Having a newborn can be one of the most exhilarating and overwhelming experiences in a person’s life. Suddenly, your friend is responsible for another human being 24/7, and they may feel like they are doing everything wrong. Therefore, it is important to be there for them as they adjust to this new stage in their lives. In this blog post, we will discuss how you can help your friends adjust to life after their newborn arrives!
Bring A Gift:
If you do decide to visit your friends, make sure you bring a gift for the new baby. This doesn’t have to be anything big or expensive. A simple onesie or pair of socks will do. Or, you could even make them a homemade card or put together a basket of baby essentials like diapers and wipes. It can be tempting to go out and buy the cutest and most expensive baby clothes and toys when your friend has a newborn. There are many fun gifts for newborns, but it is also important to think about what your friend may need. For example, new parents are often sleep-deprived and stressed, so a thoughtful gift to help them relax or get some much-needed rest is always appreciated. A gift card to a restaurant or grocery store can also be helpful, as new parents may not have the time or energy to cook for themselves.
Listen:
Your friend may need someone to talk to about their experience. They may want to vent about how tired they are or feel like they are failing at this whole parenting thing. Just listen and be there for them. Don’t try to offer advice unless they ask for it. Sometimes, people need to know that someone is there for them and not alone in this.
Offer to Help Out:
One of the best ways to help your friends with a new baby is by offering to help out around the house or with childcare. This can be anything from taking the dog for a walk to watching the baby while they take a shower. Even just coming over to chat and keep them company for a little while can be a huge help. If you live far away, consider sending them a care package with some of their favorite things.
Be Understanding:
It is essential to understand your friend’s situation and not expect too much from them. They are probably exhausted and may not be able to do everything they used to do. So don’t be offended if they cancel plans or don’t return your calls as quickly as they used to. Just know that they are busy adjusting to this new phase in their lives, and cut them some slack.
Be Patient:
Your friend is going to be tired, emotional, and possibly irritable. They are dealing with many new emotions and hormones, and they may not be able to process everything as quickly as they could before. Give them time to adjust and be patient with them.
Don’t Show Up Uninvited:
As tempting as it may be to stop by your friend’s house to meet the new baby, it is essential to respect their space and not show up uninvited. New parents need time to bond with their babies and adjust to their new routines. So if you want to visit, make sure you ask first and give them the option to say no.
Don’t Judge:
Your friend is probably already feeling insecure and self-conscious about their parenting skills. Everybody learns and grows at their own pace, so try not to judge your friend if they are doing things differently than you would. Instead, offer them support and advice if they ask for it. They don’t need you to judge them or tell them what they are doing wrong. Just be supportive and understanding. If they want your advice, they will ask for it.
Encourage Them To Seek Help If Needed:
If your friend is struggling to adjust to life with a newborn, encourage them to seek help from a professional. This could be a therapist, counselor, or even a support group for new parents. There are many resources available to help new parents, and sometimes it is helpful to talk to somebody who understands what they are going through. Baby blues and postpartum depression can be debilitating conditions that make it hard to function, so encourage your friend to seek help if they are struggling. Offer to help them or take them to the doctor if they need it.
Help With The Siblings:
If your friend has other children, offer to help out with them. For example, taking the older children to the park or on a playdate can give the new parents some much-needed time with their newborn. Helping out with homework or bedtime can also be a big help. Just let your friend know that you are willing and able to help out however you can. A sibling can also feel left out when a new baby arrives, so spend some time talking to them and include them in the excitement. They will appreciate an aunt or uncle who takes the time to listen to them and make them feel important.
Offer Up Some Of Your Used Baby Items If You Have Any:
If you have any newborn items you don’t need anymore, offer them to your friend. This could be anything from clothes to gear to toys. They will probably be grateful for anything that you can give them. New parents often spend a lot of money on new baby items, so your used items can be a big help.
Cook Them A Meal:
One way to help out a new family is to cook them a meal. This can be as simple as taking over a casserole or homemade soup. Or, you could even offer to come over and cook dinner for them one night. They will probably be too tired to cook, and your home-cooked meal will be much appreciated. Just make sure you check with them first to see what they are in the mood for and if they have any dietary restrictions.
Don’t Stop Inviting Them Over:
Just because your friend has a new baby doesn’t mean you should stop inviting them over. On the contrary, they will probably appreciate the company, and it will give them a chance to get out of the house. Just be understanding if they can’t always make it or have to cancel at the last minute. New parents often feel isolated, so include them in your social plans as much as possible.
Keep Your Visit Short:
Don’t overstay your welcome even if your friend seems like they are enjoying your visit. New parents need time to rest, and an extended stay can be tiring. Plus, the baby will probably need to feed or sleep soon. So it’s better to keep your visits short and sweet, so everybody stays happy.
Just Be There For Them:
One of the best things you can do for your friend is to be there for them. Listen to them when they need to vent or talk about their worries and concerns. Offer Words of encouragement when they are feeling down. And celebrate with them when they have a good day. Just being present in their life will mean a lot to them and will help them through this adjustment period.
Final Thoughts:
Having a newborn is a big adjustment for any family. As a friend, you can help by offering to help out around the house, being understanding and patient, and not judging them if they are doing things differently than you would. Just be supportive and compassionate, and encourage them to seek help if they need it. Helping out with the older siblings can also be a big help. New parents will appreciate an understanding friend willing to help out and include them in social plans.