Meal Planning and Prep with Multiples

Time-saving hacks for feeding many mouths without losing your mind

Feeding kids is one thing. Feeding multiples - especially when they’re growing, grumpy, or going through picky phases - can feel like a full-time job. Whether you’ve got toddlers throwing peas, preschoolers with opinions, or babies on different feeding schedules, the meal prep juggle is real.

We’ve gathered some realistic, sanity-saving hacks to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying (or at least surviving) mealtimes with your crew.

1. Plan once, eat many times

Pick one day a week (Sunday works well for many families) to loosely plan your meals for the week ahead. Nothing fancy - just jot down:

• 3–4 dinner ideas

• A couple of go-to lunch options

• What snacks and breakfast items you need to restock

Keep it flexible and rotate your favourite easy meals every couple of weeks. You’ll be amazed how much brain space you free up.

2. Double up, freeze the rest

If you’re making a family fave (spag bol, mac and cheese, chicken curry), make double and freeze half. Label it clearly and stash it away for a chaotic night when cooking just isn’t going to happen. Your future self will thank you.

3. Prep snacks in batches

Toddlers and little ones are snack machines. Cut up fruit and veg in advance and store them in containers in the fridge. Bake a batch of muffins or bliss balls and freeze them. Use compartment lunchboxes to portion out snack “tasting platters” that can be grabbed and handed over with zero thought.

4. Use a theme night formula

Take the pressure off decision-making by assigning themes to each night:

• Monday: One-pot meal

• Tuesday: Pasta or tacos

• Wednesday: Slow cooker/instant pot

• Thursday: Freezer meal or leftovers

• Friday: Toasties, pancakes, or “fun food” night

It doesn’t have to be gourmet - it just needs to feed everyone.

5. Make the most of nap time

When you have a moment (even 15 minutes), prep one or two ingredients you’ll need for dinner. Chop veggies, portion meat, or cook pasta early so the end-of-day madness is slightly less... mad.

If naps are a distant memory, don’t feel bad using screen time or a simple activity such as colouring or audio books while you prep dinner. A calm kitchen is sometimes the most nourishing thing of all.

6. Get the kids involved (even a little)

Toddlers and preschoolers love to 'help'. Give them simple tasks - washing veggies, stirring, sprinkling cheese. Yes, it might slow you down a bit, but it turns mealtime into together time, and they’re often more willing to eat food they’ve helped make.

7. Keep a 'yes' drawer or shelf

Have a drawer or shelf with safe snacks and pre-approved foods the kids can access independently. It gives them some autonomy and can buy you crucial prep time if hunger hits early.

8. Simplify, simplify, simplify

There’s no award for variety. If your kids eat the same five meals on rotation - that’s okay. If dinner is scrambled eggs and toast three nights in a row - also okay. This season of life is about ease and survival, not impressing anyone.

You’re feeding tiny humans – and that’s huge

Meal times with multiples can be unpredictable, messy and noisy. But they can also be a chance to connect, laugh, and refuel - your kids and you. You’re doing a big job. The food doesn’t have to be fancy - it just needs to get to the table. (And some nights, the floor.)

Need more ideas or support? Check out our MHV Cookbook in the Member Area.