Planning & Prep

Guide to Food Delivery for New Parents

Welcoming a new baby into the family is an incredible joy, but it often comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to meal preparation. Juggling sleep deprivation, endless diaper changes and the demands of caring for a newborn can make food delivery for new parents not just a convenience but a necessity. 

With little time to spare, the thought of planning, shopping for and cooking meals can feel overwhelming. Food delivery services can be a lifesaver during this transitional phase, offering a wide variety of nutritious meals delivered right to your doorstep. Whether it’s quick snacks for late-night feedings or full meals to share with family, food delivery can make the early days of parenting a bit smoother.

How to order food for new parents through Instacart

Ordering food can be a quick and hassle-free experience for new parents using Instacart. Learn how below so you can focus on what really matters: spending time with your new bundle of joy. After all, families that eat together are less stressed, making meal delivery for new parents a fantastic option during this busy time.

Illustrated chart showing how to order food for new parents through Instacart.
  1. Create an Instacart account: To get started with Instacart, you’ll need to create an account. Just provide some basic information: your name, email address, phone number, password and location. Creating an account is simple, and it opens up a range of benefits, such as saving addresses for future orders and creating personalized shopping lists, making it easier to find your favorite items quickly.
  2. Search for products and add them to the cart: Once your account is set up, you can begin searching for products. Use the search bar to enter specific keywords or phrases related to what you need — whether it’s baby food, snacks or ready-to-eat meals. You can also apply filters to narrow down your options by category, brand or dietary preference. This will help you quickly find the essentials and add them to your cart.
  3. Choose a delivery option: After selecting your items, it’s time to choose a delivery option. Instacart offers various delivery methods, including same-day delivery or scheduled deliveries at your convenience. When placing your order, select a time that works for you, whether it’s during nap time or after a feeding session, so you can receive your meal delivery without disrupting your day.
  4. Check out and pay: At checkout, you can choose from several payment methods, including credit and debit cards and Apple Pay. This flexibility allows you to select the option that suits you best, making the checkout process as smooth as possible.
  5. Track your order: Once you’ve placed your order, you can easily track its status using the Instacart app or website. You’ll receive notifications and updates regarding your order, including estimated delivery times and any changes in your order status. This feature keeps you informed, allowing you to plan your day without worrying about when your food will arrive.

Commonly ordered products for new parents

New parents often find themselves in need of quick, convenient meals that don’t compromise on nutrition or taste. With a meal delivery service for new parents like Instacart, you can easily stock up on essential food products that cater to your busy lifestyle. 

Here are some commonly ordered categories to help streamline your grocery list and keep your family well-fed.

Explore commonly ordered food products by new parents

Prepared meals:

  • Salads
  • Sandwiches
  • Pizza
  • Burgers
  • Wraps
  • Pasta dishes
  • Quiches
  • Stir-fries
  • Soups
  • Sushi

Easy food options:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins
  • Dairy products
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Frozen vegetables
  • Legumes (chickpeas, black beans)
  • Eggs
  • Tofu

Snacks and treats:

Pantry staples:

  • Cooking oils
  • Spices and seasonings
  • Baking supplies
  • Pasta sauces
  • Canned goods (tomatoes, soups)
  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, soy sauce)
  • Broth or stock
  • Sugar substitutes (honey, agave)
  • Vinegar (balsamic, apple cider)
  • Nut butters

Beverages:

  • Water
  • Energy drinks
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Juices
  • Sparkling water
  • Milk alternatives (almond, soy)
  • Protein shakes

Baby food and supplies:

  • Baby food
  • Diapers and wipes
  • Formula
  • Bottles and nipples
  • Teething snacks
  • Baby cereals
  • Pouches (pureed food)
  • Baby snacks (puffs, yogurt melts)
  • Pacifiers

Benefits of food delivery for new parents

Food delivery services provide a wealth of advantages for new parents, making the transition into parenthood a bit smoother. 

With the demands of caring for a newborn, parents often find themselves stretched thin, and using a prepared meal delivery for new parents can be a game-changer. Not only does it simplify meal planning but it also offers a range of options to suit any family’s tastes, from weeknight dinner ideas to comforting Sunday dinner recipes.

Here are some benefits of using food delivery services as new parents:

  • Eliminates grocery shopping trips: Say goodbye to long lines and crowded stores; food delivery allows you to get what you need from the comfort of your home.
  • Convenience: Order meals and groceries anytime, making it easy to fit into your unpredictable schedule as new parents.
  • Flexibility: Choose delivery times that work best for your family, whether it’s during nap times or after a late-night feeding.
  • Variety: Access a diverse selection of meals and ingredients to keep your family’s diet interesting and satisfying.
  • Safety: Minimize exposure to germs by avoiding crowded grocery stores, which is especially important in the early days of your baby’s life.
  • Meal planning assistance: Simplify planning with pre-selected meals and recipe ideas, reducing the guesswork of what to cook.
  • Less stress: Reduce the mental load of meal preparation and planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with your new baby.
  • Time-saving: Free up valuable time that can be spent bonding with your baby instead of cooking or shopping.
  • Healthier options: Many delivery services offer nutritious meals that cater to dietary preferences and restrictions, supporting your family’s health.

What’s more? You can easily personalize your orders to meet specific needs, whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for healthy alternatives.

Convenient food delivery for new parents

For new parents, food delivery can significantly ease the transition into parenthood. With the demands of caring for a newborn, cooking meals may feel overwhelming, but having convenient meal options delivered right to your door can save precious time and energy. 

Many services offer ready-to-eat meals and customizable options, allowing you to enjoy nutritious food without the stress of meal prep. You can also use leftover recipes to turn last night’s dinner into a delicious lunch, minimizing food waste and maximizing convenience.

If you’re ready to simplify your mealtime routine, order delivery now. With just a few clicks, you can explore various meal options tailored for new parents, making it easy to ensure you always have something delicious on hand.

Instacart

Author

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.

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