Postpartum Essentials: 8 Must-Have Items for New Moms

When I was pregnant with my first child, I devoured YouTube videos about everything I “absolutely” needed for the baby. Some advice was useful, some not so much. Like many first-time parents, we ended up buying plenty of items we barely used. Over time, I realized that a few key products and solutions can make the first months of motherhood much more manageable.

The postpartum period is physically and emotionally demanding, and it’s the little things that truly make life easier.

After a baby arrives, parents are often showered with gifts—clothes, blankets, toys. While cute, many of these items aren’t practical for daily life. Fancy outfits, iron-required shirts, or tiny jeans look adorable but rarely get used. Instead, the most useful gifts are practical support: someone to help with cleaning or delivering healthy home-cooked meals.

Here’s my list of eight items that I found invaluable during those early months:

1. Orthopedic Seat Cushion

If you’ve had a natural birth, this can be a lifesaver. I experienced weeks of pain and couldn’t sit comfortably for over a month. Feeding lying down and eating while standing became the norm—until I discovered a donut-shaped orthopedic cushion. It immediately made sitting at the table or relaxing on the sofa comfortable again.

2. Plastic-Free Thermal Mug

In the early months, drinking a hot coffee or tea without spilling it on your baby can feel impossible. A lidded, plastic-free thermal mug keeps drinks warm and reduces the risk of accidents. I love the Elemental mug with a ceramic lid and silicone stopper—safe, eco-friendly, and practical.

Tip: not fully leak-proof—safe to sip while feeding, but avoid tossing it in your diaper bag.

3. Universal Stroller Cup Holder

A small investment that’s surprisingly useful. Perfect for taking a hot drink on a walk, holding smoothies, or a baby bottle. Some models even include a phone slot for calls without interruptions—ideal when out with a newborn.

4. Silver Nipple Shields

I don’t know about you, but although I breastfed my first son for 1.5 years, my nipples hurt just as much when I had my second child. Those early days of breastfeeding can be really tough.

Lotioning the nipples with lanolin ointment supposedly helps, but for me, silver shields brought the most relief. They are completely natural, and the baby doesn’t have to ingest any residue. They are soothing and antibacterial—an absolute lifesaver in those first weeks. Shields from brands like Koala Babycare are available on both Polish and UK Amazon.

5. Easy-to-Wear Baby Wrap

Apparently, there are entire Facebook groups dedicated to baby wraps. I had one too—a beautiful, high-quality, fairly expensive wrap. Unfortunately, it was so complicated that a tired mom like me simply couldn’t manage. Sebastian would fall asleep on me, and each time I tried to tie the wrap, he woke up… So I used it only once.

Luckily, I discovered Konny Baby—a Korean carrier worn like a T-shirt. Small, lightweight, portable in a bag, and carrying Sebek in it was so easy that I could comfortably feed him on the couch while keeping my hands free. They are available in both Poland and the UK—you can even find them on Vinted for next to nothing. Perfect for the first months! Later, it’s worth switching to something more structured, like Ergobaby.

6. Reusable Nursing Pads

These pads are amazing—you don’t need disposable ones, which are bad for the environment and less comfortable. Reusable bamboo nursing pads are not only beautiful but also highly effective at absorbing moisture. If you plan to breastfeed, they are an absolute must-have! In the UK, available on Amazon, and in Poland, on Allegro.

7. Menstrual Underwear

After nine months without a period, postpartum bleeding can last for about a month. Sometimes it’s heavy, which can be stressful, especially at night. Night pads help a lot, but for extra protection, I highly recommend menstrual underwear. They don’t replace pads but complement them perfectly and protect your bedding.

Bonus: they are soft, comfortable, and feel like regular underwear—not like a plastic raincoat

8. Natural Deodorant Without Artificial Fragrances

When a baby is born, their vision isn’t fully developed, so they bond with mom primarily through smell, taste, and touch. If you’ve always loved perfumes and strong deodorants, it’s worth limiting their use during the first months of the baby’s life.

Especially deodorants—most commercially available ones contain aluminum, which is neurotoxic. A 2018 study in Iran, involving breastfeeding mothers, found high concentrations of aluminum in breast milk—over 95% of samples exceeded safe levels. This increases infants’ exposure to this neurotoxin.

Limiting the use of heavily scented cosmetics and deodorants in the first months can support your baby’s health and natural bonding mechanisms.

Choosing a healthy and effective deodorant isn’t easy. Most drugstore products contain aluminum, synthetic fragrances, and other skin-irritating substances. That’s why I’ve been testing natural alternatives for a long time—and today I’ll share the three healthiest I’ve found:

The Natural Deodorant Co – Magnesium Natural Deodorant

The gentlest deodorant available in the UK. Magnesium-based and completely unscented, ideal for sensitive underarms or for use immediately after shaving. The formula is gentle but effectively neutralizes odor. Scented options with essential oils are also available.

Alterra – Magnesium Stick Deodorant (Unscented)

A simple, natural product available in Rossmann, Poland and Germany. It contains magnesium, which neutralizes odor, with no artificial additives or fragrance. Works well even for very sensitive skin. Best for cooler seasons—autumn and winter; less effective in hot weather.

Cztery Szpaki – Natural Cream Deodorant

A Polish brand worth knowing. Based on magnesium and completely unscented. They also offer scented deodorants with natural essential oils, some enhanced with baking soda. Available in both Poland and the UK.

In Summary

The first months with a baby are challenging, but a few practical solutions make a huge difference.

What helped you most as a new parent? Share your must-have items in the comments—they might help other new moms.

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