Preparing for a new baby is such an exciting (yet totally overwhelming) time! Between buying nappies, getting the nursery ready, and juggling doctor appointments, it’s easy to forget one important thing: how you’ll keep yourself fed once your little one arrives. With sleepless nights and hectic days ahead, freezer meal prep can be a total lifesaver. I’ve got you covered with some simple, healthy, and freezer-friendly meal ideas to keep you fuelled when your energy is running low!
Why Prep Freezer Meals?
After your baby arrives, cooking might feel like climbing a mountain. The beauty of preparing freezer meals before baby comes is that all you’ll need to do is reheat—no chopping, no dishes, and no stress. Plus, homemade meals are so much healthier and cheaper than ordering takeout or grabbing pre-packaged meals.
To make things easier, here are some things to keep in mind when prepping:
- Choose meals that freeze well and keep their flavour and texture after reheating.
- Make sure they’re easy to heat up in the oven, microwave, or on the stove.
- Go for comforting dishes that are packed with the nutrients you’ll need to help with postpartum recovery.
Related article: Preparing for the Big Day: What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Meal Prep Ideas to Try
Soups and Stews
Soups and stews are hearty, hydrating, and full of nourishing ingredients. Consider making large batches of:
- Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort food perfect for boosting your immune system
- Beef and Vegetable Stew: Rich in iron and protein, essential for postpartum recovery
- Lentil Soup: A plant-based option that’s high in fibre and easy to freeze
How to freeze: Let the soup or stew cool completely, then portion them into individual containers or freezer-safe bags. Lay bags flat in the freezer to save space.
Casseroles
Casseroles are the ultimate one-dish meal. They’re filling, customisable, and can go straight from the freezer to the oven. Some ideas include:
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A protein-packed dish with a creamy sauce and crunchy topping
- Pasta Bake: A simple pasta recipe that reheats beautifully
- Vegetarian Enchilada Bake: Full of beans, cheese, and veggies, this dish is flavourful and satisfying
How to freeze: Assemble the casserole in a disposable foil tray. Wrap it tightly in clingfilm and then tinfoil for maximum freshness.
Breakfast Options
Mornings can be chaotic, so having ready-to-go breakfasts is a game-changer. Try prepping:
- Breakfast Burritos: Stuff whole-grain tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies
- Muffins: Blueberry, banana, or bran muffins freeze well and are great for one-handed snacking
- Overnight Oats Packs: Portion out oats, nuts, and dried fruit into bags. Add milk or yoghurt when ready to eat.
How to freeze: Wrap burritos individually in foil and store muffins in freezer bags.
Smoothie Packs
Smoothies are an easy way to get a burst of nutrition when you’re short on time. Pre-portion your smoothie ingredients into freezer bags, so all you need to do is pour them out and blend. Some tasty combinations include:
- Berry Bliss: Strawberries, blueberries, banana, and spinach
- Tropical Twist: Mango, pineapple, and kale with a squeeze of lime
- Chocolate PB: Banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and oats
How to freeze: Add all fruits, greens, and dry mix-ins to freezer bags. Label the bags and note any liquid add-ins (like milk or juice). When you’re ready, blend all ingredients for a refreshing snack or energy boost.
Freezer-Friendly Snacks
Don’t forget snacks! Having something quick to grab between feeds is essential.
- Energy Balls: Blend oats, peanut butter, honey, and mix-ins like chocolate chips or flaxseeds
- Homemade Granola Bars: Cut into bars, wrap individually, and freeze for an easy energy boost.
Tips for Success and Ease of your freezer meal prep.
- Label Everything: Write the dish name and reheating instructions on each container.
- Double Up: Cook a double portion of dinner in the weeks before your due date and freeze half.
- Stock Basics: Keep frozen veggies, rice, and pre-cooked proteins on hand to mix with your meals.
By preparing meals ahead of time, you’ll save yourself stress and ensure you have nourishing food to keep you going during those early weeks of parenthood. Your future self will thank you!
Stay Organised for Newborn Prep
Preparing for your little one’s arrival goes beyond meal prepping—there’s also the excitement of getting everything ready for their first few days. To make things easier, I’ve created some free resources to help with your newborn journey, like my Pregnancy Journal and Letters to My Baby. These are wonderful tools to capture your thoughts and emotions during this special time and help you stay focused on the exciting journey ahead.
Grab your free downloads today, and enjoy this beautiful time with your growing family!
Preserving the Moments
While you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival, don’t forget to plan for memories that will last a lifetime. Newborn photoshoots are a wonderful way to freeze time and celebrate those first moments with your baby. As a London Newborn Photographer, I specialise in capturing the beauty and emotions of those precious early days, so you can look back on them forever. If you’d like to learn more or book a session, feel free to reach out to me—let’s create memories together.
