15 Nursing and Breastfeeding Essentials According to Reviewers
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Nursing a newborn presents its own set on challenges. For both parents and babies, nursing and breastfeeding doesn’t always come as easily as you might think.
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Because there’s no one-size-fits-all experience for every baby, it’s common to experience some bumps in the road when navigating your nursing or breastfeeding journey. Pumping can be time and labor intensive. Some run into problems like a poor latch, engorgement, and mastitis. It can also be a difficult decision to decide your mix or primary preference for supplementing with or utilizing formula entirely. Whether it’s breast milk or formula — the best nursing products can help make breastfeeding a little easier for you and for baby.
No matter how meticulously a baby registry has been curated, you may come to realize that nursing requires addressing more than just your ta-tas. Luckily, there plenty of products on the market that help streamline the nursing and breastfeeding process to make it less of a pain. Whether you’re buying your first round of feeding supplies, or need to restock your go-to essentials, these nursing parent-approved picks will ship to your door faster than you can say “prep another bottle, please”.
In This Article
What Are the Best Nursing Products?
How We Make Our Top Nursing Gear Selections
What Are the Best Nursing Products?
From non-clinical breast pumps, to soothing nipple cream and the comfiest nursing pillows around, we’ve rounded up the best nursing and breastfeeding gear to add to your registry or gift to an expectant parent you know. We chose our picks based on products with 4.0+-star user reviews, prioritizing cult-loved products from well-regarded parents and parenting resources. Now let’s get shopping!
1. Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump
This reliable, hospital-strength electric pump from Spectra is a favorite of nursing parents and lactation consultants everywhere — and for good reason. Because of it’s smooth, strong suction, it’s productive enough for single or double pumping sessions, even though it weighs just 3 pounds. The S2 Plus is also ultra-quiet for that maximum privacy factor, and reviews say it’s even more silent than the comparably popular Medela pump. The best part? As a true closed system, you can even pass this machine on to other lactating folks in need after your own baby has weaned off breast milk.
$144.96
Promising Parent Feedback: “This is hands down the best pump available these days. I’ve used it regularly along with the PISA and this Spectra pump is the BEST. So quiet, I get much better output with this compared to the Medela. It’s got an automatic timer and light which are great!” —Robin
2. Elvie Curve Wearable Breast Pump
Making pumping truly hands-free with Elvie’s manual pump, one of the smallest, lightest wearable breast pumps we’ve seen. Not only does this silicone model curve to fit inside your bra so you won’t be tethered to a wall or stuck cleaning tubes, but all you have to do is simply press on the silicone pouch to get pure, natural pressure. Whenever breasts your feel full, let Elvie take care of “let-down” breast milk leaks and relieve engorgement.
$36.99 $39.99 8% off
Promising Parent Feedback: “The Elvie Curve is a fantastic design. I like that I can adjust the suction pressure to meet my needs just by pressing the center or the top of the silicone. I have been able to go out in public wearing these and collect milk for my baby easily. I do not feel like it is noticeable under my everyday clothes either. Very great design and I bought a second one to wear on each breast. Love!” —Caity Townsend
3. Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths
One thing you can never have enough of when you’re nursing is burp cloths, and these Muslin Burp Cloths made from Green Sprouts are the underrated workhorses of the breastfeeding world. Made from soft, organic cotton, they’re safe for your baby’s skin, while four absorbent layers can stand up to sniffles, drips, drools, and more. The hourglass shape also provides more coverage and a more convenient shape than rectangle-shaped cloth.
$26.99
Promising Parent Feedback: “The best! We have like 20 of these and we LOVE them! We’ve tried other burp cloths for our little guy and these last the longest! They absorb so much more than the others and are super soft.” —Brianna
4. Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
It’s more of a “nice-to-have” than a “necessity”, but if you’re looking for an extra bit of comfort while breastfeeding, plenty of parents willing to slide this relatively inexpensive glider into their nursery. Sit back and nurse or pump comfortably in the plush seat with padded arm cushions, and keep any nursing essentials like extra bottles or wipes stored in the armchair’s pockets. The enclosed metal ball bearings also make for a super smooth gliding motion so you can gently rock you and your little one to relaxation.
$159.99 $229.99 30% off
Promising Parent Feedback: “The Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman have been a wonderful addition to our nursery. The comfort level is exceptional, with plush cushioning that is perfect for those long nights rocking the baby to sleep. The gliding motion is smooth and soothing, both for me and my little one.” —Nyfranco
5. Skip Hop Baby Bottle Bag
This breastmilk cooler and bottle bag is clutch for busy working parents or for excursions with baby. Skip Hop’s insulated bag keeps two bottles warm or cold, and importantly, comes with an included freezer pack. You won’t have any problem grabbing a bottle with a squirming baby in your are, since the easy-open adjustable strap can attach to a stroller. With an insulated interior, it’s also great for keeping sippy cups and snacks chilled for hours.
$34.00
Promising Parent Feedback: “Perfect little cooler for keeping pumped milk cold when I’m away from the house. Ice pack stayed frozen inside of this cooler even when the cooler was sitting in a hot car for over an hour. Able to easily fit two bottles and several bags of milk — could likely fit more than two bottles, I’ve just never needed to.” —Joseph MacQuarrie
6. My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow
While plenty of nursing pillows look extra plush and comfy, certain crescent-shaped pillows can actually make it more tempting for the baby to fall asleep and potentially obstruct their airways. My Brest Friend Deluxe solves this problem with an ergonomic, wrap-around design that not only props baby up to reach the nipple more comfortably, but helps them stay in place (a win-win!). We also love the extra soft slipcover with a convenient pocket, so you can whip out a burp cloth or take a hydrating water bottle sip at a moment’s notice.
$49.99 $52.95 6% off
Promising Parent Feedback: “The enhanced posture support is a game-changer, providing optimal comfort for both me and my baby. The firm design of the pillow offers fantastic support, reducing the strain on my back and shoulders during feeding sessions. I appreciate the versatility, as it’s not only great for breastfeeding but also perfect for bottle feeding, providing a stable and cozy platform for my baby.” —Luxe
7. Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Starter Kit
Transferring expressed milk into bags for freezing and storage and then back into a bottle for feeding can be messy and inconvenient. Kiinde’s Breast Milk Storage Twist Starter Kit is one of the best ways to streamline the entire breastfeeding process — like a universal adapter for pumping, you can express milk directly into the pouches and then either put the bags in the freezer for later, or put them into one of the feeding-bottle holders and give it to your baby like that. The pump and nipple adapters fit every major pump brand, and there’s no risk of spills or extra dirty bottles to wash.
$41.99
Promising Parent Feedback: “First of all, if you are a breastfeeding mama, you will thank your lucky stars the day you found Kiinde (apparently pronounced “kind”). This whole system avoids milk transfers, as you pump directly into freezer bags, and when using them, feed directly from the freezer bags using the Kiinde nipple (IBCLC approved, even for my babe who had tongue tie!) or use a provided adapter to use the nipple of your choice.” —Wrong_way23
8. Copper Pearl Baby Nursing Cover
Even though nursing in public is legal, if you’re still a bit uncomfortable breastfeeding in public, Copper Pearl’s Baby Nursing Cover is the perfect discreet solution. There’s plenty of coverage, and it’s easy to see and access your baby while nursing. But the real reason you should get this cover is for its versatility, as the stretchy fabric helps work double-duty as a baby car seat cover, shopping cart cover, high chair cover — heck, you can even wear it as an infinity scarf!
$26.95
Promising Parent Feedback: “I bought this cover for my sister and her 6-week-old baby. It is so easy to use. Just stretches over the carseat, and has a hole in the top to peek at baby. My sister also uses it as a nursing cover and will likely use it as a grocery cart cover when the baby is old enough to sit in the seat. It’s super lightweight, but durable. The print is very subtle and gender neutral.” —The Ever Hopeful Gardener
9. Frida Mom 2-in-1 Lactation Massager
Sometimes you just need a little help to keep things moving, and for clogged ducts, Frida Mom’s 2-in-1 Lactation Massager should be your go-to nursing companion. This pocket-sized portable device uses gentle heat and vibration to stimulate let-down for full breasts. The curved and contoured shape means it can fit above the pump or inside your nursing bra for comfortable, totally hands-free support.
$33.49 $35.99 7% off
Promising Parent Feedback: “I’m currently five weeks postpartum, and can’t breastfeed as baby can’t latch to my breasts. Was heartbreaking for me, as this is my first baby and could only pump. As a result, my milk production was practically drying up, bringing me to tears. Bought this and after only one session I was back to needing nursing pads again and saw an increase in milk. I recommend this to anyone else in the same position as myself.” —Arlex H.
10. Medela Quick Clean Wipes
There are plenty of great sprays and cleaning products you can use to clean your breast pump and accessories, but nothing wipes down the pump parts fast and gets all the sticky milk off of them like Medela’s Quick Clean Wipes. Practical and efficient, you won’t need soap and water to swipe clean everything you need to feed your baby on the go. Keep a pack of these unscented, alcohol-free wipes in your pump bag or in your car for added convenience.
$8.99 $9.69 7% off
Promising Parent Feedback: “I’m a BIG FAN of these wipes! I often pump on the go or at work. It’s a little hard to find a sink, faucet, soap, and drying rack in my car, so these wipes are a godsend. These wipes save clean-up time, because I don’t have to go searching for a place to clean the pump and I don’t have to wait forever for all the parts to air dry. My baby has never had any tummy troubles from the cleaning agents coming in contact with the pump, and I’ve never seen any indication that my pump isn’t clean, so I’m assuming these wipes are doing a great job at doing their job!” —MegW
11. Motherlove Nipple Cream
You want the best for your baby’s sensitive skin — but the best for your skin is Motherlove’s Organic Nipple Cream. Pumping parents will love that this natural nipple rash cream is made with everything you want and nothing you don’t. With clean, antibacterial ingredients like marshmallow root, calendula flower, beeswax, and shea butter, it’ll help sore cracked nipples fast. The best part? The balm is lanolin- and petroleum-free, which means it doubles as an excellent diaper rash ointment.
$15.99
Promising Parent Feedback: “I have been having a terrible time with nipple pain. I am an exclusively breastfeeding mother and sometimes, frankly, it hurts. I have tried many other creams/salves/oils and nothing has seemed to work to dull the pain. Though I have only recently started using this product I can already see that the pain is decreasing. The salve is very soft and soothing. When I put this on I do not have to press hard to rub it in, and immediately after application I feel relieved.” —Allee M.
12. Bamboobies Reusable Nursing Pads
If you find your bra and shirts suddenly damp from leaks all the time, enter Bamboodies Reusable Nursing Pads. These washable nursing pads slip right into your bra and are designed with super-soft velour made from renewable bamboo. They’re comfortable and effective enough for all-day wear, so you can protect your clothes from any unwanted stains with a leak-proof liner.
$11.99
Promising Parent Feedback: “I have tried many brands of reusable breast pads and Bamboobies are by far the best. Believe me, I have experience, as I nursed my first child for nearly two years and now have a newborn. Bamboobies are so thin that they are invisible under clothing, the first I’ve found that don’t leave the tell tale circles that scream BREAST PAD! They absorb the milk, yet you don’t FEEL wet or even cold…my clothes are finally able to stay dry overnight even after 9-10 hour stretches between nursings.” —Tonya
13. Philips Avent Glass Natural Baby Bottles
Whether you’re exclusively pumping, or just want to a prep a travel bottle, spring for Philips Avent Natural Glass Bottles. The nipple lets the baby control the pace of the milk like they do when breastfeeding, so it’ll only release when they take a sip. The no-drip design and anti-colic valve will give you some peace of mind, and you’ll also feel better knowing the bottles won’t be a burden on landfills, either.
$39.95 $39.99
14. Cake Maternity Cotton Candy Wirefree Nursing Bra
Seamless nursing bras tend to be the most comfortable options, but also some of the least structured. This Cake Maternity Cotton Candy nursing bra is the best of both worlds, able to accommodate size fluctuation and engorgement in the first few weeks of nursing, while still keeping you from spilling out of them. The high tensile NILIT yarn (basically higher spandex content) makes it super resistant to stretching out, and it’ll hold its shape during frequent feedings. You’ll get maximum support possible though from the full racerback and underwire-shaped knit panels, especially if you’ve got a larger bust.
$54.00
Promising Parent Feedback: “Very stretchy and comfortable bra in a sports bra athletic type material. Lightweight, breathable, and supportive but not restrictive. I wear this bra to sleep and around the house when I need some support but quick access for nursing. I have washed it dozens of times already and it holds up great to laundering without stretching out. 10/10.” —CJC
15. Bodily Always-On Nursing Tank
The last think you want is to feel super restricted up top when you’re nursing, and this extra soft and stretchy tank from Bodily is comfortable enough to nurse in and catch up on some Zzz’s. Designed with a lactation consultant for 24/7 wear, one-handed side clips let you nurse from one side while keeping the other firmly in place. We also just love how chic and “unmatronly” the design looks, with a modern square neckline and built-in bra that means you can toss it on and wear it out the door, or just lounge on the couch with baby and breastfeed.
$58
Promising Parent Feedback: “Truly always on. I love this tank to much that I bought a second. This is the PERFECT tank to sleep in. You can easily unclamp to feed, even when half-asleep. It just makes feeding time less of a hassle. Plus it’s buttery soft and so incredibly comfortable!” —Laura G.
How We Make Our Top Nursing Gear Selections
We take care in choosing the products we present to our readers. While we review descriptions to showcase modern selections with utility, we also rely on promising customer feedback or first-hand experience with the products and brands. The result is a carefully considered shopping list with you in mind. Customer reviews have been edited for length and clarity.
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