Having a baby is a huge, life-changing event that can be difficult settling into in the early days- even for the most prepared of parents. As a friend or family member of someone who is expecting or has recently had a baby, there are a few things you can do to help them out and make their lives a little easier.
How to make life easier for new parents
Throw a Baby Shower
Moms-to-be will often be reluctant to host their own baby shower as they don’t want it to appear like they’re asking for gifts. So it’s more traditional for a friend or family member to host it for them. Before their baby has arrived you could throw a shower for them which is a fantastic way to get everyone together, and a nice way to treat your loved one. You could browse baby shower gift ideas, or ask the expectant mom to put together a gift list. All of these items will massively help when the new bundle of joy comes along. Plus it gives her the chance to relax and unwind with friends one last time before life suddenly gets very busy with a newborn!
Help With Chores
This could be helping out around the house, or picking up groceries or other items for them. In the early days, the new parents are going to be focused on sleeping and looking after the baby, so anything that keeps the home running more smoothly is sure to be appreciated If you’re very close to the new parents, you could even watch the baby for a few hours while they sleep or get showers.
Bring Them Food
When the new baby has arrived, bringing food to the parents is a gesture that’s sure to go down well. Postpartum mothers need to eat well to recover from childbirth, and both parents need to keep their energy levels high to deal with this new and demanding situation. A healthy, delicious home cooked meal is likely to be a god-send and really help them out. You could bring a one pot dish that just needs putting in the oven, or divide up some portions into Tupperware containers that can be heated in the microwave as needed.
Provide Moral Support
Parenting is a very individual thing; people have very different parenting styles and so trying to ‘teach’ or push knowledge on new moms and dads isn’t useful unless they have clearly asked for it. However, just being available for moral support can be really helpful. Let new parents know you’re always available at the end of the phone or to visit if needed. Provide comfort and be there without being preachy or judgmental. A new baby is a big change, having a friendly face and a shoulder to cry on when needed can be exactly what new parents need.
Do you have any friends or family who are expecting, or have recently had a baby? What things do you do to help them out or make their lives a little easier?
Awww, I love this. My daughter recently had her third baby and even though she did really well physically, I still spent two weeks at her home helping her out and allowing her to rest. By the time I left, she felt ready to conquer her new life. I think it is so important to give new moms a chance to get their bearings. It’s tough to go through labor and then endure sleep deprivation. If we can help them regain their strength, then they are ready to go!
It SO is. I keep warning my daughter for her future children lol. It’s so hard to miss sleep! Especially for new moms!