Postpartum Nightstand Essentials: Everything a New Mom Needs Close By

I have never relied so much on a bedside table as I did during the first weeks after my daughter was born.

Since she was delivered by c-section, I spent most of the initial period in bed. Regardless of how you give birth, you spend a LOT of time in bed during the postpartum period, so having a bedside table stocked with postpartum nightstand essentials is a must-have!

_{This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. View the disclosure for more information.}

It’s really helpful to have some postpartum essentials on your nightstand or next to your bed before your baby arrives! So you can make things a bit easier for yourself.

Here’s a list of must-have nightstand essentials for postpartum moms, that you might not think about but will definitely come in handy!

Ready to pack your hospital bag? Scroll down for an essential checklist, including must-haves and nice-to-haves for a smooth recovery.

Must-Have Postpartum Nightstand Essentials

I can hear you thinking, “I can’t fit all that stuff on my nightstand.” It doesn’t all have to fit there of course, but it’s super handy to have these items within arm’s reach.

That’s why a bedside cart like this is so great – it can be easily rolled over to you whenever you need it.

Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is super important, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

Keep a large, easy-to-open water bottle on hand at all times.

Healthy Snacks

Put some granola bars, nuts, and other quick, nutritious snacks on your nightstand. These will help keep your energy up during late-night feedings.

You’ll be surprised at how hungry you can get while recovering from labor and breastfeeding!

Related: 21 Delicious And Healthy Postpartum Snacks

Night Light

This might sound obvious, but during the first week, I was fumbling around with the lights in the middle of the night.

I needed enough light to see my daughter, to change her and to grab supplies, but I didn’t want to wake her up with something too bright.

Then I got a special nursery nightlight, and it worked amazing!!

You can easily turn it on and just place it somewhere next to you OR you can leave it on all night if you like because the light is so soft.

I kept it on all night because, in the beginning, I was so nervous in the full dark with such a fragile baby next to me in the co-sleeper, so having that gentle light was a real comfort 🙂

This is the one!

Nail File

Your nails might be more brittle during this postpartum time, and sharp edges can accidentally scratch your baby.

Keep a nail file handy to smooth out any rough spots.

Hand Sanitizer

Keeping your hands clean, especially during diaper changes, is crucial for your baby’s health. This one is 97% organic, made with safe ingredients, and doesn’t dry your hands out!

Burp Cloths

Keep several burp cloths within hand reach for those inevitable spit-ups and spills.

Pain Relief

Painkillers are often needed during this period. Paracetamol is usually safe to use while breastfeeding but always check with your healthcare provider first.

Entertainment

Make sure you have a tablet to watch Netflix or a good book nearby for those long feeding sessions!

It can be REALLY nice to watch your favorite show or dive into a book. I always loved these moments and miss them sometimes :).

It also really helps if you’re struggling to stay awake during those nighttime feedings!

I’ve been using this tablet holder for years and still love it, especially during the postpartum period.

You can adjust it to different angles, and it’s very light, so you can easily pick it up and move it around!

Chargers

Keep your phone and other devices charged and ready to use.

Earplugs

Newborns can be noisy sleepers, and if they’re right next to you, it might be hard to fall asleep.

If you’re comfortable with it, try using earplugs. I used to put in one earplug so I could still hear my baby, but it muffled the other sounds just enough for me to sleep a bit better!

Hair Ties and Headbands

Keep your hair out of your face easily with a stash of hair ties and headbands.

Tissues

Handy for everything, especially those emotional moments.

Heating Pad

A heating pad can provide relief from postpartum aches and pains.

Journal

Keeping a journal can help you track your baby’s feeding schedule, sleep patterns, and your own thoughts and feelings and for other things you don’t want to forget!

Yes, mom brain is real!

Multi-Purpose Ointment

This is a great one for treating diaper rash, dry skin, and other minor skin irritations!

Postpartum Nightstand Essentials For Breastfeeding Moms

Nipple Cream

A nipple cream can soothe and protect your nipples, preventing and treating soreness.

I used the Lanolin cream a lot because I experienced a lot of pain while breastfeeding. It also works amazing as a lip balm for dry lips!!

Nursing Pads

Your breasts will likely leak in the beginning. To keep things hygienic, it’s important to change them often, so having a stash nearby is essential!

Conclusion: Postpartum Nightstand Essentials

Having these essentials within arm’s reach can make your postpartum period more comfortable and less stressful!

Of course, every mom has different needs and essentials, but these items were incredibly helpful for me, and some of them I hadn’t thought of beforehand.

Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your new baby!

Enjoy these special times, and make sure to give yourself the care and comfort you deserve!!

This post was about postpartum nightstand essentials

Last update on 2025-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API