15 Ways To Help Out New Parents After Baby Arrives
The birth of a child is one of the biggest life events a person can experience. There is nothing quite like the experience of birth or the quick identity shift of becoming a parent. It can be incredibly magical while also being very challenging physical, mentally, and emotionally. Currently, at 4 months postpartum, this time is still fresh in my mind, so I wanted to write out a list of ways to help new parents in those early days after birth.
Perhaps you are looking for a way to help out a friend, family member or someone in your community. And if you are about to be, or have recently become a new parent, please send along a link to this post to give ideas to anyone in your circle that has asked how they can help.
Collin and I felt tremendously lucky to receive so much kindness from our community. That, along with our own personal experience and needs, gave me a lot of insight into this topic which I had never really thought too much about before.
Whether you are about to be a new parent, have recently entered the 4th trimester, or are trying to figure out how best to help a new parent, this list is for you. There are so many ways to help, no matter if you are near or far.
Ask them what they need. List some ideas and encourage them to be honest. A friend asked me this and at that point we really needed help with sleep. She sent the sweetest package of incredibly useful items- books on sleep, baby sleep sacks, nursing-friendly pajamas. New parents might need more of the correct size clothing for their newborn or something to help out with their diaper changing station.
Gift cards to local restaurants, cafes, or grocery stores you know they will use (don’t be afraid to ask what their go-to local restaurants are and even their favorite dishes at those restaurants).
Send a meal delivery service that does not require preparation, beyond reheating (we were SO grateful for this gift).
Give second hand and used items. Offer up some of your gently-used baby clothes, gear, nursing pillows, maternity clothes. We loved receiving second-hand clothing and toys.
Drop off food. We were so touched and beyond grateful for the food our neighbors and family made for us when we got home from the hospital. We felt very spoiled! And also had no idea how we would have eaten otherwise.
Deliver groceries or snacks. We also loved receiving care packages with fun treats!
Set up a meal train and invite their friends and family. I wish I had one! Luckily, I did have very helpful friends, family, and neighbors. I have contributed to a friend’s meal train and it was super easy. The family listed favorite restaurants, dietary restrictions, and their favorite dishes at the restaurants.
Cook or buy meals that they can freeze and eat later (think soups, casseroles, etc).
Send flowers.
Book a cleaning service or help out with housework.
Check their baby registry for items that have not been purchased yet.
Send mom nursing friendly tops or bras (ask first if she is nursing and then find out her size).
Offer to drive her somewhere if she is recovering from a c-section.
Send diapers (ask what size they want). They really do need more diapers!
Be there for them and be mindful of their emotional needs, whether it is to be a supportive presence with them in-person or to respect that they might not be up for socializing and hosting.
Call, text, ask how they are doing. Frequently. Don’t wait to hear from them first! Even if they can’t catch their breath to respond, they will be grateful to have heard from you.
And if you have gotten to the end of this list and still can’t decide, probably go with… FOOD! They definitely need to eat!
Thank you to all of our friends and family that gave us so much love and support when Vivienne arrived. We have always loved the idea of raising a child within a community, so thank you for being that!
❤︎ Emily
Comment below with your tips on how to help new parents!