Postpartum Essentials & Must-Haves For New Moms

Written by Katy Arnold on March 03, 2025.

Postpartum is a wild mix of baby bliss, recovery, reality checks, and wondering how one tiny human needs so much. Between the healing, the feeding, and the figuring-it-all-out, postpartum care isn’t just important—it’s vital. From soothing must-haves to sanity-saving gear, here are all the postpartum essentials you need to take care of yourself while you take care of your new plus-one.

What is the Postpartum Period?

The postpartum period is that hazy stretch of time after birth when your body is healing, your hormones are all over the place, and sleep becomes a distant memory. It’s a mix of recovery, adjustment, and a whole lot of learning on the fly. Often called the “fourth trimester,” this phase typically lasts six weeks, but postpartum care doesn’t stop there—it’s something new moms need well beyond those early weeks. Whether you’re dealing with sore everything or emotional rollercoasters, the right support can make all the difference.

Postpartum anxiety is also incredibly common, with many parents experiencing heightened worry or distress when separated from their baby. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. Understanding the signs and finding ways to cope can help—here are some tips to navigate postpartum separation anxiety.

Postpartum Essentials Checklist

Postpartum is a ride—beautiful, exhausting, and full of “Why did no one tell me this?!” moments. We’re breaking down the postpartum essentials you’ll want to have for both you and your baby, so you can focus on healing, bonding, and maybe even sneaking in a nap.

Postpartum Must-Haves for Moms

When it comes to essentials for new mothers, comfort and convenience are everything. Your body is healing, your baby is adjusting, and you need the right tools to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

Nursing Bras: A good nursing bra makes breastfeeding (or pumping) easier and keeps you comfortable all day. Look for soft, stretchy fabric with easy-access clips or pull-aside cups, and skip the underwire to avoid unnecessary pressure on sensitive, healing tissue.
Postpartum Underwear: Supportive, stretchy, and built to handle the recovery phase.
Diaper Bag: A good diaper bag should hold more than just diapers—it should have space for everything, from your phone and keys to postpartum must-haves like nipple cream and snacks. If you’re looking for something compact yet spacious, The Pack by Tushbaby has you covered. This stylish crossbody bag even has a hidden water bottle holder, so you’ll never be caught without hydration—surprise, breastfeeding thirst is a thing.
Supportive Belly Wrap: A little extra support for your core can go a long way while everything settles back into place.

Postpartum Must-Haves for Babies

Your newborn may be tiny, but their needs? Not so much. Stocking up on the right postpartum essentials will make those first few weeks smoother for both of you.

Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

Baby Diapers: Yep, babies go through a lot of diapers. Stock up on newborn sizes and have a stash in every room, car, and bag—because blowouts wait for no one. If you need a refresher on diaper duty, check out this guide on how to change a baby diaper.
Baby Hip Carrier: A reliable baby carrier is a must for all those up-and-down moments, feedings, and contact naps when putting baby down just isn’t an option. The Tushbaby Hip Carrier gives you a comfortable way to carry them, and even doubles as a feeding pillow and stylish diaper bag with storage. Less bulk, more function, and no need to lug around an oversized diaper bag or stroller.
Portable Changing Pad: Babies have zero regard for where they need a diaper change. The Tushbaby Changing Pad is sleek, wipes down for easy cleaning, and folds up small enough to fit in your pocket—so you’re always prepared, no matter where the mess happens.
Swaddles: A solid swaddle can mean the difference between a restless baby and a few extra minutes of sleep. Worth. Every. Penny.
Burp Cloths and Bibs: Babies may be small, but their messes are mighty. Keep these handy unless you enjoy wearing spit-up (or drool or milk dribbles) as an accessory.

Postpartum Gifts For New Moms

Finding the perfect gifts for new moms is about making their lives easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish. If you’re looking for essentials for new mothers that will truly make an impact, here are some top picks:

Tushbaby New Parent Starter Kit: This bundle has the postpartum essentials every new parent needs. It includes the Tushbaby Hip Carrier and Snug Attachment hands-free carrier combination, along with versatile accessories, like The Pod pacifier case, The Changing Pad, and The Crossbody Strap.
Tushbaby Ultimate Gift Bundle: The name says it all. This all-in-one bundle includes the Tushbaby Hip Carrier, The Snug for hands-free babywearing, The Pack, The Pod (for pacifiers or other tiny essentials), The Crossbody Strap, and a portable Changing Pad—basically, everything a new mom didn’t know she needed.
Massage or Spa Gift Card: After carrying a baby for nine months (and now nonstop in her arms), her body could use some serious TLC.
Meal Delivery or Snack Subscription: Feeding a newborn is a full-time job, and cooking is still on maternity leave. Stock her up with easy, delicious meals or snacks she can eat one-handed.

Postpartum gifts should make recovery easier, not add to the overwhelm. From comfort to convenience, these essentials help new moms feel supported when they need it most.

Postpartum Recovery Tips

Here are a few ways to make the postpartum process smoother:

Prioritize Comfort: Your body has been through a lot, so soft, functional clothing is a must. Check out these postpartum outfit ideas for pieces that keep you comfortable while handling newborn life.
Listen to Your Body: Rest when you can, hydrate like it’s your job, and don’t push yourself to "bounce back"—your body is already doing incredible work.
Take Care of Your Mental Health: Postpartum depression and anxiety are real, and getting support is everything. If you’re feeling off, these tips for managing postpartum depression and anxiety can help.
Lean on Your Support System: Accept help when it’s offered—whether it’s a meal, a nap, or someone else holding the baby so you can shower in peace.
Give Yourself Grace: Parenthood is a learning curve, and no one has it all figured out. Take it one day (and one deep breath) at a time.

The right postpartum recovery essentials can help you heal, rest, and adjust to life with your new baby—so stock up, take it slow, and remember, you’ve got this.

FAQs

What Do New Moms Need the Most?

New moms don’t need a million baby gadgets—they need support, rest, and the right post-pregnancy essentials to make recovery and newborn life easier. Think practical must-haves like a comfortable nursing bra, a stocked diaper changing setup, and a hands-free way to carry both baby and daily essentials (like The Pack or Tushbaby Hip Carrier).

But more than anything, they need help—whether it’s a meal, a nap, or just someone to remind them they’re doing an amazing job.

How Much Sleep Do New Moms Need?

Technically, new moms need 7–9 hours of sleep—but realistically, they’re getting whatever scraps of rest their baby allows. Between round-the-clock feedings and middle-of-the-night wake-ups, sleep is more of a series of naps than a full night’s rest. The key is to sleep when you can—power naps, early bedtimes, and tag-teaming with a partner or support system can help. And if all else fails, coffee or tea. And lots of it.

What to Not Do During Postpartum?

Postpartum is not the time to "power through"—your body is healing, your hormones are changing, and sleep is scarce. Don’t skip rest, overcommit to visitors, or forget to stock up on postpartum supplies (trust us, you don’t want to run out of pads or snacks at 2 AM). Avoid comparing your recovery to anyone else’s—everybody heals differently. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You just did something huge—now’s the time to let others take care of you, too.

Postpartum is a journey, and having the right post-birth essentials can make all the difference in your recovery and daily life with a newborn. From supportive carriers to smart storage solutions, Tushbaby products are designed to help you navigate this phase with comfort, convenience, and style—because you deserve it.