Top 10 Newborn Breastfeeding Essentials You'll Want as a New Mom
When I was pregnant with my first baby 3 years ago, I remember reading every possible blog post and checklist I could find to research the best breastfeeding tips & products I would need when my baby finally arrived! So I wanted to pay it forward & share my top 10 newborn breastfeeding essentials list of everything I used as a first-time new mom… & share my favorite brands of each, too! Hopefully, this will inspire your pre-baby checklist & help you feel a little bit more prepared for your sweet baby’s arrival!
Top 10 Newborn Breastfeeding Essentials You'll Want as a New Mom
#01 Nursing Sleep Bras
Cotton, comfy, and keep you feeling supported with all the changes your boobs will be going through those first few weeks… also, a great way to keep your nursing pads in place overnight!
My Favs: Lamaze Cotton Spandex Nursing Bra – you can find certain colors on sale for under $10 on Amazon
#02 Nursing Pads
These are a definite must for those first few weeks to catch any leaks (day or night) as your body adjusts to making the right amount of milk for your baby.
My Favs: TL Care organic cotton nursing pads from Amazon, I’ve also heard great things about Bamboobies.
#03 Nipple Balm
Especially important during those first few months when your little one is nursing around the clock, nipple balm will keep you protected from getting dry or cracked nipples and help heal any issues that may come up.
My Favs: UpSpring Organic Coconut Oil Nipple Balm – I put this on after every feeding for the first few months + then every time I got sore, and I felt better within 1-2 feedings!
#04 Non-Underwire + Underwire Nursing Bras
Underwire nursing bras are notorious for increasing your risk of mastitis – a painful breast infection common in breastfeeding women – so I didn’t want to take any chances and opted for these non-underwire bras for the first 6+ months. Eventually I wanted a little more support and shaping, so I ventured out into the land of nursing bras once again to find a slightly prettier underwire bra option. I prefer more full coverage, so my recommendations below are based on that preference.
My Favs: Bravado! Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra + Bravado! Designs Belle Underwire Nursing Bra, you can find them on Amazon, Target (online), or Nordstrom
#05 Nursing Cover
This should really be #1 on the list, because a 360-degree nursing cover will make the daunting task of nursing in public way less intimidating! I could go on + on about how awesome this cover is, but basically, it covers absolutely everything (front and back) and prevents your baby from pulling the cover off, while also being super cute and multi-functional.
My Favs: CoveredGoods Multi-Use Nursing Cover
#06 Breast Pump
Even if you don’t plan on pumping much as first (I didn’t start pumping regularly until about 9+ months, but wish I had started sooner), a breast pump should definitely be on your list! The great part is that most insurance companies will cover it, so make sure to ask before you purchase!
My Favs: Medela Pump in Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump
#07 Hands-Free Pumping Bra
I wish I had gotten this sooner! This is such a lifesaver and makes the whole pumping experience was quicker + more enjoyable. I opted for a strapless version so I could just wrap it around whatever bra I was wearing and keep it with my breast pump at all time, so I always have it whenever I need to pump.
My Favs: Medela Easy Expressions Hands-Free Pumping Bra/Bustier, you can find this on Target (online), or Amazon
#08 Nursing Pillow
This is a lifesaver for those first few months when your baby is nursing more frequently. I highly suggest investing in one that is super comfy for you and then keeping it close by for nursing sessions.
My Favs: Ergobaby Natural Curve Nursing Pillow, -you can find this on Target (online), or Amazon – this specific pillow was highly recommended by the online breastfeeding class I took by Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC of Lactation Link (www.lactationlink.com)
#09 Burp Cloths
I never went anywhere without a burp cloth for the first 6+ months. It was kind of an obsession, haha … more than once a day I would ask my husband “where’s the burp cloth?” It became the running joke in our house.
My Favs: Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Cotton Burp Cloths, you can find them on Amazon, or Target (online)
#10 Nursing-Friendly Tanks/Pajamas
If you love your nursing sleep bras, this may not be necessary. But sometimes it’s easier to just unclip a tank top from the top down rather than having to pull up your t-shirt for those late-night feeds. And a lot warmer when your tummy stays covered, too!
My Favs: Gilligan & O’Malley Nursing Cotton Cami from Target and the Cotton Maternity Nursing Cami from Gap
I hope you found this list of newborn breastfeeding essentials for new mamas helpful! When my second baby was born this past spring, it was so helpful to have this list to refer back to and see which items I needed more of before her arrival! I really only needed to order more burp cloths & a few new bras!
xo, Adrianna
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