Breastfeeding essentials checklist: what do I need for breastfeeding?

When it comes to breastfeeding, there are plenty of products that promise to make things easier. But the truth is that breastfeeding, at its core, doesn’t require a huge amount of equipment. “There are many products on the market for breastfeeding families, yet a nursing baby doesn’t need much,” confirm the experts at La Leche League GB.  

That said, the early days of breastfeeding can be a learning curve, and whether you’re feeding directly, expressing, or doing a bit of both, a few well-chosen items can make a real difference when it comes to confidence and flexibility. It’s also worth remembering that every breastfeeding journey looks different and what works brilliantly for one parent and baby might not suit another, and that’s completely normal.

Many breastfeeding essentials lists are filled with gadgets and ‘must-haves’, many of these fall into the ‘nice to have’ category rather than being truly necessary. We’ve focused on the core breastfeeding kit that can genuinely support you and help to make nursing feel more comfortable, calmer and that bit more manageable.

Breastfeeding essentials checklist

• Breastfeeding pillow

• Nursing bra

• Breast pads

• Breast pump

• Muslin cloths

• Nipple cream

• Nipple shields

1. Breastfeeding pillow

A good nursing or breastfeeding pillow is an essential piece of breastfeeding kit that can make all the difference to both you and your baby’s comfort. Designed to wrap around your body in a U, V or C shape, and usually held in place with some kind of fastening, a breastfeeding pillow is ergonomically designed to ensure your baby is in the best possible position for latching on and nursing easily. They also help to ease back, neck and arm tension for parents, making the whole experience more relaxing for everyone.

What Mumsnet users say about breastfeeding pillows

“With my first baby I only used our regular sofa cushions under my arm for feeding support and did the same for the first few weeks of my second baby's life. However, having a bespoke feeding pillow - whether it's for breast or bottle feeding - has been a really great addition to our feeding journey.” - Mumsnet parent tester Bethan

"The bbhugme nursing pillow (smaller version of their amazing pregnancy pillow) is much squishier and you can adjust it easily." - Wiskinbonono

2. Nursing bra

Sometimes called maternity bras or feeding bras, a nursing bra has either a clip at the top of each cup or sling sides so that it can be easily opened for quick feeding access. When looking for a nursing bra, prioritise comfort, support and a design that’s not too fiddly so you can open it with one hand.

“The size you wore in your last trimester will probably fit after your baby’s born,” say La Leche League GB. “Although your cup size may be bigger for the first couple of months. A regular bra that’s stretchy enough to pull the cup down or up to breastfeed might also work fine. It’s a good idea to avoid underwires and any bra that’s tight enough to leave marks on your skin. If you’re happy braless, stay braless. Nursing doesn’t mean you need to start wearing bras if you don’t want to!”

What Mumsnet users say about nursing bras

"M&S have a good range of nursing bras. All mine are from there and I have no issues with them." - Strawberrycheesecake7

"I found the best bras for me on Hot Milk. I only found them after pregnancy when I was looking for comfy nursing bras. I've started wearing them again in this pregnancy. Maybe have a look at the nursing ones if you're thinking about breastfeeding after." - justanotherlaura

3. Breast pads

Leaking breasts are pretty common, especially in the early stages when your milk is still settling and unexpected surges happen. Having a pack of breast pads on standby is a good idea, especially in those first few weeks.  “Some breasts never leak – that’s perfectly normal. Leaking has nothing to do with milk supply,” say La Leche League GB. However, if you do leak, pads might be helpful for catching any milk before it seeps into your clothes. Be sure to change pads whenever they get wet to keep skin comfortable and healthy.

What Mumsnet users say about breast pads

"Breastfeeding bras and tops, and the pads that go in your bra to soak up milk especially for early days when you can leak a lot." - Flopsy145

"I love love love reusable breast pads." - RebeccaCloud9

"Lansinoh breast pads are the best disposable ones I’ve found [...]" - OopsieeDaisy

4. Breast pump

Electric breast pumps, manual breast pumps or wearable breast pumps – when it comes to expressing the sheer amount of breast pump choice can feel overwhelming for new mums. Whether you’re planning to build a stash, share feeds, return to work or simply want a little more flexibility, there are plenty of reasons you might turn to expressing. Whatever your situation, most parents are looking for the same things: a pump that’s comfortable, efficient and easy to use.

“If you want to express milk for any reason, there are many options,” explains La Leche League GB. “You might find you can express all the milk you need using your hands, or a good-quality manual pump may be all you need. If you’ll be pumping frequently, an electric pump might be a better option. It’s often best to wait and see what you need when the time comes.”

What Mumsnet users say about breast pumps

“My daughter lost too much weight during the first few weeks so we had to triple-feed her. I honestly think that the Spectra S1 was the only reason I was able to continue breastfeeding. It's powerful, doesn't leak and is super-efficient.” - Mumsnet parent tester Zanna

“I pump so my husband can give a bottle overnight to let me have a little more sleep whilst he is on paternity leave.” - Marmite1992

“I have a Medela Harmony hand pump which was brilliant for a few weeks where baby was sleeping longer periods and I was engorged. I’d express a few ounces off and store in the freezer.” - buckingmad

5. Muslin cloths

Ah muslins. Before parenting, you had no idea what they were for and then after… you can’t be without them. Muslin cloths are a really useful bit of kit when breastfeeding. Use small squares to mop up the seemingly endless milk possets and extra soft muslins for wiping your baby’s face clean. A larger square muslin can also double as a handy breastfeeding cover if you want a little more privacy when you’re out and about.

What Mumsnet users say about muslin cloths

“Loads and loads of muslin cloths!" - YesYesAllGood

6. Nipple care: nipple cream and nipple shields

Painful and cracked nipples are an unfortunate side effect of breastfeeding for some mums. There are plenty of helpful tools out there to ease dryness, cracking and sore spots. Nipple cream is a must-have for nursing mums as it can be applied immediately, instantly soothe and doesn't need to be wiped off before feeding again. Make sure you pack a tube in your hospital bag so you have it ready for those first few feeds.

Nipple shields are another handy breastfeeding tool. They can be worn during feeding and protect any sensitive or sore spots. They can even encourage babies to latch on and feed more effectively if you’re having difficulty.

What Mumsnet users say about nipple cream and shields

"Lansinoh nipple cream was a lifesaver for me." - Peaceandquiet9276

"I then discovered nipple shields. I've been using the MAM ones and honestly they're great. It helped me actually enjoy breastfeeding instead of crying at the thought of it!" - IrisRoon

Optional breastfeeding kit that some parents find helpful

• Nursing clothes

Some mums find tops and vests with breastfeeding openings useful for easy feeding, while others prefer adapting their usual clothes.

• Milk storage bags

If you want to build up a stock of breast milk, milk storage bags are a good way to track and hygienically store your milk in the fridge or freezer.

• Nursing chair

A comfortable nursing chair is often a very useful addition for a nursery especially during long feeds. If you decide to get a rocker, choose one that doesn’t make a lot of noise.

• Soft baby carrier 

Breastfeeding in a soft baby carrier is a useful way to do hands-free breastfeeding and you’re able to get out and about too. “Look for one that fits you, meets safety standards, and is right for your baby’s age and weight,” say La Leche League GB.. “And be patient – there’s often a learning curve in wearing your baby!”

• Reusable water bottle

Breastfeeding is thirsty work! Keep a reusable water bottle handy so you can hydrate and keep that supply flowing. Top tip: Make sure it’s a bottle that you can easily open one-handed.

Where to go for breastfeeding advice and support

Breastfeeding can be challenging and it can take a bit of time for you and your baby both to get used to it. If you have any difficulty or concerns your midwife or health visitor is often the first port of call, as they can offer practical advice and reassurance in those early weeks. 

There are also plenty of handy online guides offering breastfeeding support as well as breastfeeding and pumping advice. There’s lots of expert guidance on the La Leche League GB website, including how to identify signs of effective feeding and advice on breastfeeding positioning and attachment, which includes lots of images and videos illustrating the different positions mothers might find comfortable.

For more specialist help, a qualified lactation consultant can provide tailored guidance with positioning, latch and any feeding challenges. Ask your health visitor about local breastfeeding support groups, which are also invaluable, giving you the chance to share experiences with other new parents. You can also access free, reliable advice via the National Breastfeeding Helpline or the NHS breastfeeding support services, both of which offer support whenever you need it.

About the author

Clemmie Millbank is a freelance writer specialising in parenting and women’s lifestyle. She is a mum to two boys, both of whom had very different breastfeeding journeys, which included a vast array of breast pump and nipple cream testing as well as many (many!) conversations with peers, midwives, health visitors and helplines.

Since then, Clemmie and her boys have also tested hundreds of kids’ products and gadgets, covering everything from mud kitchens and paddling pools to changing bags and mattresses.