In a sea of pregnancy-related products—from vitamins to underwear to more advice books than you’ll ever have time to read—it’s normal to feel like you have no idea what you actually need. And while pregnancy is so personal, it can save you major time and money to start with the tried-and-true products experienced moms swear by. Which is exactly why we’ve put together this list of Skimm moms’ favorite products, ranging from maternity jeans to nipple cream.
Feeling Your Best
Favorite Prenatal Vitamins: NatureMade Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA
You don’t need to spend a ton of money on a prenatal vitamin. This one has the nutrients you need, like folic acid and DHA, and it’s both affordable and easy to find in stores or online.
Favorite Baby Prep Book: “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster
If you’re newly pregnant, you may have a long list of questions, concerns, and spiraling anxieties. The good news is that Emily Oster has probably already looked into all of them. Her book will help you understand the data behind recommendations on everything, from gardening to coffee consumption.
Favorite Acne Solution: NARS Soft Matte Complete Full Coverage Concealer
Pregnancy may make your skin act up for the first time in years. And according to one Skimm HQ’r who tried lots of different acne solutions, “this is the holy grail of concealers for blemishes and acne.”
Favorite Pregnancy Pillow: Leachco Back ‘N Belly Pillow
Get ready to give up some precious bed real estate, because this thing is not small. But its U-shaped design means you won’t have to constantly reposition it as you toss and turn throughout those long, restless pregnancy nights.
Favorite Skincare Product: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
There’s no magic product that will instantly prevent or erase all stretch marks. But this oil, which has no added fragrance, dye, or chemicals, is a Skimm mom fave for keeping your growing belly moisturized.
Clothing & Accessories
Favorite Maternity Jeans: The Maternity Over-the-Belly ‘90s Straight Jean
Pregnancy doesn’t have to mean a nine-month break from “hard pants” (although it absolutely can if you want it to). If you want to feel like you’re wearing your normal jeans for at least a few hours, these ‘90s-style straight jeans with an over-belly panel should do the trick.
Favorite Overalls: Storq Anytime Overalls
A comfy, casual overall you can wear throughout your pregnancy and beyond? We love it. While there are plenty of other similar one-pieces on the market, it’s really the fit that sets this one apart. You’ll want to wear these every day.
Favorite Maternity Underwear: Bodily All-In Panty
Stretchy and soft, these over-the-belly underpants will be the first thing you wash on laundry day—until you successfully fill your entire underwear drawer with them. Skimm moms love that they’re supportive but not constricting, and don’t slip down easily.
Favorite PJs: Little Sleepies
Why should all the softest PJs be for babies? Thank goodness Little Sleepies makes adult sizes, too. The bamboo fabric is light enough to keep you comfortable no matter the season.
Favorite Compression Stockings/Socks: Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks
Compression socks, but make them look cool. No one could ever mistake you for an ankle sock-loving millennial (even if you are one) in these knee-high compression socks that come in basic solid colors, stripes, and more.
Favorite Shoes: WHITIN Slides
“YOU NEED THESE,” one Skimm HQ’r writes. “Will fit even if your feet turn into sausages like mine did.” Enough said.
Favorite Undershort: Thigh Society Cooling Short
In the words of one Skimm mom, “These are a must even if you're not pregnant, but when you ARE, they're a double must.” The fabric feels even lighter than a pair of tights, and prevents thigh chafe without making you feel like you’re wearing shapewear.
Postpartum Recovery
Favorite Breast Packs: Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Hot or Cold Breast Therapy Packs
These reusable hot-or-cold packs can do it all: they’ll help with anything from clogged ducts and engorgement to mastitis. They’re microwave-safe and come with covers to protect your skin.
Favorite Nipple Cream: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
This single-ingredient cream has no scent, and is safe to leave on your nipples even while baby feeds—which you’ll very much appreciate if you’re dealing with any level of nipple pain or injury.
Favorite Pads: Natracare Maternity Pads
With organic cotton covers and a chlorine-free pulp core, these absorbent pads are just what you need as you recover from delivery. Whether you’re making your own “padsicles” with witch hazel or just looking for comfortable pads to wear until your bleeding stops, these are at the top of our list.
Favorite Nursing Bra: Cake Maternity Croissant Soft Wire Nursing Bra
If you’re looking for a nursing bra that has strong support, this is a great option. It’s breathable, cotton-lined, and has easy snap-down cups you can manage with one hand.
Favorite Nursing Bralette: Cosabella Never Say Never Maternity Mommie Nursing Bralette
You may be thinking about milk 24/7, but that doesn’t mean your bras should all be boring workhorses. This one is nursing-friendly but still a little sexy. “I wanted a nursing bra that was comfortable but allowed me to cling to my old self even a little,” one Skimm mom says. “This one did that for me.”
Favorite C-Section Recovery Item: DMI Bed Wedge Pillow
You’re recovering from major surgery—sitting down and standing up are going to be much harder for a while. Keep this on the couch to help you ease your way down, and so you’ll have something to lean against while trying to rest.
Favorite Breast Pump: Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump
A great in-between option if you want the power of a traditional pump, but the flexibility of a wearable one, this Spectra pump can be charged and used cordlessly. Best of all, the cost may be partly or fully covered by your insurance.
Favorite On-the-Go Breast Pump: Willow Go® Wearable Breast Pump
For full on-the-go convenience, you can’t beat this gadget that actually fits in your bra. This hospital-grade pump can be controlled via your phone, and you can opt for just one piece or a two-piece set.
Live Smarter
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