We understand that when the babies arrive a strong network of support is needed and many hands make light work, so here are a few ideas and tips to help parents with newborns, share with your friends and families before your littles come so they too can be prepared.
Feed the family
Finding time to eat, let alone preparing meals, while caring for newborns, is a challenge.
Here are a few ways others can help;
- Buy groceries for the family and stock up their fridge with easy-to-prepare items.
- Cook meals at your own home that are easy to freeze and pop in the oven.
- Keep mama stocked with nutrient dense, easy to grab foods. Nuts, pre-cut apple slices and carrot sticks, granola bars, and homemade lactation cookies can keep mama eating when the babies are keeping her busy.
As an expectant mum, instead of gifts at your baby shower, consider asking your guests to bring a meal that can be frozen for when the babies arrive – a quick way to fill your freezer!
Clean the house
Taking care of two newborns is very taxing. Taking care of two newborns while keeping up with the home can also be a challenge, some simple ways that others can make help;
- Do the dishes
- Sterilise bottle/pump parts
- Do their laundry
- Tidy up common living spaces
- Clean the bathrooms
- Ask the new parents what area needs attention that would help make the biggest impact…..some many opportunities to provide assistance
Take care of older children
Take the older kids out for a day of fun! If you have the space, have the kids over for a sleepover at your house. Even a couple hours just playing board games at home will give the older children the extra attention they really need at this time. And make sure that when you come to visit the babies that you greet the older children FIRST. This will make a world of difference!
Hold the babies and help care for the newborns
Even a short visit will have a massive impact for parents with newborns it may allow Mum a break long enough to; take a shower or a much-needed nap, eat a meal uninterrupted or help feed or burp a baby and give Mum and Dad a time out.
Just be there
Offer an ear. Be a visitor that requires no hosting. Provide some much-needed adult interaction, give Mum and Dad the chance to talk and to ensure they are doing okay. Show up with coffee, chocolates or a magazine. Mama will eventually heal from the delivery and balance life with twins, but for now be there.
Be generous with your encouragement to the new parents, especially if these are their first children. We all need to hear the following statements on a regular basis: “You are really doing a great job.†and “It will get better!â€
But do remember that giving baby advice can be a delicate matter. Be careful not to force your opinions on the parents unless you think the children are really in danger.
Also, keep in mind that some parents want to be alone with their newborn twins for a while after they come home — anywhere from a few days to a few months. If they ask you to keep your distance, please don’t be offended. They simply want to bond with their babies and start getting them on a schedule. Please respect their request for no visitors so they can do what they feel they need to do. There will be plenty of time in the coming weeks and months to cuddle with those little ones!