What to get a friend who just had a baby
The baby usually gets plenty of gifts. Food, practical help, and something just for the parents tend to be welcome — plus what to check first.
Food and practical help are usually the most welcome: a meal they can reheat, a grocery delivery, or an offer to take something off their hands. The baby tends to get plenty of gifts; the parents often get less attention.
If they have a registry, that’s the easiest way to give something they’ll use.
Help that’s often welcome
- Meals
- Ready-to-eat or freezer-friendly food. Ask about dietary needs, and if friends are organizing a meal schedule, join that rather than adding a fifth lasagna to the same week.
- Groceries or a delivery credit
- Saves a trip out, which can be hard with a newborn.
- Your time, offered specifically
- Walking the dog, a load of laundry, an hour with an older sibling. “Could I come by Tuesday and walk the dog?” is easier to say yes to than an open offer.
- Something just for them
- Good coffee, a comfortable robe, a show to enjoy in short stretches of downtime. A reminder that you’re thinking of them too.
Before you visit
Ask before stopping by, and keep visits short unless they invite you to stay. Offering to leave something at the door with no need to chat is often appreciated.
If you’re feeling unwell, wait until you’re better.
If you’d like to give something for the baby
Clothes a few sizes up are often more useful than newborn sizes, which babies outgrow quickly. Board books are another good choice.
Check the registry first, and steer clear of anything whose safety you can’t confirm, such as secondhand car seats or sleep products.
A month or two later
Offers of help pour in during the first week and get quieter after. A meal or a check-in a month or two on is often very welcome.