My Postpartum Cart: What I Actually Used (and Loved) as a First-Time Mom
Becoming a mom for the first time is one of those experiences you can prepare endlessly for… and still feel wildly unprepared when the moment actually arrives. I remember sitting in my hospital bed, staring at my tiny newborn, feeling this mix of awe, love, and what just happened to my body? Postpartum recovery is no joke, and it deserves just as much attention as your birth plan.
Before giving birth, I prepped what I called my postpartum cart a simply caddy that sits on the top of our toliet worked perfectly. I stocked with all the essentials I thought I might need. Some items I expected to use, some I didn’t think much about, and others ended up becoming absolute heroes. And now that I’m almost on the other side of it, I can confidently say that the right postpartum supplies make recovery smoother, less stressful, and so much more comfortable.
Below is everything I want every new mom to know about recovering with confidence, comfort, and a whole lot of grace.
Frida Mom Everything
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Frida Mom knows postpartum. I’m a huge fan of their products not because they’re trendy or cute, but because they work. Their perineal healing foam and cooling pads were lifesaving. I used them daily and refilled my stash once I got home because they just made me feel human again.
But here’s the thing…The Hospital Items? Shockingly Amazing.
I walked into postpartum recovery ready to rely on all my pre-bought products, but I was surprised by how much I loved what the hospital provided. Their giant pads, mesh underwear, and peri bottle were all wonderful. I actually ended up restocking a lot of the hospital-style products at home because they were so effective and simple.
So if you’re a first-time mom reading this: take home everything they offer you. EVERYTHING.
I didn’t expect to prefer the hospital pads or peri bottle, but I absolutely did.
Disposable Underwear + Pads… All the Pads
If I could give one universal piece of postpartum advice, it’s this:
Buy the pads. All the pads. And disposable underwear. You don't have to buy the massive ones they give you at first but you will need way more than you think.
There’s something about having a never-ending supply of fresh, soft, supportive underwear that brings comfort when everything feels unpredictable. I stocked multiple types overnight, heavy, cooling and ended up using them all.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s real life. And the right underlayers make a world of difference. I loved Frida Mom's because they supportive and felt almost belly-binding or like wearing spanx...in a good way.
Wipes + Little Convenience Helpers
I kept flushable wipes, face wipes, and small hygiene items within arm’s reach. With a newborn, even getting to wash your face can feel like a luxury some days. Having everything accessible in my postpartum cart made self-care feel more doable and less like another task.
The Postpartum Cart Setup That Saved Me
My cart lived either in my bathroom or just outside my bedroom door. I stocked each shelf with:
It sounds simple, but it helped me stay organized and minimized those “I need something but can’t move” moments.
These Make Amazing Gifts for New Moms
I have to share this because it meant so much to me:
So many of the items I used were gifted by my mom friends. I can’t wait for my friends to have babies now because I have SO many gift ideas - like filling a caddy with all postpartum items/self-care goodies and things that help me feel human and not just a cow (if you know you know) wrapped with a cute little bow would make for the perfect Baby-Shower or Post-partum gift.
And truly, no one understands postpartum needs like a mom who’s been there. While cute baby outfits are adorable, a gift basket filled with postpartum essentials feels like a warm hug wrapped in practicality.
Find more inspo here:
Postpartum Must Haves & Gift Ideas
These are the kinds of gifts that say: I see you, I care about your recovery, and you deserve comfort too.
You Deserve Support and Ease
Postpartum recovery is raw, real, and incredibly transformative. Not to mention there is an entire emotional and hormonal factor that plays just as big of a role in your recovery as your physical rest does. It’s not about having the “right” supplies, it’s about supporting your body as it heals and making your days a little easier.
Whether you’re prepping for your own postpartum journey or building a thoughtful gift for a new mom, I hope this list gives you clarity and confidence. These items truly helped me feel cared for, prepared, and supported and I hope they do the same for you.
You’re doing an incredible job.
Give yourself grace. Make comfort a priority. And remember you’re not alone. 💗