What can I do to help a friend with a new baby?

When a friend has a new baby, we know your first instinct is to jump in and help straight away, or just be there for them. 

But the newborn days (sometimes called the "fourth trimester") can be a very overwhelming time for new parents, and we need to tread gently into this precious stage of life for new parents.

So when you're asking: What can I do to help a friend with a new baby? Here are some of our favourite little ways to help new parents.

Drop off or send them a meal delivery

Food is love. This simple concept is behind everything we do at Angel Delivery. And in fact, did you know Angel Delivery began over 16 years ago as a new baby service, helping new parents with food, meals, cleaning and baby care? Our founder Rebecca was a paediatric nurse at the time, and saw new parents going home with balloons, flowers and onesies, when what they really needed was someone to make them a home-cooked meal.

Nowadays, Angel Delivery is New Zealand's original and most trusted care package and gift delivery service, sending thousands of gifts and flowers across New Zealand for many reasons, including new baby gifts, but also get well gifts, sympathy gifts, thank you gifts and birthday gifts.

So, needless to say, we think dropping off food or sending a meal delivery is the best way to help new parents! Cook up a batch of your favourite dinner - we find often simple comfort food is best, and if they have other young kids at home, perhaps consider something that isn't too flavoursome or spicy.

We also recommend packaging the meals into disposable trays if you can - less dishes to do afterwards, and also less admin for the parents having to remember which dish belongs to you and returning it.

If you can't be nearby to help, remember our New Parent Care Packages are a well-loved new baby gift delivery option in New Zealand.

Suggest they pop out for a quick coffee or walk

If you know the parent or parents well, it can be a nice idea to suggest they pop out for a walk nearby, or go for a quick coffee. These moments together or alone amidst the chaos can be so valuable, and provide a real re-charge for the new parents. Suggest they stay nearby in case you need anything, and keep their phone close so you can call. Chances are, the newborn baby will sleep the whole time they are out anyway, so this is a win-win for everyone. This is definitely one of our favourite ways to help new parents!

Help out by doing a load of dishes or laundry

If you do pop round for a visit, look out for little things around the house that you could help with. See dishes by the sink? Jump in and do them quickly. Does the washing machine beep that its finished its cycle? Pop the washing on the line.

We suggest you don't make a big fuss of this (and, if appropriate, don't even ask permission), just quietly get on and do a few things while mum or dad are feeding or resting. 

And most importantly, we recommend you don't comment on the mess, jobs, or state of the house. These things can slip a little (understandably!) when you have a new baby, and we don't want to make the parents feel self-conscious or bad about their housekeeping during this unusual and precious newborn time.

Don't expect or demand baby cuddles

If you do visit the new parents, we recommend you don't expect or ask for baby cuddles. Sometimes new parents are cautious about offering cuddles in case of illness, but also it is likely baby will be sleeping and you don't want to demand the new parents wake baby during precious sleep time for your own sake. Be polite and respectful, and don't get upset if you don't get a chance for a cuddle. There will be plenty of those down the line!

Drop off gifts quietly

One of the nicest things can be to find a surprise gift delivery on your doorstep, and this is true for new parents too! If you do drop off meals for new parents, or take them a little gift, we suggest doing so quietly and subtly. Often leaving it on the doorstep can be best, and then send them a quick message to alert them it is there. Don't knock loudly or ring the doorbell, as this might wake the baby during precious nap time. You can pop back another time for a cuddle, and the simple and quiet gesture of being there to help in a quiet and unexpected way will speak volumes of your love and care.

Best Ways to Help New Parents

There you go, there are some of our best ways to help new parents when they have a new baby. We hope this helps a little!