How to Build Your Parenting Village: Support for the Newborn Stage and Beyond

From choosing your support system to stocking up on baby gear, here’s how to set yourself up for success as a new parent

We’ve all heard that it takes ‘a village’ to raise a child: the people and tools that offer us both physical and emotional support. As parents ourselves here at UPPAbaby, we know just how invaluable that village really is. So we’ve gathered advice from our own early experiences in parenthood to help you confidently navigate building, maintaining, and making the most of your own!

Your People: Building a Support System for New Parents

Set the Stage
Good communication is important in every relationship and circumstance in life–but it’s truly invaluable for you and the people in your village when you’re bringing a little one into the world. Set boundaries ahead of time around when you do and do not want visitors. Whether you prefer a full house or want more time alone with your new baby, this is your journey.

Choose Roles
With your partner or spouse, discuss the roles each person will play; who will be in charge of feeding versus changing diapers, or how will you trade off those responsibilities? Consider which family or friends are most reliable–who can you call in a bind?

Network Locally
While a strong support system is invaluable, we know loved ones often live far away. If your villagers are only available over FaceTime, you’re not alone–and with a little networking, you can be in great company! Explore local Mom and Dad groups in your area to help find your village.

Your Gear: Newborn Essentials to Help You Thrive

Start With the Basics
It’s a safe bet to invest in the essentials before baby arrives: a place for them to sleep, a car seat, plenty of diapers, a safe, hands-free spot (hello Mamaroo) where you can keep them close while doing other tasks, and a from-birth compatible stroller for your first walks together. The rest can wait until your little one arrives and you get a better sense of their preferences!

Create Convenience Stations
When your baby first gets here, you’ll be in a cycle of feeding and changing them. Make it easier on yourself with designated spaces in frequented locations in your home (like your living area, bedroom, kitchen, etc.) stocked with all the supplies you need for these tasks.

Prep Freezer Meals
Having comforting meals ready to just pop in the oven when you have a million other things to balance is an indescribable blessing. Invite some members of your village over a few weeks before your baby arrives to help you batch cook a bunch of meals!

Your Support System: How to Ask for (and Accept) Help as a New Parent

If there’s a friend who knows your go-to coffee order, ask them if they could pick it up for you on a hard day. Your relative who particularly loves baby snuggles? See if they’ll come get their fill and watch your little one while you shower and take a little time for yourself.

Remember, whether your village is big or small, close by or online, related by blood or bonded by friendship, no one figures everything out on their own. Laying this foundation before your baby arrives can make a world of difference in your transition to parenthood and strengthen bonds with some of your favorite people that will continue to flourish throughout life.

Looking to build your parenting village? UPPAbaby is here to support you with thoughtfully designed gear and a community that gets it. Explore our newborn essentials, connect with other parents in our social community, or reach out to our Customer Experience Team with any questions you have along the way!