The Best Baby Registry for Breastfeeding Moms

Ready to Start Your Breastfeeding Baby Registry?

Give yourself a pat on the back, mama, because you’re rocking this pregnancy journey! Time may seem as though it’s flying by and you might be wondering how on earth you’ll be ready once your newborn arrives. In most cases, it’s impossible to be 100% ready – and that’s okay. One major item that you can check off your list sooner than later is your baby registry. Though you can begin creating your baby registry at any time during your pregnancy, most moms-to-be wait until around the 20-week mark (or once she knows the baby’s gender, if she is finding out ahead of the birth). Most major stores offer easy registry set-up and sales associates are always available to help if needed. Though registries can be as different as each mom-to-be, we recommend the following retailers to get you started:

• Target

• Buy Buy Baby

• Amazon

• Walmart

• Kohl’s

There are also plenty of children’s specialty retailers out there as well, such as Pottery Barn Kids and Crate & Kids (formerly The Land of Nod), as well as a number of online-only shops. With that in mind and with the decision to nurse your infant already made, there are several things to consider when creating the best baby registry for breastfeeding.

Best Baby Registry Items for Breastfeeding Moms

We have created an in-depth sample checklist for breast milk feeding moms that includes a mix of both essential and “nice-to-have” items and accessories, all of which were designed to make your breastfeeding journey as successful as possible:

Essential Breastfeeding Items

• Breast Pump
  Depending on certain preferences, such as how often and how long you intend to breastfeed, there is a wide range of both manual and electric breast pumps available:
   
  • Our trusted, versatile Pump in Style^® with MaxFlow™ double electric breast pump is an ultra-efficient, closed system pump combining hospital performance - inspired by our very own Symphony - with on-the-go portability and few parts for easy use, cleaning, and assembly.
  • Our hands-free Freestyle hands-free double electric breast pump features a rechargeable battery and lightweight motor for active moms seeking a convenient mobile pumping experience
  • Our Sonata^® smart breast pump is designed with a touch screen display and connects directly to the Medela Family app for easy monitoring of your breast milk feeding goals
  • A single, manual breast pump like the Harmony^® is ideal both as a back-up device and for the occasional times that you may be away from your baby - it also comes with a single pumping kit complete with PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields, breast milk bottles, and a bottle stand to help prevent spills
    
    Additionally, every Medela breast pump is designed with our research-based 2-Phase Expression^® technology to encourage more milk expression in less time.
• Breast Milk Storage

Bottles, containers, lids and even bags – it may seem as though there are a thousand components needed for safely organizing and storing your breast milk! As you get into a collection and storage routine, it can be beneficial to have a variety of containers ready for use. Our Breast Milk Feeding Gift Set has everything you need to get started, including 3 5-oz bottles (with nipples, collars and caps), 20 Pump & Save™ bags and 6 80 mL (or 2.7-oz) bottle

We understand that each mom’s daily routine is different. Our storage bags are designed to fit your lifestyle and are available in multiple options. Our breast milk storage bags, for example, are great for storing and freezing your breast milk, while our Storage Bags are ideal for moms who want the added convenience of pumping directly into the bag.

• Nursing Pads

Whether you prefer washable or disposable nursing pads, these provide crucial protection against leakage and stains as you adjust to your body’s unique milk production. Nursing pads should be absorbent, gentle against your skin, and discreet beneath clothing. Our soft, disposable nursing pads are available in different convenient options, depending on need and milk flow - though they all come with double adhesive tape to stay comfortably in place and feature excellent leak protection during the day or nighttime. Best of all, ours are the #1 physician-recommended nursing pad product in the United States.*

• Cleaning and Sanitizing Products

Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your breastfeeding products is imperative for your infant’s health. In fact, it’s so important that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued specific guidelines for proper cleaning and sanitizing of your pump parts and accessories. Prevent the growth of bacteria and other potentially harmful germs by following their directions for cleaning and using things like soap, sanitizer, and wipes, many of which are easily portable for when on the go or in a less-sanitary public place.  

Additionally, tools like the Quick Clean™ Bottle Brush can help with thorough, efficient cleaning of bottles, nipples, and pump parts when washing by hand – a non-slip handle and flexible brush head with 180-degree bristles minimizes splatter while a multifunctional tip on the other end is designed for gentle, effective cleaning of nipples and other small parts.

Nice-to-Have Accessories and Apparel

• Hydrogel Pads & Lanolin

It’s normal for nipples to feel sore and tender as you become accustomed to breastfeeding your newborn, but don’t worry. There are many products out there to provide some much-needed relief. Hydrogel pads, designed to cool irritated, sensitive skin, and lanolin, a soothing moisturizer that treats dry, aggravated skin, are both commonly-used options for nursing moms.

• Nursing Pillow

As you discover various breastfeeding positions that work for you and your newborn (and ones that don’t!), a nursing pillow can give you both some added support. These specially-designed pillows account for your little one’s lack of head and neck control during this early stage of infancy while easing some of the weight from your arms, shoulders, and back as you nurse.

• Hands-Free Pumping Bustier

Hands-free pumping is essential for busy, multitasking mamas who don’t want to skip a beat. These bras can save you precious time by freeing up your hands to allow you to be mobile during each pumping session. Most hands-free options can be worn with other apparel, such as a nursing bra or tank top, and should fit securely and comfortably As you can see, there are plenty of helpful options to consider when building your breastfeeding baby registry. Though creating your registry can seem overwhelming and even daunting, it’s important to remember that your newborn ultimately needs you more than anything that you may add to the wish list. Have fun and happy registry-building, Mama – we’re sure you’ll have the best baby registry for your needs! Remember, Medela is here every step of the way - through pregnancy, at the hospital, and at home.

As you can see, there are plenty of helpful options to consider when building your breastfeeding baby registry. Though creating your registry can seem overwhelming and even daunting, it’s important to remember that your newborn ultimately needs you more than anything that you may add to the wish list. Have fun and happy registry-building, Mama – we’re sure you’ll have the best baby registry for your needs! Remember, Medela is here every step of the way - through pregnancy, at the hospital, and at home.