The Best Postpartum Pajamas

Finding a pajama set that you’ll find comfortable as a new mom is a must. Today we’re going to show you some of the best to put in your hospital bag with easy breastfeeding access.

What’s Important in Postpartum Pajamas

Postpartum pajamas can be tricky, especially if it’s your first baby because you’re just not sure what you’ll want.

Why on earth do I know anything about this?

Hi! I’m Hilary — many people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse 👩‍⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of OB nursing experience. I am also the curly head behind this website Pulling Curls and The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. 🩺​ I’ve seen LOTS of people both in labor and after they have their baby and I’ve found out what most people really want.

Grab my postpartum care made easy class to get prepared for life after baby:

I love this podcast I did with Paging Dr Fran on recovering postpartum (newsflash, it’s not much easier for OB’s or labor nurses).

Fit of Postpartum Pajamas

Finding the right fit is more important than you realize in postpartum pajamas. Less so your body type and more so looking for easy nursing access (while also not constricting your increased size).

Your new baby will change what you want and need in clothes (less so if you’re not breastfeeding – but things do change – hello postpartum body).

If you plan to breastfeed you definitely want a nursing top or an elastic neckline so that you can get quick access for feedings.(especially middle of the night feedings). A lot of ladies really like a v-neck design that allows for easy nursing (while also providing good coverage otherwise).

Long sleeves or short?

Personally, I prefer short sleeves and a zip-up sweatshirt if I am cold. However, if you get long sleeves and plan to breastfeed – make sure that you have snaps or ties in the right place to be able to feed. 

Pro Tip: Even if you’re not planning to breastfeed, it’s still nice to have quick access to your chest in case you want to use skin to skin contact. Often that helps to calm and warm baby down as they’re able to smell you and hear your heartbeat – more like the womb).

BTW, if you’re looking for a postpartum pajama set — it’s probably true that labor will be coming soon! Have you taken a prenatal class? While pajamas are super helpful, let me remind you that a prenatal class will make you much happier than any set of PJ’s.

This one has 3 price points for every budget, it’s done ENTIRELY on your own timeline, and is taught by a nurse with 20 years of experience. Check it out (and don’t miss the awesome reviews!).

Nightgown or a Set?

This is really up to you and your preferences – but let me give you a few tips when choosing this.

First off, c-section mamas really don’t love pants because they often hit their c-section scar which can be painful.  

But, if you feel more secure in pants (I do) – here are some tips:

Postpartum Pajama Pants Tips:

Get an adjustable waistband… your abdomen will be changing size daily, and this will let you get the perfect fit. This could be something like an elastic waistband or drawstring waist too.

Get a wide waistband – many people prefer those high waisted yoga pants with the larger waistband. This allows it to come up above a c-section incision, and still help you feel secure.

Pro Tip:  Your hospital will likely provide you mesh underwear which may hit right at your c-section scar depending on your body type. I love these as they come up higher and don’t cut in near as much (they were created by a c-section mama).  People love them for the postpartum period. They’re a great option!

Postpartum Nightgown Tips:

Make sure you pick something with a relaxed fit. I prefer these because it makes it easier to use the toilet (which you’ll be doing a lot, new mama).

Pick something with an empire waist so that it’s very flowy and doesn’t constrict your abdominal area.

But, you know your body type best. Pick something that will make you feel at least liveable. 🙂

Fabric For Postpartum Pajamas

Finding a comfortable material for your postpartum PJ’s is an important thing.

Soft nightgowns are usually the thing most ladies pick – but let’s give you a few tips beyond that:

• Breathable fabrics – you may get some hot flashes and wake up with night sweats – so a breathable fabric is your best option (btw, Night sweats are a postpartum surprise we talk about in this podcast).
• Something that washes well – your new baby will get all sorts of fluids on this, as will you – so making sure they wash well is important!
• Simple design – the easier it is to nurse, or use the restroom the better. A lot of ties or snaps can be confusing when you’re tired.
• Stretchy Fabric – since you’ll be moving all over the place and in new ways (including pulling it down to possibly nurse) – stretchy, soft fabric is great! 

Pro Tip: Personally, I prefer something a bit more thick and not TOO stretchy in a soft material – so it still washes well. 😉

Some postpartum pajamas come with a built-in shelf bra that allows for easy nursing, but if you plan to breastfeed, most women prefer wearing their nursing bra to bed for extra support (or your breasts can ache without support). Something to keep in mind.

Should you take postpartum pajamas in your hospital bag?

The hospital will most definitely offer you a hospital gown for your stay in the hospital. These can be starchy, and stiff – but most importantly they are taken care of by the hospital. Meaning, if you bleed on them, the hospital takes care of it (you don’t have to wash it or just ruin it).

However, you can wear whatever you want in the hospital. Many women want to wear just a tank top with a shelf bra on top. Some women want to bring their own delivery gown. It’s totally up to you and what you’ll feel most comfortable in.

Just remember if you bring your own items you may not want to wash them (as it’s going to be a LOT of work to get them clean and stain-free) – meaning they might end up disposable.

My recommendation is to use the hospital’s gown as your delivery gown, and keep wearing theirs until about 12 hours after the baby, and then switch to your own clothes. At this point you won’t be bleeding AS much and you’ll feel better in something that’s a bit more secure.

But again, I highly value NOT having to do hard laundry when I get home – so what you wear is 100% up to you!

Be sure to check out my hospital bag packing list.

Best Postpartum Pajamas on Amazon

There are a WIDE variety of styles of postpartum pajamas on Amazon. I’m going to highlight a few for you (most of these come in different colors so find one you like):

Best Nursing Nightgowns

With this one’s buttons it provides easy access, but is still secure when visitors/other kids are around.  

Best Modest Nursing Nightgown

I actually bought this one for a friend in a couple of colors for her to recover from having twins. She has other kids and modesty is important to her, so it’s a great choice with its snaps.

It’s still great for warmer weather because it’s oversized and breathable.

Best Nursing Pajamas

If you’re looking for a top & pants – I thought this set was great. It has side snaps for easy access (a good idea for feeding) and looks like comfy pajamas (and gets great reviews). They also have the adjustable waistband – which is a good idea.

Just know that the best pajamas for your fourth trimester is going to be one that is easy to wash, easy to nurse in (if you plan to do that) and you enjoy being in.

I really liked that this one has pockets. Pockets are amazing, and totally should be included in the best postpartum nightgown.

This one has long sleeves if you’re delivering in the cooler months.

This one has a cute lace detail that’s pretty (and that cross body top makes for easy nursing).

This one is nice and long if you’d prefer more length (and the buttons make it easy to nurse in).

I REALLY liked this robe (which could easly be used as PJ’s with a nursing bra and your mesh undies).

Gownies has great gowns that aren’t too pricey if you want to bring your own hospital gown.

While we’re here, don’t forget the advantage of lounge dresses that have become much more popular as of late.

If you see some at your favorite brands, be sure to look for:

• Top buttons so you can easily breastfeed
• Easy wash fabric (can I say that enough?)
• Not crazy expensive, because there is always a chance you aren’t going to want to try to get the blood out.

Best maternity pajamas

Maternity sleepwear isn’t something I ever bought. I tended to just buy some larger pajama pants and just wear a giant t-shirt over the top.

But there are a few that convert really easily too.

These look very traditional (and fit your belly)

I liked the ruching on these.

So, there’s some tips to get comfy during your postpartum period (be sure to check that post out for a LOT more tips about surviving postpartum).

And yes — I totally recommend taking a prenatal class. Studies have truly shown it makes couples happier with their birth and I think we all want that! You can find mine here — save 10% with code PC10.

And, if you’re not ready for the whole class, find my birth prep kit here that you can try out for free: