Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Having the right tools on hand can make the journey smoother and more comfortable for both mom and baby.
Whether you’re currently assembling your baby registry or looking to improve your routine, I have put together this list of breastfeeding must haves that I recommend as a mom of 3 (twins + 1), who exclusively breastfed my singleton. It includes the essentials and even some optional items that will help support your feeding goals, reduce stress, and make each nursing session more enjoyable.
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Breastfeeding Must Haves & Essentials List
Below are my picks for breastfeeding must haves for new moms. Having these items available to you from day 1 will help your breastfeeding journey get started on the right foot. I’ve also included my favorite products that I personally used, love, and recommend.
1 – Nursing Pillow
A nursing pillow is a HUGE help in getting your newborn positioned comfortably and providing back support for mom. With the aid of a breastfeeding pillow you can spend time focusing on getting a good latch rather than worrying about how to hold your baby as you nurse.
2 – Nursing Bras
You will need to get some wire-free bras that also give you easy access to nursing your baby. Wire-free is necessary because a wire bra can have a negative impact on your milk supply.
Then, with a nursing bra they have clasps that you undo, so you can easily nurse your baby. I had the best luck with comfortable and easy-to-use nursing bras from Target.
Click here to check out Target’s selection (scroll down a little bit to see the options)
3 – Breast Pads (Reusable & Disposable)
Your boobs will leak breastmilk! When they leak, the milk soaks through your bra and shirt and it can be embarrassing.
Somehow I didn’t know or realize this as a first time mom and I found myself scrambling to get breast pads and also appropriate bras after my babies arrived. I recommend getting a set of both reusable and disposable breast pads. Bring some breast pads to the hospital with you.
4 – Lanolin / Nipple Cream
It’s very common to have some nipple irritation or chafing, especially in the early days of breastfeeding. Your breasts are adjusting to nursing, which can lead to soreness and skin irritation.
Additionally, a poor latch can make these issues even worse. Use lanolin or nipple cream to help ease the pain. Whatever type of topical cream you choose, make sure it’s safe for breastfeeding.
5 – Breast Pump
Whether you plan to use your breast pump from day 1, eventually after a few weeks, or never (which I don’t recommend because you need to give yourself a break sometimes), you can get a breast pump FREE from your health insurance. Whatever your situation is, make sure you get your free breast pump.
I recommend a double electric one as your free pump. These types of pumps are the most efficient at pumping breast milk after hospital grade pumps. Depending on your situation, you may want to eventually invest in a wearable pump too.
6 – Breast Milk Storage Bags
At some point you might pump to have some extra breast milk on hand. When this happens you will want to store the milk in these special breast milk freezer bags. Building up a milk supply will give you a little freedom to relax when you need to be away from your baby for a nursing session or two.
Before we move on, you might want to grab these FREE printable Pregnancy Checklists. They include a baby registry, hospital bag, and trimester checklist and you can get them by clicking the button below.
Optional Breastfeeding Items
There are also some optional breastfeeding products you might want to get as well. These are all items you could choose to get as needed, but if you prefer to get them before your baby arrives, go for it.
- Nipple Shield – make sure you get the right size and only temporarily use if your baby is having a hard time latching
- Breast Hot / Cold Packs – for engorgement, clogged milk ducts, mastitis, sore nipple relief
- Nursing Cover – give yourself privacy when nursing in front of others
- Hands-Free Pumping Bra – recommend if you will be pumping often
Don’t Forget These Newborn Feeding Must Haves
The breastfeeding must haves list above includes the essential items you need specifically as a nursing mom. However, there are additional baby feeding items every new parent will need whether they are breastfeeding or bottle feeding their newborn, These items are listed below.
- Bottles – consider getting bottles that are compatible with your pump
- Burp cloths
I will add that bottles are tricky for exclusively breastfeeding moms. If you will be staying home with your baby, there is a chance they won’t ever take a bottle. However, that’s a whole lot of work for mom!
More likely than not, eventually your baby will take a bottle. That means it’s good to have at least a couple of bottles on hand before your baby arrives. You can buy more as needed.
Additionally, anyone that is combination feeding will need them no matter what, whether they are breastfeeding and pumping together or supplementing with formula. Check out these bottle guides for help selecting the best one for your needs.
Having the right breastfeeding must haves can make all the difference in your nursing experience.
From comfort and convenience to support and storage, breastfeeding essentials (and some optional items) help simplify your routine and support your breastfeeding goals. Every mom’s journey is unique, so find what works best for you and don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.
