New Mum Feeding Essentials Checklist - What You Really Need

Preparing for baby's arrival can feel overwhelming. Every website has a different "must-have" list, and it's hard to know what you actually need versus what's just nice to have.

This honest, practical checklist from real Kiwi mums will help you stock up on the feeding essentials that truly matter - without the fluff or unnecessary extras.

The Essentials vs Nice-to-Haves

Let's be real: baby gear marketing can make everything seem essential. This guide separates what you genuinely need from what you can skip (or add later if needed).

If You're Breastfeeding

✅ Essential

  • Breast pump: Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, having a pump gives you flexibility for date nights, returning to work, or building a freezer stash. Shop breast pumps →
  • Breast milk storage bags: For freezing expressed milk safely
  • Nursing bras: Comfortable, supportive bras for easy feeding access
  • Breast pads: Disposable or reusable to prevent leaking
  • Nipple cream: Lanolin or coconut oil for sore nipples
  • Sterling silver nipple cups: Natural healing for cracked, sore nipples - these are a game-changer! Shop sterling silver nipple cups →
  • 2-3 bottles: Even breastfed babies may need bottles occasionally

💡 Nice-to-Have

  • Nursing pillow: Helpful but not essential - regular pillows work too
  • Milk collection cups: Catch letdown from the other breast while feeding
  • Haakaa pump: Manual silicone pump for passive collection
  • Nipple Care Pack: Complete care solution with silver cups + extras. See Nipple Care Pack →

🎯 Tiny Bloom Recommendation

Start with our Essential Pumping Starter Bundle - wearable pump + all accessories you need. Save $27.47 vs buying separately.

Sore nipples? Our Sterling Silver Nipple Cups provide natural, chemical-free healing and relief.

If You're Exclusively Pumping

✅ Essential

  • Quality breast pump: This is your workhorse - invest in a good one! Wearable pumps give you hands-free freedom. Shop wearable pumps →
  • Multiple pump flanges: At least 2 sets so you can rotate while cleaning
  • Sterling silver nipple cups: Essential for preventing and healing nipple soreness from frequent pumping. Shop nipple cups →
  • 6-8 bottles: You'll need enough for a full day without constant washing
  • Bottle steriliser: Essential for keeping everything hygienic. Shop sterilisers →
  • Breast milk storage bags: Lots of them for freezer stash
  • Bottle brush & cleaning supplies: You'll be washing bottles multiple times daily
  • Drying rack: For air-drying bottles and pump parts
  • Insulated bag: For transporting milk safely

💡 Nice-to-Have

  • Second pump: Backup pump for peace of mind
  • Pumping bra: Hands-free pumping bra (though wearable pumps eliminate this need!)
  • Extra pump parts: Spare valves, membranes, and tubes
  • Nipple Care Pack: Complete nipple care solution. See pack →

🎯 Tiny Bloom Recommendation

Our Smart Mum's Essential Kit has everything: Bluetooth pump + 3-in-1 steriliser + bottles + storage bags. Save $99 and you're completely set up!

If You're Bottle Feeding (Formula)

✅ Essential

  • 6-8 bottles: Various sizes (120ml for newborns, 240ml for older babies)
  • Anti-colic teats: Multiple flow rates as baby grows
  • Bottle steriliser: Steam steriliser is fastest and most effective. Our 3-in-1 steriliser →
  • Formula dispenser: Pre-measure formula for night feeds
  • Bottle warmer: Safely warm bottles to perfect temperature
  • Bottle brush & teat brush: Thorough cleaning is crucial
  • Drying rack: Hygienic air-drying
  • Insulated bottle bag: Keep bottles warm or cool when out

💡 Nice-to-Have

  • Smart milk machine: Game-changer for convenience! Prepares perfect bottles in 30 seconds. See our Smart Milk Machine →
  • Extra teats: Backups in different flow rates
  • Bottle labels: Track when bottles were prepared

🎯 Tiny Bloom Recommendation

Our Feeding Essentials Bundle includes 3-in-1 steriliser + bottles + cleaning tools. Everything you need, save $59.97!

Want ultimate convenience? The Complete Smart Feeding Bundle adds our Smart Milk Machine for perfect bottles in 30 seconds.

If You're Combination Feeding

✅ Essential

  • Breast pump: Wearable pump for flexibility. Shop pumps →
  • Sterling silver nipple cups: Protect and heal nipples between feeds. Shop nipple cups →
  • 4-6 bottles: Enough for formula feeds + expressed milk
  • Bottle steriliser: Keep everything hygienic
  • Breast milk storage bags: Store expressed milk
  • Bottle brush & cleaning supplies
  • Formula dispenser: If using formula

🎯 Tiny Bloom Recommendation

The Smart Mum's Essential Kit covers all bases: pump + steriliser + bottles + storage. Perfect for combination feeding!

Universal Essentials (Every Feeding Method)

✅ Must-Haves

  • Burp cloths: Lots of them! You'll go through several daily
  • Bibs: Start with 5-6, add more as needed
  • Muslins: Multi-purpose for everything
  • Water bottle for mum: Stay hydrated while feeding
  • Snacks for mum: Feeding makes you hungry!

What You Can Skip (At Least Initially)

  • Bottle warmer: If you have a 3-in-1 steriliser that warms (like ours!)
  • Fancy bottle organizers: A simple drying rack works fine
  • Specialized cleaning solutions: Hot soapy water + steriliser is enough
  • Too many bottles initially: Start with 4-6, add more if needed
  • Every gadget marketed to new parents: Stick to proven essentials first

Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

1. Buy Bundles

Our bundles save you $27-$99 compared to buying items separately. You get everything you need in one purchase.

Shop all bundles →

2. Invest in Quality for Daily-Use Items

Breast pumps, sterilisers, and bottles are used daily. Quality matters here - cheap versions break or frustrate you.

3. Start Small, Add Later

Don't buy 12 bottles before baby arrives. Start with 4-6 and add more if needed. Every baby is different!

4. Multi-Function = Money Saved

A 3-in-1 steriliser that also dries and warms means you don't need three separate appliances. Saves money AND counter space.

Checklist by Timeline

Before Baby Arrives

  • ✅ Breast pump (if planning to pump)
  • ✅ Sterling silver nipple cups (if breastfeeding/pumping)
  • ✅ 4-6 bottles
  • ✅ Steriliser
  • ✅ Basic cleaning supplies
  • ✅ Storage bags (if pumping)
  • ✅ Nursing bras (if breastfeeding)

First Month

  • ✅ Assess what you're actually using
  • ✅ Add more bottles if needed
  • ✅ Extra pump parts if pumping regularly
  • ✅ More storage bags if building freezer stash
  • ✅ Nipple care products if experiencing soreness

Before Returning to Work

  • ✅ Upgrade to wearable pump if needed
  • ✅ Insulated bag for transporting milk
  • ✅ Extra pump parts for work
  • ✅ More bottles for daycare

Real Mum Advice

"I wish I'd bought the wearable pump from day one instead of struggling with a traditional pump for 3 months first. The freedom is life-changing!" - Emma, Wellington

"The 3-in-1 steriliser was worth every penny. Sterilise, dry, and warm in one unit saved us so much time and bench space." - Sarah, Auckland

"The sterling silver nipple cups saved my breastfeeding journey. I was ready to give up from the pain, but these healed me in days!" - Kate, Dunedin

"Don't overbuy before baby arrives. We bought 12 bottles and only use 6. Start small!" - Lisa, Christchurch

Ready to Stock Up?

Now that you know what you actually need, shop our curated bundles designed specifically for New Zealand mums.

Shop by Feeding Method

Top Bundle Recommendations

Essential Individual Products

Still not sure what you need? Contact our team - we're real mums who've been there and we're here to help!

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