Bedside Breastfeeding Station Checklist

When I was pregnant I saw mention here and there of setting up a little bedside breastfeeding station with snacks and magazines.  I never came across a comprehensive list to help me set one up.  I thought it might be nice to have a list here for my own reference and for all my pregnant friends.

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Nursing is such a big part of my life right now and nothing is more frustrating than getting all settled in and realizing I forgot something. I finally took a few minutes and gathered the essentials, to make life easier.

Pick Your Main Spot

I thought I might use the rocking chair a lot for nursing, but I don’t.  I’ve actually avoided rocking Kent for the most part so he doesn’t rely on it to fall asleep.  I only nurse in the living room occasionally.  When we’re home our bedroom is my go-to nursing spot.  It makes the most sense right now since all my stuff is already in there for nighttime feedings.  We have a Moses’ basket for baby next to our bed. I have a whole post about our Moses’ basket if you want to know more.

Here’s a close up of my setup.  I have the Moses’s basket on a cedar chest, accompanied by a basket and all the other things I need within easy reach. Excuse the blur: I was trying to balance on my tip toes on the bed to fit it all in!

And here’s my list…

In A Basket

I went with a neutral, fabric covered organizer.  It contains:

• Reading material: I generally have a non-fiction book, fiction book, and a magazine or two. You can see what I’m reading in my monthly goals post if you want ideas!
• Baby storybook: it’s never too early!
• Bookmarks: check out these beautiful leather ones that my friends have in their Etsy shop!
• Book light and/or nightlight: I use this for checking the baby and reading as he falls asleep
• Notebook and pen: for random thoughts, to-dos, and jotting notes if someone calls
• Burp Cloths (about a half dozen): a must have if you have a fast letdown or need to express some milk to help baby nurse. (Update: When I had my second baby I found a way to sew the best burp cloths. More info here. )
• Nursing Pads: in the beginning I had a whole little box of disposables at the ready, now I have some reusable ones that I really like.
• My favorite nipple ointment
• lip balm
• breath mints
• candy

Within Reach

• drink coaster: Etsy has some beautiful felt ones (bonus points for not breaking if little feet bump them!)
• TV remote
• phone & charger
• laptop & charger
• facial tissues
• fly swatter:  Brian bought me this after Kent was born.  I never thought I’d be so happy about a fly swatter but flies are an inevitable part of living on a farm and when you’re sleep deprived one little fly can make you CRAZY!!!  :O
• breastfeeding pillow: I swear by the My Brest Friend kind. Best. thing. EVER.
• baby nail trimmers & toothpicks:  I keep these in the pocket of my nursing pillow for cleaning his nails when he falls asleep nursing.
• extra pillows:  we have at least one extra pillow tucked next to each side of the bed now for propping up my feet, the laptop, or the baby.

Baby’s Stuff

• Like I said above, we have a Moses’ basket that Kent sleeps in at night.  Everyone has their own thoughts on where baby should sleep but for us this works out really well.
• his favorite toy: something I can dangle over him during wakeful periods now that he’s old enough to enjoy that.
• nasal aspirator: don’t need it often but it is always in the same spot in case he chokes.  Comes in handy if he has milk coming out of his nose during nursing, too.
• hat
• pacifier: we use this kind.
• natural diapers, fragrance-free wipes, a really good rash cream, etc.:  I always go to the changing table for this because it helps me wake up enough to feed him but some people may want this within reach. (Interested in cloth diapering? I have a whole video series on cloth diapering to help you get started!)

I hope this helps if you needed ideas for your bedside breastfeeding station!  If you have any questions let me know.  If you have any other suggestions feel free to add them in the comments!  🙂

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