My Postpartum Must-Haves for Mom & Baby

Before Luna arrived, I spent so much time planning for the birth itself — packing the hospital bag, prepping the nursery, making lists of things I thought we’d need right away. But what I didn’t fully realize was how much the postpartum days would need their own little list of essentials — not just for Luna, but for me too.

Those early weeks after birth were some of the most tender and intense days of my life. Between sleepless nights, learning to feed and soothe Luna, and figuring out my own healing body, I quickly understood that tiny comforts made a big difference.

So here’s my honest list of postpartum must-haves for both mom and baby — the simple, real-life things that helped me feel just a bit more human in those blurry first weeks. Many of these came from tips shared by other moms at my favorite baby store Houston TX moms trust, and I hope they help you too.

For Mom

1. Cozy Nursing Bras & Tops
I lived in soft, stretchy nursing bras and easy-access tops. I didn’t care about style — comfort was everything when I was feeding Luna around the clock.

2. Postpartum Pads & Comfy Undies
Nobody tells you how real postpartum bleeding is! A good stash of extra-absorbent pads and soft, high-waisted undies made me feel secure and a little more comfortable.

3. Peri Bottle & Sitz Bath
These tiny heroes helped so much with recovery. A simple peri bottle for gentle cleansing and warm sitz baths were such a relief during those first sore days.

4. Snacks & Water Bottle
Breastfeeding made me hungry and thirsty all the time. I kept snacks and a big water bottle within arm’s reach, wherever I fed Luna.

5. Support Pillow or Nursing Pillow
A soft nursing pillow helped so much during long feeds. It saved my back and arms, especially during late nights when my whole body felt tired.

For Baby

1. Soft Swaddles & Blankets
Luna loved being wrapped up snugly. We rotated a few good swaddles that felt soft on her skin and easy to wash.

2. Gentle Diapers & Wipes
Her skin was so sensitive, so I stuck with simple, fragrance-free options. Many moms at the baby store Houston TX recommended the same brands, and I’m glad they did.

3. Natural Diaper Cream
A soothing diaper cream was a lifesaver for any little rashes or redness — just knowing her skin was protected helped me feel calmer too.

4. Footed Onesies & Zip Sleepers
I didn’t mess with fancy outfits — zip-up sleepers made life so much easier when I was changing her for the fifth time at 2 AM.

5. White Noise Machine
I thought it was a gimmick until I saw how much Luna slept with gentle background noise. It helped her settle, and gave me a bit more rest too.

A Gentle Note

If you’re building your own postpartum kit, my best advice is this: focus on what brings you comfort. Ask other moms what they loved — sometimes the best tips come from a quick chat at your local baby store Houston TX or wherever you are. Keep it simple, cozy, and kind to yourself.

What’s Next

Soon, I’ll share a more detailed guide to my postpartum recovery essentials, plus my favorite finds from the baby store Houston TX moms trust for real-life baby gear. If you’d like my honest lists, gentle mom-to-mom advice, and cozy stories like this one, subscribe to my newsletter here. I’d love to keep you close.