During pregnancy, expectant mothers spend so much time preparing for the baby that they often forget to prepare for themselves — and for the recovery after birth. The fourth trimester can be full of healing, learning, and sleepless nights, and having the right essentials can make a world of difference.
As a postpartum doula, I have helped hundreds of new mothers transition home with their babies, and so many tell me they wish they had known what would truly help. This guide covers the postpartum essentials I recommend most for both mom and baby to make those early weeks smoother, more supported, and more comfortable.
Postpartum Essentials for Mom
These are the recovery products and comfort items I recommend for new moms during the fourth trimester.
1. Sitz bath
After you give birth to your baby, you will have a sore pelvic floor.2 As part of your postpartum recovery, get some bath herbs to help soothe wounds, aches, and pains, reduce swelling, and heal tears and perineal bruising. It’s also great for hemorrhoids, too.3 You can get a regular sitz bath soak at any corner store. All you have to do is fill your foldable sitz bathtub, drop some in, and sit for about 20 minutes.3 Your pelvic floor will thank you!
2. Pads
Also, after giving birth, you will have lochia, which is vaginal bleeding from the uterus lining shedding, and it can last as short as two weeks or as long as six weeks.4 (Note: Do NOT use tampons.4) I highly recommend that expecting mothers make their own padsicles for when they get home to help with their healing. 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 as well. Line them up in your postpartum pad, and your bottom will feel much better.
As a postpartum doula, I often see new moms surprised by how much relief these simple pads and cooling tools provide during those first tender weeks.
You may think I’m crazy, 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. These are comfortable, don’t leak, and make a great alternative to underwear, especially if you want the convenience of being able to toss what you wear. I wore them after both of my deliveries and appreciated that I could toss them along with my postpartum pads into the trash. C-section mamas also like that these fully cover their incisions and do not rub or scratch them.
3. Hydrate
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Mothers who don’t stay hydrated have a lower milk supply, so drink plenty of water throughout your day.5 You should drink the standard eight glasses of water daily (8-ounce glass), but don’t overdo it.6 Consuming more than eight glasses will not help you make more milk or provide additional benefits.7 Drinking an excessive amount of water has actually been shown to drop a mother’s milk supply.8 But again, remember to stay hydrated! Keep a water bottle that you like nearby and refill it throughout the day.
4. Tea
Tea can be so helpful for many things, especially for a recovering new mama. I recommend Birds & Bees Teas. Their Ripe & Ready tea is made to help tone the uterus, which is perfect for healing after giving birth. Their Our Lady of La Leche tea helps increase the quantity and quality of milk and support a nursing mother’s overall health. I give them two thumbs up!
5. Nipple cream
You have to protect yourself from getting chapped or cracked nipples from breastfeeding. The way to do that is to use some nipple cream or balm between nursing sessions. After testing many, two of my favorite nipple balms are from Motherlove and Earth Mama. These are a must!
6. Heating/Cooling pads
These products are postpartum mamas’ favorites! Hold and cold therapy can really help with recovery. Lansinoh offers hot and cold postpartum pads and breast therapy packs for new mothers, which can help with healing and soothing aches and pains 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
Breastfeeding can sometimes be difficult in the beginning. Some mothers have inverted or flat nipples, which can make it challenging for babies to get a strong latch.9 Some babies have a lip and/or tongue tie, which also causes latch problems.10,11 There are many things that can make breastfeeding a bit frustrating for you and your baby. Lactation consultants sometimes recommend using a nipple shield to help your baby learn how to latch correctly. It can also give your nipples a break from getting dry and cracked.12 It’s not something you need forever, but it’s nice to have on hand if you need assistance. Silver nursing cups can also help protect and soothe your nipples after breastfeeding if you’re experiencing soreness or pain.
8. Bottom spray or foam
Herbal perineal spray or healing foam is definitely a postpartum recovery essential for every new mom who’s had a vaginal birth. They provide healing and relief without harsh chemicals, and all you have to do is spray for application!
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 the milk from your other breast dripping and filling up your nursing pad, you can use a milk catcher to save your milk. Those drops add up and are great to save and add to your milk collection!
In my doula work, these are the breastfeeding essentials I see new moms reach for most often as they establish a comfortable and confident feeding routine.
10. Healing salve
With the United States cesarean rate being 32.1% (almost 1 in 3 people), it’s nice to have something that can help you heal after having a C-section.13 Earth Mama’s Skin and Scar Balm is a great all-natural product that helps with proper cell regeneration and wound repair. You can also use it for other surgical wounds, old C-section scars, stretch marks, inflamed rashes, and burns, making it a postpartum recovery essential for mamas who have had C-sections!
11. Nursing bras/tanks
Once you have your baby, you’ll want to stock up on five to seven nursing bras and/or tanks. You will be very leaky, so having those extra backups is nice. Some of my favorite nursing bras are the racerback nursing sports bra from Kindred Bravely for every day, an underwire bra for more dressed up occasions, as well as 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 are definitely postpartum essentials if you plan on breastfeeding your baby. You may also want some cozy nursing gowns and a robe for nighttime and when lounging at home.
12. Dermoplast
If you need some major relief down there, I also suggest using Dermoplast Pain Relieving Spray a few times a day. This postpartum recovery essential can help your pelvic floor heal. It’s slightly numbing, easy to use, and offers instant relief. New moms swear by it!
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 lean over awkwardly and then aim and spray (and probably miss) 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
Going to the bathroom to pass your first bowel movement after birth can be scary and feel like giving birth all over again. Do yourself a favor and start taking a stool softener like Colace once your little one arrives. I recommend taking it for a week or so after and eating lots of easy-to-digest foods. If you experience postpartum hemorrhoids, it can also be so 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.
I recommend putting all these items in a diaper caddy to stay organized. Keep the caddy in your bathroom so you don’t have to look for everything — they will all be in one place!
Postpartum Essentials for Baby
These are the newborn essentials I recommend keeping on hand to make caring for your baby easier in the early weeks.
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 is a list of our absolute favorite swaddles! And here are my top three: 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.
2. Zip-up onesies
Zip-up onesies 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.) Save your sanity and only ask for (and buy) zip-up onesies from your friends and family.
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 hold everything! If you want an eco-friendly option, I recommend cloth diapering, or 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, which doubles as a developmental aid! I have given these as gifts to many new mamas.
5. Hand sanitizers
Every new parent wants to protect their newborn, so having some hand sanitizer can keep those germs at bay. It’s great to have sanitizer around the house, too, when visitors stop by to see your new baby, so no matter where you are in the house, you can make sure their hands are clean before holding your little one. I recommend Babyganics or The Honest Company. Babyganics is an alcohol-free foam, and Honest has a gel or a spray. I love that Honest’s gel doesn’t dry out your hands, and their spray smells good, too!
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. SnotSucker
When your baby gets congested, it’s helpful to have the Frida Baby SnotSucker on hand to clear their sinuses 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! I recommend using the saline spray once in each nostril, waiting 15-30 seconds, and then using the NoseFrida to clear their nose.
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 that others do. 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 since they relieve 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 you want to stay comfortable during the process. It also can be a great option postpartum if you’re recovering from a C-section. It protects the incision site and keeps direct pressure off of your incision, which helps it heal faster. My favorites are Boppy and My Brest Friend.
13. Burp cloths
Babies spit up all the time, so it’s good to have a thick burp cloth that can soak and hold all of it. I’ve tried many different kinds, and the product I prefer the most is 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.
14. Baby soap
Babies don’t need to take a bath very often since they don’t get very dirty.17 But when they do, it’s nice to have some good-smelling, gentle body wash made for your baby’s delicate skin. Tubby Todd, Pipette, and Noodle & Boo are great brands to get for your newborn!
15. Breastmilk storage bags
If you plan to pump your breastmilk, you will need to store it. Instead of keeping each amount you pumped in a breastmilk collection bottle, I recommend purchasing breastmilk storage bags. This way, you’ll save much more for future use and emergencies. Also, you can donate extra breastmilk if you have them frozen in your storage bags! 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
It’s unrealistic to think you will ALWAYS be able to breastfeed your child physically. You may need to give your nipples a break from nursing your baby and pump instead. Or you may want to catch up on some sleep, run some errands, have your partner or a family member help feed baby, 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 bottle for when you’re on the go is the PopYum bottle. I also like this Emulait baby bottle starter kit, which comes with a cleaning brush. You must check these out!
18. Formula
Even if you plan on exclusively breastfeeding your baby, it’s never a bad idea to have a can of infant formula in the house. You never know if there will be a time when you and baby are both crying in the middle of the night because they won’t latch or you’re not producing enough milk. Have an emergency stash of formula, and then call the lactation consultant in the morning. 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/carrier
You can’t expect to always 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 postpartum 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.
20. “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp
ABSOLUTELY recommend. 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. Get it! Watch it. You won’t regret it. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
21. Sound machine
Inside the womb, baby hears so much! They hear your heart pumping, breathing, voice, 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 for sound machines. Dohm is the Official Sound Conditioner of the National Sleep Foundation. 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!
22. Co-sleeper
Having some type of co-sleeper for your little one to room-in with you, especially those first few months, is a great option. A Moses basket, like the one I have below, is convenient for moving your babe from room to room. Other great options I highly recommend are the HALO Bassinest swivel co-sleeper, the Snoo, and the SnuzPod4.
23. Car seat
Before you can leave the hospital with your newborn, you must have a car seat. Make sure you buy and install this before your baby arrives! 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. Medications
Germs can spread, and if anyone in your home gets ill, having some medications that are safe for your baby at home will give you great peace of mind. There’s nothing worse than seeing your baby sick and having to rush to the store to help them feel better. It’s good to have medications like Motrin Infant Drops, Infants’ Tylenol, and Infants’ Advil Drops on hand. These are the most needed medications that should be in every medicine cabinet.
25. Healthy foods
Stocking up on some healthy foods in advance is the best gift you can give yourself! When you have a newborn baby, it’s tough to find the time to prepare and eat well-rounded meals. Buy some healthy snack options and cook healthy freezer meals in bulk. A healthy and well-nourished mama makes for a healthy and well-nourished baby. 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 baby or feel too tired to cook.
See also: 20 Easy Postpartum Snacks to Stock in Your Pantry
Who knew there was so much out there to help during the first couple of months with your new baby? The fourth trimester can be challenging, but having these essentials on hand truly makes it easier for both mom and baby.
With the right tools, support, and preparation, you will feel more confident, more comfortable, and more cared for as you begin this new chapter of motherhood. You deserve that — and more.
