After the births of all three of my kiddos we were provided with some AMAZING meals by family and friends. We so appreciated people’s kindness to us each time. And man, there’s just something extra yummy about food that you don’t have to cook yourself!
I recently read this article from Peanut Blossom that’s full of ideas for meals for new moms. I loved the article and it got me thinking about my favorite meals that I’ve been given.
I don’t want to rehash the points in the article (you should read it though!) but I do want to share some of my own ideas and tips for meals for new moms.
So, here you go!
Meals For New Moms
Meal Ideas
Rotisserie chicken
A rotisserie chicken is ALWAYS a good idea. Those things are amaaazingly yummy (and only 5 bucks at Costco, woohoo!) They’re a great option to take a new mom if you don’t like to cook or just don’t have time. I loved it when we were given a rotisserie chicken because it made a great meal for us with plenty leftover for making sandwiches or chicken fried rice later.
Kid-friendly fare
If you’re taking a meal to a family with several kids you’ll want to think about making something fairly kid-friendly. Pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or mac and cheese are usually big hits with kids.
Also, a meal like chicken with several side dishes works well because then any picky eaters can just eat what they like (as opposed to a casserole or crock-pot meal where everything is all mixed together.)
Something different/unexpected
One of my favorite “different” meals we received after Caleb was born was a yummy seafood dish, similar to Paella I think. I really enjoyed trying something I’d never had before! It was delicious and a lot different than the other meals we received.
A frozen meal for later
After each of my children were born we were gifted with several freezer meals. You guys, this is SUCH a blessing! While I do try to stock my freezer before baby, it’s amazing to be given some more meals to stash away for later.
Pasta dishes freeze super well. One of my favorites to make is this recipe for Million Dollar Spaghetti. So good! My mom’s meatloaf is also a great freezer meal.
Of course, if you want to provide a freezer meal be sure to check ahead of time that your mom friend has the freezer space.
Soup
During the colder seasons soup is the perfect comfort food. It also freezes great which is really convenient. Two of my favorite soups to make for people are Chicken Taco Soup and White Chili. Yum!
Pizza. Enough said.
Don’t freak out if you aren’t a great cook or if you don’t have time; there’s always pizza. And seriously, who doesn’t like pizza?!
One of the nights that my mom was visiting after my first baby was born she bought us a huge Greek pizza from Papa Murphy’s. That thing was amazing! The cool thing about Papa Murphy’s is that you buy the assembled pizza and bake it at home so it’s nice and fresh and tastes like homemade pizza.
DESSERT
No, dessert isn’t exactly a meal idea but it’s a pretty important part of meals for new moms in my opinion. 😉 We’ve had some pretty amazing desserts given to us including a warm and melty just-out-of-the-oven chocolate cake. Soooo good!
A Few Tips
– Ask ahead about any food preferences or allergies.
– Give your meal in disposable containers that don’t need to be returned.
– Supply paper plates and plastic utensils so the family doesn’t have to do dishes.
– Take along some muffins or granola bars; they’re perfect for an easy breakfast or a quick snack during those late night feedings.
– Consider blessing the family with some diapers for the baby or even a little something for the new big sibling(s). One kind friend brought bubbles for my kiddos and they were so happy!
– Slip in a little something special for the new mom – chocolate is usually a good choice. 😉
Now go bless someone with an awesome meal!
Do you have a good idea or a favorite meal that you were given? Please share in the comments below!
