Wirecutter for New Moms

Becoming a parent can be a wonderful time and a mixed bag of emotions. People transition to parenthood in many different ways, experiencing everything from exhaustion to elation (sometimes in the same hour). Between struggles with latching, nighttime shifts, and that postpartum pelvic floor, early motherhood can take a toll on one’s body, sleep, and sense of self—all while bringing delight, wonder, and boundless love. It’s a time when a mom really needs support. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate, pamper, and lovingly help during those strenuous early days, these picks will delight any new mom.

Even if you’re too far away to drop off a lasagna, you can deliver her a meal as good as home cooked. With chef-inspired options like Moroccan braised chicken, sungold arrabbiata, and heirloom bean soup, the Ipsa Frozen Meals are a far cry from Lean Cuisine offerings, and they have made more than a few new moms we know very happy (and nourished). To send Ipsa as a gift, you choose dishes from its menu, pick a delivery date, and then add a gift note on the easy-to-use website. (There’s also a gift card option if you want to let her make the selections.) Each meal serves two people and denotes dietary specifications, like gluten- or dairy-free, vegetarian, and spicy. The selections are surprisingly fresh and conveniently flat-packed, and we appreciate the flexible reheating options. Just check whether your giftee’s state is one of the more than 25 that the company ships to before diving in.

 By Samantha Schoech and Mari Uyehara