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After having a baby, it’s important to have soft, comfortable, flexible postpartum pajamas for your constantly-changing body. Many articles about postpartum pajamas focus on nursing pajamas, and those are great. In fact, plenty overlap. But the reality is that ALL mamas deserve the best pajamas after having a baby, whether they’re worried about finding nursing or not.
When we look a postpartum pajamas, we always consider breastfeeding access. But there’s so much more to it. We’re focused on overall comfort. This includes fit that doesn’t hurt your c-section scar or rub against your vaginal stitches, and has the elasticity to work with an ever-changing body type.
It takes 6-8 weeks for your uterus to return to its normal size after giving birth, and even then, you’ll likely carry excess baby weight and your boobs may stay unrecognizable for a while. The best postpartum pajamas are designed to work with your postpartum body.
Tips for Choosing the Best Postpartum Pajamas
When purchasing postpartum pajamas, consider important elements, such as:
- Material (comfort, breathability)
- Style (fits your preferences and needs)
- Sizing (how postpartum sizes compare to traditional sizes)
- Cost (maximum comfort without breaking the bank)
Postpartum Pajama Materials
This is a place where material matters. Whether you birth vaginally or via c-section, your pajamas will rub in uncomfortable places, so you want material that is extremely soft.
A newborn constantly attached to your body also transfers lots of body heat, so breathability is key!
My favorite materials for postpartum pajamas are the following:
- Bamboo: It’s incredibly soft, and it helps wick away moisture, keeping you cool overnight even as your hormone fluctuations make you warm. Not to mention the fabric is hypoallergenic, and it’s so soft it can be almost silky. Cons: Can be pricey, but there are still great options.
- Organic cotton: It’s soft, breathable, and I don’t want a bunch of chemicals entering my wounds or my breastmilk stream. Cons: It shrinks in the dryer, and organic, tends to be more expensive.
- Modal: Lightweight, breathable, stretchy fabric that doesn’t shrink in washer, and environmentally friendly in production. Cons: Usually needs to be washed in cold water, and you’ll get a lot of fluids on postpartum pajamas that you might want hot water for.
- Viscose: It’s known for its silk-like feel, breathability, and is reasonably priced. Cons: It stains easily, so beware spit up and leaky boobs (or just choose not to care, because you just had a baby, and who cares if your pajamas have stains on them?)
Postpartum Pajama Styles
The style of postpartum pajama you want depends on your needs (e.g. Are you breastfeeding? Did you have a c-section?), comfort preferences, and where you are in your postpartum journey.
For the hospital, I recommend nightgowns. You’ll have nurses coming in and checking your mesh underwear (if you birthed vaginally), and they are much easier to access via nightgown. Nightgowns are also great if you had a c-section because they don’t rub against your scar.
When you return home, nightgowns or pajama sets work. I liked long pants once I got home, mostly because they were more comfortable holding the weight of the vaginal ice packs I continued wearing. But most c-section mamas I know stick to nightgowns. And while I love pajama sets for daytime postpartum loungewear, I’m all about a nightgown when I sleep.
If you’re nursing, you might want special nursing pajamas or button-up pajama tops. Both will make it easier to access your breasts when baby calls.
Sizing
Choosing a size for postpartum pajamas is a little complicated.
Just like maternity pajamas, clothes made specifically for the postpartum period (like nursing pajamas) usually take your changing body into account. So, you can usually wear the same size you would’ve worn pre-pregnancy. But if you’re wearing postpartum pajamas immediately postpartum, like in the hospital, then it may be worth sizing up on one pair, as it could be too small before your belly shrinks a bit. .
If you’re buying regular pajamas to wear in the months after birth, then size up. And there are some AMAZING options that you’ll love postpartum, even though they aren’t postpartum pajamas specifically. Don’t worry–we’ll tell you what they are!
Cost
Pricing is obviously a very personal choice, but here’s my suggestion:
Pick 2 pairs of your dream postpartum pajamas and put them on your baby registry! Maybe you’ll get lucky and someone will choose to pamper you!
If you’re going to be the one spending a lot of money on postpartum pajamas, then spend that money on some of the best maternity pajamas that you can also wear after giving birth. Or, choose from our list of non-postpartum pajamas that are great for this stage and beyond.
You’ll get more bang for your buck because you can wear them for much longer.
Can I Just Buy Normal Pajamas in a Bigger Size?
You bet! The only trick here is figuring out sizing, which is honestly a tough call.
We all lose pregnancy weight in different paces, and fitting into your previous pajama size could take a while. There’s definitely an in-between stage, and some women never return to their pre-baby size at all.
For those reasons, my best suggestion is to buy 1-2 pairs of pajamas that will fit between your pre-pregnancy size and your maternity size. Stretchy materials make all the difference!
Best Postpartum Pajamas
So you want the most comfortable pajamas to adjust to your postpartum body? We’re breaking down our favorites for you, and giving them in categories to make it easier to find exactly what you need. Below you’ll find our favorite:
- Nightgowns
- Pajama sets
- Matching mom-and-baby sets
- Hospital gowns
- Non-Postpartum Pajamas
- Robes
- Bras
- Underwear
Best Postpartum Nightgowns
Oh, and probably your boobs, too! The best nursing nightgowns are lifesavers. Here are some of our favorites for both breastfeeding and formula feeding mamas!
1. Kindred Bravely Eleanora Bamboo Nursing Nightgown
A an incredibly comfortable way to have a light, airy nightgown with full nursing capabilities. It’s soft, comfy, and versatile as your body changes sizes.
We love the breathability of the premium bamboo fabric, the stretchiness that allows the gown to grow and shrink with you, and that you can lift the flap for easy nursing access.
2. Ekouaer Women’s Nightgown Striped Tee
This nightgown is cute, stylish, comfortable, and great for breastfeeding (but also adorable if you aren’t nursing.)
With soft rayon fabric that’s easily machine washable and easy access for nursing, this gown is a win all around.
3. Kindred Bravely Betsy Ribbed Bamboo Nightgown
Made by our absolute favorite maternity & postpartum pajama brand, this soft, breathable bamboo nightgown is cute, comfortable, and provides nursing access with its snap-down chest.
We love that this dress has a traditional button-up chest style but uses snaps for easier access. We also adore the soft bamboo fabric–so good for sensitive baby skin! But our absolute favorite part? This nursing nightgown doubles as a day dress!
Postpartum Pajama Sets
Pajama sets are amazing because you can mix and match for weather, company coming over, or just depending on what doesn’t have spit-up all over it! Nothing beats a good pj set with comfy pajama pants and a super soft sleep shirt.
Here are our favorites.
1. Storq 3-Piece Lounge Set
An incredibly comfortable pant, tank top, and belted jacket let you cover (or uncover) as much as you need. The loose, comfy feel is exactly what you want when you’re postpartum.
Perfectly stretchy and comfortable with a cotton-spandex blend, these pajamas are exactly what you need to maximize postpartum comfort.
2. Kindred Bravely Jane Nursing Pajamas
I love legging-style pajamas! But if you prefer a looser leg fit, then check out the Davy pajama set instead. These are great for their easy nursing access through a fabric panel, and also for their soft comfort.
What we love most about these pajamas is their versatility with weather. In the warmer months, they’re light enough weight to keep you cool, but in the cold months, they’re tight enough to work as long johns or wear as a base layer!
3. Ekouaer Women’s Button-Down Top with Pant Set
Our readers rave about this reasonably priced 2-piece set that’s super soft and buttons at the top for easy nursing/pumping access.
I love it for its breathability and adorable lacey pocket top, adding the perfect touch of cuteness. And we love a button-front for easy nursing or pumping access!
4. GYS Bamboo Pajamas
These simple, comfy pajamas are super versatile. But note that, while the title says they’re bamboo, they’re actually a combination of bamboo and viscose (and mostly viscose at that.)
We love the satin trim to add a little extra touch, and the giving elastic waist without a drawstring you’ll lose in the dryer.
5. Ekouaer Nursing Pajamas
Definitely the cutest option we’ve found, this set is ADORABLE, comfortable, and reasonably priced.
I love the cute stripes and long sleeves, as I was regularly cold. Plus, these amazing nursing pajamas are fantastic for nighttime feedings.
6. Kyte Button-Up Pajama Set
Most families fall in love with Kyte Baby for their incredibly soft baby pajamas without even realize they make luxury comfort for moms, as well. It comes in both short-sleeved and long-sleeved options, and the relaxed fit is perfect for your changing body size.
Of course, our favorite feature is the bamboo fabric blend, which is super soft and comfy.
Matching Mom and Baby Hospital Sets
What mama doesn’t love a good hospital photo op? If you want to celebrate baby in style, many community members love these matching sets.
1. Caden Lane Mom & Baby Sets
Looking for gorgeous, classic styles that will also be super soft and comfy for baby? Look no further. Caden Lane has some of our favorite mom and baby sets on the market. Choose from their ever-changing patterns to find the perfect style for you and your family, while also trusting that you’re getting amazing comfort and high quality.
Delivery robes are one-size fits most, and you can mix and match to find the perfect coordinating options, or to go 100% matchy matchy.
We love these matching mom & baby sets so much that we’ve scored you a discount! Use code “undefining” for 10% off!
2. Striped Maternity Robe and Baby Swaddle from Maya and Joy
This soft, gorgeous robe and matching swaddle are a fantastic addition to any new mom’s wardrobe.
Great for photography and for comfort.
3. Everly Grey 5-Piece Maternity and Nursing Set
This matching set comes from one of our reader-favorite brands, and the top makes nursing access super easy.
We love how it pulls this classic style will work for years and is totally gender neutral. And while any matching set will only last baby a few months, they’ll last mama much, much longer and remain full of memories.
Best Hospital Gowns for Labor & Postpartum
When you’re in the hospital, you want to think about things like comfort, easy access to your arm to take your blood pressure, and easy access for your nurse to get to either your perineum or your c-section scar.
1. Kindred Bravely Universal Labor and Delivery Gown
Clearly, we love Kindred Bravely! It’s our FAVORITE place to get maternity and postpartum pajamas. And of course, one of our favorite nursing and maternity clothing brands really brings their A-game with this L&D gown!
Designed with a comfy hospital stay in mind, is has durable velcro in the front and back! We also love the deep pockets, and the different colors and patterns. There’s velcro in the front for easy access to fetal monitors, and in the back for epidural access. It’s no wonder that this gown is favored by medical professionals for labor and delivery!
2. Frida Mom Delivery and Nursing Gown
Just like everything Frida makes, they’ve thought of everything. This gown has snaps in all the places you’ll need them, including for nursing access and down the back.
It’s super soft and has pockets! What’s not to love? (Also, we LOVE the Frida Mom Hospital Packing Kit if you’re in the market to make life a lot easier. It comes with one of these gowns inside, plus everything else you’ll need!
Not Postpartum Pajamas
Wait, what? I hear you, mama. Sometimes it feels weird to buy pajamas that are specifically for postpartum because you don’t want to overspend on a short period of time. And if I’m being honest, there are some pajamas I LOVE for the postpartum experience that aren’t postpartum specific.
1. Cozy Earth Stretch-Knit Bamboo Pajama Set
I discovered Cozy Earth long before they were on Oprah’s Favorite Things, and I can promise I wasn’t a bit surprised when they made that list. They’re just SO good. I first fell in love with Cozy Earth’s sheets, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that guests at my house regularly become converted customers after spending just one night In the cloud-like glory of Cozy Earth. So when they expanded into making pajamas, you can bet I was instantly HOOKED!
Their stretch-knit bamboo pajama set comes in both a short-sleeved version and a long-sleeved one, making them a great fit for any season. The button-up top provides unintentional nursing access, and the soft bamboo fabric helps keep your temperature regulated all night long.
2. Leena & Lu Talara Dress
Made from organic Peruvian cotton and so comfy that I own-ahem-5 of them, this nightgown is AMAZING. Be sure to size up since it’s not a designated postpartum nightgown.
Use discount code undefining10 for 10% off any Leena and Lu purchase!
I have to discontinue using mine during the third trimester, but they quickly come back into the rotation during the postpartum period, and I love them!
Best Postpartum Robes
Robes are amazing additions to your postpartum wardrobe because they give easy nursing access, are comfortable, and are easy to throw on at all times of day or night.
Looking at postpartum robes takes me back to my exclusive pumping days, where anyone who entered my house entered at their own peril, as I was often sitting in a chair topless, robe open, pumping. But I LOVED that robes allowed me to cover my breast pump because they have so much more room than other postpartum loungewear.
They’re also a great cover to add on top of whatever you’re wearing.
1. Storq Delivery Robe
This gorgeous, ultra soft robe is perfect for pregnancy, postpartum, and the hospital.
With easy access to your breasts for feeding, arms for taking blood pressure, and perineum or c-section scar, what more could you (or your hospital nurse) possibly ask for?
2. Floral Maternity Robe from Maya and Joy
This gorgeous delivery gown is something special. It’s soft and feels silky, but mamas rave that it doesn’t slip like many such robes.
If you’re hoping for a photo op after delivery, this robe is perfect for your hospital bag essential. Don’t love the print? Check out other items from the same company for tons of gorgeous options!
3. Kindred Bravely Emmaline Robe
A comfy, stylish, lightweight robe that can have a traditional or empire waist to adjust to your needs.
We especially love the modal fabric and extra deep pockets. Does anyone not love deep pockets?!
Postpartum Bras
If you didn’t buy special maternity bras, you may want to invest in a couple of postpartum bras. Nursing bras are essential for breastfeeding moms, and sleeping bras will keep you comfortable overnight even if your boobs are engorged and leaking.
1. Cake Maternity Sleeping Bra
I wore this nursing bra all throughout pregnancy and postpartum, and it was so comfortable and breathable.
It’s so comfortable on sore boobs at night, and it fits nicely with nursing pads so you won’t wake up with milk on your sheets.
2. Kindred Bravely Nursing and Sleep Bra
This organic cotton bra is soft and supportive. It’s yet another reminder of why Kindred Bravely is one of the top postpartum loungewear companies there is!
Made to support you and keep you comfortable while you’re sleeping, I’d be lying if I said I only wore it at nighttime. If I was staying home during the day (and most days, I was), this bra was an all-day essential.
Postpartum Underwear
Having underwear to get you through postpartum means more than you might imagine. Most of us envision wearing mesh underwear for a few days, then granny panties for a few weeks, and then back to normal.
Realistically, though, your scars and body might require super comfortable panties for a hot minute. These are the very best–once you graduate from mesh!
1. BaoBei Bloomers
Consider these must-haves pieces that are NOT your only underwear. None of us would be able to afford that (though you can snag 15% off using discount code undefiningmotherhood). But listen to why they’re amazing.
These bloomers were specially designed by a pelvic floor physical therapist with the intention of supporting your recovering core with a gentle lift and hug. It helps provide abdominal support (hello, diastasis recti!) and supports your pelvic from below.
These amazing bloomers are soft, seamless, and wide enough for your postpartum padsicle–we recommend snagging a pair (two if you can swing the cost) to pack in your hospital bag and wear a lot during those early postpartum days.
2. The All-In Panty from Bodily
We love these super soft, stretchy, high-waisted underwear from the company known for creating postpartum comfort!
The high waist is especially great for c-section recovery or for holding up those pesky (but oh-so-necessary) vaginal ice packs.
3. Kindred Bravely High-Waisted Postpartum Recovery Panties
Both soft and cute, these recovery panties are a great option to feel a little less granny-like during your postpartum recovery!
I love that the lace is super soft, but makes you forget that you’re wearing postpartum panties!
What did you think were the BEST postpartum pajamas?
Postpartum Pajamas FAQ
Postpartum pajamas are special pajamas made specifically for the period after a women gives birth. They often have easy breastfeeding access and extra stretchy fabric to help keep new moms comfortable.
Most postpartum pajamas have special features like extra soft or stretchy fabric, high waists to avoid c-section scars, and are sized to fit a woman’s changing body after birth.
Your body changes rapidly after having a baby, and postpartum pajamas are made to fit that changing body. If you’re breastfeeding, they’re especially important, as many have easy access for nursing.
If you bought special maternity pajamas, they’ll likely also work well for the postpartum period. You may eventually need to size down, but pregnancy pajamas will also serve you well after baby’s birth.
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Katy Huie Harrison, PhD, is an author, mom, recurrent miscarriage survivor, & owner of Undefining Motherhood. She lives in Atlanta with her husband (affectionately known on the internet as “Husband,”) son (Jack), and dog (Charlotte). She believes our society puts too many expectations on women that make womanhood and motherhood restrictive. Her goal is to shift the paradigm about what it means to be a woman and mother, giving all women a greater sense of agency over their own lives. You can find Katy and her work featured in places like CNN’s Headline News, Romper, Scary Mommy, Demeter Press’s Motherhood and Social Exclusion, & more.
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