📌 Affiliate Link Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you click through and make a purchase. I only share products I truly love and use with my own family. Thank you for supporting Simple Faithful Mama!
When I was recovering from my last birth, I kept forgetting things—burp cloths, my big water cup, and especially snacks. And if you’ve ever tried to get up to grab something while healing from birth or actively breastfeeding, you know that even small things can feel like mountains.
That’s why this time around, I created a Postpartum Care Cart—and mama, it has truly been a game changer.
With a 19-month-old who loves to get into everything, I knew I had to find a system that kept all my essentials close by while staying toddler-proof. Here’s exactly how I set it up—and how it’s helping me care for myself, my newborn, and my toddler without losing my mind.
🛒 Why a Postpartum Cart Just Made Sense
I realized early in my last recovery that walking to the bathroom, kitchen, or nursery for every little thing just wasn’t going to cut it. I needed everything in arm’s reach—especially while breastfeeding, recovering, and supervising a busy toddler.
This time, I placed a 3-tier rolling cart right next to my bed, and a small bin behind the toilet stocked with essentials I’ll need after using the bathroom.
🚽 Behind-the-Toilet Postpartum Bin
Let’s start with the bathroom. Having these items within reach means I don’t have to shuffle around trying to find things in the middle of the night:
These three things make such a difference in comfort and hygiene during those first few weeks.
🛏️ My Postpartum Bedside Cart Setup (With a Toddler in Mind)
I use this 3-tier cart next to my bed, but because my toddler likes to grab things, I had to strategically organize it.
💡 Pro Tip: I put the most important and “don’t-touch” items on the top tier and use accessories like hanging cup holders and drawer organizers to maximize space.
🧺 Top Shelf: For Me
This shelf is all about comfort, hydration, and accessibility. I used four small baskets from the drawer organizer set and four hanging cups for quick grabs.
What’s on my top shelf:
- Big water cup + electrolyte packets
- A fun drink (Bubly, tea, or iced coffee)
- Healthy snacks
- Touch Night Light
- Nipple Balm
- Baby Bulb Nasal Aspirator
- Lotion, tissues, chapstick
- Hair ties (hung on the clip that comes with the cup holder set)
- Small hairbrush, sanitizing wipes
- Remote
👶 Middle Shelf: For Baby
The second tier is for quick baby diaper changes and changes of clothes.
What’s on my middle shelf:
- Changing Pad
- Diapers and wipes (I do use a wipe warmer—even in the summer!)
- Burp cloths
- Clean sleeper
🤱 Bottom Shelf: For Pumping & Storage
I keep a clear bin (Large Shoe Box from The Container Store) so everything stays clean—and my toddler can’t dig into it.
What’s inside:
- Breast Pump + Pump Wipes
- Breast Pump Bra
- Reusable Nursing Pads
- Breastmilk Storage Bags
- Permanent marker for labeling milk
🔐 Trash Can Tip
Don’t forget a trash can with a lid or lock next to your cart. My toddler used to get into ours constantly—this change saved my sanity and my floor!
💭 My Reflection: What I Learned From Last Time
Looking back, the hardest part of recovery wasn’t the pain—it was forgetting to eat and drink. I’d get super thirsty while nursing, but if I didn’t grab water in that moment, I wouldn’t drink anything for hours.
Now, with hydration and snacks always nearby, I can nourish my body and stay better fueled—without the stress.
And I never remember burp cloths until I need one, so now they’re always on hand!
👩👧👶 What I’d Tell Another Two-Under-Two Mama
You don’t just have a newborn anymore—you have a curious, climbing toddler too. Here are my best tips for managing postpartum life with two under two:
- 💡 Prepare your toddler with safe solo playtime before baby comes.
- 🧸 Have a bin of new or rotating toys to offer during nursing or diaper changes.
- 🧼 Set up safe spaces nearby so you can tend to baby without worry.
- 🛏️ Don’t expect yourself to do it all. Let your setup do the heavy lifting.
This time around, I’m seeing the fruit of slowing down—letting my toddler explore with imagination, and not needing to constantly entertain her. That freedom gives me space to rest and heal.
🙌 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time mama or juggling multiple little ones, a Postpartum Care Cart can make all the difference. It’s more than a trend—it’s a lifeline. And when your hands are full (and your heart is fuller), being prepared is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.
Leave a Reply