Having the right breastfeeding essentials and comfort items within reach can make all the difference in your feeding journey. Here’s what you should stock on your breastfeeding cart.
Breastfeeding is a unique way to bond with your newborn, and there’s no question that it’s practically a full-time job between pumping and nursing!
It can make a world of difference to have a breastfeeding cart with everything you could ever need set up and ready to go in a dedicated space within your home to be as prepared and organized as possible.
Having essentials and comfort items within arm’s reach can make the breastfeeding journey smoother and make you more comfortable while feeding.
Quick shop our favorite storage carts:
- With Hooks: SimpleHouseware Heavy Duty 3-Tier Metal Utility Rolling Cart
- Budget-Friendly: Laiensia 3-Tier Storage Cart with Lockable Wheels
- Slim Profile: SPACELEAD 3-Tier Utility Storage Cart
Shop what’s on our breastfeeding cart
- Haaka: Reuseable milk storage bags
- Bao Bei: Seamless nursing bra
- The Dairy Fairy: Supportive pumping bra
- Among the Flowers: Lanolin-free nipple balm
- Cute Castle: Organic cotton burp cloths
- Franjos Kitchen: Hydration-boosting packets
- Kindred Bravely: Reusable organic cotton breast pads
- Majka: Milk-boosting protein powder
- Franjos Kitchen: Gluten-free lactation bites
- EZ Milk: Fennel-infused trail mix
- Motherlove: Moringa milk-boosting supplements
- EasyJug: Hands-free water bottle
We will break down all the essentials for both mom and baby that are helpful to keep in your breastfeeding supply cart for those times you’re locked in the nursing chair and can’t wander around getting water, snacks, and pump parts!
Regardless if you’re a first-time mom or have multiples and are trying to figure out how to optimize your breastfeeding routine, this guide is for you.
Top items to keep in your breastfeeding cart
- Breast pump and extra parts
- Milk storage bags or bottles
- Breast pads
- Nipple cream
- Electrolyte packets
- Snacks
- A hands-free water bottle
- A nursing pillow
- Blanket
- Nursing cover
- Charging station
- Burp cloths
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal items
- Sound machine
- Pacifiers
Breastfeeding is a remarkable and intimate experience that creates a one-of-a-kind bond between a mom and her little one, and setting up a breastfeeding cart in your home is a practical way to help make the experience more comfortable for both of you.
Below is a list of the best and most useful items to keep stocked in your breastfeeding supply cart to keep the process seamless.
Breast pump and extra parts
Keeping your breast pump on your breastfeeding cart for sessions between nursing (or if you’re exclusively pumping) will help you stay organized and more stress-free since you’ll have a designated space for the pump and extra pieces.
Related: 16 Must-Know Breast Pumping Tips for New Moms
Milk storage bags or bottles
If you are pumping, having a stash of milk storage bags or sterilized bottles to keep your milk fresh and in order after you pump will make storage an absolute breeze!
Breast pads
Whether you prefer disposable, one-time use, or reusable, organic cotton breast pads, these are great to keep on hand since they help absorb leaks and keep you dry.
Nipple cream
Your nipples can become dry and sore when breastfeeding, especially early on. This can be remedied when you keep a good-quality nipple cream in your breastfeeding cart, applying it when needed.
Water and electrolyte packets
One of the most important things to keep in your breastfeeding cart is a few water bottles. You can become dehydrated much more quickly while breastfeeding, and adequate water intake is crucial for milk production.
Keeping some powdered electrolyte packets to add to your water for an extra boost of replenishing minerals is also a great idea! We also love these individual-use hydration packets.
Snacks
In addition to water, snacks are an absolute must in your cart. Easy-to-grab and nourishing snacks like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit can provide energy and nutrients.
If you want to purchase snacks made to support breastfeeding parents (although not 100% necessary), check out Majka, EZMilk, or Franjos Kitchen.
Read next: 27 Nourishing and Quick Snacks to Eat While Breastfeeding
Hand-free water bottle
Sure, any large-capacity water bottle will do, but we know that breastfeeding requires both hands, so opting for a hands-free water bottle can help you stay hydrated with less shuffling. Designed with breastfeeding parents in mind, the EasyJug is a no-brainer for feeding time.
Nursing pillow
A nursing pillow can make a huge difference in your and your baby’s comfort levels. Rounded nursing pillows can help you find a comfortable breastfeeding position more quickly and are designed to cradle your baby while easing the strain on your arms and back.
Blanket
For longer nursing sessions, especially at night or if you live in a colder environment, having a soft and cozy blanket nearby for warmth and comfort can make the experience more pleasant.
Nursing cover
Keeping a nursing cover on hand isn’t a must, but if you prefer more privacy during feedings, a lightweight nursing cover will get the job done.
Phone and charging station
Sometimes, you’ll be situated in your nursing space for longer than you anticipated, so it’s good to have your phone on hand for documenting feeding times, in case you need to reach someone, or purely for entertainment. A good idea is to have an outlet nearby or a portable charger to keep your device powered up.
Burp cloths
Burp cloths are an essential item in your breastfeeding cart! Milk leaks and spit-ups are bound to happen during feedings, so keep a stack of clean, soft burp cloths for those instances.
Hand sanitizer and wipes
Having hand sanitizer and wipes nearby for easy clean up before and after nursing is a great idea, especially since messes are inevitable and you and your baby’s immune systems are so delicate!
Personal items
Anything that you specifically find useful can fall under this category! Hair ties, headbands, oversized hair clips, face mist, or lotion are all items you might enjoy having nearby while breastfeeding.
Sound machine
Having white noise, soothing lullabies, or nature sounds like soft rain or gently crashing waves can help you and your baby relax during feedings. Opt for a small, rechargeable one to carry it around the house (no outlet required!).
Pacifiers
If your baby uses pacifiers, keeping a couple within easy reach to soothe them after nursing is a good idea.
Arranging a combination of these items into a transportable breastfeeding cart can enhance your breastfeeding journey and make it much more efficient. You can customize your cart based on your preferences and needs, so feel free to add items you’ll find helpful and leave out anything you won’t benefit from.
Be sure to regularly check and restock your cart so that you always have access to everything you need, and if you have multiple areas of your home you plan to feed at, it might be a good idea to make an additional cart!
Having all your essential items readily available lets you focus on nurturing and bonding with your baby and savoring the precious breastfeeding moments. Plus, it helps reduce stress levels since you know everything you need in one spot.
Making breastfeeding at home as convenient as possible
Putting together a breastfeeding cart allows you to take on the breastfeeding journey more easily, conveniently, and comfortably.
By assembling essential items like snacks, water, a breast pump, and burp cloths that you can grab immediately, you can go into feedings more relaxed and ready to bond with your precious baby.
Take time to organize, personalize, and replenish your cart regularly so your breastfeeding experience is as unique, stress-free, and fulfilling as possible.
What else would you add to your breastfeeding cart?
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