When my sister welcomed her first baby into the family early this year, I reached out to my Instagram community for some of the best ways to help her out. There were so many good ideas shared! And now that Drew and I have officially welcomed our first little one into the world, I wanted to put together this guide to share with you.
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I saw a post on Instagram the other day that was so true for me…
I couldn’t agree more. As a new mom, I didn’t really know what I needed or what would be the most helpful.
It’s not like someone can sleep FOR me, you know?
Not to mention I don’t often ask for help in general, even pre-baby. So once you have a baby and people ask you “How I can I help?” it can definitely become overwhelming.
So instead of asking the generic question, offer help in specific ways.
Lots of the ideas in this post came from the Fit Mitten Kitchen Instagram community.
Whether you’re expecting or someone you know is I hope you find this helpful!
Set Them Up With Snacks
- One handed food – anything that can be eaten one handed like energy balls, bars, smoothies, mini muffins and more.
- Healthy energizing packaged snack bars like Larabars, Perfect Bar, GoMacro Bars, etc.
- Prepped / pre-cut fruit and veggies for easy nutritious snacking.
I underestimated how many tasks I’d be doing with one hand, so anything that can be brought over that doesn’t need to be cut or prepared too much is super helpful in those early weeks.
Bring Breakfast
- breakfast burritos or make ahead breakfast sandwiches– easy to freeze
- pre-made smoothie packs
Having breakfast ready to go was our favorite. I’d wake up starving in the morning. In the first couple of weeks when Drew was still home, he’d just heat those up, bring one up to the bedroom for me along with some energy balls and I’d eat while nursing.
Make Easy Freezer Friendly Meals
- pre-cooked prepared meat
- lasagna
We’ve got a great guide with tons of freezer meals! Not having to think about what’s for dinner, or running to the grocery store those first few weeks is beyond helpful.
Freezing the portions out in 2-4 servings is awesome as well.
Gift Cards
Once the parents are ready to start cooking again, gifting a meal subscription service is an easy way to help provide dinner.
Even easier? Gift cards to favorite restaurants that offer delivery.
In-Person Help
- Watch baby if mom or dad needs a nap
- Do laundry, clean, do dishes
- Holding baby so mom can shower
- Take the pets for a walk or if able, give mom (or dad) a break to do so and get some fresh air.
We were lucky in that Drew’s schedule was pretty flexible in the first couple of weeks. However, that is not the case for all families. Our parental leave in the U.S. is infuriating and parents deserve much better.
So if your partner has little to no parental leave for work, coming over to help with the baby in those first few weeks can help mentally and physically.
Postpartum Gift Baskets
Creating a postpartum gift basket with self-care products is another great idea that came from the FMK community.
Think:
- Face cleansing wipes
- Chocolate
- Favorite snacks
- Tea
- Portable diffuser
- Insulated mug to keep coffee hot
- Large tumbler with straw for water
- Postpartum care products like sitz bath spray
And no gift is too small – parents need all the help they can get when welcoming a little one into their world and even dropping off a package of diapers and wipes or just a meal is a huge gesture.
Would you add anything to this list?
What were some of the things that helped you most?
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