Welcoming a new baby into the family is one of the hardest things a mom will ever do. She’ll be physically, emotionally and mentally drained. While it’s true that everyone wants to see, hold and love on the new baby, it’s important to try to figure out the best, and most practical ways that you can help a new mama get her feet under her again.
Whether it’s her first baby or 12th, there is no getting around those first few tired weeks and months without the need for some extra help from those who love the family.
Here are some practical ways you can help a mom after the new baby is born.
One of the most helpful things you can do is bring meals to the family. A fun way to get several people involved in doing this is by hosting a freezer meal party. Take Them a Meal .com is a great site where you can create a meal schedule and invite others to help the family in this way too.
Our favorite meals to take to a new mom:
- Pizza Casserole
- Taco Soup
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Red Chili
- Fiesta Chicken
- Stuffed Shells
- And simple homemade granola for breakfasts/snacks
If the new baby has older siblings, another huge way you could help is by offering to take the older kids for the day. Older kids can get frustrated when the baby comes home because they aren’t going to do as many fun things as usual because mom is tired or they don’t want baby out with all the germs yet. Load all the “big kids” up and take them to the park or zoo for the afternoon to give mom a rest and time to bond quietly with baby.
If you can’t bring her kids out, you could help with them by dropping by with quiet activities like these easy busy bags for toddlers or these fun (free) Star Wars Coloring sheets for older kids. These are the perfect thing for her to easily pull out during the baby’s nap time while the older kids learn how to keep it quiet during that time of day.
Another huge way to help out is to do a household chore or two when you stop by. It can be something as simple as unloading or loading the dishwasher for her when you stop by to drop off a meal, or see the baby. You could also wipe down the counters or swap a load of laundry if you’re close enough friends that you know she wouldn’t be embarrassed by the help.
If you have a good camera and are great at snapping pictures, offer to take some in-home newborn shots of the baby! Photo sessions can be expensive and by the time the mother will feel up to going somewhere to have shots taken the baby’s appearance may have changed a lot, so this would be a wonderful gift for mom & baby.
A lot of people will tell you that the biggest way you can help a new mom is to stay away and not visit her. When I had my babies this could not have been farther from the truth! Since we couldn’t go out, I loved it when people dropped by to visit. Though I have a lot of friends who preferred the opposite. That’s why it’s important to communicate with your friend and see which she would prefer, don’t just assume one way or the other!
Lastly, drop by with essentials that she might not have already gotten from her baby shower. Here are some freebies you can order so you can go to her house bearing gifts!!!
Check out these adorable leg warmers! I love putting leg warmers on both of my babies. they go off an on so easily and make diaper changing much easier than dealing with dozens of snaps! You can get 5 pairs for free using the code BEAUTY1 at Baby Leggings.com
First off we have a FREE baby sling! After I had my 2nd baby my baby carrier went with me everywhere! Now you can get this little sling for free! Isn’t it cute? There are a variety of colors and patterns to choose from (though I really love this black & white one in the picture). Use my coupon code: BEAUTY1 This code does not expire, so you can share it with your friends and use it anytime you want!
Next up here’s a FREE Carseat cover! I honestly never used one of these, but I can see how it would be really handy, especially if you live somewhere with really cold winters! Again, there are plenty of color and pattern choices, so you can find one that matches your baby’s carseat! Use coupon code: BEAUTY1 This code does not expire, so you can share it with your friends and use it anytime you want!
Free Nursing Cover! We all know how much I hate nursing ;) but I still did it, and always used a cover when I was not at home. You can order a free cover by using my code below. (lots of color and pattern choices here too!) Use coupon code: BEAUTY1 This code does not expire, so you can share it with your friends and use it anytime you want!
Last, we have a Free nursing pillow. These are always nice to help prop up baby while nursing. My kids still sleep with the nursing pillows I used when they were babies. We used boppy brand because that’s what I got at my baby shower, but I would definitely order one of these if I didn’t already have mine! Use coupon code: BEAUTY1 This code does not expire, so you can share it with your friends and use it anytime you want!
These are some of the best ways you can help the mom of a newborn. Which was your favorite when you had a baby?
Suzanne says
I love this! I have a six month old, and I can tell you all the visitors were tiring. After awhile, I was so tired and had to ask for some alone time with my family. My favorite visits were from the people bringing us yummy food! A good read!