If you haven’t experienced the late-night panicked purchases of postpartum, just wait. No matter how prepared you are, there’s always something you’ll need (and quickly!). Here are some postpartum must-haves on Amazon.
Awaiting a new baby is such an exciting time! It can also be filled with plenty of unknowns as expecting moms try to figure out precisely what they need to care for the baby (and themselves) following birth.
Pro tip: Now is a great time to sign up for Amazon Prime if you aren’t already a member. Ask for a membership as a gift or add it to your baby registry. Try Prime for free for 30 days.
Quick shop: Postpartum must-haves on Amazon
I had my first baby eight years ago, and looking back, I seriously underestimated how challenging postpartum would be! Though I spent countless hours prepping my registry for baby must-haves, I didn’t anticipate how many things I would need to care for myself after delivery.
As a therapist who works with moms, I know I am not alone in my experience because I now have this conversation with my expecting momma clients regularly.
Though the onesies and cozy blankets are oh-so-cute, there are a few other key items I’d suggest including in your postpartum must-haves to help care for the baby (and you) postpartum.
Postpartum must-haves on Amazon you’ll need
I recommend everyone who gives birth to create a little postpartum care basket to keep handy in the bathroom, regardless of whether they delivered vaginally or via C-section. All types of birth can produce soreness and bleeding, so we want to be prepared.
For the new parent:
1. A Frida Mom Postpartum Kit
Frida Mom’s vaginal recovery postpartum kit includes a starter pack of all the essentials: disposable underwear so you don’t ruin your favorite pairs from postpartum bleeding, witch hazel pads, which provide a cooling and comforting sensation, a perineal bottle for easy cleaning, and pads.
If you are having a cesarean birth (or want to be prepared for the possibility of one!), Frida Mom also offers a c-section recovery kit which includes mesh underwear, grippy socks, silicone strips, an abdominal support band, and more.
2. Stool softeners
I recommend new moms consider taking stool softeners regularly for the first few days after giving birth.
Our bodies have been through a lot after birth, and it can be helpful to keep things soft as you are re-strengthening your pelvic floor and adjusting to soreness down there. If you’re navigating postpartum hemorrhoids, stool softeners are your friend.
3. Nursing Pads
Breastfeeding is not the right fit for everyone – and that is perfectly OK. Whether you choose not to or your body isn’t able to produce, your body may still produce milk and come with leaks, at least for the first few days.
Those who do breastfeed can experience leaking for some time, and reusable, washable nursing pads are nice to have on hand to protect your clothes from visible leaks.
Aren’t in a rush to get your nursing pads? You can order the same nursing pads from our Postpartum Shop and support our small business.
4. Comfortable Loungewear & PJs
You will spend a lot of time at home near and around your bed for the first few days or weeks postpartum, so comfortable loungewear is a must – and bonus points if it is cute and functional.
Nursing-friendly loungewear for those who nurse is an added plus, and even if you don’t, these sets will have you feeling comfortable when you roll out of bed to help your sweet baby in the middle of the night.
5. Nursing bras
Your breasts may feel larger and uncomfortable during sleep or can experience some leakage.
A nursing bra can give you a place to insert nursing pads at night and can provide comfortable support during the daytime while also being accessible for feedings if you need it.
For the baby:
6. Baby Bouncer
A bouncer like this is portable and can move with you and your baby from room to room when you need a moment to be hands-free so you can enjoy a shower, prepare a quick bite to eat, or enjoy a solo cup of coffee while the baby happily bounces away.
7. Bassinet
A safe place to sleep with bonus features like easy access to a parent’s bedside, adjustable heights, and safety features that increase the odds of baby (and momma!) getting a good night’s sleep, a bassinet is a must-have.
8. Nose Frida Nasal Aspirator
Little ones are still figuring out the world, including the changing seasons, allergies, and congestion.
The traditional bulb aspirators can get gunk stuck inside, which is not ideal for you or your baby. The Nose Frida makes clearing congestion a breeze!
9. Baby feeding pillow
Baby nursing pillows are super helpful for breastfeeding and bottle feeding baby to help keep momma or her partner’s back supported while providing a comfortable space for the baby.
This one, in particular, includes a wrap-around design with a supportive backrest, noise-free straps for keeping the baby asleep, and a space to store your phone or water bottle.
10. Soft night light
Newborns can require a lot of night wakings, feedings, snuggles, and diaper changes. A soft, dimmable light can make things a little easier for everyone.
For the home:
11. Baby-friendly hand sanitizer
With a newborn, this will quickly become a staple in your household to keep the baby healthy, especially with visitors coming in (keep one by the front door!).
This hand sanitizer from Babyganics is made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances, or dyes and is free from alcohol.
12. A reliable coffee maker
This one is my absolute favorite for endless coffee options – whether you make everyone a cup of coffee in the morning for the team effort or need a solo afternoon pick-me-up of your favorite iced coffee drink.
13. Grab & go snacks
Having easily accessible healthy snacks is a must to simplify things for the entire family.
You can store some on your bedside table for easy access when hunger strikes during feedings and can even add them to your registry for the family to contribute to the family’s postpartum support.
A trail mix bag or an assorted snack kit is easily ordered from Amazon, or you can put together your own with bars, cheese, dried fruit, hummus, nuts, and more.
14. Journal for couples
I know nurturing your relationship can feel like a minor priority postpartum with a new baby to care for.
However, investing in each other and your relationship can be imperative so you can stay connected and avoid landing in the roommate phase. This journal gives small but meaningful prompts to connect with your partner.
15. Gift cards for re-stocking
Whether you need more burp rags, diapers, or a grocery delivery – adding some Amazon gift cards to your registry or your own Amazon balance can help take some pressure off the wallet when you need some essentials.
Final thoughts on postpartum shopping
No matter what you buy or where you buy it, know what’s important is that you prepare for postpartum to begin with.
An often overlooked time, postpartum comes with many challenges and changes, so it’s best to be prepared. We hope these Amazon postpartum must-haves can get you started on the right foot.
Annia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) offering therapy and coaching through her private practice Tightrope Therapy. She exclusively works with moms and moms-to-be to help them find balance in life and motherhood. Annia is a mom, stepmom, therapist and coach so she gets it - personally and professionally. Annia provides online therapy to moms in Texas and Florida and serves clients throughout the U.S. and internationally through her coaching services.