Most new parents are worried about getting things right. Human babies are very sensitive, have some of the most specific needs of any species, and can pick up all kinds of health issues before they’re even a year old. It’s no wonder new parents don’t want to make a mistake!
But as a friend of someone who’s a first time mother or father, what are you supposed to do to help out? You don’t want to head over every day, cluttering up the place and making it harder for them to do their job. How can you help out and make this precarious time in life easier? It’s all about being practical and understanding what a new parent needs.
Bring Over a Meal
This is the number one thing to do for a new parent. They’re not going to have time to cook with a brand new baby in the house, so do the cooking for them. Do some bulk cooking and take a few dishes or tupperware over to their place and stock up the fridge. This way, they only need to pull the lid or foil off and put the meal into the microwave.
Not only does this help them to eat healthily during a high stress time when their body needs it, but it can support postnatal healing as well. A difficult birth can do a number on both parents, even when only one of them really went through it. And if they’re breastfeeding, this’ll give their body plenty of resources to produce baby’s dinner.
Clean the House
Have you been over since they brought their newborn home? Then you’ve probably noticed that their house looks quite messy. Clothes everywhere, garbage overflowing, dishes stacked up in the sink. You can’t blame them for it, but you also know they shouldn’t be living in a state like this!
So, clean the house for them. Wash up, put the vacuum away, make sure there’s no garbage spilling out onto the floor. This takes one big errand off of their to-do list, meaning next time the baby decides to take a nap, they can get some rest as well.
Check Out Their Registry
Did your friend have an itemized birth registry sent out? Maybe they just put one together and haven't had a chance to ask anyone to use it yet? Either way, check it out and see what’s left on it. Beating that, you can always head out to invest in one of the best gifts for a newborn baby girl (or boy), if they have a preference.
Buying something both they and their baby can use will maximize the use they get out of the gift - a teething toy perhaps, or a set of easy wipe bibs for the messy feeding transition in a few months’ time!
Babysit
Heading over to your friend’s house, telling them you’re here to relieve them of their parental duties, and then taking the baby for at least 30 minutes is a great way to support someone battling the fatigue of caring for a newborn.
They might not want to hand the baby over, and that’s something to respect. But if you know they haven’t had a proper meal in a couple days, or they haven’t been able to wash for a good week now, give it a shot.
Even just taking the baby for 10 minutes will give them time to quickly eat the food you brought over earlier. 10 minutes is little sacrifice in the long run, and is such a short amount of time that your friend is also unlikely to feel guilt over it.
Keep Your Phone On
If you want to be there for someone, be there for them. This doesn’t have to be in person, but it does mean you can always be reached. Sure, you’re going to need moments to yourself from time to time, such as on a busy day at work, but try to keep your phone on at most times.
This will ensure your new parent friend can always shoot you a message when they’re stressed out, asking you to come over when you’ve got a chance. It also means you can communicate at the drop of a hat; let them know you’re always going to be available for venting or needing to shout, and that all they have to do is pick up the phone.
Go Shopping for Essentials
If they haven’t been able to go shopping recently, get out to the supermarket and pick up the essentials for them. This will save them a lot of time and energy, especially if they have a baby with colic and it’s hard to leave the house, even just to go out into the garden.
Grab a list from them first, to make sure you pick up the items they really need. You can sit down and simply suggest things if they don't have the mental energy to put together a list off the top of their head.
Failing that, just buy what you’d buy to ‘stock the house’. Plus, throw some baby essentials in too, such as diapers and wipes - new parents never want to run out of these two things!
Ask What They Really Need
A new parent is going to know what they need more than anyone else. So, if you’re wondering about the best way to help, just ask. Let them know you’re willing to do anything to help, and you’ll go as far as they need you to even just grab their favorite burger from a local shop!
If your friend has just had a baby, you can be useful to them in a variety of ways. Make their life easier by bringing over food, give them space to take care of themself, and make sure you can always be reached. Going the extra mile for a friend in a time of need will seal that bond forever!