The first few days after childbirth can see a new mom experiencing a heavy flow of postpartum bleeding. Fortunately, postpartum diapers are a great way to not only absorb blood but also ensure you stay comfortable while you’re recovering. That begs the question: which are some of the best adult diapers for postpartum?
Many new moms will agree, the best postpartum diaper is Always Discreet Incontinence & postpartum underwear. The main reason for this is its super absorbency and comfort! Since they’re available in different sizes, contour to your body, and even have a range of colors, you’re guaranteed to find the right one for your needs!
- My top picks for best postpartum diapers (prioritized)
- Comparing my top 3 choices
- 1. Always Discreet Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear
- 2. Depends Silhouette incontinence and Postpartum Underwear
- 3. Tena Incontinence Underwear for women
- 4. Prevail Incontinence Underwear
- 5. Solimo Incontinence Protective Underwear
- 6. Attends Protective Underwear for Incontinence
- 7. LivDry Adult Incontinence Underwear
- Postpartum diapers vs pads
- Pros of postpartum diapers
- Pros of postpartum pads
- Factors to consider when looking for postpartum diapers
- How many postpartum diapers do I need?
- For how long will I need to wear postpartum diapers?
- Tips on using postpartum diapers
- Conclusion
My top picks for best postpartum diapers (prioritized)
1. Always Discreet Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear
2. Depends Silhouette incontinence and Postpartum Underwear
3. Tena Incontinence Underwear for women
4. Prevail Incontinence Underwear
5. Solimo Incontinence Protective Underwear
6. Attends Protective Underwear for Incontinence
7. LivDry Adult Incontinence Underwear
Comparing my top 3 choices
| Features | Always Discreet | Depends Silhouette | Tena Incontinence |
| Available sizes | Small, medium, large, extra-large, extra-large | Small, medium, large, extra-large | Small, medium, large, extra-large |
| Available colors | White | 5 Feminine colors | White |
| Absorbency | Superior | Maximum | Maximum |
| Scented | Scent & lotion free | Scent & lotion free | Scent & lotion free |
| Side & night protection | Double-leak guard | Built-in pads | Leak blockage |
| Comfort | Contours | Contours, shapewear fabric | Good |
| Bulky under clothes | Fits like regular underwear | Fits like regular underwear | Fits like regular underwear |
1. Always Discreet Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear
There’s a good reason for Always Discreet being the top adult diaper for postpartum recovery. With its super-absorbent quality, RapidDry technology and contouring fit, it’s the best choice to use during your recovery period.
Features
- Available sizes: Small, medium, large, extra-large and extra, extra large
- Absorbent core turns liquid into gel, providing a drier protection
- Rapid Dry protection locks away any leaks or flows
- 360 Degree FormFit design fits snugly against your body and isn’t bulky
- Unique OdorLock Technology neutralizes odors instantly
- LeakGuards keep wetness from spilling over the edge onto your clothes
- Also features a more absorbent overnight version – Always Discreet Overnight Underwear
Why consider it
For many moms, Always Discreet is the only option to consider. The reason for this is three-fold-absorbency, leak guard, and odor lock technology. Additionally, Always Discreet isn’t bulky and is essentially underwear with a pad in. Unlike some other adult diaper brands, these have the shape and look of underwear. You will never need to feel self-conscious about wearing them!
I’ve compared Always versus Depends because these two brands I consider as the top brands.
Pros
- Discreet – isn’t bulky through your clothes
- Double leak guard to prevent leaks
- Superior absorbency
- Odor lock technology
Cons
- Sizes are not always accurate
2. Depends Silhouette incontinence and Postpartum Underwear
Depends Silhouette is fast becoming as popular as Always Discreet. Whether new moms are experiencing postpartum bleeding or some residual incontinence, they enjoy the absorbency, design, and general comfort of Depends Silhouette.
Features
- Available sizes: Small, medium, large/extra-large
- Made with shapewear fabric to contour to your shape, so it fits as sung as regular underwear
- An ultra-soft liner makes the fabric more breathable and gentler on the skin
- Maximum absorbency provides trusted protection by locking away wetness and odor
- Feminine design eliminates the discomfort of a bulky diaper
- Available in 5 feminine colors – pink, black, berry, teal, lavender
Why consider it
Depends Silhouette is the ideal postpartum solution for any mom who is looking for sleek underwear feel without wearing a bulky diaper. It contours to the shape of your body and with its flexible shapewear fabric, it’ll easily fit whatever shape you’re in during your recovery!
Pros
- Available in three sizes
- Varieties of colors
- Elastic waistband to use as underwear
- Latex-free
Cons
- The longer pad can be uncomfortable for petite moms
3. Tena Incontinence Underwear for women
The most defining feature of Tena Incontinence Underwear for women is without a doubt the blockage of leaks! For mom’s experiencing heavy flows both during the day and at night, this might just be what the doctor ordered!
Features
- Available sizes: small, medium, large and extra-large
- Designed with soft cotton material to look and feel like regular underwear
- Three-layer protection provides ideal protection against heavier flows
- Dual absorption zone captures liquid and odor
Why consider it
Aside from its three protection layers, Tena is both comfortable and absorbent. It’s easy to wear and even easier to remove. Elastics in the legs not only protect you from sticky messes but keep the underwear on snug.
Pros
- Provides triple protection against heavier flows & leaks
- Offers extensive coverage
- Discreet
- Ultra-soft
Cons
- Sizes not always standard
- Heavy when soaked
4. Prevail Incontinence Underwear
Designed as sturdy briefs, Prevail Incontinence Underwear is ideal for use during the day as well as for heavier nighttime flows. It’s Comfort Shape Plus elastics provide a discreet, feminine fit.
Features
- Disposable pull-up briefs designed for use during the day or night
- MaxSorb Gel core provides maximum absorbency
- OmniOdor Guard neutralizes odors
- Dri-Fit cotton creates a soft, breathable and super comfortable fit
Why consider it
Prevail is a brand well known for its products in wellness and skin health. It also provides maximum support against milder daytime leaks or heavier nighttime flows. Its max soft technology makes it soft and very absorbent.
Pros
- Provides full coverage for postpartum bleeding
- Maxsoft technology makes it super soft against sore and tender areas
- Fits snugly and elastics allow it to adjust to your legs
Cons
- Contains no pads
- Sags when soaked
5. Solimo Incontinence Protective Underwear
Solimo is the Amazon brand for incontinence products. If you prefer a postpartum product with a broader elastic band for extra support, look no further! Designed with new moms’ comfort in mind, this sturdy alternative might be the way to go.
Features
- Available sizes: Sizing chart available
- Broader elastic band gives you a sturdier fit
- Cotton top sheet wicks away moisture
- Latex-free
- Dual-odor control system neutralizes odors, keeping you feeling fresh all-day
- Dri-Fit controls moisture and temperature to keep your skin dry and healthy
Why consider it
It’s a sturdy alternative to snugly fitting underwear with a pad in. Depending on your recovery requirements, it might be easier for you to have an option that offers you more moving space than smaller underwear. If you’re spending most of your recovery at home, and don’t mind the bulkiness, the comfort and Dri-fit technology is great!
Pros
- Latex-free
- Dri-fit technology for extra dryness
- Dual odor lock for eliminating smell
Cons
- Extra padding can be uncomfortable
- Can seem papery and unfeminine
6. Attends Protective Underwear for Incontinence
Labeled as one of the top options regarding absorbency, Attends is ideal for incontinence as well as postpartum bleeding. They also fit snugly around your body so you won’t feel uncomfortable!
Features
- Available sizes: Unisex – small to large
- Breathable cloth-like material looks and feels like regular underwear
- Super absorbent beads lock in fluids and prevent odor
- Tear-away sides allow for easy removal
- Stretchable material allows for a customized fit
Why consider it
Many users agree this brand is both comfortable and absorbent for lighter flows. There are also package deals available, so if you’re on a tight budget, this option should make it to your shortlist!
Pros
- Absorbent
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable
Cons
- Padding can be too thin for heavier postpartum flows
7. LivDry Adult Incontinence Underwear
LivDry has a reputation for being super absorbent protective underwear for both postpartum bleeding and varying degrees of incontinence.
Features
- Super absorbent – allows you to stay active
- Leakage barrier cuff guard against leaks and accidents
- Gel core locks fluids away and helps to eliminate odors
- Latex-free material contour to your body for a customized fit
- Tear-away sides allow for easy removal
Why consider it
The LivDry brand has many rave reviews from satisfied users about how these diapers don’t leak! If you’re concerned that some of the slimmer, more feminine options won’t necessarily give you the support and absorbency you need, it might be time to consider LivDry!
Pros
- Tear-away sides
- Extra-soft material
- Gel core
- Super absorbent
Cons
- Can be bulky in the crotch
Postpartum diapers vs pads
Both postpartum diapers and pads serve to aid you through your post-child delivery period. Diapers can be bulky, depending on the brand you’ve opted but provide superior levels of protection. Choosing the option for you depends on the absorbency and comfort levels you need.
Pros of postpartum diapers
If you’re not entirely sure if you’ll need postpartum diapers, you should consider the advantages of adding a few to the diaper bag you’re packing for your trip to your hospital.
I’ve listed a few of the more common benefits.
- Convenient while you’re dealing with postpartum bleeding, fatigue and recovery
- Comfortable enough for you wear all day
- Prevent leakages onto regular clothes
- Breathable material aids in healing
- Contours to fit your body shape
- Higher waistbands prevent irritation on c-section incisions
Pros of postpartum pads
If your postpartum flow isn’t all that heavy, you might consider postpartum pads as an alternative to diapers. There are a few benefits to opting for postpartum pads other than regular period pads.
Some of these benefits include the following:
- More absorbent than regular pads
- Gentle enough to not hurt stitches or sensitive areas
- Made from soft cotton to ensure breathability
- Don’t show bulky diaper lines through your clothes
- Absorbency provides superior day and night protection
Factors to consider when looking for postpartum diapers
When it comes to your comfort, deciding which option is better for you takes a bit of consideration. I’ve listed a few key features to consider to ensure you’re not only comfortable but have all the absorbency you need.
Size
When opting for size, you’ll need to consider swelling your body might be experiencing after birth. The good news is, many brands have a variety of sizes and some feature a contoured fit to prevent that “bulky diaper” look and feel. A tip would be to take your actual measurements to ensure your interpretation of a particular size is the same as the brand you’re opting for.
Absorbency
Since flow comes in different rates and generally increases throughout the night, you’ll need a postpartum diaper with a lot of absorbencies. Many brands also feature advanced side and back protection to prevent leaks through to your clothes.
C-section friendly
If you’re planning to have a c-section, you’ll want a brand that won’t rub against your incision site. In this instance, you’ll be looking for something with a higher waistband that provides comfort without wound irritation. Opt for flexible materials that will contour around any potential swelling.
Visibility
Postpartum diapers have come a long way from being bulky diapers that announce to everyone that you’re wearing them. Many high-end brands have designed their products to mimic real underwear and provide comfort without being bulky. If you feel that you’re going to be self-conscious, opt for the types that mimic underwear.
Breathability
Irrespective of the type of postpartum diaper or underwear you opt for, it’s important to consider breathability. Stitches and incision sites need to be kept dry to prevent infection and speed up the healing process. Choose postpartum underwear products that are made from cotton as it’s the fabric with the most breathability.
Support
Your body undergoes several changes as everything returns to normal after childbirth. You’ll need postpartum underwear or diapers that offer a lot of support. This allows you to move around as normally as possible as your body recovers.
How many postpartum diapers do I need?
There’s no exact answer to this question since each new mom’s recovery process is different. It also depends extensively on the level of absorbency of the brand you’ve chosen. On average, most moms use between 2 – 4 diapers per day, depending on how heavy their postpartum bleeding is.
Since nighttime bleeding is always heavier, you’ll most likely change it every morning. On average, a standard packet lasts 5 – 7 days. This of course depends on the size of the package you’ve opted for. A useful tip from experienced moms is to always buy a few more than you’ll need.
An extra diaper can always be used for the days when your menstrual flow returns as this can also be heavy for the first few months as your cycle normalizes. Alternatively, you can give any unused diapers to another expectant mom. A good number to aim for is 20 – 24.
It’s important to buy these products in advance so that you’re not running around at the last minute. Consider buying them when you’re stocking up on your first supply of baby diapers.
In a similar way, it’s worthwhile reading about how many diapers you need (for a baby shower) or how many baby wipes your baby needs so you can stock up on those, too!
For how long will I need to wear postpartum diapers?
For most moms, the first three days or two weeks will see the heaviest flow. This is where you’ll need extensive coverage and absorbency. The following four weeks might require lighter coverage as you recover. Once again, recovery times vary and if this is your first baby, be prepared for 6 weeks. It’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.
Tips on using postpartum diapers
If you’re going to be using postpartum diapers or pads for the first time, a few tried and tested tips from experienced moms might come in handy.
- Always carry extra pads or diapers with you because your flow rate can change at any time.
- If you have a slower flow during the day, you might alternate between pads and adult diapers.
- Opt for postpartum products that offer softness, comfort and flexibility.
- Avoid scented options as these could cause allergies.
- Always look for a solution that is the least bulky and won’t show through clothes when you have to go out.
- Wear comfortable clothes that make it easy to change your postpartum products without straining yourself.
- Don’t be shy about adding postpartum diapers to your registry for baby shower lists. This is especially helpful if you’re a new mom. Experienced moms will know exactly what you need and will hook you up in no time! It will also be helpful to read my article about some registry hacks to make the process easier.
Conclusion
I trust that the information I’ve shared in this article will make it easier for you to find the right type of diaper for your childbirth recovery period. Whether you opt to use postpartum diapers and underwear or simply just opt for the pads, the good news is the variety of options make it super easy to find the ideal solution for your personal needs.
Always Discreet is a firm favorite among new and experienced moms and should definitely be on your shortlist!
Last update on 2024-10-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API