By Laura McConnell
DRPG Hospitality Chairperson
I never really understood how important it is to bring a meal to friends who’ve just had a baby until I had my first child. I always thought dropping off a meal was a nice gesture, but it’s actually a total blessing. New parents are exhausted and sleep deprived and let’s be honest making a meal is the furthest thing from their mind after bringing home a new baby.
DRPG sets up Food Tidings for new parents in our group. We use a great website that helps us organize meal drop-offs, provides the schedule details, and creates a link to invite friends and family. Instead of multiple people reaching out to the new parents trying to coordinate meals, food restrictions, and portion sizes, we use the path of least resistance and put all the information in one place where families can sign up. It’s a great way to coordinate meal support.
Some people shy away from bringing a meal because their not much of cook…but take-out is another great option! The gesture of dropping off a meal matters much more than if you slaved away in the kitchen. Just remember that each meal new parents receive is special because it makes their first few days and weeks a little easier. It also makes them feel apart of a community and having the support of other local families in huge.
Here are some helpful tips when dropping off food to new parents.
1. Bring Food That Is Ready-To-Eat
Make eating the meal you bring as easy as possible. Bring food that is ready-to-eat. Of course it may require a few minutes in the oven to cook or warm depending on what time the new family will be eating, but that should be it. No chopping, no measuring, no assembly required. Bring food that only requires a fork.
2. Bring Food in Disposable Containers
Bring your meal in a container that can be thrown away, or one that doesn’t need to be returned. It’s not a huge deal, but not having to worry about returning a casserole dish or keeping track of dishes makes it much easier on the parents. It also makes clean up easy too. The last thing a new Mom wants to do is clean a bunch of dishes.
3. Avoid Overstaying
It’s very exciting when a friend or family member has a new baby and of course you want to stay and visit…but be sure to not overstay, watch for cues of when you should leave. Assume that your just there to say hello and drop off a meal, not to stay and visit for a long time. If your invited to meet the baby, that’s great but try not to hang around long.
Another thing to consider is not bringing a lot of people with you, especially if anyone has been sick or around illnesses. A newborn is susceptible to illness and a new Mom doesn’t need to worry or get overwhelmed with additional people.
4. Make Fool Proof Recipes, Stick To What You Know
Making a meal for new parents is not the time to experiment. Stick to recipes you know are good. Recipes that people usually like. Try and avoid using odd ingredients, err on the side of caution. Also keep in mind if there are other kids in the family and their tastes.
5. Don’t Forget Breakfast Food As An Option
Most people think of food tidings as dinner, but breakfast is another great option! Not only is it the most important meal of the day, but most new parents are starving and exhausted from a sleepless night and having something they can eat first thing in the morning is a lifesaver. Dropping off a big bowl of fruit is a great option. It’s refreshing and easy to eat with one hand while their holding the baby.
Lastly maybe bring a bottle of wine or some cold beer. This might actually make the new parents feel like normal human beings again!
Desert Ridge® Parents’ Group (DRPG)
The Desert Ridge® Parents’ Group (DRPG) is a fun-filled organization for parents and children in the North phoenix area. All families in the Desert Ridge® community are invited to check out our activities and events! Founded in 1997, the not-for-profit Desert Ridge® Parents’ Group (DRPG) hosts weekly playgroups, monthly kids’ and family activities, seasonal events and parents-only nights for residents in Desert Ridge and surrounding areas. Membership dues are only $30 per year.
