03/04/2026
Share this with a new or expecting parent.
1. Drink Refill
Check your water bottle, is it empty?
Is it half full? What about any siblings’ water/juice/milk cups?
Ask for a refill.
Could you go for a coffee?
Ask for one of those too.
2. Light Cleaning and Household Tasks
Sometimes it feels weird to ask someone to clean, but if they are close enough with you to see your new baby, they are close enough to do some light cleaning.
Some specific ideas:
wipe down counters, vacuum, take out trash/cardboard, unload/load the dishwasher, get the mail, bring in/open a package, restock the diapers, etc.
3. Older Siblings
Becoming an older sibling is an adjustment, sometimes it’s nice to have visitors:
set up a game or toy for an older sibling,
take them outside to play,
help them get dressed,
pack/unpack their backpack,
help with homework, etc.
4. Food and Nutrition
make siblings a snack/lunch,
pack a sibling's lunch,
get you a snack,
bring take-out,
run to the store.
5. Baby Help
If you want to be the one holding the baby while your visitor is loading the dishwasher, 100% do that.
If you need a minute to yourself, see if they can hold the baby while you shower/nap, do a diaper change, do a feeding, burp the baby after feeding or hold the baby so you can play a game with an older sibling.
If you have a pet, you can ask a visitor to walk the dog, refill food or water bowls, clean up toys, give the pet a little extra attention.
Pro Tip For New Parents:
Write out a list so visitors can just look at it and you don’t have to even think about it.
Pro Tip For Visitors:
Be prepared to offer to do these specific things.
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Share with an expecting or new parent.
