11 breastfeeding essentials for new mums

The Natal Active Cosy Nursing and Maternity Hoodie was awarded Bronze and Gold for Best Product for Breast Feeding (excluding Breast Pumps) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 and 2024.

The Natal Active breastfeeding, nursing and maternity hoodie is a stylish hoodie that's suitable during pregnancy and post-natal when breastfeeding. It's made from thick cotton/spandex fabric with a fluffy fleece lining for added comfort. This cute hoodie, also seen on former Love Islander Camilla Thurlow, has a discreet zip that's long zip from bottom to top to keep you warm during the colder months.

Our mum tester Joanne said: "The hoody is really comfy and excellent for the colder months. The stretchy material makes it good for pregnancy (I received mine after the baby was born) and also for changing body shape in post-natal days. The zips are an excellent size and position for access and not in any way scratchy for the baby which was perfect. I didn’t have anything for colder weather for easy access so this was perfect."

Read our full Natal Active Cosy Nursing and Maternity Hoodie review.

The Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags was awarded Bronze for Best Product for Breast Feeding (excluding Breast Pumps) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags have been specially designed so that your precious breast milk can be stored safely, either in the fridge or freezer. They are BPA and BPS free so no harmful substances can contaminate your stored breast milk. You can now pump directly into bag using any Lansinoh breast pump.
Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags are pre-sterilised with hygienic secure tear-away tops. The double seals prevent leaks and a gusseted bottom allows for expansion. Tissue pack dispenser supplied for safe storage.

Our mum tester said: "I would recommend this product to any new mum because it is super simple to use and made of quality materials. The handy markers on the packet show just how many ounces are in the bag and it’s really easy to write on. The fact you can pump right into the bag saves loads of time and effort. They are easy to store too."

Read our full Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags review.

Ingredients: 100 per cent Lanolin | Size: 40ml | British Allergy Foundation approved | Award: Gold - Best Product for Breast Feeding (excluding Breast Pumps), Silver - Best New Mum/ Maternity Skincare Products, and Bronze - Best Pregnancy/Maternity Product in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023.

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin helps soothe and protect sore, cracked nipples. In fact, 99 per cent of mums would recommend HPA Lanolin to other mums*. 100 per cent natural and hypoallergenic with no perfume, taste, or additives, it is also the only lanolin product to have received the British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval. There is no need to remove before breastfeeding making it safe for both mum and baby.
*Source: Mum Hub HPA® Lanolin Survey - January 2018. Based on 387 mums.

Our mum tester Lorna said: "This product definitely made my life easier as a new mum. It was an easy decision to buy this brand to pop in my hospital bag and I wouldn’t have considered any other brand. The product worked quickly, it was very soothing and really helped to protect sore cracked nipples. When my babies started teething they would sometimes bite when feeding and this product was brilliant if they accidentally caught me. I have also used a little bit of this product on the seams/binding of cloth nappies which helps soften them rubbing against my baby's skin."

If you need to relieve engorged breasts, or are stashing milk for a night feed, you’ll need a breast pump.
Whether you opt for a hand pump (cheaper) or go for an electric version (quicker), it’s a useful item for your breastfeeding kit.

We love the Elvie Pump, which is the world's first silent wearable breast pump. When it was first released, the product sold out quickly due to high demand but it has recently been restocked. Take a look at M&B's review of the Elvie Pump, here. Check out our full guide to the best breast pumps, here.

In the early days when your breasts are particularly engorged, it’s handy to put breast pads into your bra to soak up any milk that leaks out. Yep, that does happen.

Try Medela Disposable Bra Pads, which are made with superabsorbent materials designed to prevent leakage and maintain dryness while still staying discreet under your clothing.

Read our full review of the Medela Disposable Bra Pads here.

To make it easier when feeding your baby every few hours, wear a maternity bra. It has cups that you can unclip from the strap so your baby can reach the nipple without you having to remove bras etc. What’s more, today’s maternity bras can be as glamorous as a regular bra – we love the Cake Maternity Tutti Frutti Bamboo Wire Free Nursing Bra.
Check out M&B's round-up of the best maternity bras, here.

While it’s not imperative to cover up while you’re breastfeeding, if you'd feel more relaxed by being a little covered, you can drape a cardigan, large muslin, or even a special breastfeeding cover over you. Try the BebeChic Breastfeeding Cover for lighter, looser, and more comfortable coverage.

To help with night feeds, a bedside cot is ideal. It means you can slide your baby across without having to get out of bed, so it’s also handy if you’re not particularly mobile after birth or have had a c-section. This bedside crib sits flush with your mattress and one side drops away, making a safe extension bed for you and your baby. It’s also available to rent with a new mattress and fabric panels.

Check out M&B's guide to thebest bedside cots for co-sleeping.

Ideal for resting your baby on while you feed, a breastfeeding pillow can be a great support and ensures your baby is at the right height so they can feed well. The pillow can also be used to support your baby so he can sit up unaided.

For badly cracked nipples that are stopping you from breastfeeding, nipple shields can provide temporary relief. However, they shouldn’t be used in the long-term as they can prevent your baby suckling correctly, which could affect your milk supply.

We're huge fans of the Medela Contact Nipple Shields. They are made from soft silicone which is odourless and tasteless for your baby.

If you’re breast pumping to keep milk for later, you can store them in plastic bottles (that have been pre-sterilised) or breast milk bags. They need to be strong, durable and leak-proof.

Try Vital Baby NURTURE™ easy pour breast milk storage bags from John Lewis.

For engorged breasts that feel sore, or to soothe pain if you have plugged ducts or mastitis, try a hot or cold breast compress. You can create your own using a muslin soaked in warm or cold water, or you can buy a specially shaped gel compress.

Try the Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy.

The BABYGO Nursing Pillow was awarded Silver for Best Product for Breast Feeding (excluding Breast Pumps) at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.

From feeding sessions to precious bonding moments, the BABYGO® Nursing Pillow is a heavenly oasis of comfort for you and your baby.
A premium and plump filling for optimal cushioning and incline to help assist breastfeeding mums latch and reduce reflux, promoting better swallowing and digestion for bottle fed babies.
Maximise your little ones comfort with BABYGO® cooling technology! Our super soft fabric helps to promote temperature regulation, and prevent overheating.

Our mum tester said: "There was a good selection of prints for the cover which can be removed for washing. The cover is soft and feels nice to touch. It came vacuum packed in a small box which was convenient. The BABYGO® Nursing Pillow can be used for a few different things and in different positions. It does take up quite a lot of space though."

Read our full BABYGO Nursing Pillow review.