Those first few weeks and months as a new parent are challenging. Caring for a baby is rewarding, but tough, especially with very little sleep. Adoptive parents and foster parents face similar challenges.
Creating a meal schedule to help your friends that are welcoming a new baby or child into their home is the perfect way to show your support. A meal schedule means dinner is covered a few nights a week for several weeks which might even leave time for a nap.
How to Set Up a Meal Schedule
It only takes a few minutes to set up a schedule, and once it’s created, it’s easy for others to join in! Setting it up before it’s needed means friends can step in quickly.
-> See how easy it is to create a meal schedule here
Questions to Ask Before You Begin
This short questionnaire lists everything you need to ask to set up a meal schedule in 5 minutes or less.
Our Best Tips for New Parent Meal Schedules
Share the schedule early
A baby shower is a good time to spread the word.
Share the schedule link
Parents can easily send it to people who offer help.
Think beyond dinner
Include snacks that siblings (or parents) might enjoy (fruit, muffins, granola bars).
Offer flexible drop-offs
Place a cooler on the porch for easy delivery.
Use containers you don’t need back
This eliminates the worry of cleaning and returning dishes.
Add a little extra
A note of encouragement, or even paper goods can be a big help.
Inspiration for Friends Taking Meals
Email us with any questions! [email protected]
Warmly,
Adina
In Case You Missed It
1. These grilled cheese burritos are a must-try! Nadia wrapped a few in foil and delivered them to a neighbor because this is the kind of easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
2. Sometimes the smallest messages mean the most in those early days of motherhood. Here are 5 texts you can send to a new mom!
3. If you’re taking a meal to a family with kiddos, pizza is always a safe option! Make it more fun by baking up homemade pizza and packaging it in one of these fun pizza boxes from Amazon.
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the pizza box link!
4. Looking for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with yummy food? Give this easy and fun fruit board idea a try!
Don’t have Instagram? Click here for the recipe!
5. An inexpensive way to dress up a meal is to use baskets or tea towels to carry items. Kelli recently made four loaves of sourdough bread and took three of them to my family and neighbors. See how she packaged them using a kitchen towel!
