When you have a new baby, the last thing you want to do is have to cook an elaborate meal. Whether you are prepping for yourself postpartum or want to gift food to a friend, here are the best freezer meals for new moms!
The time right after you have a baby is bonkers. My babies both slept in 2 hour increments, so I really had no idea when was night and when was day and certainly didn't know when was dinner time.
My husband and I joke that no matter what is going on in a day, it's always time to think about what meal to make next. When you have a toddler, you have to keep them fed!
Giving frozen meals as a gift to new parents
One of the greatest gifts that you can give to new parents is a delicious meal.
Why make freezer meals for new parents?
The best gifts we ever got after our babies were born was food. Sometimes we had friends send delivery food and that was great.
But having local friends bring meals over just meant that we didn't have to do meal planning, we didn't have to think, we just ate. That's what you really want after having a newborn!
What is a good meal to bring a new mom?
Here are some things I like to keep in mind when bringing food to someone after their baby arrives:
- Do they have other kids? Be sure it is kid/toddler/whoever friendly
- What do they like to eat normally? If you know they love Mexican food for example, that would be a real treat?
- What take out do they get? They are probably ordering takeout right about now, so try to think of something different. If they always order pizza, don't bring a frozen pizza.
- Do they tend to eat healthy or prefer comfort food?
Here are our favorite vegetarian freezer meals for new moms!
When in doubt, text or call someone other than the mom (such as the dad, or her family member or a mutual friend) and ask!
Feeling lazy? Here are the best ready-to-eat meals for new parents you can get at Costco!
Don't forget side dishes + dessert
Beggars can't be choosers, but especially if you are making frozen meals for new parents as a gift, try to really make it a rounded out meal!
It feels extra special to have extra sides and a dessert. I'll tell you, after my son was born, someone brought us a meal that included a big pan of brownies. The brownies were such a treat I kept them all to my self!
Sides could be as simple as a frozen veggie or garlic bread, or even a bag of ready-to-eat salad mix. If the new parents already have a small child, you can't go wrong throwing in a bag of frozen french fries or nuggets!
Things to keep in mind when gifting freezable meal recipes for new moms
- Always use disposable dishes or things you don't want back. No new parent wants to be washing and returning your casserole dish!
- Be sure to ask if there are any dietary restrictions or special needs. Some breast feeding moms have to go gluten free or dairy free suddenly to deal with newborn digestive issues.
- Check to see if they have a crock pot or instant pot before gifting a frozen meal that requires one.
- If your meal is complemented well with a sauce - like barbecue sauce, sour cream, or salad dressing - throw in a bottle. Nothing worse than having to eat a dry baked potato, and new parent's fridges aren't always stocked!
Easy freezer meals for new moms to make themselves
It's also great to make frozen meals before your baby is born so that you have ready to go meals for yourself. Nothing wrong with that!
When should I make freezer meals during my pregnancy?
Frozen food is generally good for about 3 months. If you want to have food for the first two months after having a baby, aim to make the meals during the final 30 days leading up to your due date!
Try to batch your cooking in one meal prep day and recruit a friend or family member to help!
How many freezer meals should you make before baby?
Honestly, the limit on frozen meals to make before baby arrives is your freezer space. The more meals you have, the better. Remember to leave room in the freezer for breast milk storage if you plan to breastfeed - the first few weeks are really wild.
When you are making meals for yourself, double or triple the recipe. It is no extra work and results in extra nights you won't have to worry in the future!
Meal ideas for new parents
- The best Costco meals for new parents
- Freezer meals for new moms
- Vegetarian freezer meals for new parents
- Paleo freezer meals for new parents
- Dairy-free freezer meals for new parents
- Gluten-free freezer meals for new parents
- Crock pot freezer meals for new parents
- One handed meals for new moms
- Breakfast freezer meals for new moms
- One pot meals for new moms
Here are some of my favorite freezer friendly meals to make for new parents!
Freezer Meals for New Moms
Here are some easy, freezable meals, perfect for prepping for new parents!
Is there anything more comforting than chicken noodle soup? This casserole version is perfect for new parents!
Meatballs are my absolute favorite freezer meal. I love this cheesy casserole version, especially for freezing!
Chicken tetrazzini is just unique enough that there's basically zero chance that new parents are making it for themselves, making it the perfect meal to gift!
Don't forget breakfast! This egg casserole has bacon and broccoli - so you get a little veggie in!
Imagine having pork chops in the weeks after having a baby. That would be such a big treat! Love the veggies with this one too, I never ate any veggies after having a baby and I would have loved some easy ones.
Garlic honey chicken thighs?! What the perfect comfort food for new parents!
Loaded with beef and secret spices, it's a hearty crowd-pleaser and a go-to week nigh dinner! It's also super simple to make and freezer-friendly!
My husband loves any kind of sausage pasta. So does my toddler! This would be a big hit in any household with little kids!
Who doesn't love egg muffins? This is great for new parents especially if one will have to be dashing off to work in the morning or taking kids to school. You can reheat them as you need them making it super convenient for breakfast on the go. Plus I could see myself doing a midnight feeding and heating up one of these bad boys.
This is super easy to make in a big batch - seriously, triple it - and perfect served with rice!
Breakfast casseroles are great to freeze because they can work for breakfast (obviously) but also for breakfast for dinner! Maybe throw in a pack of bacon if you really want to round off the meal!
English muffin breakfast sandwiches are THE BEST. Honestly, a big bag of these in my freezer would have been a thrilling baby gift.
Meatballs and sauce - just the ultimate freezer meal. Throw in a box of pasta, a bag of salad, and a frozen garlic bread if you are feeling fancy. Yum!
If you want to make a more light slow cooker meal (if such a thing is a thing) this artichoke lemon slow cooker chicken is a great option!
Lovers of Thai food will really love this chicken and butternut squash curry! I could really dive into a bowl of this after a long afternoon of rocking a screaming baby.
I mean, talk about the dream breakfast sandwich. Show up at the home of a person who just had a baby with a bag of these and you might even get an invite inside the front door.
This is an easy way to make spaghetti and meatballs - in a slow cooker! Super convenient, just make sure they have a crock pot before you drop this frozen meal off!
Talk about meals they won't be getting in takeout - cuban beef would be such a treat for a new family who's living off of pizza and sandwiches! Just make sure they have an instant pot!
Spinach and garlic spaghetti is just special enough to feel like a treat and is delicious and hearty for hungry new parents!
Who doesn't love enchiladas? Go ahead and double this recipe because they will love having two pans of them!
If the new parents are having their baby in the cooler months, they would love soup! Italian wedding soup is a super popular - and delicious - option.
Baked Ziti is another ooey gooey delicious comfort food. This would be a great option for anyone with toddlers or kids, too!
Bring over a frozen pan of sloppy joe meat, a bag of buns, and a frozen bag of fries and the entire family will thank you!
No one is going to turn down mac n cheese, but buffalo mac n cheese is a way to take this classic to the next level! This could work as a side dish or the main course!
Pair this pulled pork with a bag of slaw, buns, a bottle of barbeque sauce, and a bag of frozen hush puppies. That's southern comfort food for ya!
If you are cooking for someone who tries to stay low carb, this bean-free chili is a great way to respect that while still making a hearty freezer meal.
You can never go wrong with chicken and potatoes! Here's a simple - but delicious - option.
Sausage and peppers are a classic combination for a reason! This is sure to be a favorite amongst new parents.
Pair these carnitas with taco shells and all the fixings for a quick taco night for new parents!
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I'm Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I've made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈
