The last thing parents with a new infant want to do is cook! Why not bring over some food? Check out the best Easy Meals to Bring Friends with a New Baby.
[Post Updated 4/10/19] – I am expecting to meet 2 new sweet babies in the next 2 weeks!!!! 2 of my good friends are expecting and I can’t hardly contain myself. This post is my absolute go-to for ideas on what to make new parents. The recipes are easy to make, easy to eat, easy to reheat and all around delicious! Crossing my fingers that these new babies come soon and everyone is healthy <3
Babies, babies and more cute babies!
Like most things in life, there is season for everything. Some years it seems everyone is getting married. A few years later, everyone is having precious little babies. And it’s so special to watch families grow!
I’m a sucker for babies! So cute, so tiny, so awwwwww…. Total sappy meltdown every time I hold one 😍And honestly until I had one of my own I had no idea how hard that first month is.
It’s hard. Really hard. Whether you have the easiest baby ever or one that cries a lot, it’s still tough. You are a total zombie, and life is a complete haze. That’s where good friends and family make life 10000000 X better!
When I had Poppy, we had generous friends bring over breakfast, fruit, snacks, and dinner! And although I adore cooking more than anything in the world, this was SUCH a welcomed gesture! I can’t tell you how amazing it is to be given food on days when you have only slept 3 hours, your whole body hurts, and all you want to do is heat something up and stuff it in your mouth.
Having been on both sides as the friend delivering food and the new parent friend receiving it, I’ve learned there are some key things to keep in mind.
When bringing new parents food, remember the following:
- Don’t stress! Whether you are making or buying food, go with something simple and delicious.
- If you are cooking, make a meal that is easy to assemble and reheat.
- If you are not cooking, consider bringing fresh fruit, healthy snacks, or an easy healthy take out meal.
- Ask friends if they have any food allergies, aversions or preferences.
- And don’t forget, it’s not just just about dinner. A simple breakfast, lunch or snacks are also greatly appreciated!
Important tips to consider:
- Don’t ring the doorbell, baby might be sleeping. So knock, text, or call if you have to.
- Try to pack food in disposable containers or Tupperware your friends can either dispose of, keep, or you can live without for a while.
- Ask if it’s OK to bring your kid. Since newborns are so susceptible to diseases, you want to check before bringing kids.
- Always wash your hands before holding baby and don’t come over if you are sick.
- Don’t overstay your welcome unless asked to stay. With the chaos your new parent friends are managing, it’s way better to drop off your food package, say hi, maybe meet the baby and head out in less than an hour.
That’s it! No matter what food you choose to deliver, your thoughtfulness and kindness will go a long way.
Alright, if you want to make some kick-butt homemade meals, here are some great options that are stress-free for you while delicious and easy for your new parent friends to enjoy!
Easy, healthy and delicious entrée:
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Mexican Quinoa (Dairy-free, Vegan, Gluten-free)
This is one of my favorite delivery recipes! It takes 5 minutes to prep and the slow cooker does the rest! And for the new parents, it’s a super easy thing to microwave and enjoy in a bowl at the table, on the couch or in a rocking chair. Plus this recipe is great for folks that are vegan or dairy free!
Slow Cooker Carnitas (Dairy-free, Paleo, Gluten-free)
A recipe for those late night meat taco cravings we all get! And since new parents will likely be up at all hours of the night, this will be a much appreciated meal. It takes 5 minutes of prep for you and is easy to reheat for your parent friends. If delivering this meal, also bring tortillas (corn or flour), shredded Mexican cheese, and a jar of salsa verde or pico de gallo. Ain’t nothing better than a carnitas taco.
Hearty Fresh Salads
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad (Vegetarian, Gluten-free)
A simple summer salad packed with protein and good fresh veggies. This is a wonderful lunch salad for any tired parent. No need to heat it, and it’s delicious with a side of pita chips or naan bread (pick some up while at the store). If you want to make this a heartier meal, add chickpeas, grilled chicken or shredded chicken.
Strawberry Israeli Couscous Salad (Vegetarian, Gluten-free)
Another easy fresh summer favorite! A delicious salad loaded with fruit and veggies that new parents will enjoy and feel good about eating. This salad would pair lovely with a crunchy baguette.
Hearty Soup
Chicken or Turkey Tortilla Soup (Paleo, Gluten-free)
This is a comfort soup for sure! Whether you make it with chicken or turkey, it is absolutely fabulous and so hearty. A soup that will keep new parents going like the energizer bunny… which they definitely need. If unsure about spice, cut the amount of jalapeno the recipe calls for in half! Bring along some tortilla chips and maybe a little cheese. YUM!
Minestrone Soup (Vegan, Gluten-free)
This was my favorite soup when I had my daughter. And it’s great for non-meat eaters too! Any bad day can be brightened up with a lovely bowl of this soup and a big hunk of buttered bread. Add in a hearty peasant loaf, sourdough loaf or baguette to your delivery bag.
Eggs
Easy Weeknight Frittata (Vegetarian, Gluten-free)
If you want to deliver food but seriously don’t have much time to make something, this is the recipe to go with. It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and it’s so easy! This is a great meal to deliver with a loaf of good hearty bread (like a baguette or sourdough) plus a little wedge of your favorite cheese.
Other delicious favorites
Chili 3 ways:
- Classic Chili
Simple ingredients cooked up in a 1 big pot make the ultimate classic chili! This meal is delicious the day of and even better as a leftover. It can be made with ground beef, turkey or even ground venison! All are equally delicious!
- Chicken and Bean Chili
A chickeny twist on my classic chili. This is actually made in the slow cooker (WIN) so it’s crazy easy to make ahead of time and then deliver to your hungry parent friends. Chili is great for gluten or dairy-free diets too!
- Quinoa Chili
Last but not least, a vegetarian chili classic! I love this chili! It is truly the bomb without any meat! A perfect delivery meal for anyone, especially vegetarians and vegans!
Pair any of the above chili meals with the ultimate BEST EVER Homemade Cornbread.
Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
Cheesy protein packed baked peppers that satisfy your Mexican craving but are actually good for you! This is a great recipe because each half pepper packs a hearty serving and they are easily reheatable. We had friends bring us these once, and they really hit the spot!
Healthier Mac and Cheese
You can’t go wrong with pasta! My mac and cheese is a little healthier without changing much which is wonderful for new parents who want to stay fed, healthy and sane. Pack this up in a disposable container and bring it on over.
Simple and wholesome Breakfast and Snacks
1. Banana Bread
A healthy yummy breakfast that can also be a great snack.
2. Blueberry Coffee Cake
A delicious way to eat berries in the morning. Plus it’s amazing with coffee, which is fuel for new parents.
3. Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Yummy portable sweet treats that are wholesome and incredible any time of day.
4. Peanut Butter Oatmeal Energy Balls
Every new mom’s best friend! These little snack balls are protein-packed, easy to eat and aid in milk production due to the oats.
5.Homemade Coconut Pecan Granola
A tasty breakfast or snack treat that is fun to munch on while cuddling with baby or mixed in a yogurt cup.
6. Homemade or Store-bought Trail Mix
One of the best handheld snacks! Perfect any time of day and great for helping new parents stay awake.
7. Fruit
A major craving for new moms! Plus its a really welcomed food item for new parents who can’t get groceries very often.
8. Homemade Chex Mix
Not as healthy, but definitely a guilty pleasure snack that new parents will enjoy.
Everyone Needs a Sweet Treat!
1.Classic Chewy Monster Cookies
No one will complain about these chewy loaded cookie treats.
2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
A healthier cookie that is just as delicious! Plus little siblings will love these too!
3. Applesauce Yogurt Bundt Cake
A feel good dessert that is fabulous as a snack or breakfast too!
4. Lightened Up Key Lime Bars
A nice summer treat that new parents will destroy in no time!
5. Ginger Molasses Cookies
Another cookie favorite. Chewy, gingery and perfectly sweet.
Got any other ideas? These are some of my favorite but what are yours? What are some of the best foods you have delivered or received!?
Originally posted 2017-04-10 17:17:00.
