India Cardona Shares Her Fourth Trimester Essentials

Placenta Pills: I had my placenta encapsulated with The Placenta Connection and although I have nothing to compare it to, I’d credit the pills with supporting my recovery and entry into postpartum. Aside from the inevitable tears and wobbles, I felt genuinely good, had a quick physical recovery and breastfeeding established quickly. 

Frida Postpartum Shorts: I wore these for weeks – a true postpartum essential. They’re comfy and surprisingly supportive. 

Organic Pads: I used Kitty’s organic cotton maternity pads – they’re free from the nasties like synthetic materials, chlorine and dyes so often found in other pads. 

Avery Row Nursing Pillow: In the beginning, this did all the heavy lifting. It keeps your shoulders relaxed, which makes such a difference during long feeds. 

Silverette Healing Cups: These are magic – they collect milk between feeds, which naturally soothes the skin. I never had any nipple soreness and I’m sure these played a part. 

Breast Pads: I invested in some merino and silk breast pads and I swear by them – they’re super soft, washable and easily tuck into my bra. 

Baby Connect App: I’ve tried a few apps for tracking feeds and this is the best I’ve found in terms of ease of use. 

Crossover Bras: I haven’t found nursing bras to be an essential, nor do I find them that comfortable. My favourite is the crossover bra from Stripe & Stare. 

Peachies Nappies: About as aesthetically pleasing as you can get with nappies, these are so soft and we’ve had zero nappy rash so far. 

Freezer Food: Both the Food Doula and Field Goods have kept us fuelled – hearty, nourishing meals perfect for days when there’s nothing in the fridge and you need something quick.

Charlie Crane Rocker: I love this baby rocker – it buys me a few moments of peace and I love that Cosmo can use it for months on end. 

Etta Loves: The patterns on Etta Loves products are developed with experts in infant vision, so the contrast and shapes are exactly what newborns can focus on. Cosmo is mesmerised every time I pop this sensory strip onto his changing mat or pram. 

Highchair: The KAOS KLAPP highchair has a clever newborn insert that means Cosmo can sit with us at mealtimes. I love how this one folds away easily and also ties in with our furniture. 

Red Light Filter: I’ve been religiously using the red-light filter on my phone at night. Now I’m used to it, I find blue light so harsh. The red tone keeps things calm and doesn’t interfere with melatonin the way blue light can.

Snoo: As a first-time mum, the peace of mind the Snoo gives is everything. The gentle rocking and white noise have helped settle him countless times. 

Nanit Smart Light: This might be my favourite postpartum gadget. It’s a portable night light and white noise machine in one. I love how you can set it to any colour or brightness – using red light only during night feeds stops us both from waking up too much.  

Moses Basket: Having a portable crib option is helpful, so your baby isn’t tied to being in a single spot when sleeping – and neither are you. 

Love To Dream Swaddles: Cosmo likes to sleep with his arms up, and these swaddles allow for that, while still making him feel snug. We use these mostly for daytime naps. 

Meditation: I have relied heavily on 20-minute meditations to catch up on rest. I did a course at the London Meditation Centre six years ago and I’m not sure how I lived before it. 

Bumpsuit Armadillo Carrier: I have a few carriers but have found myself reaching for this one the most – it’s the most ergonomic and the phone holder is so handy. 

Minicoton Pram Bag: I adore these bags – they’re stylish and keep all the essentials accessible.  

Sleepytroll: This clever device attaches to your pram, providing a gentle rocking motion that helps soothe and extend naps. It’s a chicer alterative to the ‘Rockit’, and with a baby who loves movement, this is so handy.

Babyzen YOYO x Bonpoint: I love how light the YOYO is – it means I can carry it myself when navigating public transport. I have it in the Bonpoint collaboration colour – it’s the perfect beige and feels a bit more elevated.

Cybex Car Seat: I went a bit rogue and chose a denim car seat but I love it, especially the blue strap details. 

Binibamba Snugglesuit: This big wool onesie is so much easier than battling with a jacket, mittens and hat – I just wish they did them in adult sizes.

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