Being a new mom will come with a lot of challenges. For those that are new to being a mom, you will have to learn everything as time goes. You might know someone who has just given birth and you’re looking for gift ideas or what you can do to make their life better. There are some things you can do and we’re going to highlight some of them.
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Drop off Food
A new parent will not have the energy to think of what they’ll be having for dinner. That is why is usually recommended that you prepare food for them. Ideally, you should prepare something that can be thrown into the freezer to be consumed at a later date. There is no harm in asking them what they’d like to eat before preparing the meals.
Setting up a Meal Train
This is one of the best things that you could do to a new parent. This will ensure that the mom and the whole family are being fed during the first few months which can be hectic. For someone that is a leader of the food train, you can always provide different meal plans.
Bring Diapers
There are never enough diapers for a newborn. It is one of those gestures that will be appreciated, no matter the situation. Make sure you’re asking the size so that you don’t end up buying something that won’t be used. Don’t forget the wipes when shopping for diapers.
Clean Something
There is always something you can do even if you’re tight with money. You can offer to do the house chores just to make her life a little bit easier. As much as she’ll say no, do it anyway because it will be one problem of her back. If you really want to make a difference, you can pay for housekeeping services every once in a while.
Watch the Kids
A new mom could be dying to take a nap but can’t do so because she has to watch other kids. You can volunteer to watch her kids so that she gets the much-needed rest. Even if you’ll be watching her older kids, at least she will be guaranteed of having some bonding time with the newborn.
Help with the To-do List
There is a high likelihood that she will have things that need to be done almost on a daily basis. As a close friend, you might want to know the areas that you might be of assistance with the to-do list. She might not want you to help out but you’ll have to insist since she needs help with the newborn. You can decide to run errands on her behalf so that her main focus is on the baby.
Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands before you decide to hold the baby. This is particularly true for newborns who could be susceptible to all manner of ailments. You get extra points when you wash the hands when the parent doesn’t have to ask. It is also recommended that you don’t immediately ask to hold the baby when the new mom is just from the hospital. There are some mothers that will be excited to have someone else hold the baby for a change. Make sure to gauge the mood before you ask to hold the baby.
Thoughtful Gifts
It could be the first time and you know some of the challenges that she is likely to go through. She might be having problems with breastfeeding. In such a case, there is no harm in looking for the best hospital grade breast pump as a gift. Such thoughtful gifts are always appreciated.
Take Some Photos
For a new mom, there will be a lot of things running through her mind and the last thing she’d want to do is to take photos. Since you’re not as occupied, you can volunteer to take some pictures so as to create memories.
Offer Help During the Night
This will only be applicable if you’re a family member or a close friend. It can take some time before a new mom adjusts to waking in the middle of the night when the baby is crying. You can bring the baby to her and put her back when she’s fed. This is one of those things that the new mom will never forget and will forever be grateful for. It is the little things that matter at the end of the day.