Welcoming a new baby into the family is such a wonderful and special time for both friends and family, and most are itching to see the new addition. Having worked as a maternity nurse for many years, I have learnt the little things that visitors can do to make the first few weeks of a new parent’s life a little bit easier. Visiting parents with a new baby is a really nice way to show love and support, but
it’s also important to remember that this is a time when they are exhausted, adjusting, and focusing completely on their baby. It is also common to cancel visits, often last minute, during the early months due to the baby’s needs and how the parents might be feeling – try not to take this personally! I would recommend you don’t expect to be hosted in the way you may have been before—their energy is going into surviving sleepless nights. Instead of waiting to be offered tea or coffee, offer to make yourself (and them) a drink, and if you see something that needs doing, such as washing a few dishes, folding laundry, or tidying up – jump in and help.
Bringing food with you is one of the most practical and appreciated ways to support new parents. A ready-to-eat meal, snacks, or even freezer-friendly dishes such as the COOK range will save them time and energy, giving them one less thing to worry about while they focus on their new baby. It’s worth noting that COOK offer 10% off their meals if you are buying a gift for a new parent.
Plan your visit to be supportive and helpful. Be mindful that parents might want a rest, so keep visits short and don’t overstay your welcome. Before you leave, you could offer to run errands or offer help to care for any older children in the family.
Walking the family dog is usually something that is so appreciated!
Something you can bring that will be hugely appreciated is ….encouragement! The early weeks with a newborn can be overwhelming for parents, especially if it’s their first baby. It’s easy for parents to doubt themselves, so take every chance to point out what they’re doing well. For example, tell them how confident they are with the baby or how glowing they look. These kind words of reassurance will remind parents that they are doing a great job, boost their confidence, and help them feel supported.
It’s nice not to presume you’ll instantly be able to hold the baby. Baby might be sleeping peacefully, and parents often don’t like to disturb them, especially if they have just had a period of awake time.
When entering the house, wash your hands and unless invited to, don’t kiss the newborn to avoid the risk of any germs (which is every new parent’s worst nightmare!).
As a maternity nurse I never wore strong perfume as babies don’t like these strong scents but also because the scent will rub off onto baby and new parents want to be able to smell their new baby’s natural smell, not your perfume!
Try to keep your opinions and advice to yourself unless they are asked for. In the first few weeks, the parents will be bombarded with advice and direction from so many different people and places such as doctors, midwives, family members, friends, books, and even social media—and often those messages conflict with one another.
Adding your own opinion or advice to this can make parents feel judged, confused, or second-guess themselves when what they really need is calm and reassurance.
They will also be more sensitive at this time due to hormones and lack of sleep so instead try to focus on listening, offering encouragement, and supporting the choices they’ve made for their baby. Trust that they are finding their own rhythm and remember that your role as a visitor is to bring positivity, not pressure.
Here are some unique gift inspirations when welcoming a new baby into the world;
- Nanny Louenna App Subscription – Helps them track feedings, sleep and milestones and offers expert advice at their fingertips.
- Louenna’s book ‘Your Baby’s First Year’ – A day by day guide where they can enjoy small snippets of information daily.
- Cook Voucher – Ready-to-eat meals will save time and energy, giving them a break from cooking. Remember to use the 10% discount for new parents.
- The Wonderful Things You Will Be – Book – by Emily Martin
- Kokoso Gift Set – luxurious skin care for little ones
Enjoy those newborn snuggles, there really isn’t anything more wonderful than the
arrival of a new baby – and don’t forget to pass on how we at Louenna can help
parents on all the ups and downs of their parenting journey!
Written by Nanny Louenna
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