Whether you want to make meals for yourself postpartum or a friend, you'll love these one-handed meal ideas for new moms!
Being a new parent is rough. If you have an easy baby who sleeps all the time, I am so happy for you. My first child was like that.
My second, my daughter, was not. She did not sleep through the night until she was 14 months old. The first year of her life is such a blur in my mind because I feel like I was always holding her or nursing her.
Anyways, between her and my then 2 year old, my hands were always full. But I had to eat! Breast feeding in particular made me extra hungry.
So, I got really good at one-handed eating and one handed snacks.
Here are all of our favorite freezer meals for new parents!
Giving 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 meals 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!
One handed snack ideas
If you need a snack that you can eat with one hand while breastfeeding or holding a sleeping baby, here are some ideas:
- Granola bars
- Cheese sticks
- Water bottle with a long straw (avoid hot beverages while holding a baby, hah)
- Squeeze pouch yogurt (especially if you have these on hand for a toddler)
- Pre-prepped fruit such as grapes, strawberries, blueberries
- Lactation bites
- Dry cereal
- Nut butter pack
- Jerkey
- Trail mix
- Mini muffins
- Wrap roll ups with deli meat, cheese, hummus, etc
- Smoothie
- Small sandwiches such as on hawaiian rolls
- Popcorn
- Edamame
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 one handed meals to make for new moms!
The best one handed meals for new moms
Holding a sleeping or eating baby? Here are some one handed meals perfect for new moms!
Hot pockets are fun, delicious, and easy to eat on the go. These meatless hot pockets are the bomb, and you can put anything you want to in them.
These veggie paneer wraps are savory and filling. They are easy to prep in an instant pot for a really quick meal prep!
Air fryer chicken tenders are easy to make and quick and easy to eat. Simply pick them up and go!
This Ramen Wrap tastes like Ramen soup in the form of a wrap! It's easy to make with instant ramen soup. And this instant ramen recipe is perfect for lunch and packing along in the lunch box.
These baked ham and cheese sandwiches are made with layers of ham and sliced swiss cheese. Full of delicious flavor!
These Pizza Cupcakes are like individual deep dish pizzas, baked in a muffin tin. They are not only delicious, but easy to make and the perfect snack for game day, movie night and packing along in a lunch bag! And they can be made Weight Watchers friendly by using 2 ingredient WW pizza dough!
Sometimes you need a one handed breakfast, too. These breakfast empanadas are packed full of flavor and easy to eat with one hand.
Sausage rolls are the perfect hand-held dinner with their savory sausage and flaky puff pastry. You can serve them hot or cold!
This Easy Pizza Tortilla Wrap will be on your dinner rotation over and over! The best part about these, is they are totally customizable and done in less than 10 minutes!
Here are the halloumi wraps everyone loves - kids and foodies included! With halloumi cheese, red pesto , avocado and walnuts these wraps are packed with flavor, done in 20 minutes and super easy to make.
Is there any better comfort food than pizza rolls? These are perfect for munching day and night!
This easy vegan breakfast sandwich can be made ahead of time and heated up in the oven. It’s a great on the go meal.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a fun, delicious snack. Tangy, cheesy, and done in under 15 minutes!
Easy to make meatless sandwich that is easily assembled. It has all the taste you know from the classic reuben sandwich.
Pressed Brick Sandwich is packed full of Italian meat, cheeses, olive paste, and more before being compacted into a delicious game-day treat.
The best low-carb grilled cheese recipe! It features crunchy, keto 90-second bread that's non-eggy and melty cheese - all within a matter of minutes!
Chicken Teriyaki on a Stick is salty, sweet, and spicy for that perfect bite. This Japanese classic is so easy to eat thanks to making it into skewers.
These air fryer cauliflower wings are coated with a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce for a tasty bite. They are an easy appetizer made with less than 10 ingredients.
For a low-carb version of the Disneyland famous sandwich, make this Keto Monte Cristo Sandwich. It is packed with meat and cheese on keto bread with that classic batter before frying.
Cheeseburgers might not be super one-handed friendly, but wrapping them in a tortilla makes them much easier to hold while holding a baby!
Beef Pasty Recipe with Butter Shortcrust - Inspired by Cornish Pasties
Inspired by Cornish Pasties, this savory herbed Beef Pasty Recipe features meat and vegetables in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the perfect portable meal, and surprisingly easy to make!
Savory Camembert Turnovers with Honey-Roasted Turkey and Lingonberry Jam
Savory Camembert Turnovers with Honey-Roasted Turkey and Lingonberry Jam are quick and easy to make and full of flavor! Honey-roasted turkey breast is the perfect sweet and slightly smoky base. Camembert cheese adds savory flavor, and lingonberry jam adds a touch of sweet/tartness. Don’t skip out on the scallion here – it adds the perfect pop of flavor. And frozen puff pastry makes these pastries incredibly easy to put together!
Homemade Whole Wheat Pretzel dogs make this fun meal whether you're watching the big game or a family movie with the kiddos. Make them small bites for an appetizer or large for a meal-on-the-go!
A perfect lunch for one, these veggie hummus wraps are full of flavor and a no fuss meal! Roast veggies or use leftovers in this make-ahead lunch!!
This beef sausage hand pie recipe is a complete meal perfect for picnics as you can eat it at room temperature with your hands and without any mess. The filling is made with half beef and half pork mixed with diced carrot, celery, and onion and flavored with a touch of Cognac.
These tasty Lemon and Dill Pinwheel Sandwiches bring King Oscar Sardines to a whole new level. A wholesome option for a snack or lunch!
Empanadas De Pollo, or Chicken Empanadas, are savory hand pies filled with Mexican seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and corn that make great appetizers or an easy handheld dinner!
Vegetarian Empanadas are loaded with a colorful array of vegetables, including sweet corn, red and green bell peppers, protein-packed beans, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in an irresistible flaky, golden-brown crust!
This Easy Lasagna Cups Recipe is kid-approved and simple to make! These meaty, cheesy, tasty handfuls are perfect for meals on the go or in your home.
This Ham and Cheese Crescent Ring takes just 5 minutes to prep and bakes in 12 minutes. Easy grab and go dinner for those busy weeknights!
Bored of sandwiches for lunch? Try these grab-and-go savoury cheese muffins to change things up a bit. They’re not only delicious but quick to make and healthy too.
Filling, cheesy and delicious, there's nothing quite like cheese baps for lunch. Just spread with butter and fill with salad greens.
Whip up a platter of super quick and easy Cheeseburger Sliders in no time. Then serve them up as an almost effortless dinner main dish.
One-egg green chile frittata wraps are a perfect, healthy grab-and-go breakfast for one. 10 minutes from start to finish!
These savory Walnut-Citrus Tuna Hand Pies are easy to make, super-tasty, and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Naturally portable, they're perfect for a school lunch, quick meal, or afternoon picnic.
These easy and delicious Crawfish Omelette Egg Cups make the perfect grab and go breakfast.
Runzas are meat & cabbage stuffed yeast rolls. They are great for a delicious meal on the run or a handheld dinner.
A good lunch is filling, flavorful, and easy to make. And this Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap checks all of the boxes. Enjoy a healthy and refreshing family favorite lunch that’s economical and simple to make using leftover chicken.
You are going to love the mouthwatering aromatic flavors in these easy Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches. This grilled chicken sandwich will become your new favorite because it’s big on flavor, low on cost, and easily customizable to use ingredients you have on hand.
Forfar bridies are a traditional Scottish meal that require no cutlery. They're perfect for lunchboxes as they were created to be taken as an easy meal for workers.
These savory sausage, apple and sage hand pies are a delicious snack or meal perfect for picnics or game days. No fork needed!
These honey lemon pepper wings are incredible. Sweet and lemony, with a nice kick from the black pepper, crispy on the outside and tender, moist inside. Not to mention that they are so easy to make!
These Parmesan Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders turn out deliciously golden and crispy outside, and tender and juicy inside every time! They cook up in just minutes to serve for a utensil free easy lunch, dinner, or after-school snack.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies are a perfect solution for busy, on-the-go nights! Bursting with flavorful veggies and tender chicken, all wrapped in a thyme-accented crust … they’ve got all the comforting, homestyle goodness of traditional chicken pot pies, but are more nutritious and totally portable. Plus, they freeze great, too, so you can stock the freezer with your own healthy, homemade “Hot Pockets”!
These Easy Chicken Parmesan Wraps have all the cheesy, saucy, comforting flavors of your favorite chicken parmesan casserole ... a super-fast 15-minute meal that's perfect for grab-n-go eating on the run!! You can even make them completely ahead – and they’re freezable, too!
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. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈
