Hey y’all! Today I’m so excited to share my nursing essentials with y’all, and they’re all available at Walmart! August is National Breastfeeding Awareness month and holds a special place in my heart as I was able to nurse Olivia for almost 14 months! 🙂 It wasn’t an easy journey by any means, and I’m so thankful for the advice and support I got along the way + a few products that made my life so much easier throughout my nursing journey.
Baby Bottles – Comotomo
My biggest tip to any new mama that messages me or emails me about nursing tips or baby feeding tips, I always recommend trying the Comotomo baby bottle. It’s hands-down the best baby bottle, and Olivia took to it the first time we tried! It was actually by accident too haha. Drew and I went to go see a movie when Olivia was around 2 months old, and my parents came over to our house to watch Olivia for us. The movie ended up taking longer than expected and before we got home she mas mad and hungry, aka hangry. Nothing worse than a hangry newborn (am I right?!). My mom thawed out some of the breast milk I had saved with my Haakaa (thank GOODNESS! & I’ll talk more about the Haakaa below).
We had about 10 different new baby bottles in the cabinet (like all first time parents I’m sure), and she immediately grabbed the Comotomo. She said Olivia latched immediately and took it no problem! I asked her why she chose those bottle over all of the others in the cabinet and she said it looked like the most breast-like bottle and she loved the way it felt. Olivia agreed with her and it has been the only bottle we’ve used since she was born. I’ve had so many friends reach out to ask how I got Olivia to take a bottle and I always ask if they’ve tried this one! Every single time they haven’t tried it, they try it, and their baby takes it no problem! 🙂 We love the comotomo bottles and I can’t recommend them enough!
Haakaa Breast Pump/Milk Collector
I actually didn’t have a Haakaa when Olivia was first born and I remember watching YouTube videos late at night (because what is sleep with a newborn haha). I came across this “manual” breast pump and was intrigued immediately. I saw women collecting 2-4oz+ of milk without doing anything. I knew I had to try and it was so helpful on building up a supply early on. There are so many videos showing how to use it properly, and once you get the hang of it, it’s super easy and so convenient. I’ll be using it day 1 with baby #2 to help build up my stash early! 🙂
Breast Milk Storage Bags
I love the Kiinde Milk storage bags. They are a little pricey but the twist off and on cap makes it super easy – especially when you’re holding a baby and only have one hand when you’re closing or opening the storage bag. They work with the Kiinde system which I haven’t tried because we use comotomo, but the whole concept looks super easy! I also love the Lansinoh milk storage bags for a more affordable option. Both lay flat and are super easy to store in the freezer. A must have for any nursing mama! 🙂
Boppy
I LOVED my Boppy with Olivia! I took mine to the hospital and it really helped me learn to hold her while nursing when she was super small. As she got bigger it was also super helpful to help support her body while I nursed sitting in my rocker, on the couch, or in bed. They have really cute covers – this flamingo Boppy cover and love this navy floral Boppy cover at Walmart too! 🙂
Rocking Chair
I LOVE this rocking chair in the light color Ecru. We have this one in our bedroom and I rocked Olivia in it and nursed her in it for the first 6 months while she slept in our room. It’s super comfy, durable, and affordable! Love, love love!
Gas Drops
Gas drops are a MUST have for any new baby. We loved the Little Remedies Gas Drops and Little Remedies Gripe Water with Olivia. They’re not full of anything they need and help sensitive newborn tummies. I cannot recommend these enough!!! 🙂
Burp Cloths
I got so many cute and fun burp cloths with Olivia, and let me tell you – when it’s 3am you will wipe up baby spit-up with anything and you don’t need super-cute ones for at home haha. One of our family friends actually got me a pack of cloth diapers at my baby shower and said they made amazing burp cloths. They actually do and I am so happy that she shared that tip with me! These Gerber cloth diapers do the job great, are super affordable, and they’re easy to clean. They come in a 10 pack for under $10 – so you cannot beat the price! They’re great quality too! 🙂
Snacks!
Snacks are a MUST have for nursing mamas. All that nursing makes a girl hungry haha. My fave snacks are the Orgain pre-made chocolate protein shakes and anything with Oatmeal in it like these Chewy granola bars or instant oatmeal! This lactation cookie mix is wonderful (and yummy!!) too. 🙂
Pump
I used a couple of different pumps with Olivia, but nothing beats the tried and true Medela Pump in Style Advance! It works well, is easy to clean, and is easy to use.
Nursing Bra
I lived in sleeping nursing bras for the first 1-2 months after having Olivia. I was hot and they were so easy and comfy to sleep in. They’re also soooo easy to nurse in as they just slide over. I love the 2 packs – these 2 nursing sleep bras are adorable and these 2 nursing sleep bras are my faves too, and they’re all available at Walmart! 🙂
shop all of my nursing essentials at walmart
