If you’ve been searching for a breastfeeding checklist that tells you all of the essentials items you NEED plus items that just might make your life easier during your breastfeeding journey, look no further! In this post, we go over the ultimate breastfeeding checklist for new moms that will hopefully make those first weeks with your new baby go smoother!
These items are not required to have a successful breastfeeding journey. Some women have incredibly successful breastfeeding relationships, while others need more support. These items are here to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable!
I’ve also included a FREE printable checklist that you can print if you like to check off those boxes and keep track of items you have to be prepared. This post also includes links on each item for easy online shopping if that’s what you prefer! So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Breastfeeding Checklist
Education
If it’s your first time breastfeeding, I highly recommend not going in blindly. Even though breastfeeding is seen as natural, that doesn’t always mean it’s easy. Knowing the proper technique for getting a good latch, different breastfeeding positions, ways to determine whether your baby is getting enough milk, and more are so important in having a successful breastfeeding journey.
You can try and find breastfeeding classes locally or take an online course! Breastfeeding course by June and Lily in progress!
Breast Pump
Regardless of whether you plan to return to work or not, every breastfeeding mom should have some sort of breast pump (unless you’re great at hand expressing!). Whether it be a double electric breast pump, manual pump, wearable pump, or silicone pump.
Electric Breast Pump
There are a few ways you can get a double electric breast pump. I recommend checking first with your health insurance company. Some insurances cover the cost of a breast pump, or give you a few options to choose from. If you don’t have insurance or yours doesn’t cover one, you can choose to purchase one yourself or find somewhere local that allows you to rent one, like a hospital.
Renting can get pricey though depending upon how often you use the pump and for how long. So I usually recommend just purchasing one yourself. Here are a few of the best electric breast pump options.
Wearable Pumps
A wearable pump is not a necessity, but can be really beneficial for certain situations. You put them in your bra and can pump on the go! No wires, large pump to carry around, or being connected to a wall outlet. The cons to a wearable pump include the price (they are $$$) and that they may not fully empty you like an electric pump would.
However, they are extremely helpful for situations like a working mother who doesn’t have time to sit and pump, a busy mom with multiple kids to care for, and so much more! Here are the two best wearable pumps are the market!
Manual Pump
A manual pump is something I think every breastfeeding mama should have. They are really affordable and great at expressing milk quickly. Manual pumps are compact and really easy to throw in your bag or keep on your nightstand for a middle of the night pump.
Haakaa Silicone Pump
The Haakaa silicone pump is one of my breastfeeding must-haves! Use this in the early days of breastfeeding to collect any leaking breast milk or to express some milk off of the opposite breast your baby nurses on. You can very easily start a little stash of breast milk with the Haakaa!
The Haakaa can also be used to treat any clogged milk ducts you may develop. After getting everything you need on the breastfeeding checklist, head over to my post on how to properly apply and use the Haakaa!
Breast Pump Accessories
Spare pump parts
If you use a breast pump, you will need to replace the breast pump parts depending on how often you pump. The spare parts will experience wear and tear with use and time, so replacing them is crucial to maintaining the suction on your pump and maintaining your milk supply.
I recommend keeping at least one set of the spare parts you need for your pump at home. That way if you start seeing a dip in your milk supply or have issues with your pump, you can switch them out right away. Without having to worry about running to the store or waiting for shipping!
I have a full post on how often you should be replacing your breast pump parts as well as a free printable you can keep with your pump as a convenient reminder!
Proper flange size
Having the proper flange size for your nipples is crucial to successful pumping and fully emptying your breasts! I recommend measuring yourself to find the right fit or finding a lactation consultant that can help you.
Breast Milk Collectors
Haakaa ladybug Milk Collector
If you leak breast milk, then you need these! Rather than leak all of that liquid gold into a nursing pad, the Haakaa ladybug milk collectors will catch the milk and you can save it!
I love the Haakaa ladybug collectors because they are a soft silicone material, can hold up to 2 ounces, and can stand upright when you pull them out of your bra.
Haakaa colostrum catchers
If you’re leaking colostrum during pregnancy, or your provider approves antenatal expression after 37 weeks, then you need these colostrum catchers! They are tiny, made of food-grade silicone, and have a genius design to help collect the colostrum. Store in the freezer until you can give them to your baby, and you have all that good liquid gold saved up!
Some women also leak or produce a lot of colostrum the first few days postpartum. If that’s you, don’t let it go to waste! Catch it and save it!
Nipple and Breast Care
breast shells
Breast shells are really helpful in the first weeks when your nipples are so sore from breastfeeding. Any fabric rubbing or brushing on your nipples can be really painful until you adjust. The breast shells are soft and go over your nipples to prevent any fabric from rubbing against them.
Some breast shells don’t function to collect breast milk and the brand may recommend any collected should be discarded. If you’re looking to have a breast shell that also catches milk, I recommend the Haakaa ladybug milk collectors.
Silverette nursing cups
Silver nursing cups have been clinically tested and shown to soothe cracked or sore nipples. They are extremely light and require no additional creams to heal. If you’re experiencing pain or cracking, give these a try!
Nipple cream
Nipple cream is a MUST! I like to keep a few nipple creams on hand. One where I nurse frequently, and another in my diaper bag for nursing on the go. And definitely pack one in your hospital bag! You will want to use it right away when you start breastfeeding.
Earth Mama Organics is my favorite nipple cream I’ve used with both of my babies. It’s safe for them to nurse without washing it off, and it’s great at soothing and helping prevent cracks.
nursing pads
With breast pads, you can choose a disposable nursing pad or a reusable nursing pad. If you leak a lot and plan to wear them often, I recommend going with a reusable nursing pad. They are softer (less abrasive on your nipples), reduce waste, and you don’t have to purchase them all the time. Just throw them in the wash and reuse them over and over.
If you need something to throw in your bag just in case, or don’t use them as frequently, then a disposable nursing pad would be a good option for you.
hydrogel pads
Hydrogel pads saved me both times I breastfed! Put them in the fridge before applying for instant relief. They provide a moist healing environment for sore nipples. And are also helpful in preventing clothing from rubbing against your sore nipples.
warm/cool packs
Warm and cool packs are multi-purpose and can help many different breastfeeding issues. Use them cold to relieve any engorgement or pain. Use them warm to encourage milk let-down during breastfeeding or pumping. Or to relieve plugged ducts or mastitis. Definitely a must-have!
Nipple Shield
A nipple shield is a product I highly recommend using in conjunction with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Nipple shields can absolutely save some breastfeeding journeys. But if used improperly they can cause issues as well. A lactation consultant will ensure the nipple shield is on correctly, your baby is transferring breast milk, and gaining weight appropriately.
Keep them on your radar just in case you come across struggles while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Accessories
nursing cover
Whether you choose to use a nursing cover or not is a personal preference! Some women feel more comfortable with them, while others choose to use the two-shirt breastfeeding method.
I prefer the breastfeeding covers with an open neckline because it allows you to see your baby much easier when trying to get a good latch. My favorite is made from a muslin fabric, which is perfect for the warm weather year-round in Florida. But the multi-use covers also work well too!
nursing pillow
Nursing pillows can be so helpful in those early days when you’re still learning how to properly position your baby while breastfeeding. When they’re newborns and so squishy with little head control, they just provide more support.
I’ve included a few different options loved by other breastfeeding moms. Save your receipt just in case you find the one you chose isn’t comfortable for you. I tried one and returned it and ended up choosing the Boppy nursing pillow.
lactation massager
If you’re prone to clogged milk ducts or mastitis, or are an exclusively pumping mama, you might want to add a lactation massager to your breastfeeding routine! These little handheld massagers include multiple vibration modes that help to express breast milk and better empty the breast.
Some of them even include a warming feature, which is an added benefit that helps clogged milk ducts and milk expression.
Breast Milk Storage
Storage bags
If you’re planning to pump at all and store breast milk, you’ll need some breast milk storage bags! If you plan to pump and store milk frequently, you’ll want to choose disposable storage bags.
If you’re not planning to store very much milk, you might like a reusable silicone storage bag! These are nice because they’re made of food-grade silicone and you can reuse them over and over.
I’ve included the best, high-quality milk storage bags here!
silicone trays
These silicone trays are a mom hack I love using! Freeze some of your breast milk in one-ounce silicone trays. Then, next time your baby takes a bottle and they’re still acting hungry, you don’t have to thaw another entire bag of breast milk and potentially waste a few ounces if they don’t take it all.
It’s super helpful to just pop another one or two 1-ounce cubes in a bottle and thaw quickly to top your baby off! If you choose a bottle with a wide neck for your baby, you can use any trays. But if you use a bottle with a smaller opening, you may want to go with the trays that freeze in sticks.
Breast Milk organizer
If you plan to store multiple bags of breast milk in your freezer, you need a storage organizer. You can choose an organizer designed for breast milk storage. This one is my favorite because you can organize your bags by date (so the oldest milk gets used first). And there’s a place on top to freeze your breast milk flat.
Another mom hack – use a soda can box and cut it in half lengthwise. Now you store your bags standing up (just make sure you freeze them flat first!).
breast milk bottle storage system
The Medela Breast Milk Storage Solution Set includes everything you need. Varying sizes of bottles, breast milk storage bags, a convenient storage tray, and lids that allow you to easily mark the day it was expressed.
If you’re using a different pump (like a Spectra) that pumps milk directly into different bottles, you may not prefer this storage system. You can, however, find a converter piece that will allow you to pump directly into Medela bottles! And it’s still really convenient for milk storage.
Cleaning Supplies
bottle soap
A good baby bottle soap is needed to remove breast milk residue from any pump parts, bottles, and nipples. Check out my post on the 10 best soaps for baby bottles! My personal favorites are the Dapple baby soap and Puracy dish soap.
Microwave steam sterilizer bags
Some new parents like to purchase a machine specific to sterilizing bottles and bottle parts. In my experience, I have found them to be unnecessary, and instead prefer to just use a boiling pot of water OR these amazing microwave steam sterilizer bags. Just throw your pump parts or bottle parts in and you’re good to go!
I love Medela bags because they’re reusable up to 20 times! They’re great for travel or to keep at work with your pumping supplies.
Breast Pump cleaning wipes
If you don’t have access to a sink after pumping, or are a busy working mom with no time to wash your pump parts in between sessions, these wipes are life-changing! Quickly wipe down and clean all your pump parts, removing all breast milk residue! Throw them in your pump bag and give your parts a good wash at the end of the day!
Bottle Brush
A good bottle brush is important for cleaning all those bottles and pump parts. But I especially love a bottle brush with a nipple cleaner attachment. The tiny little brush helps get into the tight spaces in the pump parts and nipples, leaving no milk residue build-up behind!
Nursing Bras
Investing in a good nursing bra is at the top of my list when preparing for a new baby! When I had my first baby, I started with a really affordable set of nursing bras on Amazon. They worked well for lounging around the house, but they did not flatter me very well when out in public.
Two of my favorite high-quality brands for nursing bras are Kindred Bravely and Bravado Designs.
Day-to-Day Nursing Bras
Hands-Free Pumping Bra
If you plan to pump often, a hands-free pumping bra is a must! These bras are great because they have double clips – one for easy access for nursing and the other to hold your pump flanges in place.
I prefer investing in one of these over the strapless hands-free bras because you don’t have to expose your breasts to put it on to pump. You just keep this same bra on and simply unclasp and insert your pump flange.
Nursing sleep Bras
Nursing Apparel
For suggestions on my favorite clothing for nursing, check out my post What to Wear Postpartum: Best Comfortable Clothes. I go over many breastfeeding-friendly options plus other postpartum essentials!
Nursing Tanks
Other than nursing bras, nursing tanks are also a must-have! These are perfect for the early days postpartum for lounging around with easy nursing access. They also are great for the two-shirt breastfeeding method, which may work for the mama that wants to continue wearing some of her pre-pregnancy wardrobe. Or just prefers that method of breastfeeding when in public!
They help prevent your belly from showing when pulling your shirt up to nurse. The two below are my personal favorites!
Easy access nursing tops
Any tops with functional buttons and zippers, V-necks, stretchy necklines, or openings made specifically for nursing are breastfeeding-friendly tops!
Robe
A nice robe is great not only for easy access to nurse, but also for the postpartum period. You can easily throw one on and feel put together, but still comfortable. These robes are maternity and postpartum specific, and ultra-soft!
Nursing Gowns
Some women prefer to wear nursing gowns in the early postpartum days, especially mamas that had a c-section. This is a personal preference. These are great for lounging around the house or wearing to bed.
Nursing Pajamas
Don’t get me wrong… you can of course wear your old pajamas, just a nursing sleep bra, or no bra at all! However, if you want to wear something nice that is also functional for nursing, here are a few cute options! A major plus here is you can also wear them as loungewear around the house!
If you’re going to be awake a few times a night to nurse or pump, you might as well be comfortable!
Easy Access to Water and Snacks
These are not optional! They are a necessity! Gotta make sure you’re taking care of you mama!
healthy snacks
Keep healthy snacks or easy snacks nearby when nursing! Breastfeeding feels like running a marathon. Your body is working really hard to nourish you and your baby. I loved to keep protein balls stocked in the fridge as well as granola bars on my nightstand for those middle-of-the-night feedings when I was starving. Plus the oats help your milk supply!
large water bottle
Breastfeeding will make you really thirsty! Having a large refillable water bottle near you at all times will not only help you feel better, but staying hydrated will help you to maintain your milk supply.
For the Working Moms
Here are a few extra items on the breastfeeding checklist that would be great for working mamas! Don’t forget other essentials already included on the list like a nice refillable water bottle, snacks, a hands-free pumping bra, breast pump cleaning wipes, and of course your pump!
Breast Milk Cooler
It’s important to keep your milk cold when transporting home from work after pumping. I have a whole post on the 25 Best Cooler Bags for Traveling with Breast Milk. But if I had to choose again right now, I’d pick this one!
Pump Bag
If you’re going to be bringing your own pump to work with you every day and all of the other accessories that come with it, you’re going to need a pump bag! This will make your life so much easier transporting all of your things between work and home.
As a lactation counselor and breastfeeding mama, I put together this ultimate breastfeeding checklist in hopes of helping other new mamas out there! Don’t feel obligated to buy all of the items on this list. Choose what works best for your journey and what you think would be helpful for you! You can always come back to the checklist later!
And as always, if you are struggling with breastfeeding at all or have any specific breastfeeding questions, please reach out to a lactation consultant for help.
If you find this checklist helpful, please share it with your friends!
Other Posts You May Like:
- Best Baby Carriers for Nursing Moms in 2022
- The 2 Shirt Method for Breastfeeding in Public
- Complete Guide for How Often to Replace Your Breast Pump Parts
- How Many Baby Bottles Do I Need?: Guide for New Moms
