Postpartum essentials list for mom and baby. Most of us are on the team; I need it all for myself and baby because you just never know and if I don’t use it, I can always return those items.
On the other side is team minimalist postpartum essentials. Just give me the basics. What do I need to get started?
If you’ve been visiting the blog for a while, you know I like to stick to the essentials, but I think I will have both teams covered. 😉
I also did a poll with my Instagram friends on most of the items listed. So what you see below other moms agree these are all postpartum essentials for mom and baby.
Postpartum Essentials Checklist For Mom
- Ice packs
- Water bottle
- Postpartum Support Garment
- Abdominal Binder
- Postpartum Pads
- Heating Pad
- Sitz Bath
- Slippers
- Pump
- Milk bags
- Comfy Underwear
- Mesh Underwear
- PJs
- Tucks Pads
- Dermoplast
- Cami for breastfeeding
- Peri Bottle
Let’s start with mom. For the moms who are solely looking for postpartum essentials for c-section, I will add a few items here as well.
Postpartum Essentials List For Mom
A sitz bath is a great way to help with postpartum discomfort from hemorrhoids or an episiotomy. After placing the “tub” over your toilet, fill it with warm water and Epsom salt if you like and sit for a bit to help with discomfort.
Always check with your provider on the frequency and duration of use.
Best Postpartum Pads- So whether you deliver by c-section or have a vaginal delivery, you need postpartum pads after delivery. This is because of a postpartum discharge called lochia rubra.
The best postpartum pads for comfort and to help eliminate a big mess are Always Discreet Pads.
Another new mom essential for some is Depends. Some moms swear by these and prefer them. During my poll with my Instagram friends, Depends weren’t highly used.
I’m adding them here because some moms prefer them over everything else.
Your flow will be like a menstrual period, heavier in the first few days, and will taper off like a period usually ending around 4 to 6 weeks.
Best Disposable Postpartum Underwear– You’ll wear disposable underwear for a while until your flow slows down. You won’t have to worry about messing up a good pair of underwear.
With Frida Mom Postpartum underwear, you can choose from (8) boy shorts or (8) high-waist. They are mesh and latex-free.
They are super stretchy and breathable.
Best Postpartum Underwear- Kindred Bravely Bamboo Hipster Panties provide full coverage, which is much needed after delivery and they are also great for pregnancy and postpartum.
They are soft, breathable, and come in 3 different colors.
Wirarpa high-waisted underwear are great for both vaginal and c-section mamas, but c-section moms might favor these a little more. They are nice and snug, provide full coverage, and when I tell you, these bad boys won’t roll down when you bend over. They don’t! My friends, they stuck to me like glue. LOL. They come in a variety of colors.
Both mesh and regular underwear are postpartum essentials for moms, so be sure to stock up on both.
Best Postpartum Ice Packs- If you’re creating a postpartum basket list for yourself or someone else, ice packs are postpartum supplies for new moms she can’t live without.
The Medline ice packs are pretty much what you will use while in the hospital.
- Adhesive strip
- Twist to crack.
- Pack of 24.
Tip– Add a little water to the pad after cracking and shaking. Will make these ice packs a little colder.
Frida Mom Postpartum Perineal Ice Maxi Pads- These pads serve as an ice pack and an absorbent pad in one. Slightly wider than hospital pads.
There’s also a postpartum essentials recovery kit which includes disposable underwear, ice pads, perineal cooling pad liners, and perineal healing foam. This covers a good portion of your postpartum essentials for mom.
Lansinoh Hot & Cold Pads For Postpartum- If you are looking for an eco-friendly pad, the reusable ice packs from Lansinoh come in both hot and cold packs.
These are not absorbent pads. They are hot and cold pads to be used to provide relief from perineal discomfort, cramping, and/or breast discomfort.
Tucks pads and dermoplast absolutely belong on this postpartum essentials list for moms. From my Instagram poll, these two were most used. Very few mamas used perineal foam, but I’ll list it below anyway, just in case you’re interested in it.
These are 2 of the best postpartum essentials every mom should have set up in their bathrooms.
Tucks Cooling Pads- Tucks are hemorrhoid pads with witch hazel. They work wonders for hemorrhoids itching and pain, as well as perineal discomfort.
Line them across your ice pack.
Frida Mom Perineal Foam- Frida Mom perineal foam is made with medicated witch hazel. The foam can take the place of Tucks pads. It provides pain relief to the perineal area and discomfort from hemorrhoids.
Dermoplast– Dermoplast is great for pain, burning, and provides relief from itching. Spray on top of your layer of tucks pads.
Best Peri Bottle For Postpartum- Frida Mom peri bottle is the best all-around peri bottle out there. Why? because of its ergonomic design. It’s made to be held upside down, which provides a continuous stream of water.
While you certainly can take the peri bottle used in the hospital home with you, it doesn’t provide a continuous stream.
- Comes with a waterproof storage bag.
- C-Section mamas need a peri bottle too. It makes it easier to keep the area clean while not applying too much pressure on your incision site.
Colace- Grab a bottle of stool softeners to have on hand. Make sure you discuss any medications either prescribed or over the counter with your doctor.
Whether you put together your postpartum bathroom kit or purchase one, I think a good idea is to have wipes in the bathroom. They’re great to have on hand to pat dry after using your peri bottle and keeping the area clean during the postpartum phase.
Best Heating Pad For Postpartum– When thinking about postpartum supplies for a new mom, a heating pad is something helpful to have around to help with discomfort. Especially if you like to opt-out of medication.
The Mighty Bliss is also the best heating pad for pregnancy.
- Large.
- Machine washable
- It’s electric.
Breast Pump- If you plan on breastfeeding, a breast pump is a postpartum item you need. Most insurance plans cover breast pumps to rent or for moms to keep.
You can read this Q&A done by Health & Human Services on insurance and breast pumps.
Breastmilk Storage Bags- The top 2 breastfeeding bags I highly recommend are the Kiinde twist pouch and Lansinoh breastmilk bags.
With Kiinde pouches you can pump directly into the storage bags so no need to pump, pour and possibly spill your milk and then store it.
The other thing I loved about Kiinde pouches. As we moved into solids, I could store puree foods in the pouches and carry them on the go.
I had the Kiinde Twist Breastfeeding Gift Set, and all the parts worked seamlessly. These products are a game-changer!
Lansinoh Breastmilk Bags
- Durable
- Can pump directly into the bag
- Double zipper seal
Best Nursing Cami- A few nursing camis are must-have mommy essentials. Especially for late-night nursing sessions. This Motherhood Maternity tank is a clip-down that makes all the difference for quick access.
Comes in a variety of colors.
Two others for your postpartum essentials list for mom are nipple balm and nursing pads. Either disposable or reusable.
Related: Breastfeeding Essentials Every Mom Needs
Water bottle– Nothing is more important than staying hydrated and well-fed. Keep that water bottle filled and nearby.
Slippers– After everything, our bodies have been through having any and everything that will provide comfort is a must.
Most of our days, in the beginning, will be spent at home on our feet caring for our newborn baby. When thinking about postpartum things for mom, a good pair of slippers is a must.
Best Postpartum Pajamas- Who doesn’t love a good Target find? This one is a short set, super soft at a great price. It’s also button-down, which makes it a cool breastfeeding option.
Sizes- XS-XXL
Also comes in a 2-piece pant pajama set, button-down top, and pants.
This beautiful pajama short set from Kindred Bravely is made of bamboo fabric, which is so soft and breathable. The set will take you through all phases of your motherhood journey.
It can work during pregnancy and works with breastfeeding because the top is bottom-down and the shorts have an elastic waistband. The elastic waistband makes for a more comfortable fit as your belly grows and still provides comfort postpartum.
Comfortable PJs are a must-have for new moms after delivery!
Best Maternity Robe- Yes, I know it’s true I’m a fan of Kindred Bravely. Why? because they design their pieces to take you through your motherhood journey. No need to buy multiple items for each phase.
The Emmaline nursing, maternity, and postpartum recovery robe is a long robe (knee area) and it’s a great plus-size maternity robe. Comes in XS-XXXL.
- Soft
- Cozy
- Pockets
- Lightweight
Postpartum Kits For Mom
If your preference is to purchase a postpartum kit instead of a DIY postpartum kit using the postpartum care kit checklist above, here are a few postpartum kits for moms with the best postpartum products.
Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit
- (4) pairs of disposable underwear
- (4) instant ice maxi pads
- (24) perineal cooling pad liners
- Perineal healing foam
- (1) storage caddy
- Mesh underwear
- Sitz bath pads
- Perineal heat/cold pack
- Witch hazel pads
- Perineal cleansing bottle
- Candle
- Affirmation card
Postpartum Essentials For C-Section
Postpartum essentials list for mom who delivered by c-section.
Best High Waist Underwear For C-Section- When you’re ready to move on from disposable underwear, a good pair of high waist underwear is what new moms need for themselves after a c section. But these Kindred Bravely high-waisted postpartum panties will work just as well for moms who delivered vaginally.
They are attractive, comfortable, rest high enough above your incision, and come in a variety of colors.
Comes in a pack of 5.
Wirarpa High-Waisted Underwear- Wirarpa high-waisted underwear is one of my favorite sets for c-section mamas. If you remember from C Section Recovery Kit- The Essentials, I delivered via c-section.
They are super comfortable and come in a variety of colors. For me, they fully meet the definition of high-waisted. They came right to my belly button, sexy I know. LOL. The Wirarpa underwear provides full coverage, a pack of 5 as well, but no lace.
Belly Bandit- If you are looking for a simple belly band, the Belly Bandit is a good option. The downside to this Belly Bandit may ride up your back.
Related: Realistic C Section Hospital Bag
Best Belly Bands For C Section
3 in 1 Postpartum Support makes the best belly bands for a c section because of its adjustable compression and affordability.
- Breathable.
- 3 Adjustable velcro straps belly belt, waist belt, and pelvis belt, which allows you to adjust compression.
- Bulkier than most because it’s 3 in 1.
- It will remain in place.
C-Panty- The ultimate postpartum c-section panty is the C-Panty. If you are a c-section mama, this panty is essential for your postpartum essentials list for mom.
- It has a silicone panel that looks like a little window over your c-section scar.
- Provides compression.
- High-waisted.
- Specifically made for c-section moms.
- Machine washable.
Support Garments- When asked in the poll if moms preferred support garments or let it all hang out, the majority said, “let it all hang out”. But it was so close.
C-Section moms may want the extra support so it’s a good choice to add to your postpartum essentials list for mom.
Spanx OnCore High-Waisted Brief- We all know Spanx does the job they are supposed to do and these high-waisted briefs are no different. Add these to your postpartum recovery essentials.
- Provides amazing compression.
- Bonded tummy panel.
- Squeeze-free panel slimming.
- Comfortable.
- It’s recommended to size up if you are in-between sizes.
- XS-3X.
Postpartum Essentials Checklist For Baby
- Diapers
- Formula
- Onesies
- Burp Cloths
- Gripe Water
- Diaper Cream
- Paci
- Swaddles
- Baby Bouncer
- Baby Carrier
- Nose Bulb
- Milk Warmer
- Changing Pad
- Wipes
Postpartum Essentials List For Baby
Burp cloths- Gerber’s cloth diapers work as the best burp cloths. They are thick and super absorbent.
Nose Bulb- A good old fashion bulb will do the trick.
Diapers: both cloth and disposable- For disposable diapers, it’s best to start with a size one which is 8-14 lbs this way if your newborn baby is a little bigger than expected you are prepared.
For cloth diapers, Alvababy is one size with adjustable diapers. You can use these from the beginning instead of purchasing newborn cloth diapers.
Diaper Cream- Weleda diaper cream is made with calendula, which helps soothe the skin. It’s also made with lanolin and zinc oxide. To be used after every diaper change.
Earth Mama Organic Diaper Balm– Earth Mama diaper balm is the best natural diaper cream and the best option for parents who plan to use cloth diapers. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and no zinc.
Wipes- Stock up on wipes and lots of them.
Onesies- Onesies are a postpartum baby essential. It’s a good idea to stock up on them for the spit-ups, blowouts, extra layer for colder weather and so many more reasons.
Best Baby Swaddles
Comfy Cub swaddle blanket 3 pack
Burt’s Bees swaddle transition sleeping bag
Wellements Organic Gripe Water- Wellements gripe water works like a charm and can be used at a very early age.
- Recommended for newborns – 12 months of age.
- Organic and needs to be refrigerated after opening.
- No gluten, soy, dairy, dyes, or parabens.
Baby Formula– If I’m being honest, I never thought about the need to have baby formula on hand when I knew I planned to breastfeed. But a friend/co-worker suggested I have some on hand just in case breastfeeding wasn’t as successful as I had hoped.
I received a few cans in the mail and held on to them. I never needed to use them, but I highly recommend getting some before delivery, just in case.
Best Newborn Pacifier- Dr. Brown’s pacifiers are one of the best around for their functionality and design.
Best Baby Bouncer- The Babybjörn bouncer is an ergonomic bouncer that provides proper head and back support.
- (3) different height positions
- The fabric can be removed, which means you can wash it, or if you would like another color, you can purchase the additional fabric.
- Functions as a bouncer and a chair.
- Recommended age, weight, and height- 0-2 years, 8 lbs-29 lbs and 21 inches.
Best Baby Carrier- There are some complicated baby carriers on the market and when you are trying to keep up with your new normal with a newborn, you need something easy to use and get your new baby in and out of.
The Babybjörn Carrier Mini does just that! It is small and soft, which makes it a great option for babywearing.
Baby Bjorn recommends babies are at least 5 months old and weigh 24 lbs before facing out.
Best Baby Bottle Warmer- You will often hear people say bottle warmers are a waste. I say they never tried the Kiinde bottle warmer.
I always recommend moms add this to their postpartum essentials list for baby because it does what it was designed to do. Warm milk.
You simply fill it with water and set the timer. It has warmed and thawed frozen breastmilk all the way through.
The Kiinde bottle warmer can heat breast milk, baby formula, and baby food.
Best Baby Changing Pad- Keekaroo peanut diaper changing pad is a fantastic changing pad. There are no extra covers to purchase and fluids cannot penetrate.
- The peanut has curved lines and raised sides.
- A strap to keep your baby from rolling over.
- Non-slip surface.
- Wipe with warm soap and water.
- BPA free.
Related: Baby Essentials For The First 3 Months & Beyond
I hope this postpartum essentials list for mom and baby helps you determine what you need after giving birth. This list is all the things you need at home after having a baby to get you started. You got this mama!
Note: This post is not intended to provide medical advice.
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