Hey mama! Are you looking for breastfeeding supply organization? Whether you’re a new mama, expecting, or a seasoned (badass) breastfeeder, making a nursing cart with the Birthing Balance Nursing Cart Checklist will make your life SO much easier.
Your nursing cart will hold your most used breastfeeding, baby care, and self-care necessities.
Let’s go through some of the best baby and breastfeeding must-haves for your nursing cart!
What is a Nursing Cart?
A nursing cart is a 3-tier utility cart stocked and organized with all of your breastfeeding and baby care needs.
Plus, some things you should add on your nursing cart for yourself!
Do I Need a Nursing Cart?
A nursing cart is certainly not a need, but if you can afford it, a nursing cart can make your entire postpartum much easier!
How to Choose Your Nursing Cart
There are various material options for your nursing cart! You might want wicker, metal, plastic, or some other material.
I have one 3 tier metal nursing cart.👇🏻
I also have a plastic 3 tier cart that I use as my pregnancy and postpartum recovery cart that I keep in my bathroom.
How to Organize a Nursing Cart
Purchasing baskets and open containers of various sizes can help to organize your nursing cart.
I purchased different sizes of these plastic baskets from Target.
The other baskets I have used are generally from my local Dollar Tree.
Nursing Cart Checklist
This is the ultimate go-to nursing cart checklist for natural-minded mamas like myself.
To make it easier, I have separated the list according to specific tiers, but of course, you should organize your cart in whatever way works best for you and your baby.
Nursing Cart Checklist Tier 1:
For the top tier of your nursing cart…
Diapers
Add a cute basket on the top tier of your nursing cart to hold several diapers at a time.
These might be Pampers, Hello Bello, or cloth diapers depending on your preferences!
If you’re using cloth diapers, be sure to keep some wet bags with zippers handy to put them in (after rinsing with a hose-attachment on your toilet).
But I know how it is, mama, sometimes you’ll need to fold it up and put it in that bag to deal with later!
Oil-based diaper cream
A non-toxic, oil-based diaper cream is a MUST for preventing diaper rashes for your little one.
When your baby pees or poops in their diaper, the strong chemicals of their pee/poop are harsh on your baby’s skin.
Therefore, this is why it’s important to change your baby’s diaper frequently.
Keep in mind – The more sensitive their skin is, the more prone they are to getting diaper rashes.
Here is where this non-toxic, oil-based diaper cream comes in! This oil-based cream created an effective barrier on your baby’s skin so that when they pee or poop they have major protection from those harsh chemicals touching their skin.
Diaper rash cream
Even with your non-toxic, oil-based diaper cream and frequent diaper changes, your baby will still get a diaper rash at times. (Your baby will likely pee or poop and sleep through it for a while causing a diaper rash).
When a diaper rash does happen, you can reach for the Maty’s Baby Diaper Rash Relief with 1% zinc oxide, lavender, and aloe.
Or if you’d like to skip the zinc oxide, check out the MotherLove Diaper Balm consisting of healing herbs, olive oil, and beeswax to soothe your baby’s rash. (Use code: KATELYN15 to save 15% on ANY MotherLove product!)
Baby Wipes
I love the Hello Bello Baby Wipes as they are non-toxic yet more affordable than others.
Otherwise, at least always reach for fragrance-free baby wipes!
Pacifiers
For most babies, pacifiers have more pros than cons! Check out “Should Your Baby Use a Pacifier“, for a complete list of pros and cons with explanations and evidence!
Just like when shopping for the best baby bottle, choose a pacifier nipple that gradually widens between the nipple tip and the base.
This type of design provides for better mouth placement and a deeper latch which is crucial for their optimal oral-fascial development and switching from an artificial nipple and your breast!
For the optimal bottle nipple I recommend the Evenflo Balance Wide-Neck Bottles (I also recommend the glass bottles, if available).
For a pacifier with the optimal artificial nipple, I recommend Evenflo’s Pacifiers.
Teething toy
A teething toy is a great thing to have on hand for whenever your baby might start teething.
Check out some Silicone Teething Toys or a Wooden Ring Teether with an organic cloth attached.
Also don’t forget to check out “Everything You Need to Know About Baby Teething Remedies At Home” – Scroll to the bottom of the post to pin it on Pinterest for later!
Thermometer
A good thermometer is another must-have in case you’re starting to worry that your baby is getting a fever.
You won’t regret keeping this nearby for when you need it!
Fever Reducer
Did you know that you should not give your baby or child a fever reducer (such as ibuprofen or Tylenol/acetaminophen) unless their fever rises above 102 or your child is so uncomfortable that it is preventing them from getting good rest?
“While some parents are quick to give their children fever-reducing medication, it’s actually better to let the fever run its course. Remember, a fever is your body’s way of fighting an infection” [1].
“A fever is simply the body’s natural reaction to an infection. In fact, fevers are a good sign that the immune system is working properly. Many times, a fever will run its course without any need for medical attention” [1].
Still, if the fever persists more than 48 hours, you might decide you’d like to take your baby to their pediatrician.
Nevertheless, having either Baby ibuprofen or Tylenol on hand is a must, in case you do need to give it to your baby.
I highly reccomend the Genexa Infants’ Pain & Fever (acetaminophen), made free from artificial dyes and fillers.
I highly recommend a great Children’s Medicine Syringe to go with the medication as well!
Zarbee’s baby chest rub
The Zarbee’s Baby Chest Rub has been one of my favorite and most used products since my first daughter was born.
My whole family (including myself) use it to help thin our mucus in the upper respiratory system to help it keep coming out more easily to prevent infection.
Boogie Wipes
I love the Unscented Boogie Wipes to help thin and get out mucus from the upper respiratory system when your baby is sick.
The Unscented Boogie Wipes contain saline, aloe, vitamin E, and chamomile.
While the saline helps thin and make the mucus easier to expel, the aloe, vitamin E oil, and chamomile soothe your baby’s nose which can be so beneficial if you’re also using regular facial tissues for wiping their snot too.
Nasal saline
Like the Unscented Boogie Wipes, having a nasal saline bottle can be used as a spray or drops in your baby’s nostrils for the same effect. (Without soothing their external nose and upper lip skin).
baby electric nail file
The Haakaa Electric Baby Nail File is a gentle, “boo-boo-free” method for keeping your baby’s nails safe and short!
I really wish this was a thing when I had my first daughter because I’ll never forget the one time I accidentally cut her skin while trying to cut her nails with baby nail clippers!
Tier 2:
For the middle tier of your nursing cart…
A haakaa
A Haakaa is a breast pump that suctions and collects your breast milk. You may use this on the opposite breast than you’re nursing from to collect and store some breast milk!
Not recommended if you have a low birth weight or NICU baby.
Beware to not use the Haakaa more than 3x per day while nursing or you could give yourself an oversupply which can lead to clogged ducts, mastitis, and a fussy baby with explosive, green, and foamy poops.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a product that will simply catch (not pump) your milk whenever you start leaking in-between feedings or on the opposite breast that you’re nursing on, check out the Fairhaven Health Milkies Milk Savers!
Nursing Pads
Nursing pads or the Milkies Milk Catchers are a way to prevent a “milky mess” if you’re leaking in-between feedings.
Leaking often only happens in-between feedings in the early weeks of breastfeeding, but for some it continues and can be normal for them.
The difference between the nursing pads and the Milkies Milk Savers, is that you can use and store breast milk saved by the Milkies.
Otherwise, when using nursing pads, you cannot store the milk absorbed for later.
Bottles (if needed)
If you are pumping and breastfeeding, (first of all, you are amazing!) secondly, you’re probably going to feed your baby your pumped breast milk via bottles.
Like I mentioned when talking about pacifiers, choose a bottle nipple that gradually widens between the nipple tip and the base.
This type of design provides for better mouth placement and a deeper latch which is crucial for their optimal oral-fascial development and switching from an artificial nipple and your breast!
For the optimal bottle nipple I recommend the Evenflo Balance Wide-Neck Bottles (I also recommend the glass bottles, if available).
Pain relief for you
If you’re newly postpartum and still taking a pharmaceutical pain relief, I highly recommend the Welly Ibuprofen because it is free from dye, talc, parabens, and artificial flavors.
Otherwise, for postpartum cramping AfterEase by Wishgarden Herbs is a great go-to!
This tincture for after-birth contractions contains Black Haw bark (Viburnum prunifolium), Yarrow aerials (Achillea millefolium), organic Motherwort aerials (Leonurus cardiaca), Crampbark (Viburnum opulus), vegetable glycerine, Rocky Mountain artesian spring water, & organic gluten-free alcohol.
What are postpartum cramps?
After birth your uterus needs to continue contracting to bring the uterus back to pre-pregnancy size. With this, your uterus is contracting and pushing out the extra blood from your uterus from pregnancy and birth.
This process is technically called involution and it takes about 6 weeks for your uterus to return to pre-pregnancy weight & size.
Snacks for you
Did you know that producing breast milk consumes more energy than your brain uses each day?
Your brain uses about 20% of your body’s energy daily and producing breast milk consumes about 25% of your body’s energy!
Additionally, while breastfeeding your body needs 300-400 extra calories daily.
This all just means it’s a great idea to keep a basket of snacks handy in your nursing cart!
Some great ideas for breastfeeding snacks include:
- High-protein bars
- Organic cookies
- Mixed nuts
- Organic granola bars
- Dark chocolate
- Dates
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
Organic Nipple Balm
I highly recommend the MotherLove Herbal Nipple Cream because it contains organic olive oil, organic beeswax, organic shea butter, organic marshmallow root, organic calendula flower, and NO petroleum, lanolin, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fillers.
Use code: KATELYN15 to save 15% on ANY MotherLove product!
Having an organic nipple balm on hand is great if your baby accidentally latches on wrong and you use it for comfort in the meantime of getting the root problem resolved.
Check out everything you need to know about breastfeeding positions and correct latch in Chapter 3 of The Balanced Breastfeeding Course. Plus, this 18-chapter course gives you everything you need to know about breastfeeding, pumping, normal baby behavior, and so much more!
Further, if you pump, adding a bit of nipple balm in each flange, where the flange meets the tunnel of the pump part, to reduce friction and increase comfort while pumping!
Tier 3:
For the bottom tier of your nursing cart…
Your Breast pump (if needed)
If you’re pumping, you may want to keep your breast pump on the bottom tier of your nursing cart!
Are you looking for a wearable breast pump? Check out the Zomee Fit Wearable Pump – Use code: KATELYN20 to save 20%!!
Are you looking for a compact breast pump? Check out the Zomee Z2 Breast Pump – Use code: KATELYN20 to save 20%!!
extra Nursing bra or tank top
In case you leak through your current one, or get pee or poop on it, having a back up for the middle of the night can be a lifesaver so you don’t have to get up out of bed to change!
Bed pads
Bed pads such as “chucks pads” can be beneficial to lay down on your bed for sleeping if you’re having a lot of postpartum night sweats (from the drastic changes in hormones that your body is going through) or a lot of postpartum bleeding.
Burp cloths
Is burping a good idea for your baby? Read her to learn more!
Nevertheless, if you choose to burp your baby, they spit up, or there’s another mess, a muslin burp cloth can always come in handy.
extra outfit for your baby
Again, having an extra outfit for your baby might be useful in case of spit up, pee, or poop making their clothes too messy.
swaddle (if you choose to)
If you choose to swaddle at night, having an extra one in case their current one gets messy is a good idea.
Vava night light
Having a night light is a MUST for feeding and changing your little one at night.
I recommend the Vava Night Light as you can put it on a red color to keep you and your baby sleepy.
Otherwise, I also love using Himalayan Salt Lamps as a night-waking night light, but it must be easy to reach to turn on and off to be useful for you.
water tumbler for you
Don’t forget to keep a nice insulated bottle of water on your nursing cart too!
If you’re breastfeeding, you may have noticed that you feel more thirsty than usual.
Oxytocin released in breastfeeding triggers your thirst. It is a myth that “your body turns water into breast milk.”
Instead, this happens because breastfeeding takes a lot of energy which burns calories and depletes hydration.
Also, you might want to check out: Does Your Diet Really Affect Your Breast Milk Quality and Supply?
Scrunchies and chapstick for you
I think these are pretty self-explanatory, but, just in case you need more throughout the night or during the day to keep you comfortable!
stool softener
There are pharmaceutical options for stool softeners that an OB-GYN or hospital midwife might prescribe, but I instead recommend using magnesium citrate as it is a more gentle stool softener.
After birth, your perineum will be sore for at least a couple of days. A stool softener is recommended after birth to keep your comfortable when you need to poop.
Tip: Magnesium citrate is also a great go-to if you struggle with constipation during pregnancy! This is a symptom of high estrogen in pregnancy.
entertainment for you
For long night feedings, having a Kindle Paperwhite with an adjustable warm light to read or AirPods to listen to an encouraging or entertaining podcast might be a good idea for you!
For Your Older Child:
If you have older children, throwing some of these things on the cart for them can help you with providing some things to do while you’re busy and trying to soak up relaxation any time you can get it.
snacks
Some kids snacks you might want to add include:
- Annie’s gummies
- Dried Fruit
- Pretzels
- Organic crackers
Waterwows
WaterWows are an awesome, mess-free fun activity for your older child to do with you while you sit and relax.
rainbow scratch art paper
Similarly to the WaterWows, most children love Rainbow Scratch Art Paper. I highly recommend this one because it comes with fun stencils!
Also, it is fairly mess-free besides some small black shreddings coming off, but those don’t bother me at all.
Your Printable Nursing Cart Checklist
Grab your FREE Birthing Balance Nursing Cart Checklist!!👇🏻
Questions or Comments?
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below👇🏻
Talk soon, mama!
– Katelyn Lauren
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References:
[1] 6 Fever Myths Debunked. Purohit Pediatric Clinic.
DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to purchase something through my links at no cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer for more info.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info
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