7 Best Postpartum Pads That Are Comfortable and Leak-Proof

checked mark Fact-Checked by Erin Cavoto  | December 29, 2023
Best Postpartum Pads

Quick Summary

The best postpartum pads are Always Infinity pads because of their absorbency and comfortable, lightweight feel, according to What to Expect staff and moms in the What to Expect Community.

Best Postpartum Pads

Although they aren’t nearly as cute as your baby’s going-home outfit, postpartum pads are important to include in your hospital bag. Although most maternity wards will supply moms with mesh underwear and hospital-grade pads, you may find that bringing your preferred pads will help you feel more comfortable. Plus, you’ll need to have plenty on hand at home during your postpartum recovery.

New moms can experience postpartum bleeding (called lochia) for up to six weeks after giving birth, so finding comfortable and leak-proof pads for postpartum recovery is a must. And because tampons and menstrual cups could introduce bacteria to your recovering vagina and uterus, it is generally recommended to avoid these products until after getting the greenlight from your doctor — which means that pads and other absorbent products like disposable underwear are crucial.

Each person’s postpartum recovery might look a little different: Some might require thicker, heavier pads, while others might be fine with something more thin and lightweight. You also might find that you’re more comfortable wearing something like period underwear instead of a pad. Whatever the case, stocking up on the best postpartum pads (and some postpartum underwear while you’re at it!) is key. 

How we chose the best postpartum pads

In order to find pads that worked for a wide variety of women, I considered feedback from numerous sources. 

First, I considered the postpartum pads I tested and used after giving birth to my two children. I also spoke with two moms on the What to Expect staff who have given birth once each and tested several different types of pads while recovering from birth. Finally, I turned to moms in the What to Expect Community to see which postpartum pads received the highest praise for absorbency, comfort and value. 

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Postpartum Pads Overall

Always Infinity with Wings

Best Postpartum Pads - Always Infinity Flex Foam with Wings
Buying Option
Pros
  • Great for heavy flow
  • Thin silhouette
Cons
  • Pricey

Count: Available in packs of 30, 66 and 132

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

These Always Infinity pads are frequently recommended by moms in the What to Expect Community, who rave about their thin silhouette and ability to keep moisture contained even on heavy flow days. “It doesn’t feel like you’re sitting on something wet,” one What to Expect mom writes. As a size 5, they’re designed for heavy-duty overnight wear, so you can use them all day and while you sleep. 

I used these pads after having my second daughter and loved them. After using thick maxi pads for a few weeks, I felt like I needed something less bulky that still offered plenty of protection, and these fit the bill; I loved how thin and lightweight they felt compared to others. 

"I practically lived in the Always Infinity pads postpartum, because they managed to absorb the discharge without adding extra weight and bulk," says Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director for What to Expect and mom of a 2-year-old. "I also appreciated that the wings provided extra security, especially at night.” 

And for any moms-to-be who want to make their own postpartum healing pads (or, padsicles) Leah says the Always Infinity pads are a great option. She made hers a month before her due date; they soaked up the aloe and witch hazel to provide plenty of comfort, while still absorbing all her discharge. 

Community Reviews
  • "I got Infinity Flex Foam, the most heavy duty ones they have. This is the only pad type I use, besides the huge diaper ones during the hospital stay, because otherwise I get irritated down there from bleeding for so long & the Infinity Flex Foam are the only ones that don’t get my skin irritated or rashy."

  • "I love the Always Infinity Flex Foam pads- they are thin, didn’t seem to snag on the sutures and wick away the blood and discharge."

  • the flex foam pads were the best during post partum. I need to restock. I have a few of the super need to get ultra. they were so comfortable and held all of the nastiness in.”

  • “I use these ones and love them they stay in place and you won’t have to worry about bleeding all over the bed at night or during the day with them when you get back from the hospital and have no more giant surfboard pads haha”

     

  • “Always infinity pads! It's a thin foam on the inside instead of the bulky fluff. Just as absorbent if not more but doesn't feel like a diaper lol”

Best Postpartum Pads for Stitches

Stayfree Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings

Best Postpartum Pads - Stayfree Ultra-Thin Overnight Pads with Wings
Buying Option
Pros
  • High absorbency
  • Soft feel
Cons
  • Some say pads can tear

Count: Available in packs of 14, 16, 28, 32 and 40

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

New moms love that Stayfree pads have a super soft cotton surface that won’t aggravate stitches or tender still-healing areas. The extra wide shape is designed to protect you from leaks from the sides and back when you’re lying down, so they’re great for nighttime use, too. And many turn to these Stayfree pads because they’re fragrance-free (so you’ll avoid any added irritation) but still designed to neutralize odor, which is great if you’re wearing them for extended periods of time. Also good: Moms find them to be absorbent (the company claims they can hold moisture for eight hours) but not overly bulky. 

Community Reviews
  • "Stayfree overnights are awesome! I hate pads and those are still big enough but not super bulky. And if you get stitches they don’t pull on them like some of the more “woven” type materials on some pads."

  • Stay free overnights are awesome! I hate pads and those are still big enough but not super bulky. And if you get stitches they don’t pull on them like some of the more “woven” type materials on some pads.”

Best Overnight Postpartum Pads

Always Maxi Overnight Pads

Best Postpartum Pads - Always Maxi Overnight Pads
Buying Option
Pros
  • Plenty of back coverage
  • Stays dry
Cons
  • Feels a little bulky

Count: Available in packs of 26, 33, 48 and 144

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Overnight pads, like these Always Maxi pads, are meant to be worn for long periods of time without fear of leaks. They have a wider and longer back to give you extra coverage you’ll need when you’re lying down to sleep, as well as wings for a little extra security if you’re the type to toss and turn at night.  Multiple layers of protection keep them dry since they’re meant to withstand a heavy flow. They are on the bulkier side, but that may help provide reassurance while sleeping that they’ll catch and absorb even a heavy flow.

“For postpartum pads, these overnight Always ones were an affordable option that I could easily restock as needed,” says Sarah Darby, Senior SEO Strategist at What to Expect and mom of a 2-year-old. “By the time I got home from the hospital, they were plenty absorbent and I never had any issues with them.” 

Community Reviews
  • I used Always overnight maxi and they were great!”

  • “These were what worked best for me the first few weeks of heavy bleeding. They didn't feel bulky and uncomfortable but they were very absorbent.”

  • “I second the Always Overnight pads. I used the ones with wings. Worked great for me.”

Best Organic Postpartum Pads

Rael Organic Cotton Cover Overnight Pads

Best Postpartum Pads - Rael Organic Cotton Cover
Buying Option
Pros
  • Certified organic cotton
  • Good for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Pricey

Count: 40 

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Founded and launched by three women in 2017, Rael’s pads are incredibly popular among postpartum moms who want an organic option that’ll feel soft and gentle against their body. The top layer is made from certified organic cotton, and they’re manufactured without pesticides, GMOs, chlorine and other harsh chemicals, which is why women with sensitive skin love them. They’re very soft and will protect against leaks, while the extra long version is also great for overnight use. The organic cotton material makes them very breathable to discourage a buildup of moisture, and they don’t feel too heavy. The company also works with a Los Angeles non-profit to donate menstrual supplies to women living in poverty. 

Community Reviews
  • They’re organic, unscented, super soft, and way better than the postpartum Depends ones I got for my first.”

  • “Rael overnights. They have an organic cotton cover that is easy on your skin, plus they're super long and flare out towards your butt to really prevent leaking.”

Best Postpartum Ice Pads

Frida Mom 2-in-1 Postpartum Absorbent Perineal Ice Maxi Pads

Best Postpartum Pads - Frida Mom 2 in 1 Postpartum Ice Packs
Buying Option
Pros
  • Soothes sore perineum
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Can feel bulky
  • Doesn’t have wings

Count: 8 count 

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

After giving birth, you’re going to feel sore pretty much everywhere, and an ice pack in your underwear can offer some much-needed relief. You could make your own, but busy new moms love the convenience of the Frida Mom perineal ice maxi pads. They’re basically a half pad, half ice pack hybrid, and don’t require a freezer to keep cool: You simply snap them in half and shake them to activate the cold, making them portable and easy to store in a convenient spot in your bathroom. 

I used these after having both of my daughters, and I had to limit myself to one or two a day because I liked them so much but didn’t want to run out. They offer a lot of pain relief without ever feeling too cold, and they were also very absorbent.

Community Reviews
  • "They don’t need to be kept frozen, break and shake and they’re cold! I liked these so much better than the homemade ones (and you don’t get as wet bc they don’t melt!)"

Best Postpartum Panty Liner

Rael Organic Cotton Cover Panty Liners

Best Postpartum Pads - Rael Panty Liners Organic
Buying Option
Pros
  • Organic
  • Great for sensitive skin
Cons
  • Not ideal for a heavy flow

Count: Available packs of 44, 60 and 81

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

As your postpartum bleeding starts to get lighter, you’ll definitely want to ditch wearing large, bulky pads. Unfortunately, because some bleeding can linger, you’ll still want to have some form of protection. If you’re not ready for tampons yet, try these Rael Organic panty liners. Thin and lightweight, they come in the perfect shape to conform to your body for the kind of comfort where you barely feel them. They are made of super soft 100% organic cotton and are free of chlorine and fragrances, so they’re ideal for sensitive skin, too. And because they’re designed to be flexible, they’ll stay in place even once you start being out and about again. They also come in a longer size for added protection.

Community Reviews
  • Second cotton cover pads. I wore the Rael pantiliners all through the second and third trimesters.”

  • “I use Rael organic pantiliners everyday. There are disposable and fabric washable ones for the more eco-conscious folks. I have used them just for sanity before pregnancy to save my underwear from getting gross and they are great!”

Best Postpartum Disposable Underwear

Always Discreet Adult Incontinence & Postpartum Underwear

Best Postpartum Pads - Always Discreet Diapers
Buying Option
Pros
  • All-over protection
  • Discreet and less bulky feel
Cons
  • Have a scent that may be overpowering for some

Count: Available in packs of 17, 28, 56 and 76

Sizes: S/M, L, XL, XXL

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

Let’s be real: Pads can get uncomfortable, especially if you’re dealing with soreness or pain down there. If you need another option, even for just a few days or weeks right after giving birth, try Always disposable underwear. Meant to offer all-over protection, these are essentially adult diapers – but they don’t feel that way. They’re form-fitting and discreet, and moms swear you can’t see them under clothes

During her first few weeks postpartum, Leah opted for the Always Discreet underwear at night. "They absorbed my discharge wonderfully, and I didn’t have to worry about anything getting on my clothes or the bedsheets,” she says. “They were form-fitting but still roomy enough that I could add a disposable ice pack or witch hazel pads for extra relief.”

One thing Leah and other moms note, however, is that the underwear has a mild scent, even though the packaging doesn’t mention them being scented.

Community Reviews
  • I used the always discreet with my first and plan to again. They are comfortable and disposable.”

  • “I used always discreet with my first. I purchased 2 bags so I had plenty and changed it everytime I went pee. These are sooooo much better than a pad and mesh undies in my opinion. You just wear the underwear by themselves. They are very stretchy so I purchased size small/medium and they fit great. They aren’t too bulky or anything like that.”

  • “Honestly they're so much more comfortable than a pad and I don't have to worry about ruining my underwear (or washing the mesh ones from the hospital). I've never leaked with them but have leaked plenty with the pads. And they're designed to not look like a diaper, so I feel better about myself when wearing them. Easy peasy.”

What to look for in postpartum pads

Based on research and feedback from moms, these are the factors you should consider when buying postpartum pads:

Absorbency: You'll want highly absorbent pads that can withstand some wear before they need to be changed, as you might find changing your pad to be uncomfortable right after giving birth. For this reason, you may want to consider overnight pads (typically size 4 or 5), because they’re the most absorbent.

Comfort: You’ll likely already be experiencing some pain after giving birth, so the last thing you want is to add an uncomfortable pad to the mix. You'll want something soft but not bulky, and will want to consider features like wings to hold the pad in place and long, wide backs to help avoid leaking.

Value: If you’re going to need enough pads for six weeks or longer, you probably don’t want anything too expensive.

FAQs

There’s no rule on which specific postpartum pads to use, although you’ll likely want something soft, comfortable and absorbent enough to handle a heavy flow and wear constantly. We like Always Infinity Pads best because they’re absorbent enough for overnight wear but still have a thin and flexible feel. If you’d prefer to use something organic, Rael Organic Cotton Pads are ideal for sensitive skin and have a comfortable fit. Using ice packs in your underwear is also a great way to relieve pain and inflammation, and Frida Mom has 2-in-1 ice packs and pads that absorb liquid and keep you cool. If you hate pads, try disposable underwear, like Always Discreet.

You should change your postpartum pad as often as you feel is necessary, depending on how full your pad is or how long you’ve been wearing it. In the first few days or week, that might be every hour or more. As time goes on, you may be able to go several hours or even through the night without changing your pad.