Postpartum Essentials Checklist for New Moms!
Inside: A complete postpartum essentials checklist to prepare you with everything you need once the baby arrives! Plus, a free printable!
The Ultimate Postpartum Essentials Checklist for New Moms!
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If you thought pregnancy was wild, the postpartum experience can sometimes be quite the ride, too.
Let me explain.
We spend months prepping for the baby – buying cute onesies, setting up the nursery, attending prenatal classes, and reading books, doing ALL the things. But what about the aftermath?
How do we prepare ourselves for postpartum recovery? Luckily, I’ve got your back with the postpartum essentials checklist you never knew you needed.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab your free postpartum recovery checklist below!
What Are the Must Haves for Postpartum?
As a new mom, there are a couple of items you wouldn’t even think you’d need. Trust me, when I had my little one, I was SHOOK at some of the things I ended up relying on. And, yes, the best postpartum adult diapers are at the top of that list! 😂
Here’s what we will cover below:
- Adult diapers
- Nipple cream
- Nipple pads
- Padsicles/Tucks
- Pain relieving spray
- Peri bottle
- Belly band
- Nursing Bra
- Slippers
- + Additional items
Your Go-To Postpartum Recovery Checklist
Okay, you know what we’re going to cover, but let’s talk about WHY you need everything and all of the important info so you can make the best decision on what you want for yourself.
Let’s dive in!
Best Postpartum Adult Diapers
Grab Frida Mom Boy Shorts here
Price range: $15-$30
Ladies, trust me on this one. You’ll want something comfortable, absorbent, and, let’s face it, something you can toss out without a second thought.
Say goodbye to your regular underwear for a while and embrace the convenience of adult diapers.
It’s not as bad as it seems, but in those first weeks, there will be recovery happening down there. Save your underwear, and get the disposable diapers. I used Always Discreet diapers, and they worked great! I’ve also heard good things about the Frida Mom postpartum underwear if you want the boy short style and not a full-blown diaper.
Oh, and take advantage of making light of the situation. There’s only a short window where you can say things like, “I gotta go change my diaper” or, “Can you run to the store and get baby and me some diapers.”
Soothing Nipple Cream
Grab Earth Mama Nipple Butter here
Grab Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream here
Price range: $10-$20
Breastfeeding or not, your nipples will likely go through a lot. Poor gals. A good, preferably organic, nipple cream can be a lifesaver.
Plus, it doubles up as a balm for chapped lips. Win-win!
The two top brands are Earth Mama Nipple Butter and Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream. Both are organic and free of things like parabens and other preservatives and additives. Oh, and both are hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin!
NIPPLE PADS
You can grab the nipple pads here
Price range: $10-$15
You’ll also need some nipple pads. Having a stash of nipple pads can help to keep you dry and comfortable. They come in both disposable and reusable options, so you can choose what works best for you. I like the Medela disposable nursing pads.
WITCH HAZEL PADSICLES
Grab the Frida Mom maxi pads here
Price range: $10-$25
Ooo, talk about soothing! Padsicles are a lifesaver. Why? They are made of witch hazel, which helps with the inflammation and pain ‘down there.’ It also is an astringent, which helps with healing.
Many new moms also get hemorrhoids. And guess what? Witch hazel can help!
You can grab a tub of Tucks and line a maxi pad with the Tuck’s pads. I recommend pairing the Frida Mom Perineal Ice maxi pads with Tucks. The other option is to make your own “padsicles”!
Here’s a padsicle recipe for you to follow:
Ingredients:
- witch hazel
- aloe vera
- maxi pads
Instructions:
- Pour 2-4 tablespoons of witch hazel onto a pad.
- Pour aloe vera down the entire length of the pad.
- Use the back of a clean, washed spoon to spread the aloe.
- Refold and wrap up the pad.
- Freeze.
Pain Relieving Spray
Grab Earth Mama perineal spray here
Price range: $7-$15
For those tender areas, a gentle, safe, pain-relieving spray can do wonders. Just a quick spritz, and you’ll feel a ton better. After cleaning yourself down there, you can give yourself a quick spritz to help ease the pain.
My doctor sent me home with Dermoplast, which worked great, but if you want an organic option, Earth Mama has a good herbal perineal spray! Earth Mama’s also has some witch hazel in it.
Peri bottle
Price range: $10-$15
This little gadget is a MUST. You won’t be able to wipe (unless you had a C-Section) for a while. So, this is a gentle way to clean your lady bits, especially if you’ve had stitches.
Mom Tip: Use WARM water when filling up your peri bottle.
Belly Support Band
Grab your belly support band here
Price range: $20-$40
This one sounds a bit weird, but hear me out. It helps to support your abdomen and back, especially if you’ve had a C-section. The postpartum belly band also helps reduce swelling, support core abdominal muscles, and return the uterus to its original size sooner. Plus, it aids in getting your belly back in shape.
Nursing Bra
Price range: $10-$50
Comfort is key when you’re nursing, and a good nursing bra can make a world of difference.
Look for something supportive, easy to open with one hand, and, of course, comfortable.
Slippers
Price range: $15-$40
You’ll be spending a lot of time at home, and comfy slippers are a must. Your feet will thank you, especially during those middle-of-the-night feedings. Plus. The extra grip on the bottom can help prevent slips.
PSA story: I fell down the stairs with my son when he was less than 2 weeks old while wearing regular old socks. How he came out of it unscathed still amazes me.
Anyway, I immediately switched to grip socks and slippers so it would never happen again. It’s not something we typically think of as new moms, but slippers and grip socks will always swear by.
Frida mom postpartum recovery essentials kit
Now, I can’t talk about postpartum recovery without mentioning the Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essentials Kit. This little kit was a game-changer for me!
It’s like they took everything a postpartum mama might need and bundled it all up in a convenient package, from the disposable underwear to the instant ice maxi pads and perineal cooling pad liners.
And let’s not forget the perineal healing foam. It’s literally the one-stop shop for all your postpartum needs. So, if you don’t want to get everything individually, this is a great route to go.
Seriously, if you’re going to get one thing off this list, make it this kit!
Additional Must Have Postpartum Items
These ones aren’t absolutely necessary, but they are nice to have.
- Breast milk alcohol test strips
- C-Section Recovery kit
- Postnatal vitamins
- TheraPearl – hot & cold breast pads
- Sitz bath salts
Postpartum Essentials Wrap-Up
So, there you have it! Your comprehensive postpartum essentials checklist. Remember, every woman’s experience is unique, so adapt this checklist to whatever suits you best.
And above all, be kind to yourself. Recovery can be tough, but with the right essentials, it can be a little bit more comfortable.
Now, you have the complete list of postpartum essentials, but you may find this diaper caddy checklist useful, too! It makes the newborn stage go a little smoother!
From diapers and wipes to an extra onesie and some soothing toys, having a well-stocked diaper caddy can be a game-changer. Make sure to check out my checklist to ensure you have all the newborn necessities at your fingertips!
Sending you all the healing vibes and baby cuddles! ✨👶🏼
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