Whether you’re pregnant or newly postpartum, you’ll want comfortable leggings that will take you from your morning walk to an afternoon workout or feed on the sofa. Lululemon’s Align high-rise pants tick all the boxes, combining buttery-soft fabric with the things you need if you want to get a sweat on. Unlike a lot of leggings, this pair has enough stretch to fit your changing body without digging in, while the high-rise design stops them from falling down. Designed for yoga and low-impact activities, the Nulu fabric is lightweight and wicks away sweat effectively. There are plenty of colours, and the sizing is spot on, with pairs available from UK size 4 to 24. 

Shop Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant, from £78 

My mother-in-law swears that she knew I was pregnant before I told her because my boobs felt swollen – and that doesn’t stop once the baby arrives, so you need a decent sports bra. Dozens of mum friends recommended Natal Active, and having spent the past few weeks trying it out, I can see why. I opted for the Artemis, which is made from soft, breathable and sweat-wicking material. The drop-down cup design means you can pause your workout or walk for a quick feed if you need to, while the fully adjustable straps and back closure allow you to customise the fit as your body changes before and after birth. This bra is available up to a G cup and from XS to 2XL. Depending on your cup size, you may need something with more support for running, but this is a great option for those all-important low-intensity activities. 

Shop Natal Active Artemis Nursing Sports Bra, from £45 

If you’re anything like me, living room workouts will become your new best friend once your baby arrives. While there’s plenty you can do without equipment, adding a resistance band or two once you’re ready can help to build strength and improve your balance and flexibility. I loved this trial set from Meglio – a brand that also supplies NHS physio departments – which includes bands ranging from extra light to extra heavy. The non-toxic, latex-free material should help you avoid any skin issues, and Meglio has a YouTube channel packed with guides, workouts and inspiration.

Shop Meglio Resistance Band Trial Pack, from £9.99

Whether you’re planning a home workout, a gym session or something different, it can be difficult to know where to start post-baby. Your body feels different, and you may be less confident than you were before. There are plenty of online fitness classes, but which one should you choose? I opted for Mamma Rebuild, which focuses on core rehabilitation. The 21-day programme is specifically designed for mums, with 10-minute sessions so you can easily squeeze it into your new routine. The videos are calm and easy to follow, while the functional exercises have been great for building back some of my core strength. Each day progressed enough to make me feel like I was working hard without scaring me away – even when side planks and bear holds were introduced. With a £29.99 one-off fee, which includes bonus cardio and strength videos, this is a no-brainer.

Shop Mamma Rebuild, £29.99 

From hiking with your little one to taking them to a mum-and-baby fitness class, baby-wearing is a good option if you are struggling to find time to fit exercise into your routine. Thanks to our local baby sling library, I tried lots of different carriers before giving birth and found the Ergobaby range the most comfortable and functional. There are a couple of options, depending on what you’re into. The brand’s Aerloom baby carrier is suitable from newborn to toddler, with a lightweight, ergonomic design and breathable fabric to help keep you and baby cool. If you’re looking for something a little more heavy-duty – if you’re planning to walk a lot, for example – the new Omni Deluxe offers more support, with padded lumbar support, cushioned shoulder straps and six storage areas for on-the-go essentials.

Shop Ergobaby Aerloom carrier, from £290.90

Looking after your pelvic floor is important for everyone, but it’s imperative if you’re pregnant or postpartum, as up to 60% of expectant and new mums report having issues. I suffered from a prolapse while pregnant, so getting it right post-birth was even more important. The Elvie Trainer will give you a helping hand to ensure you’re getting your pelvic floor exercises right. Using force and motion sensors, it gives real-time feedback via an app so you know if you’re squeezing correctly. There are also games to keep you engaged and you can track your progress over time. At £169, it’s expensive and not a necessity (the NHS Squeezy app is more analogue and costs £2.99), but if you need a bit of extra support in this area, it is a good option.

Shop Elvie Trainer Smart Kegel Exerciser, from £169

Every baby and parenting journey is different – but even with the best will in the world, you’re probably going to be more tired than usual. A decent cup of coffee pre-workout has become a non-negotiable for me, and the go-to grind in our house comes from Exhale. The brand’s organic coffee not only tastes great, but it’s also packed full of antioxidants and comes in plastic-free packaging. If you don’t fancy caffeine or if you’re trying to avoid it while breastfeeding, Exhale has a great decaf option. There are also different deals available, including bundles and subscriptions, so you can keep getting your fix for the best price.

Shop Exhale Coffee, from £11.25 

As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I started looking forward to running with my daughter, so a running buggy was high on my list of essentials. As most professionals recommend waiting until your baby is at least six months old and able to hold their head up before using one, I’ve been asking around to see what comes well-recommended. The brand mentioned to me the most was Thule, which has a whole Urban Glide series designed for active families. From what I’ve heard, the prams offer a smooth and comfortable ride whether walking or running. Parents commented on their usability, with one mum telling me she found hers particularly easy to steer and others confirmed that it’s not too difficult to assemble. Plus, Thule Urban Glide 3 comes with a four-wheel option, a bassinet and an extended canopy. 

Shop Thule Urban Glide 3, from £749