tampons

so ive just got my first proper period after having my baby (he 7 weeks old) and im wondering can i start using tampons ive not had my "6 week check" as im doing it at same time as l.o has his injections which isnt for about 2 weeks ive read online to wait until the checkup however me and bf have had sex a few days ago and all was ok down there (we were careful as i not on contraceptives again yet) ....what do you recon and think? only asking as pad irritate me and make itch and sore down there