOP LITTLE MOUSE GIFT VOUCHERS
6. A gift for the parents – don't forget Mum and Dad
Sometimes the most thoughtful gift isn't for the baby at all.
This can be especially true when a baby has arrived prematurely and the parents are spending long days in hospital.
A little treat for Mum or Dad can be a lovely reminder that someone is thinking of them too.
You might choose a small keepsake, a thoughtful card or something to help them feel cared for.
And don't underestimate the value of practical support, such as providing a meal or helping with everyday jobs.
What if you really want to buy baby clothes?
Baby clothes can be a wonderful gift, especially for a premature baby. But if you don't know the baby's weight, it's best not to guess.
Premature baby clothing is often sized by weight rather than age.
At Little Mouse, we stock specialist clothing for babies weighing as little as 1.5lb, right through to newborn sizes and beyond.
Choosing the right size matters, particularly for babies who are still in hospital.
If you're able to ask the parents, three things are useful to know:
- Baby's current weight: This helps you choose the most appropriate clothing size.
- Whether baby is still in hospital: Some babies need specialist NICU-friendly clothing.
- Whether the parents have a preference: They might prefer particular colours, styles or practical designs.
If you can't find out, we'd recommend choosing one of the gifts above instead.
You can also read our complete guide to buying gifts for a premature baby.
Can I send a baby gift directly to the parents?
Absolutely!
If you can't visit the family in person, sending a gift directly to their home is a lovely way to show you're thinking of them.
At Little Mouse, you can choose your gifts and add gift-wrap, a greetings card and a handwritten message.
We take great care to present your gift beautifully, and there won't be a receipt in the package.
How to add gift-wrap and a card
- Add your chosen gifts to your Bag.
- Visit your Bag to choose gift-wrap, a card and a handwritten message, if you wish.
SEE OUR GIFT-WRAP & CARD SERVICE
The most important thing? Don't be afraid to send a gift
If the baby has been born prematurely, you might be unsure whether it's the right time to send a present.
Perhaps the baby is still in hospital, or you're worried about choosing something inappropriate.
Our advice is simple: don't let uncertainty stop you from showing you care.
A baby's arrival deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, even when things haven't gone quite as expected.
You don't need to buy anything expensive or elaborate. A small gift, a thoughtful card or a few kind words can mean a great deal.
And if you're not sure what to write, something as simple as "Congratulations on your beautiful baby. We're thinking of you all and sending lots of love" is absolutely lovely.
Find the perfect baby gift at Little Mouse
Little Mouse is a family-run UK business, founded in 2017 by Gill, a neonatal nurse with over 13 years' experience caring for premature and newborn babies.
We specialise in tiny baby clothing and thoughtful gifts, helping friends and families celebrate every new arrival.
Whether you know the baby's weight or not, we're here to help you choose something special.
Explore our gifts, add a handwritten card and send a little love their way.