Table of Contents
- Introduction
- My Story
- What is Batch Cooking?
- How Does Batch Cooking Work for Busy Mums?
- Pros & Cons of Batch Cooking
- Conclusion
Introduction
As a new mum, I know how quickly the day disappears. Between feeding, settling, tidying up, and trying to enjoy a moment to breathe, dinnertime can feel like the final hurdle you don’t have energy for.
I’m someone who truly values presence. I want to be there for my daughter’s giggles, her clumsy first steps, and those quiet evening moments as a family. But every evening, I was stuck juggling pots, pans, and guilt.
I felt like I had to choose—between nourishing my family with home-cooked meals or actually being present with them.
That’s when I discovered batch cooking—and it changed everything.
This article is for the mums who feel like they’re running on empty, trying to do it all. I’ll show you how batch cooking helped me go from overwhelmed to organised, so we could reclaim our evenings as a family—and how you can do the same.
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My Story
I didn’t plan to become a “batch cooking” mum. Honestly, I thought it sounded like another Pinterest hack I’d never get around to. But while I was pregnant, I read somewhere that it might be helpful to pop a few meals in the freezer before baby arrived. So I did—just a couple of pasta bakes, a curry, and some soup. I figured they might come in handy.
What I completely underestimated was just how valuable those meals would be on the hard days.
In those blurry newborn weeks—when I was sore, sleep-deprived, and emotionally spent—those freezer meals were like a warm hug from past-me. No chopping, no planning, no stress. Just reheat and eat. It was the first taste of how batch cooking could ease the load.
But once those meals ran out, I was back to square one.
“What’s for dinner?”
“Do we even have anything in?”
“Can I throw something together before she starts crying again?”
Most nights ended in cereal or toast and a whole heap of mum guilt.
I craved proper food. I missed sitting down together without the rush. I wanted our evenings back—but didn’t see how it was possible.
That’s when I decided to take batch cooking seriously.
I started small—just a few freezer-friendly dinners and snack options during nap time. Within days, everything felt lighter. Our evenings were calmer. I had time to sit, breathe, and actually enjoy dinner with my family. And unexpectedly, I started enjoying cooking again too—because it no longer felt like a race against the clock.
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What is Batch Cooking?
Batch cooking is simply preparing several meals in advance—usually in one cooking session—so you’ve got nourishing, ready-to-go food throughout the week.
It’s not about cooking every Sunday for hours. It’s about working smarter, not harder—freeing up time and headspace when you need it most.
Think: slow cooker stews, pasta bakes, traybakes, and toddler-friendly muffins you can freeze. It’s flexible, forgiving, and incredibly freeing.
How Does Batch Cooking Work for Busy Mums?
Here’s how I make it work as a new mum—and how you can too:
Step-by-Step:
- Pick 2–3 meals you know your family already loves.
- Shop once with a clear plan—no more last-minute supermarket runs.
- Batch cook during nap time, after bedtime, or with baby in the bouncer nearby.
- Store meals in clearly labelled containers in the fridge or freezer.
- Heat and serve—no last-minute prep or cooking drama.
Some days, my toddler niece even helps stir, pour, or pick out ingredients. It’s messy, but it makes her feel part of the process—and it turns cooking into a shared moment rather than a solo mission.
Batch cooking means less time in the kitchen, less mental load, and more presence with your family.
Pros & Cons of Batch Cooking
✅ Pros:
- More time in the evenings for cuddles, play, or just putting your feet up.
- Less decision fatigue—you already know what’s for dinner.
- Saves money by using what you have and reducing impulse buys or takeaways.
- Reduces food waste with better planning and storage.
- Minimises mess—fewer dishes every night.
- Involves kids, making mealtime more engaging and fun.
⚠️ Cons:
- Requires a little planning upfront—but it quickly becomes second nature.
- Can feel overwhelming at first—which is why my email series helps you start small.
- Freezer space might be limited—but even prepping 2–3 meals makes a big difference.
This isn’t about being “supermum.” It’s about making life just a little easier—and reclaiming the evenings that matter most.
Conclusion
If you’re a new mum feeling overwhelmed by the daily dinner rush, and you’ve tried shortcuts that left you feeling unsatisfied or guilty, batch cooking could be the relief you’ve been looking for.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being prepared enough to breathe, slow down, and enjoy your family time—without sacrificing nourishing meals.
I created a simple, encouraging email series to help you get started with batch cooking—no pressure, no perfection, just small steps toward calmer evenings.
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