How to Support Your Friend Who Had a Baby

If your BFF just had a baby, you might feel this change just as much as her. While you can forget about nights out or Sunday brunches for a while, you can still keep your friend and be an important part of each other’s lives. So, how can you be there for her and offer support? Here are a few tips you should keep in mind. 

Respect their space

You might be super excited to meet the new member of your squad, but make sure to be patient. New parents need at least 4 weeks with the baby to recover from birth and settle down. It’s okay that you can’t see them just yet, and please be sure not to stop by unannounced—even if you mean well, this can be very stressful for your friends. Stay put a few weeks, but feel free to send a few texts and some fresh flowers to show that you’re thinking about your friend. 

Bring a gift

While a gift for the baby is not a must, any etiquette coach will tell you that you should consider getting something small and thoughtful as a present. If you choose well, your gift will not only be polite but much appreciated. For instance, babies always need some cute baby socks, so check some reviews and stock up on the best ones. When changing time comes, your BFF will be so grateful for your present! Or, you can concentrate on the mom and put together a little goodie bag with lotions, body wash, stretchmark creams and chapstick. If you’re a good cook, some homemade food is always a great idea for exhausted parents. 

Don’t neglect the siblings

Having a new member of the family is not only hard for the parents but for the siblings, too. So, when buying a gift for the baby, make sure to grab something for the overwhelmed siblings as well. This will make them feel included and loved during this transition period. If you choose to skip the gift, sit with older kids a little, enquire about their day, ask to see their toys and games and just shower them with some love and attention. 

Offer to hold the baby

Sometimes, new moms just need a second pair of hands to help out with the baby. While they can’t just grow extra limbs, they can use yours, so offer to hold the baby while they do something around the house. A shower, some cleaning or even a quick nap will be a rare treat for the new mom. While you’re there, they can do a few things without worrying about the baby’s safety—it’s a nice mental break. Just make sure to ask whether they are comfortable with this move—not everyone is. 

Offer practical help

Make sure your friend is comfortable to ask for your help. Even if they don’t explicitly ask for a hand, you can offer to cook something, run to the store, pick up older siblings from school or practice or even mow their lawn. It’s one less thing on their chore list they’ll be happy to tick off. 

Don’t overstay your welcome

Be a good friend and respect this tip—don’t be a lingerer! New parents are at the end of their nerves, mom’s hormones are raging and the kids are fussing, so they definitely don’t need you to overstay your welcome. It’s best to stop by, offer some help, share some love (and some homemade food) and get out of there. 

Just know that you’ll be able to have a girls’ night in the future, but until then, stay an awesome friend, offer your support and help and watch as your bestie raises her gorgeous family.