Pregnancy is tough, we can all agree. There's the swollen feet, the backaches, the constantly fending off weird strangers who want to touch our stomachs and offer us their bonkers advice. But even tougher? Those first few weeks once baby comes, when we have literally zero time to ourselves, we haven't showered in days, and we can't figure out what makes our kid cry, even a little. Is it just … life itself?
And when it comes to mealtimes, even the most organized and healthful among us transition quickly from thinking, "Well, it can't be that hard, can it? I'll still be able to just carve out a couple hours on a Sunday to do some weekly meal prep, right?" to thinking, "I wonder if that leftover pizza from two and a half weeks ago has molded yet…"
So it's a good idea to stock up on some healthyish, yummy, easy snacks ahead of time. We've focused on three categories here, all perfect for the real new-mom diet:
1. Foods that can be kind be ripped open and devoured in an instant.
2. One-handed snacks that can be enjoyed while feeding.
3. Snacks that go from the freezer to the microwave and can be enjoyed moments later.
We've created a mix here of snacks that are easy to make a couple months ahead and freeze when there's more time in life, as well as the best prepackaged snacks that will become absolute lifesavers. Sometimes, we just need to chug down 200 calories when the idea of sitting down to a meal is laughable, and other times we just want to be able to eat something that isn't so hot that if (read: when) it drips on our kid, we panic.
Jus by Julie Pea Puffs
Crispy, light, and full of probiotics that survive even better than yogurt cultures. These pea puffs are what would happen if chips were deemed healthful.
CalNaturale Svelte Vegan Organic Protein Shake
These frankly delicious chocolate shakes are made with organic cocoa and soy milk, and pack 11 grams of protein and 180 calories in just a few seconds of chugging. Perfect for when the idea of doing anything more complicated than opening a container sounds horrifying.
Amy's Cheddar Cheese Burrito
One-handed foods are amazing for a new parent. These frozen microwaveable burritos, made with organic beans and rice, can be a handy a snack in the middle of 12 other things.
Make-Ahead Frozen Muffin Tin Omelettes
Make these tasty Western omelet muffins up to three months in advance — it's way easier to stock up before baby is due and then just microwave snacks when they're needed.
Cranberry, Cashew & Almond Trail Mix
It's totally possible to snack on this yummy, wholesome trail mix one-handed while feeding baby. Yay for multitasking moms! A big bulk container will last us a while (or … not, depending on how into that delish combo of cranberry, cashew, and almond we get).
Easy Individual Mini Meat Lasagnas
These freezer-friendly mini lasagnas are as tasty as they are easy to make (and then snack on in whatever precious free time there is).
Beech-Nut Quinoa Crispies Banana & Cocoa
Tasty and quick, these snack bars provide (some) of the energy needed for a 4 a.m. feeding. Not enough energy, but, well, something is always better than nothing.
Healthy Morning Muffins
Make these muffins in advance, freeze them, then just pop 'em in the microwave — they're healthy, vegan, and totally delicious.
Baked Oatmeal Cups
So easy to make ahead, so easy to microwave when hunger strikes, these baked oatmeal cups use only four ingredients and will keep blood sugar levels steady while not taking up any new parent time (or energy).
Shelled Seapoint Farms Edamame
Defrost frozen edamame for a super healthy, protein-packed snack that's easy to eat (even for new mamas).
Starkist Charlie's Snack Kit
Is it hard to make tuna salad? No. Is it hard to make tuna salad right after a baby comes? It sure is. This snack kit makes a protein-packed snack simpler.
Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
Chocolate is good for the heart (and soul). A handful of these chocolate-covered almonds packs plenty of protein — ideal for new parents.
Bessie's Best Lactation Cookies
Whether or not a new mom chooses to breastfeed, cookies are delicious. These lactation cookies may help produce more breast milk (and they'll taste like peanut butter and chocolate chips either way).
Hummus & Celery Snack Packs
Hummus and celery packs are an easy way to get a fresh-tasting, healthy snack in (plus, it's not hot, so if a little bit gets dropped on baby, no biggie).
Thrive Market Organic Turkey Jerky
Turkey jerky is tasty, lean, and a great source of protein — plus it's the kind of snack that can be left out on the counter (and then munched on when it's rediscovered hours later).
Freezer Smoothie Packs
Prep these smoothie packs for the freezer up to two months in advance. Then, when it's time to eat, just add almond milk, regular milk, or water.
Lesser Evil Paleo Puffs
Made with easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense coconut, cassava, and sweet potato flour, these cheesy-tasting (but cheese-free) snacks are vegan, healthy, and delicious.
Saffron Road Organic Crunchy Chickpeas
These crunchy chickpeas are flavorful, spicy, protein-packed, and able to be eaten with one hand while dealing with a baby in the other. These are great, healthy snacks for when there's zero extra time in the day.
Freezer-Friendly Spinach Feta Breakfast Wraps
These breakfast wraps are great one-handed food, and they're also ready after two minutes of microwaving. Totally delicious, but even tastier with a little added hot sauce or sausage.
Spicy Snack Mix
Make this yummy, spicy snack mix before baby comes (or get one of the friends who asks "What can I do?") to make this, and late-night feedings suddenly become … marginally better. The recipe doesn't call for the addition of popcorn, but add popcorn, people.
