18 Nursing Basket Must-Haves
As a fellow breastfeeding mom, I totally relate to that feeling that every time you sit down to breastfeed your baby, you always seem to get settled and then realize you forgot to grab something.
Super frustrating!
But, as a seasoned breastfeeding momma, I have found a super simple solution to breastfeeding your baby with everything you need nearby. I want to share my nursing basket must-haves with you just in case this is totally new to you.
By creating a breastfeeding station, also called a nursing basket, you’ll no longer have to disturb your baby to grab the things you forgot!
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Nursing Basket Must-Haves
Breastfeeding Basket Must-Haves for Mom
Setting up a breastfeeding station for yourself is super simple. All you’ll need is a medium-sized basket and all the things you’ve found yourself grabbing for. Here are some of my breastfeeding essentials!
Nursing Pads
If you find yourself with leaky breasts, you’ll want to make sure you’ve put some extra nursing pads in your breastfeeding basket. You don’t want to be nursing your baby and leaking all over yourself and your clothes.
When it comes to nursing pads, you have two options. You can use a reusable breastfeeding pad or a disposable breastfeeding pad.
If you’re looking for a reusable nursing pad, check out these organic bamboo nursing pads. They have 4 layers of protection, and a waterproof outer layer of protection to help keep you dry.
If you’d prefer to have a disposable nursing pad, I recommend checking out Lansinoh Stay Dry nursing pads. They are one of the top-rated disposable nursing pads on Amazon. They’re designed to protect you, stay in place, and be discrete.
Silicone Milk Savers
One thing you’ll want to make sure you have in your basket are silicone breastmilk savers. They’ll help you collect and store the extra breastmilk you leak while nursing.
I am always honest with my readers. I have never personally used any silicone milk savers because I never leaked while nursing, so I never had a need for them. But, in the research I have done, if I did need them, my first choice would be the haakaa Ladybug Breast Shells. They are the highest-rated silicone breastmilk shells I have found, but I encourage you to read the reviews for yourself and see if they’re a good fit.
Breastmilk Storage Bags
If you anticipate using a breast pump while nursing your baby, or after, you’ll want to make sure you have something to store your expressed breast milk. These can be either silicone storage bags, disposable breast milk bags, or bottles. In this post, I share some of my favorites of each breast milk storage option.
I loved the Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage bags. I never had an issue with them leaking milk, and they were simple to use.
If you prefer to have a reusable breast milk storage option, I highly recommend the haakaa Silicone Breast Milk Storage bags.
Nipple Cream
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, in fact, it can be incredibly painful as your nipples adjust and toughen up when you first start breastfeeding. I highly recommend using a nipple cream for a few weeks to help you through.
Two nipple creams I have personally used and feel confident recommending are the Medela Purelan Nipple Cream and the Motherlove Nipple Cream. The biggest thing to consider is one is organic and the other is not. So it’s really about preference.
Ice Packs
Right along with the need to keep some nipple cream in your nursing basket, consider adding some breastfeeding therapy packs to your basket if you’re struggling with the pain while or after nursing your baby. Grab them and toss them in your basket so they’re easy to grab. They can be used warmed or frozen. (From one momma to another, if your pain while nursing continues, I highly recommend reaching out to a lactation consultant in your area!)
Nursing Cover
When you’re sitting at home nursing your baby, you likely won’t need a nursing cover. It’s when you’re completely caught off guard that you’ll be so glad you put a breastfeeding cover in your nursing basket. I have used several different types of nursing covers. In my personal experience, I enjoyed this cotton nursing cover the best. If you prefer a closer fitting, all-around nursing cover, I recommend you try something like this Milk Snob nursing cover.
Breast Pump
When preparing your breastfeeding basket, you should consider putting a breast pump in or nearby your basket. Depending on your needs, a double electric pump, like the Spectra S1 breast pump may be ideal for you. If you want a handheld breast pump, you should consider the haakaa breast pump. For many breastfeeding women, completely emptying the breast is a must after each breastfeeding session.
Hair Ties
I never seem to have a hair tie when I need it. It’s a great idea to drop a couple of hair ties in your nursing basket so that you can quickly pull your hair up out of your way when breastfeeding your baby. I love this type of hair band because they don’t pull your hair.
Water Bottle(s)
Although I love my Simple Modern water bottle, I don’t always think to grab it when I head to feed the baby. It’s wise to put a couple of regular water bottles in your breastfeeding basket so that you always have water closeby.
Snacks
When you’ve finished nursing your baby, and they fall asleep, it’s a great time to grab a snack. I have really enjoyed these lactation cookies while breastfeeding my babies. They taste good, come in several varieties, and I have personally noticed a difference in my breast milk production.
Tissues
Having a tissue box around is always a great idea, especially during the cooler months. Runny noses can come out of nowhere for both you and your baby.
Lip Balm
I love a great lip balm. Nursing tends to take all the moisture out of me for some reason, and chapped lips crack and bleed. Keep your favorite lip balm in your nursing basket.
TV Remote
While the baby is in a milk coma, turn on your favorite show and binge-watch. Keep the remote close by so you aren’t trying to reach and grab it without bothering the baby.
Nursing Basket Must-Haves for Baby
Burp Clothes
Your cute little breastfeeding baby can make a HUGE mess quickly with a good spurt of spit-up. I have always kept a couple of burp clothes in my breastfeeding basket so I’m prepared for those spur-of-the-moment messes.
Diapers
Regardless of how your baby came into this world, recovering after giving birth can be physically challenging. I essentially like having a mini nursery where I am. This means including some newborn diapers so I can change my baby’s diaper without having to move.
Wipes
Along with diapers, be sure you’ve placed a pack of baby wipes in your handy nursing basket. Not only can you use them for diaper changes, but you can also use them for just about anything else.
Pacifiers
Sometimes, one of my greatest lifesavers is the pacifier. They’re excellent for soothing your baby when they need to suck on something but have already nursed to contentment. If you’re unsure of where to start, I have done a lot of research about the best pacifiers for breastfeeding babies, and I am glad to share that with you.
Blanket
Nothing is better than baby snuggles. I love snuggling my sweet babies when their little tummies are full and they’re peacefully sleeping on my chest. Keep a swaddle blanket or two in your nursing basket to keep your baby warm and snuggly.
There is no wrong way to create a nursing basket. Every momma’s needs are going to be different, and there is no one basket fits all. Go ahead and make your basket before your baby is born, and then adjust as you discover things you could use nearby. Most of all, enjoy the sweet snuggles with your baby. Time will fly by- I promise!
MORE Awesome Breastfeeding Tips!
Best Postnatal Vitamins for Breastfeeding Moms
The Best Nursing Bras for Breastfeeding
How Many Calories Does Breastfeeding Burn?
How to QUICKLY Increase Breast Milk Supply
Leaking Breasts- How to Stop the Leak!
The Best Shirts for Breastfeeding
The 8 Best Pacifiers for Breastfed Babies
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