Now you’re at one of my favorite parts in baby preparation, making healthy freezer meals for new moms. But maybe you help to get those culinary wheels turning, because let’s face it, mama, when baby comes, the days blur together, and the last thing you’ll want to do is cook from scratch.
I remember standing in the kitchen before my baby was born, with my growing bump, chopping veggies and filling containers, and imagining how grateful my future self would feel.
Don’t sweat it, mama, I’ve got you and have collected 35 of my favorite healthy freezer meals for new moms, from several amazing other ladies I have followed over the years.
Trust me, mama, on the exhausted evenings when you can barely remember if you’ve brushed your teeth, pulling out a homemade meal from the freezer will feel like pure magic, as you settle into your new routine with your beautiful baby.
Taking a couple of hours to prepare just a few meals to freeze before baby arrives can help you immensely as you heal, but imagine stocking your freezer with healthy freezer meals for a month.
Having healing freezer meals for postpartum and breastfeeding, waiting in your freezer, means you can focus on bonding with your little one while still eating well.
This post is all about healthy freezer meals for new moms to prep before baby arrives.
When to Start Preparing Freezer Meals
Around 28 weeks into your pregnancy, or at the beginning of your third trimester, is the perfect time to start stocking your freezer with healthy freezer meals for postpartum.
Some mamas decide to prep meals starting 20 weeks in, with incremental cooking (where you make double batches and freeze half).
Starting either at 20 or 28 weeks will ensure you still have enough energy to cook, and your meals will stay fresh for several months in the freezer.
Plan ahead on your calendar and set aside a few days or weekends to batch cook in bulk and fill your freezer.
This is a marathon, mama, not a sprint, so trying to do it all in one day will not bode well for your feet or stress levels. Trust me, you got this, so invite a few friends and have fun while you cook!
Storing Freezer Meals Properly
Meal planning for new moms can be a huge time investment, so don’t let all your hard work be in vain by storing your meals improperly in the freezer.
Adequate freezer storage for your meals will protect them against things like freezer burn, contamination, diminished food quality, and safety risks, so they stay fresh, safe, and delicious when it’s time to eat.
Here are some time-tested tips to help you protect your food:
- Use freezer-safe containers, Ziploc bags, or Souper Cubes.
- Disposable aluminum pans (or PYREX dishes) are great for this. Just fill with your food, place the lid, write the directions with a permanent marker on the lid, then tightly wrap with plastic wrap and again with aluminum foil. On top of the foil, write the name and date of the dish, along with the cooking time.
- Ziploc bags are perfect for dump-and-go meals and soups, just name and date, then freeze flat before storing in the freezer.
- Souper Cubes are silicone dishes and great for soups, cookie dough, and other portioned dishes.
- Remove as much air as possible.
- This will prevent freezer burn and help your meals last longer. If you’re using bags, press out excess air before sealing.
- A vacuum sealer is perfect for storing food long-term.
- You can also double wrap with plastic wrap first, then foil.
- Freeze meals flat when possible.
- Once you fill your Ziploc bags, squeeze out the air, and freeze flat first, then place them in your freezer upright like “books on a shelf” to save space. This is great for things like soups, stews, and slow cooker meals.
- Label everything clearly.
- Write the name of the dish, date it was made, expiration date (typically within 3-6 months depending on the food), and cooking instructions with a permanent marker.
- Believe you will not remember what you made once it all goes into the freezer.
- Use within 3–6 months.
- Freezer meals typically taste best when eaten within 3-6 months. Soups and stews often last longer, while dishes heavy in dairy (like Alfredo) are best when eaten sooner.
[Related Post: 15 Amazing First-Time Mom Essentials for an Easier Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery]
Storing Leftovers Properly
Leftovers can be a huge lifesaver! Even when preparing healthy freezer meals on a budget, you may probably have some leftovers for the next day. So, what is the best way to store your leftovers for next time?
- Cool completely. Let your food cool to room temperature completely before storing it in your fridge or freezer.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers. Most leftovers will last in the fridge for about 3–4 days.
- Freeze for later. If you’re not planning to eat your leftovers within a few days, freeze them in single-serve portions. They’ll last for about 2–3 months and are perfect for individual meals on busy days, when your schedule is squirrely.
- Label again! Always write the name and date so you know exactly what you packed and when.
- Reheat safely. Make sure your leftovers are reheated to at least 165°F (74°C) for 15 seconds before eating. Leftover soups should be brought to a rolling boil to indicate the proper temperature has been reached.
Healthy Freezer Meals for New Moms
Slow Cooker Freezer Meals
During those squirrely schedule days, crockpot freezer meals for new moms are the perfect option.
Even on your most chaotic days, these slow cooker wonders will leave you feeling like a meal prep freezer stocking wizard. Who knew preparing easy freezer meals for new moms could be this easy?
1. Homemade Sloppy Joes by The Cozy Cook
2. Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken by Damn Delicious
3. Slow Cooker Ribs by The Cozy Cook
4. Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken by Damn Delicious
5. Bisquick Chicken Pot Pie by The Cozy Cook
6. Crock-Pot Red Beans and Rice by Gimme Some Oven
7. American Chop Suey (American Goulash) by The Cozy Cook
Casseroles to Freeze and Bake
These healthy freezer casseroles are perfect for pulling out of the freezer the night before (to thaw in the fridge), then cooking that evening.
You can even pull them straight from the freezer and pop them right into the oven (depending on the recipe), then just up the cooking time. Dinner is served, dunzo!
8. Ground Beef Casserole by The Cozy Cook
9. Turkey and Spinach Veggie Lasagna by Damn Delicious
10. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta by The Cozy Cook
11. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole by The Cozy Cook
12. Chicken Enchiladas by Gimme Some Oven
13. Baked Ravioli (No Boil!) by The Cozy Cook
14. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole by The Cozy Cook
Freezer-Friendly Soups
Mama, get ready for a high-five from your future self with these recipes for easy soup meal prep. There is nothing like a bowl of comforting soup, chili, or stew, especially when you don’t have to cook it.
Have fun with these recipes and stock an arsenal of soup dishes for the whole family. Not to mention freezing these in Souper Cubes makes storing and reheating a breeze, plus everyone can pick the soup they want, just for sips and giggles.
[Related Post: 27 Must-Have Hospital Bag Essentials for Birth Every Mom Should Pack]
15. High Protein Chicken Chili by Gimme Some Oven
16. Easy Beef Bourguignon by Damn Delicious
17. Kielbasa Potato Soup by The Cozy Cook
18. Roasted Carrot Soup with Za’atar Chickpeas by Gimme Some Oven
19. Homemade Vegetarian Chili by Damn Delicious
20. Chicken Poblano Soup by The Cozy Cook
21. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili by Damn Delicious
22. Turkey Soup by The Cozy Cook
Breakfast Freezer Meals
I’m a huge breakfast gal myself and love cooking a big breakfast for the whole family.
I will say, though, on those mornings when you’re struggling to open that second eyelid, the best freezer meals for new moms are the ones you’ve prepared ahead of time.
And since you’ve made these ahead, you know exactly what your family is eating as they get ready for their busy day.
23. The very best granola by cookie and kate
24. Freezer Breakfast Burritos by damn delicious
25. blender spinach banana muffins by gimme some oven
26. best homemade pancakes by the cozy cook
27. banana baked oatmeal cups by gimme some oven
Snack & Lunch Freezer Meals
We all need some kind of pick-me-up throughout the day, or find ourselves ready to storm the fridge come lunch time, which is why I find freezer lunch meal prep so important for busy days.
Mama, life with kiddos is a whole other new level of busy, and because lunch time sneaks up on you faster than a little one with jam hands, these snack and lunch freezer meals will save your day (and sanity).
28. beef lo mein by the cozy cook
29. shrimp stir fry freezer pack by damn delicious
30. Ground Beef and Broccoli by the cozy cook
31. Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken by gimme some oven
Make Ahead Desserts
Often, when thinking about comfort food freezer meals, we think of things like alfredo, lasagna, mac and cheese, those types of comfort foods.
But sometimes all you need is to sweeten those chaotic days with a premade dessert for a bite of comfort and delight, celebrating the fact that you survived the day and have a special treat ready to serve and enjoy.
32. The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies by gimme some oven
33. No Bake Peanut Butter Pie by the cozy cook
34. Nectarine Upside-Down Cake by damn delicious
35. Blueberry Cobbler by the cozy cook
Final Thoughts
Preparing make-ahead crockpot meals for breastfeeding moms, or busy mamas and families in general, is a true game-changer.
Not only will this save you time and energy, it’ll give you time to bond with your new baby and heal from labor.
You’ll also have loads of peace of mind knowing you and your family are eating nutritious and healthy foods, whose ingredients you have controlled.
Trust me, you will thank yourself a hundred times over when you’re rocking your baby in one arm and reheating dinner with the other (and maybe folding laundry with your feet).
So, peruse through your recipes, make some freezer space, grab your shopping list, and start stocking up! Your future mama-self (and family) will be so grateful.
This post was all about healthy freezer meals for new moms to prep before baby arrives.
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