Best way to help a new Mum & Dad

I always took loads of groceries with treats plus essentials, then did the ironing, took washing away etc Basically anything I saw that needed doing. Any help is appreciated and just letting them know if you can do anything at all, just to ask ?.... enjoy !

We stayed for weeks with DS & family when DGD arrived. (They live overseas.) We cooked, cleaned, shopped, did laundry, and cared for DGD (aged 2), taking her to local parks every day and having fun. Also a lot of holding/changing DGS - when asked to! (We saw him as his mum's perogative.) Being there as a support was our priority. I think we helped - and years latet we're still speaking!

When the second baby arrived for my son and his partner I went to visit one afternoon, at tea time I got my son to take me to get take away fish and chips all round, no clearing up and much appreciated.

I made my daughter a hamper of all the food she couldn't eat whilst pregnant ... soft cheeses, pate, wine etc + indulgent things like chocolate, strawberries, smoked salmon. She loved it

If your DD is breastfeeding, a tube of Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Cream will be really, really appreciated. I got some for my DD when she had DGC1, and she put in a special request when. DGC2 appeared last year

When my friend brought round dinner that could just be popped in the oven I nearly cried! In a happy way ?

Nappies!!! It’s never ending and they are not cheap!! Often overlooked gift wise - but so appreciated! x

Such great ideas here.....thanks so much everyone!

Amongst things I've given to the last 2 new mummies I know, my DIL & my god daughter, has been a five year 'Line a Day' diary. I have been surprised by their reactions as they have both been especially pleased with these.

I stayed the night in the babies room one night a week while they had a decent sleep . My DIL said that it kept her going for the other six nights ! I echo what others have said about meals , I know I would have loved someone to do that for me but in those days you just got on with it on your own unfortunately .

My best friend brought me a camembert. It was one of the best presents I have ever been given

Shopping, cooking, taking lunch/dinner with you when you visit, sticking the washing in the machine, hanging it up, washing up, mopping the kitchen floor, vacuuming, making cups of tea, fetching whatever from upstairs, basically anything a dd would be doing if she wasn't holding/feeding new baby and feeling sore because of stitches.

Of course I'm talking a dd here, rather than a DiL (though it may be equally all right) and only when you know for certain that whatever you do will be welcomed, and not seen as interfering/instrusive and likely to result in one of those I-hate-my-MiL posts on Mumsnet.

gummybear - pretty certain my DD is going to love your suggestion, thank you!

Absolutely agree with all the above suggestions. With the first baby I put them in the pram and took them for a good long walk leaving mum time to either take a long peaceful bath or a sleep. Luckily the movement of the pram soothed the baby as well.