Your Breastfeeding Essentials Checklist: What You'll Probably Need (and What Can Wait)
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Time to read 8 min
Table of content
Breastfeeding Checklist: What to rent and what to buy Essentials to Buy: Essentials to rent: What to Order Once Baby is Here What to wear when breastfeeding? Now let's talk breastfeeding in public Breastfeeding Support from Mums Who've Been There Breastfeeding Tips from a Lactation Consultant Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a new mum is a lot. Whether you plan to exclusively breastfeed, express, combination feed, or you’re still figuring it out, it's completely normal to wonder: What do I need for breastfeeding? The answer is: not as much as you might think.
In this guide, you’ll find:
What you actually need (and what can wait)
Newborn breastfeeding must-haves
Nursing tips from mums who’ve been there
Expert advice from the feeding pros
What to wear when breastfeeding - whether you like to rent or buy
Every feeding journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, understanding breastfeeding basics can make the early days a little smoother, more comfortable, and less overwhelming.
It’s also worth noting, sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. We’ve put together some lactation consultant tips to help with some troubleshooting - just know you can always switch it up if things don’t feel right.
Ready mama? We've got you.
Breastfeeding Checklist: What to rent and what to buy
Mothers have survived millennia with just a baby and some boobs, but we’re of the opinion that while the process of nursing is totally natural, a few modern comforts can go a long way. Here's the breastfeeding essentials we recommend:
Essentials to Buy:
A quality nursing bra
Natural nipple balm
Essentials to rent:
Keep the pieces you’ll wear again and again — like nursing bras — and borrow everything else. The best bit? When you rent from us, we’ll collect your items from your doorstep for free and the cleaning is on us too.
Easy throw-on breastfeeding shirts
Joyful dresses with nursing access
One-and-done breastfeeding outfits
Not sure about renting? It’s one of the easiest ways to try what you need for as long as you need it — without the full-price commitment. From pumps to stylish, feeding-friendly fashion, rental is a smart, flexible option for your fourth trimester. With us, rent what you need, return when you’re done. Borrow for 10 days, the month on a membership or buy gently rented for keeps.
What to Order Once Baby is Here
Breast pump if if you decide to express regularly or build a freezer stash
Extra nursing bras once your bra size has settled
One-and-done breastfeeding outfits
A joyful breastfeeding-friendly rental to help you feel like you
Unsure of what nursing bra you need? Our handy guide on when to buy a nursing bra and tips on styles is a good place to start.
What to wear when breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding is a commendable task, one that can really push mothers to the limits of their selflessness, and whether your journey is straightforward or a little more meandering, you deserve to feel as much like yourself as is possible.
Leggings and a milk-stained t-shirt are a fine way to clothe yourself in your fourth trimester, but if you want to feel a little more polished for a social gathering, a back-to-work Zoom call or those sanity-saving park walks, consider renting some quality clothes that suit your life and fit your body right now.
Nursing-friendly designs really can make a world of difference.
Opt for:
- Jumpsuits with one-handed nursing access
- Easy-to-undo shirts
- Button front dresses
- Tops with lift-up panels, or wrap styles
These thoughtful details save time, reduce stress, and help you feel more relaxed, whether you’re at home or feeding in public.
Not sure where to start? Here’s what one mum wore for a year of breastfeeding , plus our guide to what to wear to a wedding when breastfeeding — should you find yourself with an invite this season and nothing to wear.
"Wear clothes that allow easy access and that you don’t feel overexposed in, like a front opening shirt or a little top you can pull down on one side - something that isn’t fiddly or restrictive "
Now let's talk breastfeeding in public
Feeling hesitant? Unsure how to juggle a hangry baby, buttons and a packed café with very little elbow room, let alone space to whip a boob out? You’re not alone. The idea of breastfeeding in public can feel daunting, especially in those early weeks when you’re still learning how to latch, hold, and breathe all at the same time.
We asked Sarah Murray, an independent midwife, how to make things feel more manageable.
Her first piece of advice? Choose clothes that give you quick and easy access — a button-down shirt, a loose top you can pull down, or a wrap dress can make all the difference.
She also suggests finding somewhere that feels calm and welcoming for your first few outings. Somewhere like your local library, a quiet café, or even the baby section of a department store (shout out to John Lewis).
Practicing at home in your outfit and feeding position of choice can also help you feel more confident when you’re out and about.
Bringing someone with you for moral support helps, too. And try to feed before baby gets too hungry, to avoid that frantic feeling we all know too well.
Above all: remember it’s your legal right to feed your baby anywhere you’re allowed to be. You are doing something entirely natural, and with a little practice, it will feel that way too.
We asked our mums for their breastfeeding in public tips. Their replies were the pep up we needed.
From One Mother to Another: Breastfeeding Learnings from Those Who've Been There
Bridget March Sheikh, mother-of-three, Beauty Director and Consultant says…
My biggest learning: My third baby had tongue-tie and I wish it had been picked up earlier. Trust your instincts.
My must-haves: Nursing pads and electrolytes.
My nice-to-haves: milk collectors
Shannon Peter, mother-of-two, Content Editor, Freelance Beauty Editor, and Copywriter says…
My learning: I definitely wish I had asked for more support before I left the hospital–in the hospital, it’s free!
Must-haves: Haakaa milk collector, correct flange sizes and a giant water bottle.
My nice-to-have: UV steriliser.
Lastly, Essential Breastfeeding Tips from a Lactation Consultant
Sarah Oakley,Independent Nurse, IBCLC, and author of Why Tongue-Tie Matters, shares the signs that feeding is going well, along with the signs that support and help could be needed
Green flags
A deep, pain-free latch
Baby is sucking actively and you can hear swallowing
Frequent stools: black (days 1–2), green/brown (days 3–4), yellow (by day 5–6)
Wet nappies: one on day 1, two on day 2, and so on — at least six daily by day 6
Baby wakes to feed and is alert during feeds
Milk transitions around day 3–4
Weight loss by day 3 is under 7%, followed by gains of 20–30g daily from day 5–7
Red flags
Painful, damaged nipples from poor latch or baby not staying latched
Baby is very sleepy and needs waking for feeds
Baby falls asleep quickly at the breast with little or no swallowing
Dry nappies or very few wet ones
Stools stay black or green beyond day 4 and don’t turn yellow
No milk by day 3–4 (this may be delayed by birth complications like c-sections or blood loss — raise this with your health if you're concerned)
Weight loss of 8%+ by day 3 or little/no weight gain in the next week (your midwife and health team will weigh baby for you)
Where to get help
Ask your midwife, health visitor, a local feeding group or find a local IBCLC
"You are learning a new skill, so: practice, patience, persistence. Keep baby close, keep milk flowing and keep baby fed."
Frequently Asked Questions
Wen should I buy breastfeeding essentials?
There’s no correct time to stock up on breastfeeding essentials, some parents like to have a few newborn breastfeeding must-haves ready before their baby arrives, like nursing bras, breast pads, and a comfy feeding pillow. While others prefer to wait until after birth to see what they actually need. Either option is completely fine - you don’t need to have everything sorted from day one.
Do I need a breastfeeding pump straight away?
If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, feeding is going well and your baby is gaining weight, lactation consultant Sarah Oakley says it’s best to wait until your supply is established (four to six weeks) before you pump. However, if you’re looking to bottle feed your baby breastmilk, are struggling to breastfeed or your baby isn’t gaining the expected weight, getting a pump from the jump might be wise. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to wait and see how feeding goes, or even rent a pump later if needed
What if breastfeeding hurts?
It’s common to experience some discomfort in the first days, but breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful long-term. Pain can be a sign of latch issues, positioning problems, or tongue tie - all things that can usually be helped. Please know you’re not failing if it’s hard. Reach out to your midwife or a lactation consultant early; support can make a huge difference.
Can I breastfeed in public in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. In the UK, it’s your legal right to breastfeed in public anywhere your baby is allowed.
What clothes are best for breastfeeding?
Nursing-friendly clothing like wrap tops, button-down shirts, or shirred dresses make feeding access easier. Renting clothing is a brilliant way to try out different styles without filling your wardrobe or breaking the bank. Try our breastfeeding friendly outfits for 10 days, the month or longer. We supply the wardrobe, you decide how long to keep it.
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