New Mums Checklist
Preparing for your baby's arrival can feel overwhelming. Every website seems to have a different "must-have" list, and it's hard to know what you actually need. This practical checklist from real Kiwi mums focuses on the feeding essentials that genuinely make life easier, without the unnecessary extras. Try not to buy everything before baby arrives. Start with the basics, see what works for your baby, and add extra items if needed. Every baby and every feeding journey is different - Many parents find it helpful to start with one of our feeding bundles, which include the core essentials needed for pumping or bottle feeding in one simple setup. If you're unsure what will suit your feeding journey, feel free to reach out, we're always happy to help guide you.
🤱 If You're Planning to Breastfeed; Essentials
- 🍼 Breast pump – helpful for flexibility, returning to work, or building a freezer stash
- 🧊 Breast milk storage bags – for safely storing expressed milk
- 👙 Nursing bras – comfortable support with easy feeding access
- 🩹 Breast pads – to manage leaking in the early weeks
- 💊 Nipple cream or nipple care products – for soothing sore nipples
- 🍼 2–3 bottles – useful if someone else needs to feed baby occasionally
Helpful (Optional)
- 🌸 Milk collection cups or silicone pump for catching letdown
- 🤱 Nursing pillow for extra support while feeding
🔋 If You're Planning to Exclusively Pump; - Essentials
- ⚡ Quality breast pump
- 🔧 Multiple pump flanges or pump parts
- 🍼 6–8 bottles
- 🧴 Bottle steriliser
- 🧊 Breast milk storage bags
- 🧽 Bottle brush and cleaning supplies
- 🏗️ Drying rack for bottles and pump parts
Helpful (Optional)
- 👙 Pumping bra for hands-free pumping
- 🧳 Insulated bag for transporting milk
🍼 If You're Bottle Feeding; - Essentials
- 🍼 6–8 bottles
- 🌊 Teats in newborn flow
- 🧴 Bottle steriliser
- 🧽 Bottle brush and teat brush
- 🏗️ Drying rack
- 🥛 Formula dispenser for night feeds
Helpful (Optional)
- 💕 Bottle warmer
- 💕 Extra teats for different flow stages
🤝 If You're Combination Feeding; - Essentials
Many families combine breastfeeding, pumping, and bottles.
- ⚡ Breast pump
- 🍼 4–6 bottles
- 🧴 Bottle steriliser
- 🧊 Breast milk storage bags
- 🧽 Bottle cleaning supplies
✨ Essentials Every Family Uses
No matter how you feed your baby, these items are always helpful:
- 🧺 Burp cloths
- 👶 Bibs
- 🌿 Muslin cloths
- 💧 A good water bottle for mum
- 🍫 Easy snacks for long feeding sessions