Technically, all it takes are boobs and a baby to breastfeed. But, there are other essentials that make nursing easier, comfier, and actually relaxing. Better yet, all of these goods fit neatly in a little basket you can tote around and use anywhere you set up shop for a feeding.
What you need for a breastfeeding station:
A Caddy:
Basket, bin, or caddy with a handle—this container should fit everything you’ll want to reach for during a nursing session. (We got this one at Pottery Barn Kids.)
Water Bottle:
Remembering to drink water (and finding the time to pee!) isn’t always easy when you’re busy with a new baby. But breastfeeding can make you damn thirsty, so having a water bottle is especially handy. Fill it with anything, I won’t judge. (Hey, it’s happy hour somewhere, right?)
Breast Pads:
You know what really complements the ginormous pads you’ve had to wear since giving birth? Leaky boobs. (Bet you’ve never felt this good about yourself.) Keep some disposable or washable breast pads in your basket so you can pop ‘em in your bra right after a feeding. This not only protects your favorite oversized t-shirt, but it greatly reduces your chances of having an awkward conversation with the UPS guy.
Burp Cloth:
From spit-up to milk dribbles, there’s always something that needs to be wiped when you’re hanging out with your baby. Honestly, you’re better off just keeping a burp cloth draped over your shoulder at all times. The ones we’ve used are from Copper Pearl.
Nipple Balm:
Dry, cracked, sore nipples are no joke. When you’re getting the hang of breastfeeding, all of these things can occur at once (as if your body hasn’t been through enough…you need to be dealing with this freakin’ trifecta?!). Nipple cream will be your best friend. Smear it on all day if you’d like. It helps.
Lip Balm:
And speaking of things that are dry and cracked… your lips could probably use some love, too. This one can double as a face balm for your baby too. #bonus!
Pacifier:
If your baby is all about her binky, this extra one is a lifesaver when your little buddy needs it ASAP. The one in the image above is from Wubbanub.
Phone charger:
When you spend this much time glued to a chair, your phone often feels like your lifeline to the world. Have a charger handy so you’re always juiced up and able to text your friends, peruse some Insta stories, or Google things that start with, “Is it normal….”
Tissues:
From sneezes to ugly cries brought on by a laundry detergent commercial or a YouTube video about baby goats… really anything can happen these days, so be prepared.
Snacks:
A new mom should never be hangry, especially when you’re breastfeeding (remember: your body is working overtime!). As much as you’d like a 12-inch sub delivered to your glider immediately… you may have better luck just grabbing a bag of trail mix or a protein bar when you need to refuel. We’ve included some goodies from Milkmakers.
Did I miss anything? What else would you add to your portable breastfeeding basket?
Need more portable stations in your life? Check out our postpartum recover station!
Yes! I did this for my second and it was so much easier. I also had my pain meds for the first few days, and we keep the gas drops in here too. I did a bathroom kit too….I used a mesh shower caddy with pockets and stuck all of my things in it: peri bottle, dermaplast, tucks, and my assortment of adult diapers, disposable underwear, and giant pads. So much easier to transport to different bathrooms or hide if anyone came over.
Milk saver or manual pump (like haakaa) to catch extra leaking milk, particularly in those first couple weeks when your supply is leveling out!
I have a baby hair brush and, while he’s too young to get into things, I have a little fingernail file thingy to clean his nails when he falls asleep.
That’s a great idea!
Good list. I will have to put something together for my sister, who is pregnant for the first time.
I would definitely add hair elastics/clips/bobby pins (depending on the person’s hair-wrangling preferences), as well as a nail file and nail clippers (both grown up and baby sized). I had a little pouch with all of those items, along with my chap stick, nipple cream, and an Oogie Bear. A package of wipes aren’t a bad idea either…babies are sticky.
This is a great post! I love giving this as a gift to my first-time mom friends. I hadn’t thought of the phone charger, I like that idea.
A few extra ideas:
+ For those who are less smartphone inclined (which is fewer and farther between) I’ve also included the Time Too Baby Tracker notebook to track feedings / sleep / diapers.
+ Depending on their hair length, I’ll include hair elastics.
+ Chewable necklaces or jewelry aren’t necessarily directly tied to breastfeeding, but something a little bit fun for Mom.
+ Along with nipple balm, I like the medicated nursing pads…can’t remember who makes them, but I used them just once or twice in the beginning, and they were really helpful.
+ For the water bottle, I like something with a straw. Easy one-handed drinking and no lids to unscrew etc.
Love these ideas!