Whether you want to make meals for yourself postpartum or a friend, you’ll love these crock pot freezer meal ideas for new moms!
Being a new parent is rough. You are thrusted into 24/7 caring for this tiny, screaming stranger.
It can be exhausting and overwhelming. The hardest part for me was keeping up with every day tasks – like laundry and cooking – while still caring for a newborn.
If someone you love is having a baby, one of the very best gifts that you can give them is a meal! People who made or sent us food were truly my favorite people during those first few weeks.
Here are all of our favorite freezer meals for new parents!
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?
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
Freezer crock pot meals
If the new parents have a crock pot (check first, please!) then I love the idea of gifting freezer crock pot meals. Make a few, if possible, and label each with cooking instructions. That way they can have a hot meal ready with very little effort!
Here are my favorite crock pot meals for kids!
Here are some of my favorite freezer friendly crock pot meals to make for new parents!
The best freezer crock pot meals for new moms
These are some of the best make ahead freezer crock pot meals to gift to new parents!
Are you looking for a curry recipe that’s quick to prepare, easy to cook and delicious to eat? Look no further. This Slow Cooker Chicken Curry recipe is perfect, with tender pieces of chicken covered in a medium spiced rich tomato sauce.
Slow Cooker Sausage Casserole is a rich and hearty dish straight from the south of France, perfect for autumn when the weather turns cooler. Thick herby sausages and flavoursome beans in a seasoned tomato sauce create the most comforting casserole! It’s delicious served with crusty bread.
Make this amazing Slow Cooker Beef Stew with all the tips I gathered from the pros at the Bar U Ranch Chuckwagon Stew Cook-off! Made with whiskey, potatoes, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs, this stew is Weight Watchers friendly!
This easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe is one of our favorite recipes that we like to add to our monthly menu planning meal rotation.
The meat is crispy on the outside, super flavorful, fall-off-the bone tender, and couldn't be easier to prepare. The recipe makes enough for a crowd or for plenty of leftovers that you can use throughout the week or freeze for later, and includes instructions for making them in your slow cooker or instant pot.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup packs a lot of flavor without a lot of effort! Pair with some corn muffins for a delicious meal.
This easy Ham and Bean Soup Recipe is hearty, delicious, and filled with fifteen different kinds of beans, healthy vegetables, and tender leftover ham. Easy to prepare with “no soaking required” this slow cooker ham and bean soup is sure to keep you warm all winter long.
Crockpot beef and vegetable soup is a great freezer meal. It’s a dump and start crockpot meal that everyone loves!
This Crock Pot Irish Chili freezes beautifully for the perfect make-ahead meal to gift. Dare I say it tastes even better as all the flavors have time to meld together!
Lazy turkey meatball soup is an easy dish that is low calorie, non-dairy, and filled with vegetables.
Delicious crockpot pepper steak is an easy recipe that turns any cut of beef into a delicious meal. Red, yellow and green peppers slow cooked together with beef allowing the flavors to meld into a savory delight!
Prep this tender and delicious Crockpot London Broil and then toss it in the freezer so it's ready to dump and go! Tender beef, in a delicious rich gravy -- comfort food at it's best.
Slow Cooker Turkey Tetrazzini is a great make ahead freezer meal that's hearty, rich, and satisfying.
Love traditional chicken pot pie? Then you’re going to love this simpler slow cooker chicken pot pie that’s loaded with tender chicken and veggies in creamy gravy.
Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole is an all-in-one slow cooker meal that’s ready to eat when the day is done. Crock pot ranch chicken is affordable, easy to make, and a true family favorite. Plus it’s a great freezer meal for easy meal prep.
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Pasta is classic comfort food that will have your everyone for more! An easy and affordable meal that’s made in one pot.
You can’t go wrong with this family favorite classic Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs, especially when it’s made in the Crockpot and becomes a hands-off, effortless dinner with perfectly seasoned Italian meatballs.
This crockpot baked ziti is hearty and delicious. Just layer the ingredients and a few hours later your dinner is ready. No need to precook pasta and freezes well!
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. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈