You know why I love taking meals to families who have new babies? Is it because I’m so servant hearted, loving, kind, and eager to bless these tired families? Oh please. It’s all about me. Really. You should know this truth. Blah, blah, blah – here’s your food, hope you like it, I made it just for you, now where is your darling newborn?
Of course, I am totally kidding. (Oh she is so not kidding, said Matt.) But I really do love helping families with newborns in their time of need. (What-ev-er, said my four boys in unison.)
Yeah. I love babies. My babies are of the much taller, lankier, and less snuggly variety now. I love them dearly – even more than when they were newborns. Who knew that was possible? It just is. But given the opportunity to cuddle a newborn, and you know, give the tired mama’s arms a break (that’s me being graciously servant-hearted again, what-ev-er) – I take it. Sweet, sweet babies. I love them.
Taking a meal to a family with a newborn means that there are blessings all around! Tired parents don’t have to cook, older siblings get some special attention, and I’m sorry, did I not already make my point clear? I get to hold a newborn baby. Blessing upon blessing.
No doubt many of the foods listed in this post are great to take to others for reasons other than a new baby in the house (surgery, loss of loved one, illness, loss of job, or any other trying or exhausting situation). By all means, please use this list to take meals to anyone who might benefit. However, this post offers suggestions specific for the family who has a new addition.
Some items to keep in mind when you take a meal to a family with a new baby:
- Stay away from hot peppers. Mom might be avoiding spicy food if she is nursing.
- Check to be sure you are accommodating any allergies or dislikes the family may have.
- Ask what time they prefer you deliver the meal.
- If there are young children in the home, be sure to take foods that are easy to eat and typically enjoyed by kids. We’re trying to make Mom’s job easier, not harder.
- Give lots of attention to the baby’s older siblings when you deliver the food.
- Consider taking a little treat just for the “big brother(s)” and/or “big sister(s).” This could be something like 100% juice boxes, mini muffins, or even something non-edible like a new coloring book with crayons or a matchbox car.
- Fresh fruit is always so refreshing after just having a baby. Ask what kind of fruit sounds good to Mom and pick some up to take along.
- If you are able, it might be fun to take a little something extra for a quick and easy breakfast for the family to enjoy the next day. See list below for ideas.
- If possible, take your food in dishes the family won’t have to wash and return to you.
Now onto the list of food ideas so you can hand them something wonderful when you say, “Blah, blah, blah – here’s your food, hope you like it, I made it just for you, now where is your darling newborn?”
- Beefy Enchilada Bake
- Calzones
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Cheesy Beef and Rice
- Cheesy Salsa Enchiladas (made with mild salsa)
- Chicken Burritos
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Tacos
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Italian Pasta Bake
- One Dish Meat And Potato Casserole
- Lasagna Casserole
- Meat and Cheese Burritos
- Pizza Casserole
- Pizza Soup
- Potato Soup
- Sloppy Joes
- Three Cheese Garlic Chicken Pasta
Those are just the main dish ideas. Be sure to take plenty of fruit and veggie side dishes too! (You know I had to say that.)
What about breakfast?
Breakfast items like Easy Breakfast Casserole can be a fun change of pace for dinner. If you have extra time and resources, you can bless the family by taking along some Dark Chocolate Almond Granola or Giant Breakfast Cookies – something easy for them to eat in the morning after a sleepless night. Muffins and other breads are always fun to receive.