So your friend is expecting, or has a newborn. And you’d love to figure out a way to support them, but you’re really busy, or you’re not quite sure how.

We’ve got you covered! From the perspective of a mother who’s had three newborns, here are ways you can support the new parents in your life, with some very easy recommendations for the busy folks among us, and some more involved recommendations for when you have more time.

Check in

It’s as simple as sending a text. New parenthood can be incredibly isolating. Checking in on how the parent is doing and being open to a real conversation about the struggles can be a lifeline during this period of time.

Send food money

Food is always a help, but maybe you’re too busy to make and drop off a meal. Or maybe the family has food allergies and you’re uncomfortable cooking a safe meal around their restrictions. Sending money so they can do takeout—whether it’s a Door Dash gift card or simply Venmo-ing them—can be a quick, easy and helpful gift. Ann Arbor has tons of restaurants on Door Dash.

RELATED: Ann Arbor Family’s Maternity and Baby Guide 2026

Pick up takeout for them

Some restaurants don’t do delivery. Offer to order and drop off takeout for the family. Especially if they have food intolerances/allergies, this can be the best way to make sure they’re getting food that’s safe for their family, as many restaurants in Ann Arbor—such as Frita Batidos, Sava’s, Slurping Turtle, etc—are great with food allergies. I have food allergies in my family, so people offering to pick up takeout or sending money so I could order delivery was a lifesaver.

Drop off food

If you have the time to bake a meal, this can be such a kind gesture. Check with the family first on any food intolerances or allergies, so you are assured it’ll actually be a helpful gesture they can eat!

Household chores

Asking, “What do you need?” can be a challenging question for new parents who are already feeling overwhelmed. Just offer, “Can I come over sometime this week and wash dishes/ sweep your floors/ do a load of laundry?” Giving them specific suggestions helps remove the executive function burden.

Run an errand

Ask them if they’d like you to pick up a grocery store order or medicines from a pharmacy, or run some other errand. Leaving the house with a newborn is always a daunting task.

Here is what you should avoid

Don’t just drop by.

The fourth trimester period is sacred. Often families will want to preserve it to be just themselves, or just family members. Before stopping by, always text first, and always make it easy for the parents to say “no”.

Don’t come over if you have any cold symptoms

This should be a no-brainer! But many parents are rightfully extremely cautious about their newborn’s fragile immune system during this period. If you have even a suspicion of a cough, runny nose or fever, best play it safe than sorry.

Don’t offer to only hold the baby

Many parents will want a break from their baby at some point. But many parents want to spend this time with their baby, and would prefer help with household chores or food so they can spend more time with their baby. If you’re offering to come by and hold the baby, make sure you’re also offering a few other things too so the parents can pick what would be actually helpful to them: “Hey, I have a few hours today and would love to swing by and hold the baby while you nap, or do the dishes or laundry for you. Would either be helpful today?”

I know I preferred to spend time with my babies over doing the dishes, and I’ve heard from many parents of newborns who have felt the same way. But it varies per person, so just check in!

Are you an expecting parent or a parent with a newborn? If you have other suggestions you’d like to see included in future articles, we’d love to hear from you.