9 Easy Ways to Support New or Expecting Parents

This was originally published in Maria West’s newsletter, The Cluster Feed.

Image Credit: Gigin Krishnan | @giginkrishnan

We’ve all been there. Some of us have been on both sides, the receiving and giving support sides. And if there is one thing we can all agree on is that sometimes we spend too much time thinking about how we can support new or expecting parents that we often forget to just listen or ask.

That’s right. Listen and ask.

It’s so simple! We stress trying to find the right way to support parents for no reason because they are spelling it out to us most of the time.

For example, because this is a popular one, new parents spend their precious time curating the perfect registry based on their needs and wants (IYKYK!), so make it simple and stick to the registry (see #7 below). If the items listed on the registry are out of your budget, you can always gift diapers, wipes, and gift cards! Those three are always welcome.

If you are looking for additional ways to support new or expecting parents, keep scrolling! Maria (mom of two and member of the Working Momkind community) has compiled a list of 9 easy ways to support new or expecting parents.

1. Food

Cook a meal. Send a meal delivery gift card. Pick up groceries. Anything food = top-tier love and support.

My neighborhood set up a meal train for us after my second son was born, and it has been such a blessing for our family. Even four months later, I still use gift cards when we’re in a dinner pinch.

2. Listen

Be available. Don’t chime in with a “haven’t you people ever heard of…” — parents get enough judgment and unsolicited advice. Pregnancy, birth, and parenting are all difficult and personal. Offering to be a safe space can be lifesaving for a first-time parent.

really good q. I think I would have tried to just listen more, and ask more questions. No one, including those pregnant know the answers to everything but just simple check ins would have been the least I could do. also treats, hang outs, help with food and nesting.

— olivia (@LivDoty) June 7, 2022

3. Do something practical

Help set up the nursery. Pick up a Target order. Organize the onesies into drawers. Even if you hate babies and kids, you can probably follow an IKEA manual for an afternoon.

4. Food

More food. Keep it coming. Don’t stop.

5. Let the parents lead

Don’t announce things before the parents get to (like these horror in-law stories). This means even if the baby was born 15 days ago and is named after you, you LEAVE THAT GROUP CHAT ALONE.

6. Don’t post the baby’s info without permission

Names, photos of the child, or birthdays are all personal information that parents may not be willing to share online or before a certain milestone. Always ask before you post (this rule should apply to sharing photos of any children).

7. Go with the registry every time

The registry exists for a reason! The parents actually want the stuff on there. If you aren’t able to grab a registry gift or need something in a pinch, opt for something functional (e.g., diapers and wipes). And I beg you, don’t get any of these:

Toddler clothes have the most random sayings.... “daddy’s little chapstick” and “memaw’s favorite hotdog vendor” like I just need a plain blue shirt tyvm

— Maria West (@mariabestwest) February 9, 2021

8. Ask specifically how you can help

Do you know the sound of music to parents’ ears? It sounds a little something like this: “Hey, I have some free time on Thursday evening and would love to knock out an errand for you. What can I help with?” Don’t say, “Let me know how I can help!” because the very busy parents certainly will not let you know. Instead, have a specific intention on how you can help while providing flexibility in the execution.

9. Did I mention food?

via GIPHY