In the past 3 months, we’ve welcomed a new nephew and 4 new babies of close friends with one more coming next month! We were so lucky to have wonderful support during the newborn phase so we always try to be thoughtful when a friend is in that special and crazy season. Next time you have a family member or friend welcoming home a fresh baby, here are some of the best ways to make new parents feel supported during the rollercoaster of newborn life!
Fresh and Easy Meals
There’s a reason why this is the go-to gesture and gift for new parents. When every day can feel like a blur, groceries, and meal plans aren’t always the priority. Casseroles in Morningside is a wonderful little shop that makes it all so easy for the gifter and the recipient. They prepare fresh, homemade meals in-house daily with a menu of mainstay classics like meatloaf and shrimp and grits and daily specials like chicken parm. Garnish and Gather is another great local option that delivers curated meal kits with all the ingredients for an at-home chef-inspired dinner.
And for friends that aren’t within an easy drop-off distance, UberEats and DoorDash gift cards will always go to good use!
Baby essentials
Another great option is to bring the newborn daily essentials that you can truly never have enough of- like diapers (we all forget those days when they can go through 8-12 a day), wipes, gas drops, distilled water for formula bottles, and Aquaphor.
If I know the mama well, I’ll also include some of my favorite postpartum and breastfeeding supplies like this amazing Frida mom kit or these Lansinoh Cooling Pads.
Remember the other littles
If siblings are also at home, it’s a huge time of transition for them as well. Try to make them feel extra special with a small gift like a puzzle, book, stickers, or a new Tonie.
You can also offer a playdate or fun adventure for big brother or big sister.
Follow their lead
Whether first-time or veteran parents, the newborn period is such a special but sensitive time, and everyone’s preferences are unique. Depending on the time of year, the baby’s circumstances, or just personal preferences, they may not be ready for visitors or they may not be up for a game of pass-the-baby. Follow their lead on visiting rules and preferences without judgment and expectations.
And a few don’ts to try to keep in mind:
- Don’t visit sick! And keep the runny-nose toddlers at home.
- Don’t overstay. Sometimes, a porch drop-off works best. If you’re staying for a visit, try to keep it to an hour to not disrupt the newborn schedule.
- Don’t drop off the boxes of baby clothes and toys you’ve been harboring in your closets (yes, we all have them). I love a hand-me-down and also love to pass on our favorites to the new babies in our lives. But rather than dumping everything we’ve outgrown in a new parent’s foyer, I’ll first start with a few newborn specifics only. In another few weeks, I’ll follow up later with photos and details to see if they’d be interested in anything else.
- Don’t be offended if they turn down a visit or take a while to get back to you. Sometimes, a thoughtful note or text is the perfect amount of support needed!
How do you help celebrate a new baby’s arrival? Did you receive any super memorable gesture or gift during your newborn phase that you plan to pass on to other new parents? Let us know in the comments!
