This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. This post is sponsored by Huggies. All opinions are mine alone. #DiaperNeed #Hugs4Huggies #Sweepstakes #CollectiveBias
The holidays are the busiest time of the year for most people but, new parents especially, may find themselves easily overwhelmed as they try to take care of a newborn while preparing for the holidays. Since I’ve been talking a lot here on the blog about ways to give back, I wanted to suggest some ideas that would specifically help new parents. From bringing a meal to gifting Huggies diapers they can use for months to come, all of these ideas will brighten a new parent’s day.
Make them a meal.
One of the most tedious things to do every day, in my opinion, is cook dinner. After a day full of diaper changes and feedings, the last thing a new parent wants to be doing is trying to figure out what’s for dinner and how to get it on the table. Dropping off a meal that you’ve made them is such a nice gesture that will be appreciated! (One extra tip- deliver the meal in a container that they can keep so they aren’t worrying about having to get the dish back to you.)
Have them over for some adult conversation.
Parenting can be lonely so one thing you can do is invite your new friend over for some adult conversation. My mom friends saved my sanity during my early parenting years. Bonus points for providing coffee- the essential drink of parents everywhere!
Offer to watch their baby while they take a shower or a nap.
Having a newborn is like being on call constantly. I remember when my children were young, I felt like as soon as I started to doze off, they would wake up. Watching the baby while mom or dad takes a long shower or a nap can rejuvenate her. Making time for parent’s health and happiness is important!
Show up and ask what you can help with.
Offers of help are nice but it’s the friends that show up without us having to ask that are the most cherished. Whether it’s folding laundry, washing the dishes, or running some errands, new parents probably have tons on their to-do lists they haven’t gotten around to doing yet. Helping with these tasks will give mom and dad more time to spend with baby and reduce her stress.
Gift them items they can use.
There are so many new things out there that make life with a newborn easier but I love sticking to gifts that I know will get used often- including essentials like diapers. I like to give a couple packs of diapers in different sizes and varieties to new parents. For the littlest ones, Huggies Snug & Dry are perfect because they feature four layers to absorb moisture quickly and offer up to 12 hours of protection. For older babies, there’s Huggies Little Movers that have a contoured shape and double grip strips that are designed for active babies.
Along with a soft blanket and diapers for the baby, I also love including a little something for mom or dad when I drop off a gift- whether it’s a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, a pretty smelling lotion or a mug celebrating their new title. (I can’t help it…. I’m a sucker for anything that has the word “mom” on it!)
When picking up Huggies diapers for the new mom or dad in your life you’ll want to go to Meijer because for every pack of Huggies purchased at Meijer through December 23rd, Huggies and Meijer will donate a day’s worth of diapers and Meijer will donate $1 to the National Diaper Bank Network. I love that these two companies are partnering together to give back and helping families thrive. This cause is important to me because when my boys were younger, we had very little money and there were times when I wasn’t sure how we were going to pay for our next pack of diapers or our weekly groceries. My family wasn’t alone in this need….currently one-in-three families (36%) in the U.S. struggle to provide enough diapers needed to keep their baby or toddler clean, dry, and healthy. As the founding sponsor of the National Diaper Bank Network since 2011, Huggies through its No Baby Unhugged program has provided ongoing support for the organization and has donated more than 200 million diapers and baby wipes, including critical donations during times of crisis, to those in diaper need.
You can also enter to win a year’s worth of diapers in the #Hugs4Huggies #sweepstakes! For four weeks, 2 winners will receive a year’s worth of diapers (in the form of $1,000 gift cards) and 2 winners (chosen by grand prize winners) will receive $500 gift cards. (Total 8 grand prize winners of $1000 gift cards and 8 secondary prize winners of $500 gift card.) Get more details on how to enter here.
What ideas do you have for helping new parents this holiday season? Leave a comment below or share your thoughts with me on social media!
GREAT tips! I have a baby shower next month and this is really helpful! I will totally use these to guide me in what I do and give. Thanks!
Whenever someone I know has a baby, I bring them meals. People did that for me and it was the BEST thing anyone could have done for me.
These are great ideas! The best thing you can do is just ask them what the need help with.
Whenever you ask What can I do? I find the answer is always nothing. I just bring over dinner that can be put in the freezer if need be.
I can’t imagine having a newborn during the holiday season. It’s already so stressful trying to get everything done.
These are some awesome ways to show mamas how much they mean this season. They work hard and giving them a small break or appreciation gift is so great.
I love taking in a meal to new moms and I always include disposable plates, flatware and cups. Not only is it something mom can appreciate but I also get to see the new baby!
I had my first baby a month before Christmas and I remember being so lonely when my husband went back to work. I was so grateful for my sister and sister in law for coming over to talk about anything. And yes, taking a shower without listening for a crying baby is an incredible experience!
These are wonderful ideas. Getting a helping hand when you’re a new parent is seriously the best.
These are great ways to help a new mom. Watching the baby while they take a nap is huge.
I love all of these ideas. I know I could have used some of these when I had my kids. Having someone watch your kids just so you can nap is so nice.
I miss tiny baby feet. I really would love to have another baby but sadly I cannot.
What a great post! I love these tips for helping new moms!
These are great gifts for any mom with little ones! I know a lot of women that would appreciate these! Love the coffee mug!
What a great idea! Being a new mom during the holidays can be a little overwhelming. I personally thing that giving them time for themselves is the best gift you can give them!
This is such an awesome post. Too many times new mamas are looked over- they need so much more support, especially around the holidays!
A year supply of diapers is a blessing! Great tips and a wonderful giveaway.
I love the idea of asking what they need help with. I hate when people assume what new moms need.
Staying organized is so important when you have a new baby. I love the way you’ve organized all the supplies needed within hands reach.
These are really awesome tips! Thanks for sharing! I could use these tips these holidays!
These are all great ideas. I would have loved to have someone bring me a homecooked meal after I had my daughters.
Having someone come and watch my baby while I showered or took a nap would have been awesome. I was a single mom and trying to find time to shower would be hard at times.