Perineal cooling pads
Gentlepak Hot & Cold Perineal Paks (2-pack with covers)
Our take
Babylist's reusable pick: a long, wide gel pack in a washable terry sleeve that you freeze for cold relief or microwave for warmth. It doesn't absorb anything and has no adhesive, so it sits on top of a pad in snug underwear.
Reusable, hot or cold2 packs + washable coversAbout 20 minutes of cold
Consider instead: Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads if you want no-prep relief in the hospital bag.
Before you buy
Do you need it?Must-have Cold eases swelling and soreness in the first days after a vaginal birth. Hospitals usually give you some; have a few at home too.
Secondhand?Buy new. Hygiene item; reusable packs are personal.
TipCold for about 20 minutes at a time, always with a cover or pad between the pack and your skin.
What parents and testers say
Recurring praise
- Covers the whole area (Babylist)
- Reusable for weeks, so cheaper over time
- Also works warm
Recurring complaints
- No absorbency: wear a pad underneath
- No adhesive to hold it in place
Our summary of patterns across the reviews and threads linked below, not quotes.
Materials & safety check
2 of 3 checks clear, 1 to know about.
MaterialsBrand calls the gel non-toxic but doesn't list what's in it
UseWrap or sleeve it; about 20 minutes at a time to protect skin
RecallsNone found in CPSC ice pack recalls; live query linked
When to buy it
Registry
Add to your own list: they're for you
By 36 weeks
Have a few at home before you go into labor
First 1-2 weeks
About 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day
Other perineal cooling pads we scored
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Reports from parents who've used a product for months are the hardest thing to find. Yours goes only to our team and helps keep this score honest. It isn't published.
Sources
- Babylist: The best padsicles for soothing postpartum soreness (May 2026)babylist.com
- SheKnows: The best postpartum ice packs on Amazonsheknows.com
- Walmart: Gentlepak Hot & Cold Perineal Therapy listingwalmart.com
- CPSC recall database: "ice pack" recalls since 2015saferproducts.gov