What should I put in my breastfeeding basket?

A breastfeeding basket is a collection of items that could be helpful for your breastfeeding experience. What might be helpful for one person might not be helpful for another, so items may vary slightly from person to person. After you have collected your items in your basket, place it where you breastfeed most often in your home. You may consider creating more than one if you feed in multiple places around the house or if you have a multi-level home. The goal of a breastfeeding basket is to make you and baby as comfortable as can be.

A dark-haired woman breastfeeds her infant.

1. Nipple cream

   Nipple cream can bring you a lot of relief in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. As you and your baby get the hang of feeding you may experience dry, cracked, bleeding, and sore nipples. Choosing the right nipple cream for you can be overwhelming. Lanolin is a go-to for many people. Lanolin oil is derived from sheep and the cream it creates is a thick and protective barrier for your nipples. Another option is a nipple butter which contains various oils and butters depending on the brand. It is a more natural protectant for your nipples. Finally, coconut oil & breastmilk are loved by many people as a nipple cream. It is often said that breastmilk is an all-purpose substance and can be used to treat bumps, scrapes, cracked nipples and so much more.

   I like: Lansinoh Nipple Cream & Earth Mama Nipple Butter

2. Breast pads

   As your milk regulates you may experience leaking. This is common for a lot of people. To mitigate leaking people use breast pads. Breast pads absorb leaking milk and keep your skin and nipple dry. This also protects against dry, cracked nipples. Breast pads come as disposable, single-use pads or cloth reusable pads. Change your breast pads frequently to keep your skin dry!

   I like: Lansinoh Disposable Breast Pads & Bamboobies Reusable Breast Pads

1. Milk collector

   A milk collector, like a Haakaa or a Milkies milk Saver, can also be a solution for leaking breasts. Most often people experience leaking during their “let-down.” Utilizing a milk collector not only keeps you dry but can also be used to collect and store milk! Many people can build a small freezer stash without ever pumping.

   I like: The Haakaa

1. Burp cloths

   To clean up leaking milk or spit-up, having an absorbent cloth like a burp cloth can always be useful when you have a newborn.

   I love: Burt's Bees Burp Cloths

2. Milk bags

   When you are finished collecting your milk, you can pour it into a milk storage bag right away to avoid spilling your milk collector. Marking the date, time, and amount before you fill the bag is easier than trying to mark it afterward. Remember to read up on the current guidelines for breastmilk storage.

   I love: Lansinoh Milk Bags

3. Nursing pillow

   Nursing pillows are definitely not a necessity but some people find them helpful. There are a few different brands on the market so do your research and pick the one that you think might benefit you most. An alternative to a nursing pillow is using pillows you already have around the house. Work with your partner to figure out the best arrangement for you to be the most supported.

   I like The Boppy & My Breast Friend

4. Snacks

   Keep prepackaged, one-handed snacks in your basket too. Inevitably, when you sit down to feed, you will become hungry. It is also important to keep in mind that you will need roughly 500 extra calories a day as you breastfeed.

5. Water

   Hydration is important as a breastfeeding person. Milk is made up of primarily water and your body will make milk before it maintains other functions. Drink water every time you feed and then some!

As your breastfeeding journey continues, the items you need most will change. Update your basket frequently to keep up with the changes and restock your essentials. Happy feeding!

For one-on-one support for breastfeeding or postpartum, book a virtual support session.