The Best Baby Registry for Breastfeeding Moms
It’s impossible to be 100% ready for a new baby – and that’s okay. One major item to check off your list sooner than later is your baby registry.
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:
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Target
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Buy Buy Baby
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Amazon
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Walmart
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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 technology - inspired by our very own Symphony - with on-the-go portability and more milk in less time.
- Our Freestyle Hands-free double electric breast pump is a compact, portable and wearable pump to help busy moms multitask with ease. With some of the lightest collection cups available and a convenient transparent design, this pump is designed to fit comfortably and discreetly inside the bra.
- Our Sonata® smart breast pump is designed with a touch screen display and connects directly to the Medela Family app for easy tracking 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, a bottle stand to help prevent spills and more.
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 great for conveniently storing, freezing and transporting your breast milk
Nursing Pads
Nursing pads provide crucial protection against leakage and stains as you adjust to your body’s unique milk production. Any nursing pads you choose should be absorbent, gentle against your skin and discreet beneath clothing. Our soft, disposable nursing pads are available in different options depending on need and milk flow - though they all are designed 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.
Nice-to-Have Accessories and Apparel
- Hydrogel Pads and 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 Purelan™, a 100% natural, single ingredient lanolin for fast and effective moisturization, are both commonly-used options for nursing moms. - 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 your hands and allowing you to be mobile during each pumping session. Our Hands-free™ Pumping Bustier works with all Medela breast shields and all Medela electric breast pumps. - Organic Breast Massage Oil
Pamper yourself with a fast-absorbing blend of avocado oil and ginger, which work together to nourish the skin and promote warming relief to sore, tender breasts. Best of all, our Organic Breast Massage Oil is certified organic and vegan, and formulated without parabens, additives, GMOs, palm oil, preservatives or fragrances so you can rest assured it's safe for you and your nursing baby.
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.
