Postpartum Cart Essentials: A Simple Setup for the Early Days

Postpartum Carts: A Simple Way to Feel More Supported After Birth

Those early postpartum days are tender. You’re healing, adjusting, learning your baby, and doing all of it on very little sleep. I knew that  having my baby at home I wouldn’t have the immediate support of nurses getting everything for me and taking care of me those first days. I knew I needed to have everything accessible. One small thing that made a huge difference for me — and that I now recommend to so many moms — is having a postpartum cart.

A postpartum cart isn’t about being “extra” or aesthetic. It’s about making sure the things you need are within reach so you don’t have to get up, search, or ask for help every five minutes while you’re recovering.

Think of it as a little support station for your body and your nervous system.

What Is a Postpartum Cart?

A postpartum cart is simply a rolling cart, basket, or small station stocked with essentials for you and your baby. You can keep it next to your bed, couch, or wherever you’ll be spending most of your time in those first days and weeks.

You don’t need anything fancy — just intentional.

How I Like to Set Up Postpartum Carts

I often recommend two simple carts or stations:

1. A bathroom healing cart

2. A bedside / living space postpartum cart
   

You don’t need everything at once — this is a “set it up, then adjust as you go” situation.

Here’s a simple list of what I personally used and often suggest to new moms. You can adjust based on your needs, birth experience, and feeding plan.

Bathroom Postpartum Cart (Healing Station)

This cart supports physical recovery and makes bathroom trips feel less stressful in those early days.

Postpartum care essentials:

• Flushable wipes

• Postpartum underwear and/or pads

• Frida peri bottle

• Tucks pads

• Dermaplast spray

• Witch hazel pads or spray

• Sitz bath 

• Perineal spray or balm

• A small hand mirror (helpful for checking healing)
  

I love keeping all of this together so you’re not searching through drawers while sore and tired.

Bedside / Living Space Postpartum Cart

This is where you’ll likely spend the most time resting, feeding, and bonding.

Feeding & baby care:

• Breast pads

• Pump supplies

• Nipple balm

• Silverettes

• Nipple shield

• Bottles for pumped milk

• Haakaa or Ladybug milk catcher

• Pacifier (if you plan to use one)

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Travel changing pad

• Diaper cream or powder

• Burp cloths

• Swaddle or blanket

• Mini fridge for pumped milk (this is totally extra and something I wanted and never got but go for it!! especially if your kitchen is a separate floor from your bedroom)

Baby extras:

• Baby nail file or clippers (grooming kit)

• Baby mittens

• A few baby outfits

For YOU:

• Hair ties or clips

• Large water jug ( I got a gallon one that keeps water cold that I could pour into my water cup so I wasn’t always asking someone to refill my water)

• Electrolytes
  Hand sanitizer

• Lip balm

• Prenatal vitamins

• Stool softener

• Pain reliever (Ibuprofen/Tylenol)

• Phone charger (highly recommend)

• Notebook or notes app for questions or reminders
  

Having these items within arm’s reach reduces unnecessary movement and helps protect your energy while you heal.

This might look like a lot written out, but once it’s stocked, it saves so much energy.

Postpartum Snack Station (Labor + Recovery Friendly)

I always encourage moms to stock easy, one-handed snacks for labor and postpartum. These can live in your cart or nearby.

Hydration:

• Coconut water

• Coconut water with juice

• Body Armour

• Electrolyte drinks

Fresh & soothing:

• Melon

• Fresh fruit

• Applesauce

• Fruit ice pops

Protein & energy:

• Trail mix

• Dried fruit and nut mix

• Beef jerky

• Single-serve nut butters

• Granola bars

• Keto chocolate bars

Carbs & comfort:

• Crackers

• Rice cakes

• Honey sticks

Bonus (if you have older kids):

• Snacks for toddlers (I knew if I had a snack my 3 year old was going to want one)
  

Postpartum hunger is real — especially if you’re breastfeeding — and having nourishing snacks ready can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Why This Helps More Than You Might Think

In postpartum, even small barriers can feel big. Getting up repeatedly, searching for supplies, or realizing you forgot something can add unnecessary stress.

A postpartum cart:

• Reduces physical strain while you heal

• Supports rest and bonding

• Helps you feel more prepared and cared for

• This makes asking for help easier (“Can you restock the cart?”)

It’s one of those quiet supports that you don’t realize you needed until you have it.

A Gentle Reminder

There’s no “right” way to do postpartum. Your cart doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. You don’t need everything on this list. And you can always add or remove things as you go.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s support.

Want More Postpartum Support?

If you’re preparing for postpartum and want guidance that’s personalized, supportive, and realistic, I offer postpartum planning and support for families navigating this season.

You can also explore more postpartum resources and education here:
👉 In-person Postpartum care , Postpartum self care kit

You deserve care, too.

Tell me in the comments below - What did you stock in your Postpartum carts? What helped you the most postpartum?