Batch Cooking
Preparing for a newborn is such an exciting time, but let’s be real—it can also be overwhelming! Between setting up the nursery and checking off your to-do list, it’s easy to overlook one important thing: feeding yourself once the baby arrives. That’s why Tip #2 in this series on preparing for a newborn is all about Newborn Meal Prep.
Stocking your freezer with ready-to-eat meals is a game-changer during those early weeks when time and energy are in short supply. In this post, I’ll share simple tips and meal ideas to help you plan ahead so you can focus on what matters most—your new little one.
Let’s get cooking!
Plan ahead so you can focus on what matters most—your new little one.
The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but batch cooking is a lifesaver, especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world.
You’ll thank yourself later!
Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started with Newborn Meal Prep:
Step 1: Plan out your meals.
Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities & make a list of all the ingredients you will need.
Step 2: Go grocery shopping.
Try to do this a day or two before you plan to start cooking. (Want to make it easier? Use curbside pickup or a grocery delivery service.) *If you’ve never tried this, now might be the time.
Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook.
Depending on how much you want to make, you may need to plan for several hours or even a full day. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member. My mom came over and helped me make freezer meals for an entire day before my last baby was born.
Step 4: Cook in batches.
Prepare one recipe at a time, and portion it out into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.
Seriously…this one will save you so much time & mental energy (both of which you may run pretty short on during the newborn stage). Individual servings are easy to grab and easier to thaw out than giant pans of food.
Step 5: Freeze your meals.
Once everything is cooked and portioned out, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them. Don’t forget to label them with the contents, the date, and any cooking or re-heating instructions.
Oh, and plan to not cook dinner the night of all the meal prep. Make it a take-out night. You’ve earned it.
Here are a couple of handy items to have when meal prepping: Meal Prep Containers, Waterproof Meal Labels.
*Please note that these are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I only link to items I truly love and recommend.
TIP: Use Chat GPT to help & get specific. Give it a prompt like “plan out 3 weeks of gluten free meals for 2 adults. Include mostly freezer meals. No olives, mushrooms, or dairy.” Then sit back while it does all the heavy lifting. You may need to make some tweaks, but it’s a great start!
One of my favorite meals to freeze is Pioneer Woman’s Shepherd’s Pie.
Pro Tip: Line a glass pan with aluminum foil, prepare the dish, cover it with foil, and freeze it. Once frozen, I remove the foil-covered meal from the pan, place it in a freezer bag, and store the dish.
When I’m ready to defrost the Shepherd’s Pie, I put the foil-wrapped meal back into the same dish.
Works like a charm!
By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nourishing, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier!
Psst: Want to skip the cooking?
You can hire a company to prep the meals for you or have nutritious meals delivered to you. (Yes, please!)
Here are a couple of Meal Prep locations in the Columbia, SC Area: Clean Eatz & Fire Dept. Meals
I know that was a lot to take in! Let’s pause here & pick things up next week with steps #3-5.
I hope my first 2 tips in How to Prepare for your Newborn series has given you you a jumpstart on getting ready for Baby!
If you’re looking for a maternity or newborn photographer in Columbia, SC, click here to learn more about my joyful, storytelling approach to capturing these special moments.
See you next week!
P.S.
Do you have a great tip for newborn meal prep? Share it with us in the comments!
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