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    Postpartum Essentials: The Complete Checklist For Mom And Baby

    Updated on June 13, 2024
    postpartum_essentials_2_3feb2e72-689b-4f43-8108-ac3c22f07537 - Mustela USA - 1

    Snuggling and bonding with your newborn is an enjoyable part of your postpartum journey. But not everything about your postpartum recovery is so fun. To help get you back on your feet as soon as possible after having your new little one, you’ll need the right postpartum essentials.

    Get started with our tried-and-true essentials checklist for mom and baby!

    Postpartum Essentials For Mom

    Mom breastfeeding with postpartum essentials

    Health And Healing

    Heating Pads And Ice Packs

    The first order of business after giving birth is to take care of your body. If you’re not well, you won’t be able to care for your new bundle of joy!

    Use heating pads and ice packs to find relief anywhere from your perineum area to your C-section incision and sore nipples.

    Pads

    Overnight or postpartum pads are a bit bulkier than regular ones. These are the most practical types of pads to use after you have your baby.

    Peri Bottle

    A peri bottle is designed for perineal recovery. That area needs a lot of healing, so use a peri bottle with a spout to get the job done.

    Soothing Spray

    When you leave the hospital after giving birth, they’ll give you plenty of goodies to take home, including a soothing spray. This spray is to help make your trips to the bathroom a little more tolerable.

    Sitz Bath

    To soothe any painful areas in your perineum, use a sitz bath daily. Many moms have found relief after soaking in a sitz bath for 15 to 20 minutes.

    Water Bottle

    Keep your body hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re nursing. Grab a big water bottle and aim to drink half an ounce to an ounce of water for each pound of weight.

    So, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink anywhere from 75 to 150 ounces of water per day.

    Healthy Foods

    One way to replenish your body is by feeding it the right types of foods. Fad diets are not always the healthiest option, especially when breastfeeding.

    Choose healthier food options, like fruits, vegetables, and protein- and fiber-rich foods.

    Comfort

    Comfy Clothes

    Even though you just gave birth to your baby, you may still look pregnant for a few months. And that’s OK! It’s a good idea to keep those maternity clothes around a bit longer.

    Cute and comfy can go hand-in-hand!

    Feeding Pillow

    Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, a feeding pillow gives your back (and baby!) the support it needs.

    While you’re feeding your baby, sit back in a chair and position the pillow in your lap to help ease the strain on your back.

    The Right Bra

    Your nipples and breasts may be sore for the first couple of weeks, so you’ll want to wear something that won’t add more discomfort. Most nursing bras are free of uncomfortable wires and are soft against your skin.

    Nursing

    Breast Pump And Storage Bags

    Use a breast pump and breast milk storage bags to store your breast milk (a.k.a. liquid gold!) for later. This way, you’re not the only one who can feed your baby.

    What’s more, a breast pump can help when your breasts are full and you need some relief.

    Nipple Cream

    You and your baby are figuring this breastfeeding thing out together, so sometimes it takes your baby several tries to latch on correctly. This can take a toll on your nipples.

    Try our Nursing Comfort Balm to moisturize and protect your nipples and ease any discomfort you might have.

    Nursing Pads

    Used to soak up milk from leaky breasts, nursing pads slip right into your bra. Cloth nursing pads are an eco-friendly, reusable option that is a bit more gentle on your breasts than disposable pads.

    Skin Care

    Stretch Marks Cream

    Give your postpartum skin some TLC with our Stretch Marks Cream. It works hard to hydrate your skin, which can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

    Stretch Marks Oil

    Another treat for your skin is our Stretch Marks Oil. Your skin will be restored, refreshed, and noticeably smoother. Plus, this oil is made with 100% naturally derived ingredients, so it’s safe for you and your baby!

    Expert tip: get both Stretch Marks Cream Fragrance-Free and Stretch Marks oil in our convenient Stretch Marks Set!

    Body Firming Gel

    Keep your skin in tip-top shape before and after delivery with our Body Firming Gel. It gives your skin a firmer look and feel — just what you need to treat your postpartum skin!

    Postpartum Essentials For Baby

    Newborn sleeping in onesie

    Health

    Thermometer

    It takes some time for your baby’s body temperature to regulate after birth. Even still, it’s important to keep an eye out for an elevated temperature in newborns, so some pediatricians will have you check their temperature a few times per day.

    Nasal Aspirator

    A nasal aspirator is an easy way for you to get any mucus out of your baby’s nose. Since their nostrils are so tiny, they can quickly become clogged.

    An aspirator designed for babies gives you a safe and effective way to keep your little one breathing well!

    Baby Medicine

    You never know when your baby will run a fever, start teething, get congested, or have an upset tummy. Stay prepared by keeping pain relief medicine, gas relief drops, and saline drops on-hand.

    Also, if you’re breastfeeding, give your baby vitamin D drops daily to make sure they don’t develop a deficiency in this much-needed nutrient.

    Diapering

    Diapers

    Because you won’t really know when your baby will need to go up a size in their diapers, buy various sizes or put them on your baby registry list.

    Wipes

    We recommend a multi-use baby wipe, like Mustela’s Cleansing Wipes.

    Not only are these used for cleaning up your baby’s diaper area, but you can also use them to clean up their messy hands and even remove your makeup!

    Diaper Rash Cream

    Your baby’s diaper area is very delicate, so protect it as best as you can with a diaper cream. Our Diaper Rash Cream 1 2 3 will give your baby’s diaper area relief at each diaper change.

    For an organic option, try our Diaper Cream with Olive Oil and Aloe. This easy-to-apply formula moisturizes and calms your baby’s bottom and is safe for even the most sensitive skin!

    Sleeping

    Mom kissing newborn on the forehead

    Bassinet

    The AAP recommends that babies sleep in their parent’s room but on a different sleep surface. This means your little one needs their own bed, which is where a bassinet can be helpful.

    It allows your baby to sleep in your room (but not in your bed) and takes up minimal space!

    Plenty Of Onesies And Zip-Up Sleepers

    Since your baby will go through several clothing changes in one day, make sure you stock up on onesies.

    We also recommend zip-up sleepers. Trust us on this one — they will make those late-night diaper changes that much easier!

    Swaddles

    Keep your baby snug as a bug by swaddling them while they sleep. Velcro swaddles are a great option if you’re not familiar with the swaddling technique.

    Skin Care

    Gentle Baby Wash

    Since your baby’s skin is delicate, you need to treat it delicately. Wash your little one with our Gentle Soap With Cold Cream. It’s gentle enough for your newborn baby but still gets the job done by cleansing and nourishing their skin!

    Hydrating Lotion

    To protect your baby’s skin from drying out, try our Hydra Bebe Body Lotion. Use it daily, or even several times throughout the day, to give your baby’s skin some much-needed moisture!

    Bebe On The Go

    Our Bebe On The Go set is a pack of travel-sized essentials for your baby. It provides the basics for keeping your little one clean and hydrated while you’re out and about.

    Baby Gear

    Baby Wrap

    For those times when you need to hold your baby while you’re working around the house, shopping, or taking a walk at the park, we recommend wearing your baby in a wrap.

    This keeps them close and comfy while letting you have two free hands to get things done.

    Car Seat And Stroller

    A car seat and stroller are essentials that you just can’t go without. Travel safely and let your baby enjoy the outdoors with these must-haves!

    Baby Swing And Bouncer

    Nothing compares to holding your sweet baby close to you and cuddling with them, but every now and then your hands need a break.

    When you’re at home, a baby swing or bouncer can keep your baby safe and occupied!

    Experience The Difference With Mustela’s Postpartum Essentials

    Mom hugging newborn feeling relaxed because she has all the postpartum essentials

    Postpartum is a time for your body to heal and your baby to grow. Your recovery may not be a walk in the park, but the right postpartum essentials can make the journey more enjoyable.

    From caring for yourself to caring for your baby, Mustela has just what you need to meet all of your postpartum skincare needs so you can focus on your new little bundle of joy!

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