First, a personal anecdote from me: a copywriter at Solly, a mama, and a lover of food.
My husband and I found out we were expecting our first baby three months into a cross-country move from Washington State to Texas. We left everything we knew (including our closest friends and family) for a job opportunity (mine) and knew no one in our new hometown except my new coworkers. The news of our pregnancy was both exciting and intimidating as we considered the distance between our growing family and the support system we’d newly left behind. Yet, to our happy surprise, the myth of Southern hospitality turned out not to be much of a myth at all.
My new coworkers-turned-friends quickly became our support system away from home as we navigated everything leading up to new parenthood (they even threw us a baby shower!). Then, when our little guy arrived, they supported us in a way that still brings me to tears when I think about it. For an entire month straight, they brought us dinner every single night.
It was the best thing anyone could have done for us while we were in the throes of first-time parenthood. And if you’re the friend, family member, or coworker of a new parent (and especially a first-time parent), it’s the first and most practical way I’d recommend supporting them.
Here, I’ve rounded up some of our team’s favorite meals to bring to new parents. They’re equal parts delicious, nutritious, comforting, and easy—and I guarantee they’ll be more appreciated than another pair of tiny socks or bodysuit you’re considering delivering instead.
And one last note before we dive in: If you’re not a cook or your schedule is jam-packed, consider sending a gift card or dropping off the new parents’ favorite takeout instead. The key is ensuring they don’t have to think about meal planning or cooking.
Some Tips to Start
Organize a Meal Delivery Calendar
Coordinate meal delivery with the new parents by checking first to see if they have some kind of delivery scheduler set up. If not, offer to create one. (Meal Train is a great, straightforward option!) Send it to other friends and family to ensure the parents have a steady stream of nourishing food on hand as they deliver round-the-clock care to their new addition.
Leave the China at Home
And the Tupperware, too (unless you don’t care about getting it back). The last thing a new parent needs to think about is washing and returning dishes. Opt for disposable pans and dishes or use one of the trillion Tupperware containers taking up too much space in your cabinets and include a note clarifying that you don’t need it back.
Check the Visit Guidelines
It’s totally understandable if you’re hoping for a side of newborn snuggles to go with your meal drop-off, but it’s best to check in with the new parents first to find out what kind of visit they’re hoping for. Depending on how baby and parents are doing, they might be up for company, or they might just prefer a porch drop-off.
The Best Recipes to Make New Parents
Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
A meal that’s easy to eat one-handed and will fuel mom and dad for the rest of the day? Yes, please. These freezer-friendly burritos are packed with protein, easy to customize, and can be prepped in 30 minutes or less.
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
Casserole for breakfast? Filled with tater tots? Talk about the ultimate postpartum comfort food. Bring it along with a bowl of fresh-cut fruit and a bag of coffee beans for the perfect combination of calories, nourishment, and caffeine.
(Healthy!) Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Muffins = The best snack (whether you’re a new parent or not). These contain zero refined sugar, plenty of nutrient-packed zucchini, and rich cocoa powder. They work great for breakfast or dessert, too!
Ravioli Bake
Not really a cook but want to make something homemade? This recipe is about to be your new best friend. Prep it in minutes and deliver it with a premade salad kit and a store-bought baguette. You’ll be a hero.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor. Just throw all the ingredients in your Crock-Pot at the start of the day, then come home and prep a quick pot of rice and sautéed or steamed broccoli, and voila! Dinner is ready for delivery.
Chicken Enchiladas
A cozy classic! These are made with homemade sauce (major level-up), but store-bought totally works, too. Make it a full meal with this delicious authentic Mexican rice, your choice of refried or black beans, and a six-pack of Topo Chico.
White Chicken Chili
With all the fixings of course! Sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Plus, homemade cornbread or these foolproof baguettes. Tip: Double up on everything because you’ll want it for dinner, too.
Spiced Chickpea-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Looking for something that’s vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free? This recipe checks all those boxes and then some. Plus, it’s DELICIOUS. Add extra protein for non-plant-based friends by adding shredded chicken on top.
No Bake Coconut Protein Bars
Sure, there are plenty of store-bought protein bars that claim to be healthy and taste like candy bars nowadays, but their ingredient lists? Questionable, at best. These taste like dessert, but are filled with ingredients that you can actually pronounce and are unquestionably good for you.
Carnitas Al Pastor with Pineapple Pico De Gallo
Sounds fancy and time-consuming, but your slow cooker is going to do most of the work and the new parents in your life will be screaming “Thank you, Chef!” in between bites of these delicious tacos.
