Question

My SIL recently had her first child ❤️. Everyone is healthy but we’ve not been able to visit because of the covid situation. They have not had any visitors so far and I can tell it’s getting to her because it’s hard to share in the joy of a new baby without being able to physically see and get the in person support of friends and family. Can you all give me some creative ideas of something me or my kids (or both! ) can send or do for them? I’m at a loss. Also she’s an hour and a half away

Answer 1

Making a nice meal and dropping it off or dropping off coffee and treats would be a nice gesture. I always loved when people brought food when I had babies.  

Answer 2

Maybe go visit one day this week when it’s nice and you could all be outside? Bring a picnic, let her just vent/talk about how things are going so far?  

Answer 3

Window visits too see the baby? Sitting outside on a nice day super social distanced? Gift basket of the things you loved, needed, or wished you had right after a baby? Cards/letters?  

Answer 4

Window visit?  

Answer 5

Yes! Food! A basket of late night nibbles when nursing. Visit through the glass front door for 10 mins and see how she is and see baby.  

Answer 6

Order a keepsake gift from Color Me Mine. The new parents can do footprints or handprints on tray or coffee mug. They have tons of cute stuff. You can order on their website. naperville. colormemine. com

Answer 7

I ask if she needs you to do curbside pick up of anything to help out.  

Answer 8

Zoom celebration

Answer 9

I feel bad for anyone giving birth during this. It’s complicated and isolating. Just go for a window visit. She also should be seeking mental health advice and treatment if she is showing signs of PPD. 90 mins is not that far away.  

Answer 10

Set up a meal delivery service for her! Not having to cook is such a help.  

Answer 11

Outside visit on a nice day. She can “share” the baby and talk while not allowing others to hold the baby

Comments

And offer to bring a meal or pick something up. I’m due at the end of the summer. I plan to have face to face visits. If still needed we will sit outside in the shade and chat, let people see the baby, but probably not hold her

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People need social interaction and we can still do that in person while respecting personal space

Answer 12

I’m due in October and already stressing about this exact situation. It’s already really getting to me.  I would say bring her a meal or her favorite take out. Go on a nice day where you could eat together outside but apart so you could see the mom and the baby. I think that’s the closest thing to being able to visit right now. My heart goes out to her!  

Answer 13

My friend organized a drive by parade for her daughter one week after the baby was born. We are doing a drive by parade and virtual shower for my daughter who is due in September. I plan to make it as special as possible given the situation

Answer 14

Do a drive by. pick a nice day. decorate the car with balloons and write a message on a poster board! She can pop out with baby and wave from a distance! You can always drop off a small gift too! During these times it’s hard. but you can still celebrate! Streamers and window paint all sold at the dollar store too. your children would love picking out decorations! Plus it gets you all out of the house. Even at an hour and a half drive, it would definitely be worth it. people having their first babies during this I feel for. I work at a baby store and it’s so depressing to see joy lost in a moms face bc we can’t offer the same services. Make her feel Special and show tour support!  

Answer 15

If you are doing a drive by don't make it a surprise and show up honking when baby is sleeping or mom needs rest. ;) I vote food. Healthy, yummy, colorful food options. Those that reheat easy.  

Answer 16

Dinner delivered from a young restaurant, and then Individually wrapped snacks that are easy to grab when she’s up in the middle of the night.  

Answer 17

A friend had a baby a couple weeks ago. She had family come over and see the baby through their front window and visit that way. Would that be an option?  

Answer 18

You are so lucky to be an hour and 20 away. If you have littles, pack food and a car potty and go visit! My sister had her first at the end of March and she’s in Connecticut.  

Answer 19

This is hard because of the distance. If at all possible, go yourself, on a warmer day, and visit from 6 feet apart. It will do both of you a world of good. Warmer temperatures predicted for next week.  

Answer 20

If she likes brownies, try ordering from FairyTale Brownies, online. Each brownie is individually wrapped, so she can wipe down all packaging.  

Comments

@abutting these are so good!  

Answer 21

Have the kids help you make a when you were born list. For example: the number one song on the charts, the winner of the super bowl, the Oscar winning movie, a special postage stamp and a quarter minted this year. You could make a little scrap book telling the new baby all about the world he came to and not make it exclusively about COVID. Congrats on welcoming a new family member!  

Answer 22

How thoughtful of you! I have a newborn as well and my favorite thing is getting a package or card in the mail. Even if you're only an hour and a half away, maybe send her a card with a Grubhub gift card or arrange a Doordash or Uber Eats food delivery (even Cinnabon is on there, it could be something simple and not a whole meal). Really it's the thought that counts!