Postpartum Essentials: What You Really Need for Mom and Baby

During pregnancy, so much focus goes toward preparing for the baby that many mothers forget to prepare for their own recovery after birth. Having a few supplies ready can save you a shopping trip when you’re sore, tired, and caring for your newborn.

As a postpartum doula, I’ve helped hundreds of families transition home with their newborns, and many new moms tell me the same thing: they wish they had known what would actually help during those early weeks. These are the recovery products and newborn items I recommend most often.

You won’t need everything on this list. Start with supplies for your recovery and your baby’s daily care, then choose the extras that suit your feeding plans and budget. Ask your hospital what you’ll receive before buying duplicates.

Key Takeaways

• Ask what recovery supplies your hospital provides before buying extras.
• Start with recovery basics and daily baby-care supplies; add feeding and comfort products as needed.
• Check with your care team before using medications, herbal supplements, or products on a healing incision.

Postpartum Recovery Essentials for Mom

Your supplies will depend partly on whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section. I’ve included recovery basics, feeding supplies, and optional comfort items below so you can choose what you’ll use.

1. Sitz Bath

Your perineal area may feel sore after childbirth.² A warm sitz bath can help soothe discomfort, including hemorrhoid pain.³ Ask your care team when you can start, use a clean basin, and soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. Plain warm water is enough; only add herbs, salts, or other products if your provider recommends them.³

Related: Proper Perineal Care Postpartum

2. Postpartum Pads and Disposable Underwear

After birth, you’ll have lochia, a vaginal discharge containing blood, mucus, and tissue that usually lasts several weeks.⁴ Use postpartum pads or disposable underwear rather than tampons during recovery.⁴

I highly recommend making a few padsicles before your baby arrives so you have them ready at home to help soothe postpartum soreness. Cold packs and witch-hazel pads are options for easing perineal discomfort after birth.²¹

You can also purchase some herbal-infused postpartum pads for the days you no longer need a padsicle/cold compress. I also recommend picking up some TUCKS medicated cooling pads. You can place them in your postpartum pad for cooling relief, following the package directions.

This might sound funny, but I also highly recommend getting some Silhouette Depends! They’re basically adult diapers. Yes, you and your baby will be “twinning” in diapers for the first few weeks. I found these comfortable and appreciated the convenience of disposable underwear.

I wore them after both of my deliveries and appreciated that I could toss them along with my postpartum pads into the trash. If you’ve had a C-section, choose a waistband that doesn’t rub or press on your incision.

3. Water Bottle

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Staying hydrated matters for your health during recovery and breastfeeding.^5,6 Keep a water bottle you like nearby and refill it throughout the day. Drink when you’re thirsty rather than forcing extra water in an effort to increase your milk supply.^7,8

4. Postpartum Tea: An Optional Extra

If you enjoy tea, it can be a comforting addition to your day. Before choosing an herbal postpartum or lactation blend, ask your healthcare provider about its ingredients, especially if you’re breastfeeding or taking medication. Evidence for herbal products marketed to increase milk supply is limited.²⁰

5. Nipple Cream

Nipple cream or balm can be an optional comfort item if your nipples feel dry or sore. If feeding hurts or your nipples crack, ask a lactation consultant to check your baby’s latch rather than relying on cream alone. After testing many, two of my favorite nipple balms are from Motherlove and Earth Mama.

Related: 11 Ways to Treat Engorgement and Cracked Nipples

6. Heating and Cooling Pads

Cooling packs can help ease perineal discomfort after birth.²¹ Choose products designed for the area you’re treating, and follow their directions for temperature and how long to use them.

Lansinoh offers hot and cold postpartum pads and breast therapy packs for new mothers, which can provide comfort during recovery. Also, the Frida Mom donut seat is a great cooling cushion for your bottom side if you feel sore. And these postpartum perineal ice maxi-pads are great if you want something more disposable than reusable.

7. Nipple Shield: If Recommended

Breastfeeding can sometimes be difficult at first. Some mothers have inverted or flat nipples, which can make it challenging for babies to get a strong latch.⁹ Tongue-tie can sometimes affect feeding, but latch problems can have several causes and deserve an individual assessment.^10,11

A lactation consultant may recommend a nipple shield for certain feeding difficulties. Use one with guidance on fit, milk transfer, and when to stop using it. It isn’t something every breastfeeding parent needs to buy in advance.¹² Silver nursing cups can also help protect and soothe your nipples after breastfeeding if you’re experiencing soreness or pain.

Related: 7 Breastfeeding Discomforts and How To Manage Them

8. Perineal Spray or Foam

A perineal spray or foam is an optional comfort item after a vaginal birth. Ask your care team which product is suitable, especially if you have stitches, and follow the directions for use.

Related: Postpartum Must-Haves for Recovery After a Vaginal Birth

9. Nursing Pads

Disposable breast pads are convenient but can sometimes be uncomfortable and itchy. So, a company I recommend is Bamboobies. They have soft, organic, washable, and reusable nursing pads — they’re my favorite! Also, while nursing, instead of milk from your other breast dripping onto your nursing pad, you can use a milk catcher to collect it. Those drops add up and are great to save and add to your milk collection!

Related: Top Breastfeeding Essentials Every New Mom Needs

10. C-Section Scar Care

If you’ve had a C-section, follow your care team’s instructions for cleaning and protecting your incision. Don’t apply a balm, cream, or other product to the healing incision unless your clinician recommends it.¹³ Once the incision has fully closed, ask whether a scar-care product would be useful for you.

11. Nursing Bras and Tanks

If you plan to breastfeed, start with a few comfortable nursing bras or tanks and add more depending on leaks and how often you do laundry. Some of my favorite nursing bras are the racerback nursing sports bra from Kindred Bravely for everyday wear, an underwire bra for more dressed-up occasions, and the Bravado Designs nursing bras and tanks.

For sleeping, these nursing sleep bras are my favorite! They’re supportive, very comfortable to sleep in, and definitely postpartum essentials if you plan to breastfeed your baby. You may also want some cozy nursing gowns and a robe for nighttime and when lounging at home.

12. Dermoplast

Your care team may recommend a numbing spray such as Dermoplast for temporary perineal pain relief.²¹ Follow their instructions and the product label.

13. Peri Bottle

For the first week (or so) after giving birth, peeing can sting (especially if you have stitches).¹⁴ Having a peri bottle filled with warm water each time you go to the restroom helps lessen the sting and keeps you clean.¹⁵ The hospital usually gives you one to bring home, but I particularly like the peri bottle from Frida Mom. Since it has an angled end, you don’t have to awkwardly lean over and try to aim every time you use the restroom. This makes it so much easier. And you could even use it in the future as a portable bidet!

14. Stool Softeners: If Recommended

Going to the bathroom to pass your first bowel movement after birth can be scary and feel like giving birth all over again. Ask your care team whether you should use a stool softener and for how long.²¹ If you experience postpartum hemorrhoids, it can also be helpful to apply Rhoid Balm to your bottom to provide relief. And I suggest keeping a Squatty Potty in your bathroom to help you avoid straining. Ask your care team which treatment is suitable for you.

I recommend keeping your bathroom recovery supplies in a diaper caddy so you don’t have to look for everything. They’ll all be in one place!

15. Easy Meals and Snacks

Stocking up on some healthy foods in advance is the best gift you can give yourself! When you have a newborn, it’s tough to find the time to prepare and eat well-rounded meals. Buy healthy snacks and cook freezer meals in bulk. If friends or family offer to help, ask for a meal, a grocery pickup, or something you can eat with one hand. You may even consider getting a meal subscription service, such as Home Chef, if you’re limited on time. This can be really convenient when you’re busy with a baby or feel too tired to cook.

See also: 20 Easy Postpartum Snacks to Stock in Your Pantry

Newborn Essentials for Baby

These are my recommendations for diapering, feeding, dressing, and caring for your newborn. Check what you already have before adding more to your shopping list.

1. Swaddle

A good swaddle is always on my postpartum essentials list. I love muslin swaddle blankets, but I also like to save time and make my life easier with zip-up and velcro swaddles. No one has time or energy in the middle of the night to deal with swaddle blankets, so these can be lifesavers. Here are the top three I recommend: the Love to Dream Swaddle UP, the SwaddleMe by Summer Infant, and this 2-in-1 Butterfly Swaddle. These are the swaddles I consistently keep in my doula bag because they tend to help families the most during those early newborn weeks.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, avoid weighted swaddles, and stop swaddling as soon as they show signs of trying to roll over.²³

Related: How to Swaddle a Baby: Step-by-Step Guide

2. Zip-Up Sleepers

Zip-up sleepers are the way to go. No parent wants to deal with finding every button or snap or putting on a new onesie that goes over baby’s head. (FYI: Babies usually hate outfits that go over their heads.) I recommend adding a few zip-up sleepers for easier nighttime changes.

3. Diapers

Diapers are an obvious essential, and new parents NEED diapers. Two of my favorite diapers right now are Rascals (great, affordable price) and Coterie (luxury diapers). These are incredibly absorbent. If you want an eco-friendly option, I recommend cloth diapering. If you want eco-friendly disposable diapers, try Dyper or HealthyBaby.

4. Hand Mittens

Have you noticed how sharp your baby’s fingernails are and how they’re constantly putting their precious little hands to their face? Hand mittens are super helpful to prevent baby from scratching their face and eyes. I recommend these cotton baby mittens from goumikids. I love how they’re made from bamboo cotton (super soft) and stay on well (they have a two-part closure). They also have a reversible black-and-white patterned side that can be flipped over. I have given these as gifts to many new mamas.

5. Hand Sanitizer for Caregivers

Ask anyone holding your newborn to clean their hands first. Soap and water are best; when they aren’t available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.²² Keep it out of children’s reach and let your hands dry before handling your baby.

6. Pacifiers

Some parents need a good pacifier for their little ones. A few pacifiers that I recommend are Natursutten, Soothies, and BIBS. I have also seen many babies like Nuk and Avent. Babies usually prefer a particular type, so try not to buy too many of one brand before you know which one your baby prefers!

7. Nasal Aspirator and Saline

When your baby gets congested, it’s helpful to have the Frida Baby SnotSucker on hand to clear mucus from their nose and help them breathe better. Babies aren’t able to blow their noses, so this little tool will help them (and you) tremendously. It might feel weird and gross at first, but once you see how it helps, you’ll never go back! Use infant saline and the aspirator according to their directions.

8. Diaper Rash Cream

Diaper rash is miserable, so don’t skip out on diaper rash creams. I recommend Earth Mama’s diaper balm. It’s amazing! I’ve had many clients use it, and it really helps prevent and/or treat diaper rash. I also like Motherlove’s balm and Triple Paste.

9. Wipes

Here’s another product that you can’t get enough of: wipes! I’m still using wipes today with my kids (who are out of diapers) for messy faces and hands. Some great options you can get are Honest and Rascals.

10. Baby Detergent

I’ve selected two types, Dreft and Honest, so you can choose which you prefer. They’re both safe for babies, but depending on your budget and whether natural/eco-friendly is important to you, you have options. Or you can purchase a sensitive skin, fragrance-free detergent for the whole family, which I did for my family and recommend to others. This way, you can save a little money, and it’s safe for baby.

11. Baby Tracking App

Another tool that can be a lifesaver is a baby tracking app. The ones I recommend are Sprout Baby and Baby Tracker Pro. The first few visits to the pediatrician are filled with the doctor asking how many times a day baby pees and poops, how often baby eats, how long baby eats for, etc. The lack of sleep and exhaustion from having a newborn can make remembering and keeping track of everything hard. But an app makes it much easier to log eating and diapering! Some apps are only a few dollars, which is well worth the price, and there are even free ones, too.

12. Nursing Pillow

Breastfeeding pillows are a nursing mom’s best friend because they relieve pressure on your back, neck, spine, shoulders, and arms.¹⁶ The primary function of the pillow is to bring your baby closer to your body and your breasts. This is important if you want your little one to get a good latch and stay comfortable during the process. If you’re recovering from a C-section, choose a feeding position that avoids pressure on your incision.²¹ My favorites are Boppy and My Brest Friend.

Use nursing pillows only for feeding while you’re awake and supervising your baby, never for sleep or lounging.²⁶

Related: Benefits of a Nursing Pillow: What You Should Know

13. Burp Cloths

Babies spit up often, so it’s good to have a thick burp cloth that can soak up and hold it all. I’ve tried many different kinds, and the ones I prefer most are Gerber’s cloth diapers, which I use as burp cloths. I know they aren’t the cutest, but I promise they can absorb much more and will be your favorite, too.

My second favorite is the Burpy Bibs from aden + anais, and I recently discovered these awesome, super soft, and inexpensive muslin burp cloths! I also like the Copper Pearl burp cloths since they’re large and very absorbent.

Related: How to Burp a Baby: 12 Tips for Successful Burping

14. Baby Soap

Babies don’t need to bathe very often because they don’t get very dirty.¹⁷ But when they do, it’s nice to have some mild, fragrance-free baby cleanser made for your baby’s delicate skin. Tubby Todd, Pipette, and Noodle & Boo are great brands to get for your newborn!

Related: How Often Should Babies Take a Bath?

15. Breastmilk Storage Bags

If you plan to pump your breastmilk, have breast milk storage bags or suitable food-grade containers ready. Bags can save space in the freezer. If you’d like to donate milk, contact a milk bank about its screening, collection, and storage requirements first. Here are two brands of disposable collection bags you can purchase: Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags and Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags. You can also buy reusable collection bags like these from ZipTop. And Kiinde Twist Pouches are awesome for pumping milk straight into a storage bag!

Related: How To Collect, Store, and Prepare Breast Milk

16. Breast Pump

A breast pump can give you more options when you’re away from your baby or want someone else to help with a feeding. If nursing is painful, a lactation consultant can help you address the cause and work out whether expressing milk would help. You may want to catch up on some sleep, run some errands, have your partner or a family member help feed your little one, etc. Thank goodness we have breast pumps so women can still give their babies breastmilk even when they cannot nurse! I love the Motif Medical Luna, BabyBuddha Breast Pump 2.0, Spectra S2, and Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump.

Instead of owning your own, there are also hospital-grade breast pumps you can rent, too.

17. Bottles

Baby bottles are obviously essential to have when preparing for your baby. I love Dr. Brown’s bottles, but if you decide to formula-feed your baby, an excellent on-the-go option is the PopYum bottle. I also like this Emulait baby bottle starter kit, which comes with a cleaning brush. These are definitely worth considering.

18. Formula

Even if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding, I recommend considering a small supply of infant formula as a backup. Discuss a backup feeding plan with your baby’s healthcare provider so you know what to do if feeding difficulties come up. If you’re worried your newborn isn’t getting enough to eat, contact their healthcare provider promptly.³⁰

Follow preparation instructions carefully. Powdered formula is not sterile, and babies younger than 2 months need extra precautions.²⁸

If you’re looking for some quality infant formula to have on hand, some great options are Bobbie infant formula and Earth’s Best organic baby formula.

19. Baby Wrap or Carrier

You can’t expect to always be able to hold your baby when they need you. There are times in the day and night when you need both of your hands. This is why I’m a huge advocate for babywearing. I highly recommend adding a baby wrap or carrier to your fourth trimester essentials list! I love the Solly Wrap, Baby K’tan Active Wrap, WildBird Ring Slings, and LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow. Some other brands I like are Ergobaby and Tula. You’ll be so grateful that you can keep your baby close and get the things on your to-do list done.

Related: 12 Benefits of Babywearing for Mom and Baby

20. “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp

I absolutely recommend this book. I feel like every new parent needs to learn these tricks. Dr. Harvey Karp teaches in this video (and his book) the 5 S’s on how to soothe your baby. It’s absolutely worth watching. You won’t regret it. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.

Related: The Five S’s To Soothe Your Baby

21. Sound Machine

Inside the womb, baby hears so much! They hear your heart pumping, your breathing, your voice, your blood circulating, and more.^18,19 It’s loud in there. Once they’re born, it can be so quiet. Hearing white noise comforts them, so this can help them fall asleep. I highly recommend the Dohm White Noise Sound Machine, the Hatch Rest (2nd Gen), and the Nanit Sound Machine. And the Hatch Rest has so many functions that can grow with your child. I also love how the Hatch Rest Go and the Yogasleep Hushh 2 are portable and can go with you anywhere!

Keep the volume low, place the machine as far from your baby’s head as possible, and limit how long it runs.²⁷

22. Bassinet or Crib

Have a crib, bassinet, or play yard that meets current U.S. safety standards ready before your baby comes home. Keep it in your room, with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet only. Place your baby on their back for every sleep.²³

23. Car Seat

If your baby will travel by car, have a rear-facing car seat that fits your newborn properly installed before birth. Follow the car seat and vehicle instructions.²⁹ You’ll want to consider the features that are most important to you (weight, travel system compatibility, etc.) when choosing the right car seat. A great and affordable option is this Maxi-Cosi infant car seat.

24. Digital Thermometer and Medication Guidance

Keep a digital thermometer and your pediatrician’s contact information handy. If your baby is 3 months old or younger and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, call the pediatrician immediately, even if your baby otherwise seems well.²⁴

Ask your pediatrician before giving your newborn medicine for fever or pain. Ibuprofen products, including Motrin and Advil, should not be used in babies younger than 6 months unless a doctor directs you to use them.²⁵

You don’t need to order everything at once. Set up your bathroom recovery supplies, have feeding and diapering basics ready, and keep a few easy meals on hand. You can add other items once you know what you and your baby use.

And if someone asks what you need, it doesn’t have to be another product. A meal, clean laundry, or help with an older child can be just as welcome. For help planning meals, visitors, and support at home, see how to make a postpartum plan.