As a mother of three, with one on the way, I know that bringing a new baby home can be challenging – the sleepless nights, figuring out a schedule, and learning how to best bond with this new little person in your life. And even though new parents would often love a helping hand to lighten the load, we often hesitate to ask for it. I’m here to tell you that we shouldn’t! Here are five things you should not hesitate to ask for from family and friends:
1. Food
Getting back to the routine of planning, shopping, preparing, and cooking meals can be difficult when you have a newborn. One of the best ways of getting help is to have a plan set up for meals once the baby is here. Whether it’s asking family members to prep some easy-to-prepare meals, providing gift cards for local take-out restaurants, or even grocery shopping for you, a little bit of help in the meal department means less stress for you. Plus, since family and friends are always looking to help in meaningful ways, this is the perfect way to avoid unwanted or unneeded items and get exactly what you need.
2. Diapers and more diapers!
Everyone loves to get clothes for a new baby. But what usually happens is you end up with three of the same outfit or a handful of clothes you would never put on your baby. Instead, ask friends and family to help you stock up on what you really need—diapers and wipes! With Pampers’ new Diaper StashOpens a new window (an online diaper fund), you can sign up for an account, share your Stash page link with loved ones so they can contribute directly, and watch your virtual diaper stockpile grow. You can then use your funds to buy Pampers diapers and wipes from your preferred retailer as you need them. It’s easy, beneficial, and a win-win for everyone. And don’t feel awkward about asking your peeps to contribute to your Stash. It’s the one gift they can never go wrong with. My family and friends know their contribution allows me to order the diapers and the sizes I need – whenever I need them (babies grow so fast!). So don’t be afraid to share your Stash link or add it to your baby shower invite alongside your registry link.
Brittany Scanlan
3. Babysitting
Grandparents or siblings looking to lend a hand? Please let them. They will love spending time with their newest family member, and you will get some much-needed “me time.” You can use that time to shower, get your nails done, go on a mini shopping spree, take a walk, meet a friend for lunch, or find something to fill your cup. Once you become a parent, finding time for yourself can be hard. Just remember that when you take care of yourself and your mental health, you’re also caring for your baby.
4. Cleaning
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Let’s face it. In those early postpartum days and weeks, you’ll sometimes barely remember to clean your body, let alone your home. Instead of allowing your house to crumble at the seams, ask a relative or buddy if they wouldn’t mind sprucing up your place for you. Offer to pay them or tell them you’ll return the favor in the future. Asking for cleaning help is one way to give yourself more time to heal, bond with your baby, or do the things you really want to do. Trust me, it’ll be a game changer for your home and sanity.
Brittany Scanlan
5. Errands
Do you have clothes or items that need to be returned to the store? Or do you have a pile of laundry sitting in the hamper that needs to be washed? Or maybe you have older kids who need to be chauffeured to and from school activities or sporting events? Whatever it is, look to your tribe. Lean into them. They will help you.
Remember, many people WANT to lend you a hand but they just don’t know how to. Don’t be afraid to let them know exactly what you need. “It takes a village to raise a child,” and there is no sense in trying to do it all yourself.
Brittany Scanlan
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