21 Suggestions For Helping a Mom After She Brings Home a New Baby

Once a friend or family member has a baby, do you have a “go to” routine for when to go visit the new little one? Some people love welcoming visitors to the hospital, while others prefer a set amount of quiet time to adjust at home before opening their doors to company. I know many people who insist on bringing a meal along to meet the new baby, while others prefer to love on the baby and mom in other ways.

I have lots of girlfriends that are expecting babies, so I’ve been giving a bit of thought on how to best love on these friends. Every mom is very different and prefers different things, and I think it’s important to honor their wishes and consider their personalities and your relationship before making a move. Becoming a new mom is a very tender time!

I recently asked a slew of friends and bloggers about what acts of kindness stood out to them the most after they had a baby, and if they had a routine for how and when they went to meet the new baby. Here are some of my favorite responses.

21 Ideas For Loving on and Helping a Mom Who Just Had a Baby

For the Mom

“I buy (the mom) a gift card to a spa for a pedicure and manicure and take her with me a month or two after the little is born so that she has some friendly companionship. The baby gets quality time with dad, and the mom gets to feel like her old self.” – Kim

“Honestly, I think I’d rather have someone bring me something comfy to wear, like a big sweater or something from Pink!” – Valerie

“If I visit in the hospital I always bring the mom a cupcake from a local bakery. After giving birth you deserve a cupcake!” – Kelly

“I have given my friends new mommy care packages with goodies just for mom.” – Shannon

“I got my sister a belly wrap! I knew she wouldn’t be offended.” – Kayla

“If she’s breastfeeding, a batch of lactation cookies!” – Laura

For the Family

“I really appreciated when friends brought something for my toddler when they came to visit the new baby. It made him feel special too!” – Lisa

“A small gift for the older sibling(s) is always appreciated as well – nothing crazy: a dollar bin toy, a coloring book, a special snack, etc.” – Lindsey

“I remember when people would offer to come take my toddler for the afternoon so that I could rest once my baby was sleeping. That was such a gift.” – Tonya

Food Options

“I always bring a meal – either a frozen one or a quiche. Something they can cook on their time. Unless I sign up for meal delivery I try to wait until things have settled down. This way the mother isn’t bombarded and the meals are spread out.” – Elizabeth

“On the night we brought our son home from the hospital, my sister stopped by just to bring us dinner and snacks for the next day. She didn’t ask to visit or even come in the house. Her understanding and honesty brought me to tears and was so appreciated.” – Kate

“Gift cards to quick places that dad can pick up on the way home from work are nice!” – Samantha

“One hot meal and one freezer meal”. – Emily

“Meals were awesome! Extra points if they were in disposable containers I didn’t have to wash and return!” – Rosa

The Gift of Time

“We brought our babies home almost immediately after they were born. Our friends and family waited for several days before asking if they could come over. Being able to stay in bed with the baby all day without having to worry about tidying up or getting dressed for guests was a wonderful gift!” – Megan

“When we had our third baby my husband was in the middle of a deployment and had 10 days home. The nicest thing we were given was space and time.” – Kim

Helping Out

“My mom is sending her housekeeper over to deep clean before I go into labor and then again after baby is here!” -Jennifer

“Depending on how well you know the person, it’s nice to pick something to do when you visit – fold a load of laundry, clean a bathroom, do the dishes, clean the playroom or kids room. Everybody wants to see the baby but it’s nice to remind the new momma that she doesn’t have to play hostess too!” – Sarah

“(Someone) mowed the yard!” – Amanda

“Walk the dog! My pup is our other child and I felt so guilty not being as active with him as he was used to.” -Faith

Other Ideas

“When I had my daughter, I was amazed at how many people sent us gifts in the mail. Even distant family friends and people I wasn’t in touch with were so excited for us.” – Heather

“When our first was born, our neighbors painted and hung a huge ‘It’s a boy! Welcome Home!’ banner above our garage in the front. It was such a sweet surprise!” – Lisa

Let’s chat!

What’s the nicest or most appreciated thing anyone has done for you after you had a baby? Do you have a “go to” method for loving on a mom with a new baby?

PS: 6 Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Bring a New Mom