What to Take for New Mom and Dad?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores ideas for meals and gifts to bring to new parents, focusing on options that are convenient and can be frozen for later use. Participants share personal experiences and suggestions for comforting foods that are easy to prepare and reheat.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions considering lasagna or chicken casserole as meal options for new parents.
  • Another participant suggests comfort foods like homemade stew, soup, chili, and mac n cheese, noting that these are easy to reheat.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of receiving a gift basket with snacks that was helpful during visits.
  • Another participant recommends ordering takeout from a favorite restaurant, highlighting the convenience of ready-made meals.
  • One participant shares a creative idea of setting up a restaurant-like experience at home for the new parents while they dine away from the baby.
  • Several users mention lasagna as a common meal they prepare for new moms, with variations in ingredients based on family preferences.
  • One participant discusses the importance of considering dietary restrictions, especially for breastfeeding mothers, and shares their positive experience with receiving meals for several weeks after giving birth.
  • Another participant mentions inexpensive and quick chicken enchilada recipes that can be frozen, expressing a desire to prepare meals in advance for their upcoming birth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best types of meals to bring, with no clear consensus emerging on a single preferred option. Participants share a variety of personal experiences and suggestions.

Contextual Notes

Participants draw from their own experiences as new parents or friends of new parents, sharing what worked well for them in terms of meal preparation and gifting.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for Pampered Chef consultants and community members looking for meal ideas to support new parents during their transition.

KellyTheChef
KellyTheChef
Gold Member
Messages
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One of my friends just had a baby and came home today. I will be visiting her later on this week and I want to take her and her hubby dinner. Something that she can freeze and use when it's convenient for them. Any ideas? Lasagna or chicken casserole are the two things I have been thinking of...any others?

TIA!
 
KellyTheChef said:
One of my friends just had a baby and came home today. I will be visiting her later on this week and I want to take her and her hubby dinner. Something that she can freeze and use when it's convenient for them. Any ideas? Lasagna or chicken casserole are the two things I have been thinking of...any others?

TIA!
Click to expand...

Yum! Lasagna, casseroles, homemade stew with crusty bread, homemade soup, chili, mac n cheese.....comfort foods that go a long way and are easy to reheat are my vote! Hmmm, maybe not chili if she's breastfeeding ;)
 
Having just had a baby myself those would be excellent gifts. Another idea might be to order them dinner from a favorite takeout place or bring that night's dinner - ribs or roast chicken with salad, veggies and, of course, dessert for the new mom!

The problem I have with frozen stuff is that I stocked my freezer before the event and don't have any room in it.

I got a gift basket while at the hospital with snacks in it - chips, fruit, yogurt, cheese, cookies, juice boxes, etc - it came in very handy when visitors arrived and I didn't have time to shop.
 
Spaghetti bake, chicken and rice. Also, around here, a lot of folks just pick up a pound of bbq at our famous big bob gibsons. You can also get a gift card to a place like that so they can go get it when convient. Of course, you can never go wrong with lasagna.
 
Here is a suggestion that was given not to long ago to a friend that had a baby

Sometimes - new parents do not like leaving the baby at home so they wont go out - so here is what you do

Make supper at your home - a very special one - gather up a tablecloth from your home or one that is so-called fancy or even borrow one - a tablecloth the new parent has never seen - take some dishes - SA square ones would be nice - candles with candleholders - a smal vase of flowers - again something the new parents has never seen - then when you are ready to set things up - ask the parents to go into the nursery or other room with the baby. Go to the diningroom - set everything up - might even play some music real low - then after everything is set -up like in a restaruant - go tell the parents that they can go to eat and you will watch the baby in the nursery. They will only be a couple feet away but they will have an experience as if they were at a resaruant because everything will be new to them.

~
 
What about some of the power cooking recipes?
 
Teresa, that is so sweet!
 
I hope I explained it okay - sometimes the words in my head doesn't come out the same way:o

~
 
That is an excellent idea, Teresa. Our kids did that for an anniversary for us.

Not only is it fun, it is nice to be served in your own home. :love:
 
On the recipes, lasagna is my most common one. I make a simple meat one without "extras" for those picky families (like my DH). I cut and freeze in a few portion sizes or just deliver warm for a night's meal and they can freeze the rest.

My other meal I make for new moms is a glazed spiral ham (I use brown sugar, pineapple, etc. for the glaze). Served with garlic mashed potatoes, corn, homemade (well, bread machine) 4 season herb bread and some type of dessert. The leftover ham can be saved for sandwiches or reheated for another meal. I've always had compliments on that meal too.
 
I was up for just about anything. However, I was also breastfeeding so had to be careful on the spices even though I CRAVED mexican. We were brought meals for about 3-4 weeks and it was fabulous! Homemade was wonderful as it was all so healthy with green salads, side dishes, etc. One family called us up a few hours before it was their turn to bring dinner and said they'd be bringing a large or x-large pizza from our choice and with whatever toppings we wanted. THEY brought it to us so that we didn't have to worry with tipping, either. Even THAT was a very nice suprise. Order out pizza can be very expensive!

There are some very inexpensive and quick chicken enchilada recipes that are freezable. I made one earlier this year that was DELICIOUS. It just might be time for me to start making some of these, myself, and packing them away in the deep freezer as we're nearing the birth of our third. :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some essential kitchen tools to gift new parents?

New parents often appreciate practical gifts that can make meal preparation easier. Consider gifting items like a versatile chef's knife, a good cutting board, or a multi-purpose kitchen tool like a food chopper. Pampered Chef offers various kitchen gadgets that can help streamline cooking during those busy early months.

Should I include meal prep items for new parents?

Yes, meal prep items can be incredibly helpful for new parents. Consider including freezer containers, a slow cooker, or a meal prep guide. These tools can help them prepare and store meals in advance, making it easier to manage time and nutrition during the hectic newborn phase.

What types of food should I consider bringing to new parents?

Bringing ready-to-eat meals or easy-to-prepare ingredients is a great idea. Consider dishes that can be frozen and reheated, such as casseroles, soups, or stews. You can also include healthy snacks like granola bars, fruit, or pre-cut veggies to keep their energy up.

Are there any Pampered Chef products specifically designed for new parents?

Pampered Chef offers several products that are perfect for new parents, such as the Quick Slice or the Mix 'N Chop. These tools can help save time in the kitchen and make meal prep easier, allowing parents to focus more on their new baby.

How can I personalize a gift for new parents?

Personalizing a gift can make it more special. Consider creating a custom recipe book filled with easy meals or family favorites. You could also include a personalized apron or kitchen towels with their names or the baby's name. This adds a thoughtful touch that they will cherish.

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