"The first few weeks with a baby can be the most exciting and exhausting days of your life. Your entire world has changed, you don’t recognize your body, and you can’t stop staring at this tiny human who you just met but can’t imagine how you ever lived without. It’s a magical wild ride that’s made infinitely easier with a few essential items.
You’ve probably spent the last few months becoming ultra-prepared. But in case something didn’t make your list, we wanted to highlight a few essentials for you and baby that you’ll be glad you have the first days as a mom. We hope your postpartum journey is filled with sweet newborn snuggles and few frantic-late-night-shopping sprees. But, if you do find yourself in a pinch, you can buy plenty postpartum recovery items from Amazon—thank you day-of and next-day shipping!
For this article’s product recommendations, we asked several of our editors who are moms what saved them during the postpartum stage. Their responses are pretty genius. Read on for some of the things you need postpartum that you didn’t think of. Plus, find everything you need to know about the fourth trimester.
What is the Fourth Trimester?
You may have heard the term “fourth trimester” before, but what does that actually mean? And, more importantly, how long does this postpartum period last? Simply put, the fourth trimester covers the 12 weeks after delivery. During this time, health experts urge new moms to focus on their health and recovery.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends new moms see their OB-GYN within three weeks after giving birth to ensure there are no postpartum complications. They also recommend having a comprehensive postpartum exam after 12 weeks. These postpartum visits are intended to assess any health conditions—including mental health and overall physical recovery—as well as offer family planning discussions and contraceptives.
Outside of the doctor’s office, the fourth trimester is a great time for a new mom to lean on her support system when possible. Taking the time to rest, physically recover, and bond with baby are some of the most important things a new mom can do in the fourth trimester. And the good news is, there are plenty of postpartum recovery items available that we can have on hand to help in these efforts.
What is the 5-5-5 Rule for Postpartum Recovery?
Another concept you may have heard circulating is the 5-5-5 Rule. Basically, this recovery technique highlights the importance of the first 15 days after birth. According to the rule, the first five days should be spent in bed, the next five on the bed, and the last five around the bed. The 5-5-5 rule highlights the importance of rest in the immediate days postpartum.
Following this rest-focused approach, during the first five days post-birth, new moms should essentially rest in bed. This rest should be accompanied by plenty of skin-to-skin contact with her newborn, but include little other active movement. After those five days, she should start incorporating more movement by sitting up and playing gently with the baby. This may also include calm time with older siblings. Finally, the third set of five days will include more light activity near the bed so rest is still prioritized.
Below, find more than 50 items for mom and baby that aided our editors in their postpartum recovery journeys. Some were great for rest, some for overall wellness, and others are simply essentials for mom and baby you may not have known you needed.
Postpartum Essentials for Mom
Most providers recommend taking a multivitamin after birth, and it makes complete sense given everything your body has been through. This multivitamin by editor-favorite brand Ritual is formulated to support new moms in the six months after birth and throughout lactation.
After birth, your lower half is going to be busted, to say the least, and it’s going to be a minute before you’re back to wearing your old underwear. These make the whole situation just a little bit better. They are comfortable and can fit any combination of padsicle that gives you relief.
For the first few weeks of my baby’s life, showering felt like a luxury. If you’re going to be wearing the same clothes for days on end, then there is no better option that a quality set of pajamas. This set from Kindred Bravely makes nursing and pumping a breeze, but is just as comfortable if you’re not nursing.
5 colors available
This button-up makes you feel like a human again because you won’t feel uncomfortable wearing it in your new postpartum body. Plus, it’s effortlessly chic for running outside errands or attending doctor’s appointments.
10 colors available
This convenient tumbler will remind you to hydrate throughout the day. Plus, it keeps your beverages cold and warm so you can enjoy them any time. My secret is leaving one full bottle in each of the most commonly-used rooms (bedroom, living room, and nursery), that way hydration is always within arm’s length.
10 colors available
After birth, pushing anything in the lower half of your body is the last thing you want to do. Combine that with hospital pain meds and you’re going to need a little help. With this stool softner, you can give your body the support it needs to keep you regular without pain.
The right nipple cream can make all of the difference between painful patches and minor temporary soreness as your body adjusts to feeding another human. Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter is non-GMO, lanolin-free, and made without petroleum or parabens—so you don’t have to wash it off before feeding your baby. Speaking from experience, I never knew how much I’d need it!
Recovery from a c-section is a whole different ball game. This care kit specific for c-section mamas saved me. Wipes, an abdominal support binder, and silicone scar patches are just a few of the lifesaving items in this kit.
Frida Mom’s postpartum essentials recovery kit is also available here!
These basic tanks can double as a nursing bra or first layer under other clothes. This was one of the items I never knew how much I needed until I didn’t have them.
5 color combinations available
When I found out that eating cookies could aid in lactating, I was instantly sold. The ingredients support breast milk supply, and they’re so tasty!
3 flavors available
These single-use pad liners provide instant soothing relief when you most need it. Pro tip: Throw this pack in the refrigerator for extra cooling.
This mist—infused with witch hazel organic peppermint essential oil—can be used with your peri bottle after bathing or using the bathroom.
Postpartum hemorrhoids are, unfortunately, a common experience after giving birth, so use this organic cream to soothe itchiness and reduce swelling.
The postpartum stage means seeking all the comfort we can. With an orthopedic design, this tailbone seat cushion helps offer support and comfort.
Fourth Trimester Essentials for Baby Feeding
My son had pretty bad reflux and has since graduated to being a “happy spitter,” but that means that everything we own is covered in baby puke. We have tried at least 10 brands of burp cloths, wash cloths, and rags to keep him (and us) puke-free. These are the first we’ve found that are super absorbent, large enough, and soft enough to combat his reflux.
10 colors available
This is the third dishwasher basket we have owned in three months and I couldn’t love it more. It is significantly more durable than the others we have had, has a much larger capacity, and all of the dedicated slots are great for getting smaller Dr. Browns parts clean. GAME CHANGER.
2 colors available
These bibs are awesome and come in packs of eight for less than $30. You’ll love the simple design and patterns and how well they wash and hold up. They are so soft and fit snuggly enough that no spit up makes it through to the outfit.
7 color combinations available
This manual breast pump is helpful for expressing milk using natural suction. Plus, it can also collect letdown during feedings.
The Formula Pro by Baby Brezza is a must have for formula feeding. Think of it as a Keurig for your baby formula—it’s sure to be your new favorite item.
This set of three nipple shields is designed to help nursing moms who may be experiencing latching difficulties or have flat or inverted nipples.
This product includes seven sets of washable and reusable breast pads (plus a convenient wash bag) offering breastfeeding moms comfort and leak protection between feedings.
Great for breast feeding or bottle feeding, the Boppy pillow transforms baby mealtime. Even dads, grandparents, and visitors will enjoy using the pillow while feeding the baby.
Offering both support and flexibility, this hands-free pumping and breastfeeding bra works with any breast pump.
6 colors available
These bottles are designed to most closely mimic breastfeeding to reduce bottle rejection and nipple confusion issues. They also feature dual anti-colic vents to prevent unwanted air-intake and reduce colic.
This set includes four and eight-ounce anti-colic bottles, two extra nipples, travel caps, and cleaning brushes.
Essentials for Baby Sleep
We still haven’t checked off window treatments on the ole nursery to-do list, so these are an amazing temporary solution for naps! Plus, they’re so easy to remove and bring with us to friends and relatives homes. They fold up in a tiny bag, the suction is INTENSE, and they take less than two minutes to put up and one minute to put away.
5 colors available
These are so wonderful, easy to use, and handy! They don’t take up any coveted outlet space, look like regular outlet covers, and provide the light you need for those middle of the night wake ups.
Gowns were key for us when we first brought our son home. I loved that this didn’t have to go over his head and that it was easy to get on and off for changes.
2 colors available
This seven-pack of multipurpose receiving blankets can be used for swaddling, burping or cuddling.
6 color combinations available
Baby Care Essentials
This diaper caddy seems simple, but it is an absolute lifesaver. In addition to diapers, we keep the caddy stocked with all the baby toiletries, so in any instance, we aren’t running to the nursery to get what we need. It is light and has organizing compartments—you won’t regret having it in your arsenal.
4 colors available
An infant’s nails can go from perfectly fine to tiny daggers in an instant. This blessed tool gets the job done quickly and easily—plus, it has an automatic safety stop, so you’ll be able to avoid any manicures that end in shrieking or blood.
Even though my baby is still pretty young, we needed a place where we would be comfortable and safe for play time in our house full of hardwood floors. We wanted something simple and relatively small that was easily moveable, and this mat is great. It’s super durable against three dogs and wipes easily with no color transfer or fading.
You go through a lot of outfit changes every day and these pants are soft, super affordable, and fit awesome without falling down.
2 color combinations available
This is the perfect item for any moms with ninja babies who enjoy peeing on themselves mid-diaper change. They’re really soft, absorbent, and roll up really small with little elastic buttons for clean and organized storage.
4 colors available
We go through wash cloths like they are an unlimited supply of paper towels. These are simple, soft, and self-explanatory. They hold up amazing to being washed daily—they still look brand new!
5 colors available
This adorable towel has a sweet hood with gingham trim in several sweet colors. The quality is amazing and it’s well priced.
6 colors available
Another option in the nail trimming game—this might look a bit gimmicky but it does make it much easier to file nails without having to worry about hurting baby.
My husband lives for these onesies. The magnets are so easy and these jammies are so soft, have a looser fit, and come in cute patterns. They make diaper changes and frequent outfit changes a breeze.
Several colors available
This soft silicone brush was great for when my son had a bit of cradle cap and the soft bristles make his hair into the cutest baby mohawk post shower.
My son loves his binky as much as he loves to spit out his binky. No explanation needed.
4 patterns available
My son had issues digesting the Vitamin D from the hospital and his pediatrician (also a mom of two) suggested these and it’s so simple! One drop on a pacifier and you are done.
This cute board book is full of high-contrast, black and white cut-paper art perfect for a newborn baby’s eyes to see.
These daily probiotic drops offer digestion and immune support for babies and may help reduce crying time and discomfort associated with colic and gas.
The reviews speak for themselves with this one. These mittens are machine-washable and feature a stay-on design to protect babies from scratching themselves.
4 colors available
Socks can be very hard to keep on squirmy baby feet. These organic booties are a perfect alternative that actually stay on little feet.
This set of newborn pacifiers contains two color-coordinated pacis made of 100% food-grade silicone and featuring two large vent holes for breathability.
many colors available
This four-pack of swaddle blankets is made of soft, durable, breathable, and high-quality muslin for baby’s ultimate comfort.
many colors and patterns available
Fourth Trimester Gear Essentials
The BabyBjörn bouncer was the winner at our house, and five months later, I can adamantly say it is our favorite baby chair. Give your baby this magical chair that will grant mommy time to shower, quickly eat a meal, or just have time for a break before the baby needs you again.
Made by a family-run small business, this car organizer is great for stashing emergency essentials you might need and keeping them all out of the way. I have an extra set of diapers, wipes, a burp cloth, a bib, an outfit, and a binky all safely stored and organized.
I heard from so many mom friends while pregnant that their baby monitors just didn’t cut it. I picked up this security camera on Amazon and we love it! It’s easy-to-use app syncs with multiple phones and tablets and has awesome clarity, sound, and zoom/pan technology. We are big fans!
The Hatch sound machine is a game changer in baby sleeping. Use it at home or on the go to make sure baby isn’t disturbed.
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Alexandra Pagar-Wolf, Chief of Sales
Alexandra is the Chief of Sales working with both The Everygirl and The Everymom’s partners, sponsors, and collaborators since 2015. She works with all partners to develop multi-channel programs and partnerships that bring our readers the latest trends from key brands such as La Marca Prosecco, Obé Fitness, Blue Apron, Kohl’s, Kendall Jackson, Glossier, and Equilibria.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!