The 11 Best Picks for Postpartum Diapers for New Moms

 Article originally published April 22, 2023. 

Preparing for the postpartum period can be overwhelming for new moms who don’t fully know what to expect or what the best postpartum products are.

As you navigate the world of motherhood, there are a few different things to consider, such as the type of postpartum diaper that best suits your needs and offers the best protection when healing from birth. You can use these instead of a postpartum pad and mesh panties!

Finding the right postpartum diaper can make all the difference in your daily routine, providing comfort and convenience as you recover from birth and navigate postpartum bleeding.

As a new mom, you deserve the absolute best, which is why we’ve compiled this guide and list of the best postpartum diapers on the market today. Add a pack to your hospital bag, trust us!

Our goal is to help you focus on the many joys of motherhood without the added stress of finding the perfect postpartum diaper.

1.  Closest fitting: Always Discreet Postpartum Underwear

2.  Add your own pad: Frida Mom Disposable Underwear

3.  Small business-friendly: Attn: Grace Disposable Diapers

4.  Comfortable waistband: Depend Fit-Flex Underwear

5.  Cotton top sheet: Solimo Postpartum Underwear

6.  Reusable option: Saalt Period Underwear

7.  Organic option: Rael Cotton Cover Disposable Underwear 

8.  Best bulk option: Amazon Basics Postpartum Underwear 

9.  Sustainable option: Veeda Plant-Based Organic Postpartum Diapers

10.  Smooth fit: Tena Incontinence Underwear

11.  Shapewear fabric: Depend Silhouette Underwear

Postpartum diapers can be a lifesaver for new moms because they provide unmatched comfort, protection, and convenience when your body is healing and adjusting to motherhood.

Not only are the best postpartum diapers designed to be highly absorbent and protect against leaks, but they also come with higher waistbands that are supportive and offer more comfort in the early days of the postpartum period.

No matter what kind of birth experience you had (cesarean or vaginal birth), postpartum diapers can simplify this recovery time. While there’s no right or wrong answer to whether you should wear postpartum diapers, they certainly are extremely helpful for many new moms who are recovering from childbirth.

The length of time postpartum diapers are worn can vary since everyone is different. Typically, postpartum diapers are worn for the first few days to a week after delivery, when bleeding is at its heaviest.

If you plan to give birth in a hospital, they should also provide several postpartum diapers (or mesh undies with a separate pad) to get you through those first days. After that, many women switch to postpartum pads as the bleeding begins to lessen.

Every woman’s experience is unique, and it’s essential to listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding postpartum care.

Read next:  The Best Postpartum Pads for Recovery

Some women may need to wear a postpartum diaper longer, while others feel comfortable switching to pads sooner.

Plan on changing your diaper about 6 to 7 times a day for at least the first week you’re postpartum – but it’s always safer to have more just in case.

Whatever your experience, remember that it’s all part of the postpartum journey, and there is no one “right” way to navigate it.

No two people experience the postpartum journey the same way, so whatever works for you is the route you should take.

There are, of course, quite a few different brands of postpartum diapers on the market, so it might be helpful to get a couple of different ones that appeal to you the most to determine if you have a preference.

When it comes to choosing the right size, it’s essential to keep in mind that your body will be going through a lot of changes after giving birth.

You will experience some abdominal swelling and discomfort after birth, so keep this in mind and consider going for a size larger than you would normally wear if you weren’t postpartum. This will provide additional comfort and ensure that the diaper fits appropriately.

It’s also important to consider the level of absorbency you’ll need. Most postpartum diapers are designed to handle heavy bleeding, but keeping the absorbency aspect in mind when choosing what brand and size to opt for is helpful.

The list below with our brand picks should give you a good idea of the different features, sizing, and absorbency options so you understand what to look for when choosing your postpartum diapers.

The Always Discreet line is a favorite among postpartum mamas. Always is known for its highly absorbent products, and its Discreet line of underwear is perfect for the postpartum period.

They are soft, breathable, protective, and comfortable and come in various inclusive sizes.

Frida is a highly reputable brand that makes a wide range of products for both mom and baby. The Frida Mom Disposable Underwear is super stretchy and breathable, and they make ones with a higher waistband designed explicitly for moms recovering from a c-section to cover your incision site.

These don’t offer any absorbency, so you must add a postpartum pad. These are still some of the best options since having disposable underwear, if you prefer pads, is ideal in the first days of postpartum.

Moms love these mainly for the seamless design and how high-waisted they are.

Known for their extra-high absorbency and skin-safe materials, the postpartum brief-style diapers from Attn: Grace is a winner in our book. Their materials are silky-soft and made from plants (no harmful chemicals here!).

Pro tip: Save 10% on high-quality postpartum diapers, pads, and more from Attn: Grace with code HELLOPOSTPARTUM10 at checkout.

Another brand that’s renowned for its impressive degree of absorbency and protection is Depend.

The Fit-Flex Underwear line is a tried-and-true product that offers fast and remarkable absorption while remaining breathable and in place with its form-fitting waistband.

The best part? These diapers come in five different sizes. 

Solimo Postpartum Underwear is super breathable, absorbent, and high-waisted, making it another top choice for postpartum moms who have had a c-section.

These diapers are affordable, won’t irritate the skin, and the sides have a unique tear-away material for easy removal – which isn’t offered with every brand.

If disposable postpartum diapers aren’t your jam, you can opt for something reusable.

Several different brands of period underwear are on the market today, and Saalt is a favorite option among many.

This underwear comes in different absorbencies, styles, and sizes to find your perfect pair with sustainable protection.

If having a postpartum diaper made with organic cotton is high on your list of preferences, then the Rael Cotton Cover Disposable Underwear is for you. They’re made with no harsh chemicals and are a better option than some on the market.

A diaper with organic cotton is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin, and this line also provides excellent protection, especially overnight.

For an option that’s easily accessible and quite a bit more affordable than others, the Amazon Basics Postpartum Underwear is a fantastic option.

The packs come with 60 pairs of highly absorbable, yet breathable, underwear. This is an excellent choice if you prefer to bulk order your necessities online with fast shipping. Add these to your list of postpartum essentials.

The Veeda Plant-Based Organic Postpartum Diapers are another fantastic choice for sensitive skin or allergies.

On top of being absorbent and more environmentally friendly than other disposable options, these diapers are infused with a green tea leaf extract that significantly affects how cool and dry you feel while wearing them.

If you’re looking for a postpartum diaper that won’t make you question whether it’s absorbent enough, then Tena Incontinence Underwear is what you need.

Comprised of three soft layers for maximum protection, this underwear still feels thin enough and is not like a bulky diaper.

On our list again is the brand Depend, but they are just that trustworthy and superior in quality.

Depend has a few different diaper options, but the Depend Silhouette Underwear line is what you’ll want to go with if you want something with a more feminine design that fits comfortably under your clothes.

Even though these fit so seamlessly under clothes, these diapers are impressively absorbent and offer leak-free protection, so you can rest assured you’ll be protected as you go about your day.

Choosing the best postpartum diapers can make a big difference in your comfort and recovery after giving birth. With so many options, figuring out which product is right for your needs can be overwhelming. We promise that once you find the postpartum diaper that works best for you, they’ll be your best friend (speaking from personal experience).

You can find the perfect product by considering factors like size, absorbency, and style, making the postpartum period easier.

With all the different brands and styles today, you can opt for disposable diapers or reusable, absorbent underwear.

It’s most important to prioritize your comfort and well-being during this time, and it’s lovely to have a great option or two at home during the first week postpartum.

Every new mom’s postpartum experience is unique, and there is no correct way to navigate this time. Be kind to yourself, take things one day at a time, and trust that you will find the products and resources that work best for you.

Personally, I loved using postpartum diapers after birth because they were a lot less messy than dealing with mesh underwear and bulky pads. Once I found the style and brand that worked, I could stay comfortable and clean while healing.

As a two-time C-section mom, I preferred the diapers because they were easy to remove. I just ripped the side of them to step out of the diaper instead of crunching over to put on underwear (which, if you’ve ever had a C-section, you know how painful it is to bend over!).

• Birthing Gowns: A Round-Up of the Best Ones for Birth 

• The 10 Best Postpartum Pads You’ll Want for Recovery 

• The 12 Best Postpartum Jeans for Every Body Shape and Size 

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CARLEY SCHWEET  

A two-time c-section mom, Carley Schweet is the founder and editor of Hello Postpartum and is deeply passionate about supporting other new parents as they navigate life after birth. She is a published author of two self-care books, and her work is featured on platforms such as Bustle, Forbes, MindBodyGreen, and more, and is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.