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When a first baby is on the way, a baby shower is a lovely way to celebrate the event and make sure parents have all the things they need. But when a second or third baby comes along, a shower isn’t necessary: usually, families have all the gadgets, clothes and equipment they need.

So how can you still celebrate the arrival of a second baby? One of the best ways new grandparents can help expectant parents is by organizing a meal-prep baby shower. Instead of a traditional baby shower, where guests bring gifts for the baby, a meal-prep party focuses on preparing meals and snacks that can be frozen and used by the new parents once the baby arrives.

Meal-prep parties have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They’re a practical and thoughtful way to help new parents during the postpartum period, when time and energy are often in short supply. By stocking their freezer with pre-made meals and snacks, you can help them eat well and stay nourished during this critical time.

Ready to plan and execute a successful meal-prep party for an expectant mom? Read on for our suggestions, plus a couple of recipes to help you get started.

Step 1: Invite the Right Guests

The first step in planning a meal-prep party is to invite the right people. You'll want to invite friends and family members who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get cooking. Others who are close to the expectant parents, like neighbors or co-workers, are also good candidates for the guest list. And of course, include the expectant parents!

When sending out invitations, be sure to let your guests know what to expect. Explain that this will be a cooking party, and that everyone will be working together to prepare meals and snacks for the new parents. Encourage guests to suggest their favorite recipes, and let them know if there are any dietary restrictions or food allergies to be mindful of.

Step 2: Plan the Menu

Once you have your guest list in place, it's time to plan the menu. Ideally, you'll want to focus on recipes that are easy to prepare in large quantities and that freeze well. Make sure you are clear about any dietary restrictions or preferences for the family.

Some popular meal-prep party recipes include:

• Casseroles: Lasagna, shepherd's pie, and mac and cheese are all great options for casseroles that can be prepared in advance and frozen.

• Soups and stews: Chili, chicken noodle soup, and lentil or beef stew are all hearty and filling options that freeze well.

• Meatballs: Meatballs can be made in large batches and frozen for later use. They can be served with pasta, on sandwiches, or even on their own as a protein-packed snack. Think outside the traditional Italian meatballs: Greek or Korean spiced meatballs are a nice change of pace.

• Muffins and breads: Banana bread, zucchini bread, and oatmeal muffins are all easy to make and can be frozen for a quick breakfast or snack.

• Snack bars: Granola bars and energy bars are easy to make and can be a lifesaver for new parents who need a quick pick-me-up. You can find a great recipe for protein bars here. https://spoonuniversity.com/recipe/simple-healthy-recipes-with-only-trader-joe-s-products

In addition to these recipes, consider making some side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or rice pilaf, to round out the meals.

Step 3: Shop for Ingredients

Once you have your menu in place, it's time to shop for ingredients. This is where you can enlist the help of your guests. Ask them to bring ingredients for one or two of the recipes on the menu, and make sure to coordinate so that you don't end up with too much of one thing and not enough of another.

When shopping for ingredients, keep in mind that you'll be cooking in large quantities. Make sure to buy in bulk, and consider shopping at a wholesale club like Costco or Sam's Club if you have access to one.

Step 4: Set Up Your Kitchen

Before your guests arrive, you'll want to set up your kitchen for cooking. Make sure you have plenty of counter space, and set up stations for each recipe so that your guests can work efficiently. Have plenty of mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and other essential kitchen tools on hand. Carve out a comfortable place for the expectant parents to sit and watch the action.

Don’t forget to think about how to store all the meals and snacks as you prepare them. If you don't have enough freezer space in your own home, pack everything into coolers until you can get it home to the parents-to-be.

You’ll also want to have refreshments for your guests as you cook. Keep it simple, with a variety of drinks and simple snack foods. Festive decorations are fun, but entirely optional!

Step 5: Get Cooking!

Once your guests arrive, it's time to get cooking! Make sure everyone knows what they'll be working on, and provide clear instructions for each recipe. Encourage your guests to work together and have fun, and don't forget to take breaks and enjoy each other's company.

As you cook, be sure to label each container with the name of the recipe, the date it was prepared, and any cooking instructions or notes. This will help the new parents know what they have on hand and how to prepare each meal or snack.

Step 6: Clean Up and Storage

After the cooking is done, it's time to clean up and store the food. Divide the food into individual portions or family-sized containers, and make sure everything is labeled clearly.

I love using silicone containers for freezing meals in usable portions without taking up more freezer space than necessary. They are dishwasher safe and can even go in the oven up to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a couple of my favorite sizes:

Alternately, use gallon size freezer bags that are well labeled. These reusable gallon bags are dishwasher safe and protect food from freezer burn. You’ll want to make sure you have a permanent marker and some big labels, like these.

Make sure to leave some space at the top of each container to allow for expansion as the food freezes.

If you are lucky, your guests will help with clean up!

Step 7: Deliver the Meals

Finally, it's time to hand off the meals to the new parents! If they weren’t able to be at the party, coordinate with them in advance to find a convenient time to drop off the food. Either way, make sure they know what's included in each container and provide them with a master inventory list of all the food. Offer to help them organize everything in their freezer, and don't forget to give them any cooking instructions or helpful notes.

What you should cook for a meal-prep baby shower

If you're looking for recipe ideas for your meal-prep party, check out the suggestions in the blog post How Grandparents Can Help New Parents with Meals. Here are a couple more recipes to consider:

Chicken Enchiladas: This recipe is easy to make in large quantities and freezes well. You can also make it with ground beef or turkey if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce

• 1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 8-10 tortillas

• 2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, enchilada sauce, green chilies, sour cream, garlic powder, and salt.

3. Spoon some of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll up and place seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

4. Cover with shredded cheese, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Let cool slightly before serving, or freeze for later use.

Beef Stroganoff: This classic comfort food is easy to make in large quantities and freezes well. You can also make it with ground beef instead of steak if you prefer.

• Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef sirloin steak, cut into strips

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups sliced mushrooms

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed beef broth

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup water

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 package egg noodles

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.

2. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the pot and cook until softened.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and flour.

4. Add the beef back into the pot and pour the soup mixture over the top. Add the water and stir to combine.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

6. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.

7. Serve the beef stroganoff over the egg noodles, or freeze for later use.

Congratulations on a successful shower!

A meal-prep party is a great way to support new parents and help them prepare for the arrival of their baby. By gathering together to cook and freeze meals and snacks, you'll be giving the gift of time and convenience to the new parents, allowing them to focus on their new bundle of joy instead of worrying about meal planning and cooking.

With a little planning and organization, a meal-prep party can be a memorable way to welcome a new baby into the family. So gather your friends and family, put on your aprons, and get ready to cook up a storm!