AAP Updates Infant Jaundice & Hyperbilirubinemia Guidance For The First Time Since 2004
The 7 Best Baby Food Makers To Ease The Transition To Solid Foods
Leveling up to solid baby food is a new, fun and messy adventure. There are a lot of choices on the market, but the best baby food maker for your household can help make the transition. While they're pricier than a jar of baby food, a good baby food maker can actually help you save money in the long run.
Using the best baby food maker for your household can help your baby ease into accepting solid food.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: RetailersAnother benefit is that you decide what your baby eats. "When a parent makes their own baby food, they control the ingredients they are giving their baby and avoid the preservatives that are common in store-bought baby food," shares David Contract, global marketing team lead at Baby Brezza.
Each child develops at their own rate, so always speak to your pediatrician about when your baby is ready to start exploring the world of solid foods. But when it's time, these are the best baby food makers of 2024.
Amazon
Beaba Babycook Solo Baby Food Maker
Capacity: 4.6 cupsFunctions: Steam, blend, defrost, heatDishwasher safe: Yes
There's so much to like about this versatile baby food maker that we are putting it at the top of our list. The handy gadget has a small footprint, about the size of a toaster, so it won't take up lots of room on the countertop. That's helpful since you'll want to use it for all your baby food–making needs (and more). With just one touch, the Beaba Babycook can steam, chop, blend, defrost or reheat food.
Simply place your food in the elevated basket, and the Beaba will quickly steam cook it. Once cooked, use the steaming water to create a simple puree or add broth, formula, breast milk or other mix-ins. The Beaba works in about 20 minutes and can cook raw proteins, tougher veggies or anything else. Steaming is a quick and easy way to cook foods evenly and helps maintain nutrients and flavor. Elevating the steam basket means the food isn't soggy or sitting in the steaming water, and the steaming water becomes a valuable element to add to the puree.
If you don't want to steam, the Beaba can also puree food, keeping it at room temperature. In addition to baby food, you can make smoothies, purees, or juices for toddlers or anyone in the family. The gadget will only begin working when all the parts are locked into place. Busy parents will appreciate that it works one-handed, so food prep can happen even if you're holding a hungry baby. The bowl, lid, basket and blade are all easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.
While pricey, this is a top-rated and high-functioning tool. Since it'll live on your countertop and be used often, choose between six colors to best match your kitchen décor.
Amazon
Nutribullet Baby Bullet Blender
Capacity: 32-ounce batch bowlFunction: 3 puree settingsDishwasher safe: Yes
If you're curious about making baby food but don't want to invest in a pricey baby food maker, this practical Nutribullet Baby Bullet is a perfect entry point. The wallet-friendly pick is almost like a blender for baby food. While it doesn't steam or heat food, the gadget quickly takes fresh fruit, veggies or cooked proteins and creates purees. We love that there are three settings from stages one through three, so you can make smooth purees to thick mashes.
Along with a 32-ounce batch bowl, the set comes with a motor base, a 12-ounce short cup with handles and a resealable lid, six mini storage cups with lids, a silicone freezer tray with lids and a handy recipe book. The mini storage cups have lids with unique date dials, so you'll know when you made the baby food. All of the storage containers are dishwasher safe.
As long as you don't need your gadget to cook, this robust set is a budget-friendly pick with plenty of storage for all the baby food you can make.
Capacity: 0.6 and 0.3 liter bowlsFunction: PureeDishwasher safe: Yes
A perfect portable solution, this mini baby food maker is simple to use and small enough to take on the go for vacation, a trip to grandma's house or anywhere else. The set comes with the baby food maker, blades, two glass bowls—one 0.6 liter and the other 0.3 liter—and four baby food containers with lids and two spoons. While compact, it does need access to an outlet, so you probably can't use it at your table at a restaurant.
Press the gadget's top down to use the baby food maker, and the puree function starts. We appreciate that the machine will run as long as you press down, so it's easy to achieve custom thickness levels. All the parts are dishwasher safe, and many parents prefer glass containers to plastic since they can be easier to clean, are stain-free and don't harbor any odors.
Capacity: Not listedFunction: Manual mashingDishwasher safe: Yes
So much better than a fork, this manual masher will make you wonder why you didn't come up with it first. This wallet-friendly pick is compact and easy to tote in a diaper bag or stash in your kitchen cabinet. The PVC-free plastic set lets you turn softer foods into baby food with your own elbow grease.
The set includes the masher and the bowl. Each features ridges that work together to efficiently smoosh your food, while the extra steep sides of the bowl keep all the food inside the container. The bowl has a lid, so you can either store extra food or fit the masher in it to take the whole set on the go.
Amazon
Nutribullet Baby Turbo Food Steamer
Capacity: Not listedFunction: Steam and sterilizeDishwasher safe: Yes
Steaming is the first step in turning some harder veggies and proteins into purees, so this affordable and compact steamer is a wonderful addition to your kitchen arsenal. With five settings, this gadget can steam foods, cook eggs, defrost frozen foods and sterilize items like pacifiers and nipples for bottles.
The set comes with a steamer and lid, two trays and an egg tray—all parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Since it functions only as a steamer and cannot puree, this tool pairs well with our best budget pick, the Nutribullet Baby Bullet Blender.
Amazon
Evla's Baby Food Maker
Capacity: 1 cupFunction: Steam, blend, self-cleanDishwasher safe: Yes
Busy parents will love that this gadget has a self-clean feature—wouldn't it be amazing if all baby gear came with that? This compact baby food maker is a modern gadget that's relatively easy to use. With just the touch of a button, the appliance can steam and then blend baby food. We appreciate that there are self-timer options for steam and blend, but it's easy to adjust the time manually. While using the blend function, you can choose to puree with a one-touch button or manually hold down the button to get a custom texture.
When it's time to clean up, quickly rinse the bowl, add a drop of soap and press the self-clean button—this appliance cleans for you. If you'd prefer, all the parts are dishwasher safe, too. This compact maker has a 1 cup capacity bowl, steaming basket, lid and blade. Along with the touchscreen appliance, the set comes with six reusable food pouches, so it's easy to pour your puree right in and hand your baby some tasty homemade food.
Amazon
Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender
Capacity: 3 cup chopper/grinder and 2 cup mixing/measuring cupFunction: Chop, blend and whiskDishwasher safe: Top rack safe
While not necessarily a baby food maker, we like this option for its versatility in baby food making and longevity as a kitchen gadget. Once your baby food–making days are over, this tool is a perfect kitchen workhorse for making salsas, soups, pesto, salad dressing and so much more.
The power base attaches to an included hand blender, chopper tool or whisk. The set comes with two cups—one for the chopper grinder and blade and the other for mixing and measuring. Use the hand blender directly in a bowl of soup or other food items you want to puree. Safety comes first, thanks to the on/off lock, and it's easy to move from low to high speed with the touch of a knob. Valuable beyond purees, this is a kitchen workhorse that you'll be happy to have for years to come.
Why Trust Forbes VettedAt Forbes Vetted, we take our recommendations seriously, and our dozens of meticulously researched baby gear stories are proof of that. Our expertise isn't limited to research and outside knowledge.
Our kids and baby gear contributor Maya Polton, the author of this story, is a mom of three kids whose work can also be found on Verywell Family, Better Homes & Gardens and Parents. For this article, she connected with medical experts, experts at baby food maker companies, and parents to tap their knowledge and first-hand experience with some of the best baby food makers in this article.
How I Chose The Best Baby Food MakerTo find the best baby food makers on the market, I gathered feedback from parents and experts and read consumer product reviews. I also relied on my firsthand experience making my own baby food for my three children. Once I pulled together an initial list of baby food makers, I evaluated them based on the criteria I deemed most important: ease of use, capacity, longevity, affordability, availability and cleaning procedure.
For this story, I interviewed Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., a family physician at One Medical, and David Contract, the global marketing team lead at Baby Brezza. I also consulted with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What To Look For In The Best Baby Food Maker CapacityChoose a baby food maker that fits your space and needs. A larger capacity machine is helpful if you'll make the food in bulk and store it. That can be overwhelming for others, so a smaller machine that can remain out for daily use is better. Consider your counter space and refer to the machine's dimensions before purchase.
FunctionSo many baby food makers are on the market, so figure out what functions are best for you. The more capabilities a gadget has, the more versatile it can be, but it can also be overly complicated for some. Your child's needs will also change as they move from only purees to more chunky foods.
Dishwasher SafeCleaning your baby food maker's parts in the dishwasher can be a huge help, but if you plan to use the gadget multiple times throughout the day, you may be OK with some hand wash–only parts. Consider your needs and how you want to spend your time.
How Can I Introduce Solid Food To My Baby?Regarding baby food, Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., a family physician at One Medical, clarifies, "There are two ways many parents introduce solid foods: either purees or baby-led weaning. Pureed foods are just like they sound: mashed-up foods or store-bought pureed foods. Baby-led weaning is the idea of giving a baby soft table foods right from the start. Either method is perfectly fine."
If you choose purees or baby lead weaning, baby food makers are gadgets that can help new parents make their purees and steam foods to get them super soft. Many gadgets can steam, mash, blend, and some even warm and clean.
When Should My Baby Start Eating Solid Food?Of course not every infant develops at the same rate, so you should always consult with your pediatrician. But according to the American Academy of Pediatrics experts, you can introduce solid food "when infants double their birth weight (typically at about four months of age) and weigh about 13 pounds or more."
The Best Baby Essentials, According To Parents Who Have Been There
As you get ready for a new baby, it might seem like there are endless options and decisions to make in terms of getting all the baby essentials and gear in place before their arrival. Do you want a convertible crib or a traditional one? Which car seat is best? Will this type of swaddle work? Stocking up on must-have baby essentials can be part of the nesting fun, but as seasoned parents (I just went through this with my second child), we wanted to help you decide which items are really worth it—and which are not. After speaking with doulas, parents and perusing our own well-stocked baby drawers, we've compiled this checklist of dozens of the best baby essentials.
Stock up on these mom-approved baby essentials before your new little one arrives.
Illustration: Forbes Vetted / Photos: RetailersDoula and childbirth educator Lauren Hulit in Los Angeles told me that when it comes to preparing for baby's arrival, it's actually quite important to focus on the necessities. "I'm a less is more person when it comes to baby gear," she explains. "Certainly having enough onesies to get through at least a week is advisable." She adds that "you'll want lots and lots of burp cloths and a few swaddles."
In addition to stocking up on baby gear, Hulit also recommends taking a parenting class to help "understand normal newborn behavior," hiring or asking for support from loved ones, connecting with others who have young children and setting yourself up for success ahead of time by freezing meals or relying on meal delivery services. "This is your time to bond with your baby. You need people to care for you," she says.
See the best baby essentials to complete your baby's nursery, wardrobe and mealtime arsenal, sorted and counted into categories below.
Your Baby Essentials At A Glance Baby Essentials In ClothingIf this is your first baby, you might be surprised by how many outfits they go through—in a day. To be on the safe side, it's best to stock up on baby clothing essentials, so you always have a fresh outfit to pull from the drawer. It can also reduce your need to constantly run to the washing machine to put another load in. Hulit recommends "the footed zipper pajamas that have the double zipper (easier for diaper changes)" and shares that "you don't need too many cutesie clothes for the newborn stage." Here's what you might need:
Wildbird's footed pajamas stand apart thanks to the quality stretchy fabrics, double zipper and the elastic at the heel of the pajama's feet. While this may seem like an insignificant detail, it's especially useful in keeping younger babies's legs and feet in the proper place of their clothing, even when they're doing the newborn scrunch.
You can't go wrong with basic onesies, but Simple Joys by Carters ones are especially useful because they have stretch, which makes them easier to pull on or off and allows babies to wear them for longer. Stock up in multipacks of its long-sleeve or short-sleeve bodysuits.
Socks this small are bound to get lost, so it's best to stock up on inexpensive multipacks. That said, there's nothing more irritating than a low-quality sock, is there? Old Navy pairs are tried and true among our editors—and budget-friendly, too. Burt's Bees and Fruit Of The Loom also offer quality options.
Joggers are great for babies, so they can move their bodies and progress toward their milestones. These harem-style baby pants from Honest come in a range of fun prints and at an affordable multipack rate.
Baby Essentials For SleepSleep is precious to all parents but especially hard to capture in the beginning with a new baby. In order to ensure (or at least try for) an optimal sleep environment, you might need the following baby sleep essentials:
MOST POPULAR
Pottery Barn Kids
Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib
When shopping for a crib, think long-term about whether you'd like a convertible crib or traditional one so you make the right investment. Babyletto is a staff-favorite brand given the number of styles of cribs it offers, all at a midrange price with timeless look.
Happiest Baby
Snoo Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet
The Snoo is beloved by parents, because it provides soothing noise and sensations to help babies sleep longer and more deeply. It was developed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp and is almost like having a night nurse. After testing, a mom to five and Forbes Vetted contributor found it to be the absolute best bassinet, but also recommended a couple more options depending on your needs and budget.
Amazon
SwaddleMe By Ingenuity Original Swaddle (3-Pack)
The best swaddle for your baby will depend on their preferences, but the SwaddleMe is an easy-to-use option—even at 3 a.M. In the morning. It's also an affordable pick to try before investing more in case your infant ends up not enjoying the swaddle. Hulit notes, "swaddling and white noise are great sleep cues" that tell babies it's time to snooze.
A noise machine is key to helping your baby get the rest they need while still being able to move throughout your home without worrying about waking them. The Hatch is a favorite of our parent testers and of Hulit, who explains that it "helps let baby know it's time for a longer stretch of sleep." She also encourages parents to remember that in the beginning it's "normal for babies to wake every few hours at night and to need help going back to sleep from their caregivers. Newborns cannot 'self soothe,' this a skill that they learn by being soothed by their parents thousands of times before they can do it themselves."
Having some pacifier options on hand is a good idea to help soothe your baby. These basic Soothies tend to be a crowd-pleaser pick.
Baby EssentialsA good stroller and car seat, optimally ones that work together are key throughout toddlerhood and infancy. For your newborn, you'll want to have an infant car seat ready and purchased ahead of their arrival, but a lightweight stroller that works with your car seat is also ideal to have on hand as a minimum. You might also consider adding a travel stroller or a jogging stroller at a later date, or a double if you're having twins or a second baby.
While a baby carrier might not be an absolute baby essential, legions of parents find them essential for calming babies and allowing them to get something else done while keeping their little one close, including me, so I do recommend adding at least one to your registry. You may find you have a contact napper on your hands.
Suggested baby gear essentials:
Amazon
Uppababy Cruz V2 And Mesa V2 Car Seat
This is our favorite single, full-size stroller for many reasons, from the smooth push and stroll to the easy features. Pair it with the brand's Mesa infant car in this bundle and call it a day on your big ticket baby gear purchases, or consider another infant car seat that might be compatible with the Cruz.
Amazon
Ergobaby Omni Breeze
A baby carrier isn't necessary for each family, but I've certainly found them to be invaluable with both of my sons (especially the second). "Babywearing is a great way to give your baby the physical contact they love," adds Hulit. She recommends the Ergobaby (which was also named best carrier all around in our extensive testing) and the Moby for a wrap. I'm also partial to the LÃllébaby, Artipoppe and Wildbird options.
DOONA
Doona Car Seat And Stroller
Suitable for babies and toddlers up to 35 pounds, this car seat and stroller combo makes getting out and about with a baby a seamless experience, especially in those early months. I tested it during my review of 15 travel strollers and found it to be the best travel system overall.
Diapering Baby EssentialsHaving diapers and wipes on hand, a place to store and carry clean ones and a bin to toss dirty ones away in (optimally one that truly contains the smell), is of the utmost importance. You'll also want a designated spot to change them in. Check out the best options below.
If there's one thing you'll need a lot of during the first few years of a baby's life, it's diapers. The Vetted team tested a multitude of brands and these Huggies diapers came out on top across a panel of baby and toddler testers. Be sure to have at least one pack of newborn, size 1 and size 2 diapers available for the first couple of months, because your baby might just grow faster than you expect.
Like diapers, you'll go through a lot of wipes so it's helpful to stock up—and buy in bulk. WaterWipes are a parent favorite, because they're made almost entirely from water and don't include anything that might irritate baby's skin. If you're interested in other options, these baby wipes also have their fans.
Diaper rash is inevitable for most, so it's useful to always keep a top-notch cream on hand at home. Parents swear by this Weleda option, because it contains 12% zinc oxide (the best pediatrician-recommended ingredient for treating diaper rash). I've also enjoyed the Honest Company Diaper Rash Spray, because it's easy to apply. Another Forbes Vetted parent tester also recommends these diaper rash creams.
Wayfair
Babyletto Sprout 3-Drawer Changing Table
Having a good changing table, especially one that provides storage like the popular Babyletto Sprout, is a must as you're building your nursery. While there are plenty of changing table options for all aesthetics and needs, this model continues to be a parent favorite. Top it with a changing pad and you're ready and prepared for those endless diapering sessions that will suddenly feel like second nature.
Things can get smelly with so many diapers being changed, but the Ubbi diaper pail blocks odors efficiently, can be used one-handed and is extra durable. That's why our parent tester named it the best diaper pail overall.
Having tested nearly two dozen diaper bags personally, I found the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack to include everything you need in an easy to use and lightweight bag that's ideal for everyday use.
Baby Essentials For FeedingWhether you intend to breastfeed or bottle feed, it's helpful to have a bottle (or more) on hand just in case you need to supplement or so a family member or caretaker can help out with feedings. It may also be useful to have a breast pump (most insurance companies provide a basic model), as well as some bibs, burp cloths and a bottle warmer. And, once baby progresses to solid foods between 4 to 6 months, you'll want a high chair and feeding set at the ready to start the process.
Like the Philips Avent Pacifiers, babies tend to take well to the shape of these Avent bottles, which we named the best baby bottle overall. They're also one of few brands that you can purchase in glass or plastic, and thanks to the natural response nipple, they're helpful for combination-feeding families who alternate between breast and bottle, as well as those who are strictly formula based.
Pottery Barn Kids
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (Cushion And Tray Bundle)
You'll need a high chair once baby starts solid foods between 4 to 6 months of age until possibly toddlerhood or even preschool. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is one of the best high chairs, according to our testing—and certainly one of the most ergonomic. It converts into a toddler and later a big kid or adult chair if you like.
Baby Essentials For The NurseryAside from a safe space for your baby to sleep and be changed, your nursery might benefit from a glider or recliner and baby monitor to round out your big ticket baby essentials. When selecting either, be sure to consider your space, your budget and if you're looking for something with some extra features or purposes (like a glider with a cell phone charger or monitor with a sound machine). You'll also want to add in some toys, books, teethers and possibly storage options.
Amazon
Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Power Recliner And Swivel Glider
A nursery glider becomes essential for many families by making feeding and comforting babies easier—and this power recliner Babyletto is our top pick for most families. Hulit also recommends that new parents "invest in is a quality rocking chair or glider," explaining that "this is where you will spend a lot of time nursing or bottle feeding and contact napping. You want to be comfortable."
A baby monitor can put your mind at ease that your baby is sleeping soundly, especially if you're in another room while they're napping. Whether you decide on a low-fi audio monitor or prefer a feature-ladden Wi-Fi monitor like this Chillax Giraffe Pro, which offers sleep analytics, 2-way audio, a high-quality picture and more, there are a multitude of monitors out there. After testing 10 baby monitors, the Vetted team found this Chillax Giraffe Pro to be the best Wi-Fi pick, and the Eufy SpaceView Pro the best overall (and the best non-Wi-Fi pick)
Baby Care EssentialsIn addition to all the fun baby gear, it's imperative that you have an arsenal of goods at the ready for cleanups, teething, illness and everything else that may come your way. Here are some of the items you should have your home stocked with to be prepared:
Hopefully you'll never have to use it, but having a baby thermometer is a must. A temperature in a newborn can mean a trip to the ER. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a rectal thermometer provides the most accurate reading for children under 3 years of age. Read about additional reliable kid and baby thermometers that our team prefers, too.
Blueland
Blueland Laundry Starter Set
Because babies have sensitive skin, you might consider adding a baby-specific laundry detergent to your laundry room. This Blueland detergent really works and without all the additives, plus it eliminates the waste of those plastic bottles, because the starter package comes with this clever storage tin. The Vetted team offers additional favorite baby laundry detergents, and these nontoxic picks, too.
Amazon
Pipette Baby Shampoo And Wash
Regardless of what brand you choose for baby's bathing needs, you'll ultimately want something gentle that won't irritate their eyes or skin. We've rounded up some of the baby shampoos most recommended by staff and experts, including this fragrance-free Pipette shampoo and body wash.
Why Trust Forbes VettedOur team of parenting contributors and editors are devoted to highlighting the best baby and kids gear out there—everything from mattresses to maternity clothes to humidifiers—so you don't have to spend your precious time researching. In addition to spending endless hours testing many of these items ourselves, we also read extensive online reviews and connected with real parents, industry professionals and experts to provide the most detailed and best picks possible. Forbes Vetted writers and editors in the baby, maternity and kids realm are all parents ourselves, so we know how important it is to find the right options for your family.
In addition to providing my firsthand experience in building out a list of the best baby essentials for my two children, I also interviewed doula Lauren Hulit to provide insight and additional recommendations and leaned on Vetted's contributor and editor tested picks.
Slip Into These 11 Best Postpartum Leggings For Post-Baby Comfort
With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they're betting you'll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOPEntering the world of motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with joy, love, and—let's be real—a few challenges along the way. Among these challenges is finding comfortable and supportive clothing, especially in the postpartum phase. At a time when your body might not feel like it belongs to you anymore, the best postpartum leggings or yoga pants can give you a much-needed boost, offering support where you want it without feeling constrictive.
"Your organs spent almost an entire year shifting, and [they're] going to have to continue shifting back for six to nine months after you've had your baby," says Athena Gabriella Guice, a full-spectrum doula who runs Hija Del Sol Birth Services in Florida.
That's why cultures around the world use various forms of belly-binding or compression during the postpartum period. "When a person has just given birth, it's not just the birth of a child, but that mother is also reborn," says Guice. "She needs something that is tight, that is snug, that also helps her nervous system, and her sense of security." Postpartum leggings can offer all of that in a trendy, comfortable way. And even if you're already a few weeks or months into postpartum life, you can still benefit. As Guice says, "It's never too late to invest in postpartum healing tools or support."
The best postpartum leggings at a glance:What you wear after having a baby can affect not only how you feel, but how you heal, too. Remember, a postpartum body is one that's in transition. Not only are your organs shifting yet again, but your blood volume increased by approximately 45 percent1 during pregnancy. While you lose some of that in labor, you're likely still very swollen after giving birth. Many pregnant bellies also experience separation of the abdominal wall, which is known as diastasis recti. For all these reasons, Guice suggests looking for postpartum leggings that offer a little compressive pressure and support around the abdomen without squeezing uncomfortably.
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This compression can also be helpful emotionally. Guice points out that we go from having very tight skin in the third trimester, to very loose skin afterward. "Emotionally, that does something to us," she says. "That postpartum feeling of everything's drooping, whether it's the breasts, the belly, all the extra skin because of the blood loss and the weight loss—leggings really help you start your day and get going."
That doesn't mean you need to stick with leggings designed specifically for the postpartum period. Guice says there are plenty of mainstream brands that offer the right amount of elasticity around the belly, which can be helpful in finding a pair that you actually love. "You don't want to just get them because they have medical benefits," she says. "You want to feel good in them."
Just be sure they aren't too tight around the ankles, she warns: The way some leggings are sewn on the bottom, a restrictive hem could cut off your circulation.
Shop 11 of the best postpartum leggings
Most versatile: Lululemon, Align Super-High-Rise Pant 28" — $98.00
Sizes: 0–20
There's a reason why you'll find these listed as one of the top recommendations for best postpartum leggings on maternity message boards: The extra high waist is ideal to pull up over a baby bump or a postpartum belly that's craving a little extra love. Light, supportive (and buttery-soft) Nylon and Lycra® elastane material offers just the right amount of pressure without feeling restrictive or pinching the waist or hips. If you have a shorter torso, Lululemon also has standard high-rise options in 31", 28", and 25" lengths.
Colors: 4
Best for around the house: Storq, Signature Leggings — $74.00
Sizes: P, XS–4XL
On those days when you don't feel like putting on pants, these super-soft babies will wrap you up in a lower-body hug so cozy you'll forget they're there. The breathable, midweight tights are cooling to the touch, a welcome sensation when your hormones are all over the place. But note: Although they're some of the best postpartum leggings, the fabric is not completely opaque on all bodies, so they're ideal for days when you're just hanging around the house.
Colors: 2
Best structure: MPG, Substance High-Waisted Side Pocket Legging 27" — $88.00
Sizes: XS–XL
With two zippered side pockets, these have a little more structure than your average legging, so you might feel a little less vulnerable venturing out in public in them. A drawcord at the waist helps secure the right fit as your belly changes shape. Bonus: These also have two large hidden pockets further down the leg, big enough to stash that extra pacifier, or burp cloth, or rattle, or…
Colors: 4
Best compression: Ingrid+Isabel, Active Postpartum Compression Legging — $88.00
Available sizes: XS-XL
Crafted from nylon and Spandex, these leggings offer targeted compression to support and contour the body, aiding in postpartum recovery. The gentle yet firm compression assists in reducing swelling, promoting blood circulation, and providing abdominal support, which are all crucial for women post-delivery. There's also a low-belly panel seam to accommodate for C-section surgery, making these great for those who have just undergone C-section.
Colors: 1
Best high-waisted: Larken, The Signature High-Waisted Leggings — $68.00
Available sizes: XS-XXL
There are a lot of good high-waisted options on the market, but if you want one that's ultra-compressive (without cutting off your circulation, of course), get these from Larken. The extra-high waistband can be worn up over the belly or folded down, depending on what mood you're in. And it's soft. In addition to being stretchy and anti-pilling, the material feels great against skin, never rubbing or itching no matter what position it's in.
Colors: 1
Best for working out: Alo, High-Waist Airlift Legging — $128.00
Available sizes: XXS-XL
Alo's celebrity-favorite leggings are beloved for a reason, postpartum and beyond. Made from the brand's highly compressive Airlift fabric, they hold you in and up, which feels great in and out of the gym. It's stretchy, too, made with 4-way stretch that moves with you, be it in yoga, pilates, during a HIIT workout, or wherever. Consider them your new gym BFF.
Colors: 10
Best for nursing: Blanqi, Highwaist Postpartum + Nursing Support Leggings — $74.00
Sizes: XS–XXL
These leggings are designed by maternity brand Blanqi specifically for those who plan to breastfeed their baby. The waist goes all the way up to the bra line to help you feel a little less naked while nursing. There's also moderate compression in the tummy area for extra support and a seamless construction around the crotch to reduce irritation.
Colors: 6
Best budget: Fengbay, High Waist Yoga Pants — $20.00
Sizes: XS–XXL
Given how easy these leggings are on the wallet, they're surprisingly thick and durable—they definitely pass the squat test. The strong material is just snug enough to give your postpartum belly the love it needs while giving you a boost of body confidence in the process. Plus, there are three deep pockets to easily stash all kinds of essentials.
Colors: 9, plus 3 fleece-lined options, and 5 capri options
Best splurge: Sweaty Betty, Power Workout Leggings — $108.00
Sizes: XXS–XXL
These pants were designed to "sculpt" your backside and belly as you sweat. But many new parents say those features offer just what they want in postpartum leggings. The polyamide elastane fabric is flexible but firm, giving a post-baby belly just the right amount of compression. Workout-ready and available in a wide variety of colors and prints, wearing these can help you feel like your old self again.
Colors: 23
Softest fabric: Athleta, Ultra High Rise Elation Tight — $89.00
Sizes: XXS–3X in regular, tall, and petite
The wide three-layered waistband on these tights has propelled them to best-seller status—and it's ideal for the postpartum bod. You'll get gentle compression but not constriction. Not quite as high as the Lululemon super high-rise tights, these sit right above the waist. And they stay there without budging, whether you're crawling on the ground for tummy time or heading out on long stroller walks. Meanwhile, the material is so soft it feels like its own form of self-care.
Colors: 11
Best for pregnancy-to-postpartum: Quince, Performance Maternity & Postpartum Leggings — $30.00
Sizes: XS–XL (and two lengths)
The four-way stretch fabric in these budget-friendly tights creates a supportive waistband designed both for a prenatal bump and a postpartum belly. The snug fit helps you feel securely held, but not pinched, making them some of the best maternity picks as well as some of the best postpartum leggings. Super soft on your skin, the nylon and spandex material is thick enough to keep you amply covered. Bonus: They've got two side pockets.
Colors: 2
Typically, many new moms find themselves gravitating towards postpartum leggings within the first few weeks after giving birth. As your body gradually adjusts to its new normal, you may find comfort in the gentle compression and support that postpartum leggings provide. But remember—it's crucial to listen to your body. Your postpartum recovery is a deeply personal experience, and there's no one-size-fits-all timeline for when to start wearing postpartum leggings. Trust your instincts and honor the signals your body sends you.
What is the difference between maternity leggings and postpartum leggings?Maternity leggings are designed with the expectant mother's evolving body in mind. Crafted from stretchy, accommodating fabrics, these leggings often feature a supportive waistband that comfortably accommodates a growing baby bump. They offer ample room for expansion and are specifically tailored to provide gentle compression and support throughout pregnancy.
On the other hand, postpartum leggings are tailored to meet the unique needs of the new mom after she's given birth. These leggings often feature a higher waistband, too, to offer support for the abdomen and lower back, providing much-needed comfort and stability during recovery.
What are the best leggings after C-section?Opt for leggings with a supportive waistband that extends above your incision site, providing gentle compression and stability to soothe and support your abdomen as it heals. This elevated waistband design not only offers much-needed comfort but also helps alleviate pressure on your C-section incision, allowing for a smoother recovery process.
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