I have a very young friend whose baby is about to be born with multiple congenital defects. Babies born with these problems (Trisomy 13, I believe) usually die very shortly after birth. Her baby is expected to live only an hour or two. Someone has made her a quilt already, which she is so thrilled about. I've been asked to make some other kind of gift as a keepsake for her, but I'm lost as to what to do. I have very little time in which to make it, so an embroidery project is out (it would have to be done by hand, and I'm rusty). Does anyone have any ideas for me? Thanks in advance. I can't imagine what this young woman must be suffering and has yet to go through.

A little outfit - clothing.

Can you make a tiny bonnet or little gown that the baby can wear while she holds him or her and has some photos taken? Then she can either keep the little item or sadly have the baby buried with it and then she'll have a photo of the baby wearing it.

So heartbreaking. I will pray for her, her little one and the family.

I don't have any ideas for you but my heart goes out to the mother.

Go buy a pre made wood box at Hobby Lobby and paint and line the inside with fabric so that they can put the hospital bracelets, lock of hair, etc. inside.

Oh...so sad. I think this is a beautiful idea too. God bless that tiny one :(

I think a nice bonnet or dress would be a lovely item to make for her.

I like the keepsake box idea. Also, you could give her the handprint/footprint kit that is sold at Hobby Lobby. She will want these things later.

It's not something that you can give ahead of time, but once the baby passes, can you help with the funeral and headstone expenses? We had a family who lost their child at 3 days (was a miracle she survived the birth - about 50% of babies with her defect are miscarried, of the others very few are born alive and usually die within hours). It took them months before they had the money to pay for a headstone for their daughter. I know it troubled them that she didn't have a proper headstone for so long.

How about going to a pottery painting place and making a special frame to hold a picture of the baby? I think the keepsake box and handprint/footprint kit are great ideas, too, along with the special little gown.

She may already know this, but there are volunteer photographers who will be on call to come to the hospital and take pictures in situations like this, when the babies are expected to be stillborn or to not live very long. That may be something she would appreciate later.