Must-Have Breastfeeding Essentials Every New Mom Needs

Let’s be real—breastfeeding is beautiful, but it’s also hard. Whether you’re nursing, pumping, combo-feeding, or figuring it all out on 2 hours of sleep, having the right tools can make a huge difference. After nursing two babies, here are the breastfeeding must-haves I swear by (and wish I had from the beginning!).

🍼 1. A Comfortable Nursing Bra

Why you need it: You’ll wear it all day, every day. Look for soft, stretchy fabric without underwire.

My pick: The Momcozy Seamless Nursing Bra is buttery soft, stretchy, and super comfy—perfect for all-day wear and sleeping. The clip-down cups are super easy to use one-handed, and the seamless design looks smooth under clothes. It offers just the right amount of support without feeling restrictive. Definitely a staple in my nursing wardrobe!

💺 2. A Supportive Nursing Pillow

Why you need it: Save your back and arms, especially during those cluster feeding marathons.

Mom tip: The Boppy is popular, but the My Brest Friend gives more support if you had a C-section.

My pick: The My Brest Friend Super Deluxe Nursing Pillow has supported me through two kids now, and I cannot recommend it enough. This pillow has been a lifesaver for breastfeeding—the firm, wraparound support keeps baby in the perfect position and saves my back and shoulders during long nursing sessions. I love the backrest and clip closure for extra stability, and the little side pocket is a fun bonus. Way more structured than other pillows—totally worth it!

🚿 3. Nipple Cream (Trust Me)

Why you need it: Those first few days (or weeks) can be brutal. This will be your best friend.

Favorites: Lanolin-based or all-natural coconut-oil blends work great.

My pick: I really like the Frida Mom Nipple Cream—it’s super thick and soothing without being sticky or greasy. It’s made with natural, safe-for-baby ingredients (like coconut oil and shea butter), so there’s no need to wipe it off before nursing, which is a win when you’re exhausted and sore. It feels instantly hydrating and gives a protective barrier that actually helps heal cracked or dry nipples. Definitely a must-have in those early breastfeeding weeks!

💧 4. A Big Water Bottle

Why you need it: Breastfeeding makes you so thirsty. You’ll need water within arm’s reach constantly.

Mom hack: Get one with a straw so you can sip one-handed while feeding.

My pick: I cannot live without my HydroJug, through two pregnancies and now breastfeeding, this thing has been a lifesaver. Staying hydrated is everything when you’re nursing, and the Hydrojug makes it so easy. I love the huge size—less refilling—and the straw lid makes it convenient to sip one-handed while nursing or pumping. It keeps me on track without even thinking about it. Honestly, it’s become one of my favorite breastfeeding and everyday essentials!

🍼 5. Haakaa or Manual Pump

Why you need it: Great for catching letdown on the other side or relieving engorgement.

Bonus: It helps you build a freezer stash without extra pumping sessions.

My picks:

• Haaka Manual Breast Pump - The Haakaa is seriously one of those little mom hacks I wish I knew about sooner. It’s a simple silicone manual pump that catches letdown while you nurse—no cords, no noise, no effort. I just pop it on the other side while feeding and end up with extra milk without even trying. Total must-have!

• Boon Trove Silicone Manual Breast Pump Set - These are great for catching your letdown while feeding baby or at work, as they fit discreetly into your bra. I have also slept in them a few times to catch any leaks while baby takes longer stretches of sleep.

🎧 6. Something to Keep You Entertained

Why you need it: You’ll be sitting a lot—especially during those late-night feeds.

Ideas: Podcasts, Kindle, audiobooks, Netflix or TikTok (no judgment here!). I am currently rewatching Grey's Anatomy, as there are many seasons and the episodes are quite long. I get through 1-2 episodes a day with day and nighttime feedings.

🧻 7. Breast Pads

Why you need it: Leaks happen. Especially in the beginning.

Mom tip: Start with disposables, then try washable ones once your supply settles.

My pick: The KeaBabies Reusable Nursing Pads are a great option. These nursing pads are incredibly soft, absorbent, and far more comfortable than disposable alternatives. I love that they’re washable and eco-friendly, and they don’t bunch up or show through my bra. They hold up well after lots of washes and come in a cute little laundry bag—such a smart, budget-friendly option for everyday use!

🧼 8. Pumping Essentials (if you pump)

Why you need it: Even if you’re mostly nursing, you might need to pump occasionally.

Mom tip: Check if your insurance covers your breast pump and accessories. Most, if not all, insurance plans cover breast pumps and supplies at little to no cost to you. Aeroflow does the legwork for you; all you have to do is enter your insurance details, and a list of covered items is provided to you.

Must-haves/ my picks:

• Electric pump

  • The Spectra S1 Pump is popular for a reason. The Spectra is a powerhouse—super efficient, gentle on the breasts, and surprisingly quiet. I love the hospital-grade suction and how customizable the settings are. It’s not wearable, but for at-home pumping, it’s reliable and consistent. The night light and timer are little features I didn’t know I needed, but now love. If you’re pumping regularly, this one’s a solid go-to.

• Hands Free Pump

  • The Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump is honestly such a solid option if you want the freedom to move around without being totally tied to a pump. It’s compact, lightweight, and the cups fit right into your bra. It’s super helpful when you're multitasking (which, let’s be real, is all the time). I love that it’s quiet, easy to clean, and still has that Medela power we all trust. If you’re pumping regularly but don’t want to be stuck to a wall, this one’s a winner.

  • The Eufy Heated Wearable Breast Pump E20 is another great option. This pump has been such a pleasant surprise! The built-in heating feature really helps with letdown and comfort—especially on days when I feel a clog coming on. It’s wearable, super quiet, and the app makes tracking so easy. My only tiny complaint is that the milk container could be a bit bigger, but honestly? It’s a smart, modern option that fits busy mom life perfectly.

• Milk storage bags and bottles

  • Glass Bottles

    • Momcozy Natural Baby Bottles are a great option for storing in the fridge. They are 10 ounces and made of glass. They can be connected directly to most pumps and include a opening to add a nipple so you can feed directly from the bottle. Added bonus that they fit directly into the Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler.

  • Plastic Bottles

    • Medela Breast Milk Collection and Storage Bottles are an old faithful. These are my go-to plastic option for storing milk. They’re durable, BPA-free, and work perfectly with most pumps (especially Medela, of course). I love that they go from pumping to storing to feeding without needing to transfer milk. Super convenient, and they’ve held up really well through lots of washes!

  • Freezer Bags

    • The Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags are my favorite storage bags—super sturdy, easy to label, and they freeze flat to save space (huge win for stash organization!). The double zipper seal gives me peace of mind, and they pour easily without making a mess. Affordable, reliable, and mom-approved!

• Hands-free pumping bra

  • There are so many pumping bras on the market but the Kindred Bravely Sublime Wireless Comfort Sleep Pumping Bra is my favorite. This bra is a total game changer for nighttime pumping. It’s incredibly soft, supportive, and actually comfortable enough to sleep in. I love that it works with both wearable and traditional pumps, and the hands-free design makes middle-of-the-night sessions way easier. It’s one of those must-haves I didn’t know I needed until I had it!

• Breast Milk Cooler (for storing milk on the go).

  • The Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler is such a handy little must-have, especially if you're pumping on the go. It keeps your milk cold for hours — like, actually cold — and it’s the perfect size for slipping into a diaper bag or pumping tote. I’ve used it for daycare drop-offs, road trips, and even just running errands when I didn’t want to rush home. It fits a few bottles or storage bags, and the ice pack insert makes it super easy to use. Honestly, it just takes the stress out of keeping milk fresh when you're not near a fridge. Total mom win!

• Milk Warmer.

  • The Momcozy Portable Milk Warmer is a game changer. It’s compact, cordless, and actually heats milk evenly — no more guessing if the bottle is too hot or too cold. I’ve used it on road trips, park playdates, and even during middle-of-the-night feeds when I just didn’t want to go into the kitchen. It fits right in the diaper bag and charges with USB, so I never have to worry about finding an outlet. Total lifesaver, especially if you’re juggling breastmilk and formula like I am sometimes

    
    

🧘‍♀️ 9. A Relaxing Feeding Space

Why you need it: You’ll spend a lot of time here. Make it cozy.

Include / my picks:

• A comfy chair.

  • The Nurture& The Glider Plus is a must-have and worth the splurge. It is honestly the most comfortable chair and has survived 2 years and a move, and is still going strong for my newborn. My husband is waiting for the day that he can use it in our living room.

• A side table for snacks/water.

  • The BALEINE Side Table with Charging Station has been so perfect for my nursing setup. I keep it right next to my glider, and the C-shape design lets me pull it in close while I nurse. The built-in outlets and USB ports are a game changer—I can charge my phone, pump, or even plug in a nightlight without reaching across the room. It’s just the right size to hold a water bottle, snacks, my Haakaa, and burp cloths without feeling cluttered. I also love that it doesn’t take up a ton of space and still looks cute in the nursery. If you’re setting up a cozy nursing station, this little table is honestly such a helpful, underrated piece!n

• A nightlight or dimmable lamp.

  • The G Keni Nursery Night Light has been such a lifesaver for middle-of-the-night feeds. It’s touch-activated, so I’m not fumbling around for buttons in the dark, and I love that I can adjust the brightness with just a tap. The soft, warm glow is perfect—it doesn’t wake the baby but still gives me enough light to see what I’m doing. It’s lightweight, portable, and the battery lasts forever between charges. Seriously one of those little things that makes a big difference during those long nights.

    
    

👚 10. Easy-Access Clothes

Why you need it: You’ll want tops or dresses that make feeding easy in public or at home

Look for: Button-downs, wrap tops, or nursing tanks.

My picks:

• I'm obsessed with the Bodily Always-On Nursing Tank—it’s seriously the softest thing ever. The fabric feels buttery smooth and super breathable, which is exactly what I needed for those early postpartum days. It has a built-in shelf bra for just enough support, and the clip-down straps make nursing a breeze (especially in the middle of the night). I love that it’s flattering enough to wear out but comfy enough to sleep in. Just a heads-up: the fabric is on the thinner side, so I usually wear nursing pads with it. But overall, total staple in my breastfeeding wardrobe!

• The Hatch Luxe Nursing Tee is one of those splurge pieces that actually feels worth it. The fabric is so soft and lightweight—it drapes beautifully and doesn’t cling in weird places. I love that it doesn’t look like a nursing top, but the hidden panel makes feeding super easy and discreet. It’s the kind of thing you can throw on with jeans and still feel put together, even on zero sleep. Definitely more of a treat-yourself item, but it feels elevated and practical at the same time.

• These Smallshow nursing tanks are such a good deal and honestly perfect for everyday wear. The fabric is soft and stretchy, and the fit is super forgiving postpartum. The lift-up flap design makes nursing quick and easy—especially when you’re out and about or cluster feeding at home. I love that they come in a 3-pack so you’re never scrambling for a clean one. They’re not fancy, but they’re comfy, practical, and they hold up well in the wash—total mom win.

• The Ekouaer double-layer nursing tees are such a solid go-to for everyday mom life. They’re lightweight, soft, and the layered design makes nursing super discreet—even when you’re out running errands or chasing a toddler. The fit is relaxed but still flattering, and I love that they come in different colors so you can rotate through without thinking. They’re easy to throw on, wash well, and are just one of those basics you end up living in during the newborn phase and beyond.

Final Thoughts 💕

Every mom’s breastfeeding journey looks different. Some of us exclusively pump. Some nurse for 2 months, some for 2 years. There’s no one right way—but having the right tools can help you feel more confident and comfortable.

Remember: Fed is best. And you’re doing an amazing job. 💗

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