How to Find Your Village and Why It Matters for New Parents

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience that is both joyful and challenging at times. From sleepless nights and midnight feeds to changing diapers and getting to know your bubs, the early days of parenthood can feel overwhelming and sometimes even isolating. That’s why having a support system—a village—can make all the difference. 

Whether you're parenting solo, with a partner, or with help from a chosen family, every parent deserves to be held the same as their baby with connection, encouragement, and rest. While every family may look different, one thing remains the same - we were never truly meant to do this alone. In this post, we’ll explore why finding your village matters (especially during those sleep-deprived days), what it can look like for different families, and how to start building one that truly supports you.

Your village is made up of the people, resources, and tools - it’s anyone or anything that helps lighten your mental, emotional, or physical load.

A village might look like: 

• A friend who checks in with a text everyday with “How are you really doing?”
• A parent group that meets weekly in your neighborhood or online like babytime at the library or a lactation support group
• A podcast you listen in the early mornings while feeding your baby whether it’s a parenting one or a true crime one 
• Or a swaddle sleep bag or a product that give you and your baby a better night’s rest

Every village looks different. And yours will look unique to you - and will evolve over time. It might include family. Or maybe you don’t have family or friends close by and are building a new one - your chosen family. What matters most is that during this delicate time, you feel supported and held - like how your baby is held and supported.

The early postpartum days can be challenging. The sleep deprivation and meeting your baby’s needs can feel overwhelming and take a toll of your mental health. That’s where a village steps in and provides emotional reassurance and practical help, especially when you need rest the most.

A support system or village is a must-have for every parent because: 

• You’re not meant to do this alone. While being a parent is rewarding, it can also be emotionally demand, a village can help ease your mental load, reduce stress, and provide reassurance that you’re doing your best.
• Rest is best for recovery. A village can give you breaks so you can catch up on sleep and make space for self-care - all the necessary ingredients to your recovery. 
• It supports your growth as a new parents and helps your baby grow. A village helps your feel seen by providing empathy and help you feel more confident in your parenting journey.

Whether you have a support system or you are looking to build your chosen family, take it step by step and day by day. Here are ways to start building your village: 

1. Lean On Your Circle

Send a text or call a friend, neighbour, or coworker you trust. Ask if they’d be up for a walk, a chat, or a coffee shop date. 

2. Explore Local and Online Communities

• Look for parenting classes, baby-and-me groups, or support meetups at local community centers 
• Attend story time at your local library
• Visit the same park or cafe and over time, familiarity can spark connection
• Join online groups, Facebook groups, or apps like Peanut, where other parents connect around sleep, feeding, and mental health
• Discover and follow parenting influencers on social media that resonate with you and your parenting style

3. Seek Out Professional Support

Your paediatrician, your midwife, lactation consultant, postpartum doula, sleep consultant, or a counsellor can all be part of your village. Their professional guidance can help you feel more supported. For example, some can help create rhythms and routines that help you and your baby get better sleep.

4. Use Tools That Support Rest

Sometimes your “village” is simply a routine that works, an app, or a product like a cozy swaddle that that helps your baby feel snug and sleep more soundly. 

If you're feeling alone, start small. Keep showing up because over time genuine connections will form. Say hello to another parent at the library or playground. Or post on an online community for support. You might be pleasantly surprised at what it can spark. 

Like any relationship, your village needs care and consistency to grow. The people who show up for you in the early days of parenting can become lifelong support, but that connection takes nurturing, especially as your family grows and your needs shift.

Here are some gentle, practical ways to nurture your village over time:

1. Stay Connected In Small, Meaningful Ways

Sending a quick voice note, a shared article, or a “thinking of you” text goes a long way in maintaining closeness—especially during busy seasons when time is limited. Some other ways to stay connected in small, meaningful ways are: 

• Create a simple group chat with your parent circle for daily check-ins
• Schedule a regular walk or call, even monthly, with someone you feel connected to
• Be vulnerable and share moments that feel real—not just the highlight reel

2. Reciprocate The Support

Relationships involve both parties. Parenthood  has its ebbs and flows and sometimes you’ll lean on others more. Other times, you’ll be the one holding space for the other person. Here’s how to show a friend or other parent support: 

• Offer help when you’re able like, “It sounds like your had a rough night. Can I drop off a coffee?”
• Celebrate small wins like surviving a tough week (like when your bubs gets sick or is growing through a growth spurt)
  

3. Share the Load of Sleep & Rest

Often, what new parents need most from their village is rest. Whether that’s someone holding the baby for a nap, helping establish a sleep routine, or just offering an ear when nights feel long. Maybe your baby is resting comfortably and your holding your friend’s baby so they can rest too. 

When it comes time and someone offers help, say yes. It can be hard to say yes to help but the support can go a longs way - resist the urge to apologize for needing it. 

At Nest Designs, we believe that support starts with thoughtfully designed products like ones that supports better rest for you and your baby. Whether it’s breathable swaddle sleep bags that keep your bubs snug and safe at night or cozy nursing PJs, we’re here to help you.  

Our products are designed for and celebrate all families—from single parents to blended families to same-sex couples and caregivers of all kinds. We’re here to meet you where you are and grow with you.

Because it truly takes a village—and we’re proud to be part of yours.

Ready to build your village? Explore our baby sleep essentials designed with the earth’s gentlest materials for your bub’s soft, delicate skin.