“My friend just had a baby. What should I bring her?” This is a question that every really good friend wants to know the answer to, especially if they don’t have kids themselves. The answer, of course, is going to vary from person to person, but here are 7 things that will 100% be appreciated.
Food
If there is one thing that is for sure from new parent to new parent, it is that they are exhausted and hungry. If they didn’t have food prepped before baby was born or don’t have a meal train organized, then they probably haven’t eaten a substantial meal in days.
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So what should you bring them for food?
If you can cook, bring them an easy meal or two. Something that can be frozen is a perk, but the real key is to make sure that they don’t have to do any prep themselves.
While lasagna and soup are always good go-tos, I also like to recommend that it be something with a high fiber content. Having a baby is, well… let’s just say it makes things a bit challenging for a couple of weeks. Whatever you bring, make sure it includes a salad, veggie tray, or fresh cut fruit.
Here were five of my favorite high fiber foods for pregnancy and post-partum life.
Granola also has extra perks for breastfeeding mamas – helping increase that milk supply! Here’s my go-to recipe that’s chockfull of galactagogues.
Can’t cook or don’t have the time? Give them a gift card for their favorite takeout place, sub shop, or GrubHub/ Uber Eats/ Door Dash.
If they have a family? Pizza’s always a crowd-pleaser.
And quick grab snacks are great. A 3 a.m. granola bar may be one of the most appreciated things.
Gift cards for self-care
Mama may want self-care in theory, but an hour of self-care with a brand new baby comes at a very high cost. Baby’s first few weeks are fleeting! Self care may look different after having a baby than it did beforehand, so keep the massage and manicure gift certificates for another time.
A broad base certificate like Amazon may be best. Something as simple as a new book, a bathrobe, or a pair of slippers for all those late night feedings may be preferred.
Their favorite beverage
Pregnancy has a few caveats, and caffeine and alcohol are two of the biggest. Whether it’s a 4-pack of craft brew, a favorite flavored coffee, or fixings for hot toddies, be sure that they have the supplies to indulge when they’re ready.
Helping hands
I probably heard a million people tell me that it’s helpful for other people to come over and offer to hold the baby so that mama can take a nap/shower/breathe. But let me tell you, that is not the case with every mom. Not every new parent is comfortable handing off their baby in favor of sleep.
What can you do instead?
- Dishes (preferably by hand to include any bottles or pump parts)
- Clean the bathroom
- Change the sheets
- Fold laundry (there’s so much of it!!)
- Walk the dog
- Play with older kids
- Wash and chop fruits & veggies
All of these tasks are surely on their list. A great friend will offer to do them.
Groceries
Grocery pickup has become easier and easier in recent years. Offer to pick up and unload their groceries. If they haven’t bothered putting in the order yet, have them send you their list and do the shopping yourself.
A token for older siblings
If you show up with gifts for mama & baby, please show up with something for any other siblings, as well. Jealousy runs high when a new, screaming creature monopolizes almost all of mama’s time. Don’t let small gifts be the reason for additional jealousy.
Books, stickers, crayons, puzzles… these are simple, inexpensive items that can eliminate this hurdle.
Haakaa
If mama is breastfeeding, a Haakaa can be an absolute godsend for building a milk stash. In those early weeks, hooking up to an electric pump can be tedious and unappealing, but as someone who breastfed for five years, I can tell you that this is the best time to put demand on those milk makers! The Haakaa solves this problem and is easy to clean, too. Having two or three won’t hurt. It’s easy to misplace things when you’re trying to manage a brand new life!
Read about my eye-opening experience with a Haakaa here.
<iframe sandbox="allow-popups allow-scripts allow-modals allow-forms allow-same-origin" style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=funkycrunchym-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon®ion=US&placement=B07G4DZBS5&asins=B07G4DZBS5&linkId=ca286a0f960357b215234bc5a675da6b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>I hope that this list has given you some good ideas for your friend or family member! Remember, the best thing that you can do is just to be there for them when they need it (and to not be when they don’t!). If you’re a parent, what is the best post-partum gift you received? Or even juicier, share a horror story! Tell us about it in the comments below!
– Melissa, Funky Crunchy Mama
