New Mom Necessities: Items You’ll Need After Giving Birth
After months of meticulous planning, from researching the best products to setting up the nursery, you’re finally ready to welcome your little one. Amidst all the excitement, it’s equally important to prepare for your postpartum recovery. To help you navigate this transition smoothly, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of postpartum must-haves, whether you’re a first-time mom or adding another little one to your family.
Essentials for Mom
Feeling overwhelmed after giving birth is completely normal. Here are some essentials to ease your recovery and help you feel more comfortable as you heal:
Postpartum pads, disposable underwear, and/or adult diapers – Expect heavy bleeding for the first 10 days as your uterus contracts back to its normal size. Stock up on disposable pads, underwear, or adult diapers to stay comfortable and clean.
Perineal spray and cooling pads – Soreness is inevitable for those who have a vaginal birth and hemorrhoids can be common in people who give birth vaginally or through C-section. Dermoplast® Postpartum Spray offers no-touch soothing relief for your tender areas.
Comfortable clothes and nursing bras– Loose, comfortable clothes and supportive nursing bras are must-haves. They provide ease and comfort as you recover as well as easy access for breastfeeding.
Nipple cream, breast pads, and/or silver cups – Breastfeeding can lead to tender, sore nipples. Use nipple creams, breast pads, and silver cups to help with sensitivity and protect your skin.
Sitz bath and Epsom salts – Sitz baths can provide relief, especially if you tore, had an episiotomy, or have postpartum hemorrhoids. Adding Epsom salts to the bath can help with the pain and swelling. Try spraying Dermoplast® Postpartum Spray to help with your postpartum hemorrhoids as well.
Pain relievers and stool softeners – You may have stitches and staples from a cesarean birth or if your perineum is torn during delivery. Discuss pain relievers and stool softeners with your doctor to further ease your recovery.
Hydration and snacks – Labor can be exhausting and leave quite you hungry and thirsty. Pack your favorite snacks for the hospital and keep easy-to-eat snacks around once you’re home, especially if breastfeeding. You will likely be incredibly thirsty while breastfeeding, so hydrate well and consider adding electrolyte packets to replenish your body.
Skincare and hygiene products– Treat yourself to travel-sized versions of your favorite skincare and hygiene products. A refreshing shower post-birth can make all world of difference.
Essentials for Baby
Your baby may not need much initially, but here are some key items to ensure they’re comfortable and safe:
- Properly installed car seat – Install it at home then ask your local fire or police department if they check it for safety.
- Onesies/zipper sleepers – stock up on varying sizes, as you won’t know your baby’s size until birth.
- Swaddling blankets – Different swaddles work for different babies. Find the one that keeps your baby cozy.
- Crib or bassinet with fitted sheets – Ensures a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your newborn.
Essentials for Home
As you settle into a new routine at home, these items can make life easier:
- A nightlight and sound machine can help with those middle-of-the-night feedings and soothe your baby into sleep.
- Healthy, protein-rich meals & snacks are important for maintaining your energy levels.
- Baby lounger and/or bouncer to provide a safe place for your baby to relax while you get things done.
- A baby carrier keeps your baby close while keeping your hands free.
Feeding & diapering supplies
Once you’re home, you’ll need to have these supplies handy. Consider having a rolling cart or your most used items in a handheld caddy for convenience.
- Breast pump & accessories – Having these readily accessible can make the breastfeeding process easier and less stressful.
- Nursing pillow(s) – Supportive during feedings, it may help to have more than one for the variety of locations in which you may be feeding.
- Breast milk storage bags and milk catcher/saver – Don’t miss a drop. Store and save breast milk efficiently.
- Bottles, nipples, and formula – Ensure you have the necessary supplies if you’re formula or bottle-feeding.
- Bottle sterilizer & brush – Keep your baby bottles clean and safe.
- Burp cloths – Keep you and your baby clean during feedings.
- Diapers and wipes – Stock up on different sizes of diapers and wipes to handle those frequent diaper changes.
- Diaper rash cream – Prevent and treat diaper rash with a good cream like Triple Paste zinc oxide formulas to keep your baby’s skin healthy. You may need to experiment with a few different brands or formulas until you find the one that works best for your baby.
