How many freezer meals should you make before baby? - FreezerFit (2024)

FAQs

How many freezer meals should you make before baby? - FreezerFit? ›

If your maternity leave is short or you plan to eat out regularly, then 10-20 make-ahead freezer meals should do the trick. But if you have more time before the baby comes or if you plan on eating at home most of the time, then 30-50 freezer meals might be more suitable for your family.

It's up to you! If your maternity leave doesn't start until 38 weeks I would recommend doing a little prep sooner than that (start with doubling your dinners and freezing half right away), but if you have a strong support system and want to do it with them during your final days you sure can. My freezer is so small.

Great news, according to the USDA, frozen meals are safe to eat indefinitely. However, after about three months, the quality (i.e. flavor and texture) of food can degrade. Therefore, we recommend eating foods within three months of stashing them in the freezer.

If you're not planning on eating a meal before you pop it in the freezer, leave it a little 'al dente' so when you reheat the taste and texture will be perfect. For foods like lasagna or casseroles, don't bake the dish after assembly. Freeze raw and then you can cook fresh when you're ready.

Ingredients to include in postpartum freezer meals

“High-iron foods such as beef, pork and chicken are great choices,” she adds, “as well as warm vegetable soups, eggs, broth and fish.”

If your maternity leave is short or you plan to eat out regularly, then 10-20 make-ahead freezer meals should do the trick. But if you have more time before the baby comes or if you plan on eating at home most of the time, then 30-50 freezer meals might be more suitable for your family.

To prepare a meal for the freezer, you'll want to fully prepare it ahead of time. Be sure to let it cool fully, and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Date it, pop it in the freezer, and it'll be ready to go in a pinch! Most freezer meals keep for around 2 months.

Are homemade freezer meals healthy? ›

By making your own frozen meals you will be able to tailor them to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Homemade meals can have far less sodium and preservatives than store-bought counterparts. Try improving their nutritional quality by using brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and low sodium pasta sauces and broths.

Yes! Prepare your mashed potatoes ahead of time, ready for when you need them. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Check out the full recipe for reheating instructions (you can reheat your mashed potatoes from frozen)!

By three weeks, you can start doing more household work. However, don't overdo it. Instead, lean on your support system as much as possible. Listen to your body and if you need a break, take one!

Try these tips to relieve your discomfort: Apply an ice pack or cold gel pack to the perineal area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. This is most effective in the first 24 to 72 hours after birth.

Your incision will not reach its maximum strength for approximately four to five weeks, so take care not to overexert yourself. Usual activities such as walking, climbing the stairs and light housework are safe but do not lift heavy objects for approximately six weeks.

COLD FOOD & DRINKS - Things like iced drinks, cold/frozen smoothies, ice cream and anything that's going to cool you from the inside should be limited. Your digestive fire turns off during birth and cold food/drink will slow its restarting.