I had my first son two years ago and nothing truly prepares you for what to expect.  I actually had way too many things and ended up returning a lot.  I’m due in 3 months with my second child so I have started compiling my list of things I will use again and I’m sharing it below.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through & make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Water Bottle

It is so important to stay hydrated postpartum.  It has come out recently that some popular stainless steel tumblers are made with lead but Hydro Flask has confirmed that none of their stainless steel tumblers are made with any lead. I love this 40oz Hydro Flask.

Ritual Postpartum Vitamin

Ritual is my favorite vitamin.  I used their Essential for Women Multivitamin 18+.  Then a year before I started trying to get pregnant I started taking their Prenatal Multivitamin.  Once I gave birth, I switched to the Postpartum Vitamin.

Taking some time for yourself and your skin is also important postpartum. Even if your self-care routine doesn’t look or feel like it used to, try to take 5-10 minutes for yourself. Check out my Clean Skincare Routine.

Adult Diapers

That’s right, diapers for mom.  These Always Discreet Disposable Underwear are so comfortable.  I liked them so much more than the bulky and awkward pad that doesn’t stay in place.  I lived in these 24/7 for almost a month.

Frida Mom Peri Bottle

The peri bottle that they gave me in the hospital just didn’t do it for me.  The Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle has a much better design and I will be packing it in my hospital bag.  It helps you stay clean down there when wiping can be painful.

Breastfeeding Needs

I breastfed my first son for 20 months and I used all of these. If you plan on breastfeeding check out my faves below.

Breast Pump

I chose the Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump because it is portable, meaning you don’t have to sit next to an outlet to use it.  It has about a 3-hour battery life which will last you a few days.  I found this more convenient than having to sit next to the closet outlet in each room.  It also means you can also easily pump on the go.

Hands Free Pumping Bra

If you plan on using a traditional breast pump then you need this Medela Hands Free Pumping Bra so you can have your hands free and at least use your phone while you’re pumping.

Elvie Portable Breast Pump

Once I went back to work I invested in this Elvie Portable Breast Pump because it was more discrete and had smaller parts to deal with. It is cordless so I would put it in my bra on my drive to work which was a great time saver.  Also, if I was short on time after pumping while at work, I would just pop the whole pump in the fridge and deal with it later.

Elvie Curve

Elvie Catch

The Elvie Curve is great while breastfeeding.  If I was feeding the baby on one breast, the other breast was leaking.  This fits right in your bra and catches up to 4oz of milk.  This can also be used if your breasts are feeling full and you don’t want to pump or feed baby at the moment.

In between feedings your breasts can leek.  They have disposable pads but that seemed wasteful to me and the reusable, washable pads were itchy for me and I didn’t need one more thing to wash.  The Elvie Catch are breastmilk collection cups that sit in your bra.  Once they’re in I didn’t even feel or see them.  They hold 1oz each which can be collected and added to a bottle or your breastmilk stash in the fridge.

Breastmilk Storage Bags

Breastmilk storage bags come in handy if you’re planning on pumping and stockpiling milk in the freezer. 

Nursing Sports Bra

I needed to wear a supportive yet comfortable bra 24/7 while breastfeeding.  I lived in these Auden Racerback Nursing Bras from Target, and even though I stoped breastfeeding months ago, I still wear them most days. They come in sizes XS to 2X.

Pajamas

I loved this Stars Above™ Notch Collar NightGown from Target, especially in the hospital.  It made it so easy to breastfeed and do skin-to-skin contact.  It also made for easy access because the nurses were constantly checking on my stomach and bleeding.

These are my most used postpartum products. Let me know what you used and loved in the comments.

We took our little one on his first flight when he was 4 months old. Once you’re feeling ready to travel with baby, check out my 12 Must Haves When Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler.