Simple Ways to Help New Parents

When friends or family have just had a baby, it can be hard to know how to help – especially as going around to visit or drop something off might wake them or the baby, or interrupt them when they’re too stressed or tired to deal with visitors. Here are some simple ideas that may make the perfect offering for your loved one.

Food deliveries that can sit on the doorstep are ideal – make a laminated sign that they can stick on their door saying “baby and parents sleeping” so people know that it’s not a good time to knock or ring the doorbell. Ask that people put the food in an esky or send something that won’t go off if it’s sitting outside for a few hours (like dry pancake mix, dry pasta and a jar of good vegetable sauce, etc) while parents and baby are unavailable.

Cleaning services can be wonderful for new parents who just don’t have the time or energy to clean their house – they may not be comfortable with family or friends scrubbing their toilet, so getting a few people to chip in for a professional cleaner might be the best option. Have them come at a regular time every week or fortnight, so that the new parents are prepared for their arrival.

Similarly, a laundry service can be a wonderful thing – organising for them to just put their clothes somewhere that they can be picked up, and then dropped back off clean, dry and folded. A professional service may, again, be preferable here as they may not be comfortable with family or friends doing their laundry.

Many new mothers suffer various aches, pains and issues after the trauma of giving birth – from issues with bladder control to aching muscles. A voucher to come and see a natural therapies provider who can help them alleviate those symptoms can be a wonderful thing – they can book when they have time and feel up to it, and a little pampering and care for them during this transitional period can make a huge difference.