I’m a new mom to a 3 month old and I have learned a lot over the past few months. I have learned that while babies do need a fair amount of things, there are also a lot of gimmicks in the baby product world. I was cautious not to buy too much before the baby arrived because I just didn’t know what I would absolutely need and I didn’t want extra clutter around the house. I also focused on buying the must-have postpartum materials (think pads, comfy PJs, etc.) and decided to wait it out to see what else I needed. A few months in and knowing a tiny bit more about what to expect, I’ve realized there were some things I needed that I didn’t initially purchase because I thought I could get by without them or didn’t know I needed them!
I stand by my decision to wait before purchasing non-essentials, and I’d recommend this approach to other new moms. Everyone’s lifestyle and needs are different, so it’s good to wait and see what works best for you. However, to help get you thinking about what could be useful postpartum (beyond the obvious necessities), I’ve compiled a list of five items I didn’t think I’d need but have turned out to be total game-changers postpartum:
- A very comfortable and warm robe (I’m writing this in winter when it is actually 12 degrees outside right now so warmth is a priority). I have this barefoot dreams robe in a plain gray color. This thing is amazing!
- It is so toasty warm, comfortable, and is roomy enough that when I wear the baby in the carrier I can actually put the robe on top and wrap it around him so he stays toasty.
- It has pockets that I can tuck my phone into, a pacifier into, or a burp cloth into!
- It cleans really well and stays soft
- It is easy to breastfeed in!
- This is definitely not a necessity but has been so helpful to stay comfy around the house. I can see now why people rave about Barefoot Dreams!
- A sitz bath. You’ll see this a lot when reading about what you might want postpartum but I wasn’t really sure if I needed it so I waited. I am so glad I have one now. I got some of the postpartum sitz bath salts to put in it and this thing works miracles. Even after the 6 week appointment, I still have been occasionally using this because it really feels like it helps with healing.
- A high-quality pumping bra. I have this one from Kindred Bravely. I didn’t think I would really need this as quickly as I did but it’s been really helpful. I am glad I waited to buy because my breasts have fluctuated in size so much since I first gave birth to my son. The only downside to this in my opinion is that it is pretty bulky but I like how it can transform from a nursing bra to a pumping bra to make things easy.
- Cotton nursing camisoles. I can’t emphasize COTTON enough. I had purchased 1-2 microfiber ones before I had my son but I quickly bought like 5 cotton nursing camis. These are great because (at least for me in the winter) I can have this on under an over-sized sweater and not have to wear a bra and can easily nurse my son. The cotton is important because it doesn’t irritate my skin while the microfiber ones didn’t let my skin breathe as much. I even sleep in these I love them so much!
- A tiny tripod for your phone. This one might be controversial but it’s no secret that as a new mom, you will take a million photos of your baby – but somehow, you might end up missing out on pictures of you with your baby. Sure you might get newborn photos but I’m talking about the everyday photos that really remind you of the time you’re spending with your little one. I bought a little tripod so I could take a few photos and videos of everyday moments with myself and the baby like changing diapers or playing. This isn’t something I use every day but every now and then I bring it out and snap a few photos. You may judge me and think this is so cheesy and extra but believe me, it is so special to look at the everyday moments between mom and baby without every photo being a selfie.
At the end of the day, every mom’s postpartum journey is unique, and there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to what you need. While I definitely recommend holding off on buying too much ahead of time, these five items have made my life a little easier, more comfortable, and helped me preserve precious memories. Whether or not you choose to buy them, I hope this list sparks some ideas and helps you navigate your own postpartum essentials.
xo, LL
Little Libbie 
Leave a comment