This column originally ran in 2020.

Dear Annie: During my pregnancy, I was gifted a bunch of bottles and other baby accessories. My daughter is now 12 weeks old, and we haven’t touched many of the items and don’t anticipate we will.

A friend is expecting her baby in a couple of months. Her pregnancy was recently moved to “very high risk” status. So far the baby is healthy, but from the sound of things, the future is a little uncertain.

We are having this friend and her husband over for dinner next week. I suggested offering all of the baby items to them to see if they want any. My husband isn’t sure what the etiquette is, given that their baby may or may not survive. I definitely don’t want a well-intended gesture to cause extra pain.

What is the appropriate approach here? Should we offer and give them the chance to decide for themselves? Or should we just donate the items elsewhere and leave it be? — To Donate or Not to Donate

To Donate or Not to Donate: If you’ve been storing these supplies for 12 weeks already, can you hang on to them for another few months? That way, once you have a clearer picture of the baby’s health, you can make an informed decision as to whether you want to offer them.

Best wishes to your friend and her baby.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

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