Come see what’s in my postpartum bathroom basket… If you’re an expecting mama, you won’t want to miss out on some of these items to keep by your side as you recover from labor and birth.
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It’s wild to think that we’ll have a baby in the house within the next six weeks or so. As I’m sure you’re all well aware by now, I’ve been stocking up on all the essentials to give myself a smoother transition into motherhood for quite some time now. I have the planner trait in me…
In fact, some of these I gathered well before I even became pregnant. I’m not one to wait until the last minute or to have to spend a lot of money on a lot of things all at once.
Between feedings, diaper changes, and trying to take care of my own health, I knew I’d want a postpartum care basket prepped well in advance.
And while I’ll be focusing on items specifically for use in the bathroom, I’m also throwing in some ideas to keep at your bedside, too. There are so many useful items to have on hand as you rest and learn how to be a mama to your new baby.
What are postpartum bathroom baskets?
As you can probably guess, a postpartum bathroom basket focuses on items you’d use in private, newly after giving birth. Most of them are related to perineal and breast care. Your body is going to need some extra TLC during this time, so it’s best to keep your own little basket stored away under a sink, in a vanity, where you can grab it each time you head to the bathroom.
What about some other ideas for bedside baskets outside of bathroom care?
- Snacks (for those cravings during/between feedings)
- Water bottle
- Charger
- Gum
- Puppy pads (to protect sheets in the event there’s some leakage in bed–if you have heavy bleeding)
- Cramp pain relievers (herbal/natural or over-the-counter medications)
- Heating pad (for those who have moderate-severe postpartum cramps)
- Eye sleep mask
- Nursing pads
- Silver nipple shields (for soothing pain)
- Stool softeners (herbal remedies, supplements, or OTC meds)
- Warm/Cold breast compress
- Hair ties
- Postpartum belly band
- Pre/postnatal vitamins and other supplements
- Book
- Breastfeeding education printouts
- Nursing bra
- Robe and extra socks
Should I add some baby care items to my bedside basket/cart?
Absolutely. Your bedside basket/cart should be used for both you and baby, as you’ll both have needs and they’ll be in your arms a lot during those first few days/weeks. You’ll want as many things within arm’s reach during this time.
Some items baby may need:
- Diapers
- Diaper cream
- Baby wipes
- Travel changing pad/blanket
- Swaddle
- Pump, bottles, and storage bags (if pumping)
- Burp cloths
- Haakaa Silicone Pump (as a milk catcher while nursing)
- Pacifiers
- Extra onesies
- Vitamin D drops (if exclusively breastfeeding)
- Portable white noise machine
- Nasal aspirator
Postpartum Bathroom Basket
Perineal Spray
This is essential for comfort and healing down there. I personally prefer using a natural alternative to Demaplast. It is cooling and the herbs promote healing. I plan on using this as often as I can, probably with each trip to the bathroom. You better believe this is going in my postpartum bathroom basket after this baby leaves my womb.
Sitz Bath and Herbal Soak | postpartum bathroom basket
A sitz bath is an attachable little tub just for soaking your perineum. Add herbal epsom salt products like this one HERE to soak it in. This will soothe and cleanse the area very delicately, so you can relax and let your body do all the healing work.
Peri Wash Bottle
Most hospitals will give this to you, but I have heard so many good things about this Frida Mom peri wash bottle that I couldn’t resist investing in this product. I knew from other moms that this would be worth it. The angle of the spray wash is much easier and more convenient, which I know I will be all about postpartum. Use warm (not hot) water to soothe the area as you pee to prevent burning. Follow it up with perineal spray and some other products I’ll mention below during each trip to the bathroom.
Disposable or Reusable Postpartum Underwear
From what I understand, most women opt to wear disposable underwear along with pads during the heavy bleeding portion of the postpartum period. Many opt for the free ones the hospital provides, which is completely fine. Stock those in your postpartum bathroom basket and you’re good to go.
If you prefer something more stylish and comfortable, I’ve heard some women praise the Frida Mom Postpartum Briefs and say they couldn’t live without them. I’d be open to trying these if I ever had the need for disposable underwear.
However, I plan on only using disposables while I’m in the hospital. Special postpartum underwear is not 100% necessary (unless you’re a really heavy bleeder). I’m typically not during my cycle, so I’m hoping for the same during postpartum. If that changes, I have some really heavy-duty reusable pads and use the bathroom often, so I’m not too concerned about bleeding through. I have considered purchasing these reusable, washable Thinx period panties that some women rave about… but that’s not an investment I’m ready for quite yet until I deem them absolutely necessary.
Disposable or Reusable Postpartum Pads | postpartum bathroom basket
Some women may be appalled by the idea of using reusable postpartum pads, but as a woman who has strictly used reusable menstrual pads for the last 7 years or so, this is not intimidating to me at all. It is completely sanitary and simple. The pads are easy to rinse under cold running water after each use (which is effective at removing blood stains) and sanitize in the washer. No mess, stains, or smell.
That being said, if you’ve only ever been accustomed to disposable pads, you may want to stick with those during your postpartum period. This is not a time to try new things and give yourself more work than you’re used to. Disposable products aren’t great for the environment (and can sometimes have added chemicals), but sometimes you have to opt with convenience when it matters.
Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera
Witch hazel and aloe vera are the two go-to, must-have healing products for natural mamas out there. These two are used in conjunction with ice packs and pads to make “padsicles.”
The witch hazel helps soothe and heal the perineum, while the aloe vera both cools and heals. Very important during those first few days after birth. Simply put these on a disposable or reusable postpartum pad and place it with an ice pack inside underwear. This is supposed to be the holy grail of all perineum soothers after giving birth.
Down There Wipes | postpartum bathroom basket
This is probably something I wouldn’t consider using until the one-week mark, as most experts recommend patting the perineum dry after each bathroom use those first few days. However, these are nice to have during mid-late postpartum to freshen up with.
Normally, I follow the advice that less is best and the vagina/vulva doesn’t need special cleansers (that’s a whole other topic for the healthcare professionals to cover). But I like that these are pH balanced and don’t have crazy chemicals in them. If I’m bleeding for weeks, it would be nice to have these to feel fresher and cleaner down there after using the bathroom, but that’s just my opinion. I wouldn’t normally use these sorts of wipes, but some circumstances may warrant them.
Nipple Butter
If you’re breastfeeding this will probably come in handy. I prefer a more natural product like this to soothe nipple pain and moisturize the area. It’s safe for baby, and based from the reviews I can tell it works. I love that the ingredients are safe and effective and can’t wait to try this out postpartum.
Perineal Cold Packs | postpartum bathroom basket
These are essential. I bought these reusable ones from Amazon a few months ago and plan to use them in my reusable maternity pads. Keep them in the freezer until ready to use, but definitely plan on using these for the first few days or week. They are key to numbing some of the pain and encouraging healing down there.
Body Butter
Mama needs to take care of herself (yes, YOU!). Be sure to stock up on a high-quality body butter you can use as soon as you emerge from the shower each day. As soon as you dry off, add this to your skin for a luxurious feel to soothe dry skin. Nourishing your body inside and out is so important during the postpartum period. Although it can feel like a chore to have a long bathroom routine, you deserve all the benefits of one. Take it slow, sit down as you rub your body down, and inhale the scent as you imagine it soothing every inch of skin.
Bath/Shower Bomb | postpartum bathroom basket
Throw one of these into the bath/shower as you get ready for the day. Have your favorite scent stocked up so you can relax for a few. Scent is powerful and can completely change our mood at the drop of the hat. Please don’t underestimate the power of a deliciously smelling, fragrant bath bomb. Keep these in your postpartum bathroom basket so you’ll always look forward to shower time.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
This is definitely an optional product. But I love the affordable price and find this useful during all times of life, not just during the postpartum period. I actually bought my husband one last Christmas as an extra little gift on the side. These are so nifty to have in the shower or bath. During your “me time” as you take a long bath or even a quick shower, throw on some of your favorite music to feel a little bit more like yourself during this delicate period you’re in. It will help you tune into yourself for a few minutes as you reset for the day.
The Art of Cottagemaking 