First Comes Family

Family and Lifestyle Blog

Newborn Life

Breastfeeding Must Haves For New Moms

by 2 Comments

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Whether this is your first time or fifth time nursing, there are things you MUST have! Todays breastfeeding must haves are constantly evolving with our ever changing world. Something you may have used with last baby may have been updated by now. There are so many nifty things to make your breastfeeding journey easier, thank goodness (as if the physical and emotional toll wasn’t enough).

As for me, I am a first time nursing mama! No one in my family had ever breastfed, so I really only had a few friends to ask for advice. I can’t tell you how many times I looked on Pinterest at other mama’s nursing lists! So I decided to gather my necessary items I’ve been using this far.

  • Medela Milk Storage Bags– These are the best ones! They hold up to 6 ounces of milk. No ripping or tearing when freezing. The measurements of ounces is accurate! Totally worth a few extra dollars.
  • Earth Mama Nipple Butter– It’s made with all organic herbs like olive oil, beeswax, and calendula. It goes on easy when your nipples are cracked and dry (because it will happen). It’s also safe for baby so you don’t have to wipe it off before feeding. Oh and you can use this anywhere like lips, hands, feet! I even used on some dry skin Vivi had as a newborn.
  • Nursing Bra– I love the soft ones because you need to sleep in these! If you don’t sleep in a bra and breast pads, then you will wake up in a pool of milk. Not fun! These are extra soft and such a good price. Size up, they’re not supposed to be tight.
  • Breast Pads- I love the Lansinoh Stay Dry Breast Pads because they literally soak up a nights worth of milk without leaving me feeling like I have wet boobs. I keep these all of my house and even in my car! Nothing worse than leaking through a shirt in public!
  • Haakaa– Instead of letting all of your letdown milk drip into a breast pad while feeding on the other boob, this thing catches it! It’s a miracle. Depending on how much letdown you produce, you may not ever have to use a pump. I collect 6 ounces a day just from putting it on when I feed!
  • Water Bottle– You are going to be SO thirsty from nursing. Having a big water bottle by your side at all times will make it so much easier to get your water in. I recommend drinking at least 16 ounces per feeding!

Hope this makes your breastfeeding journey a bit easier 🙂

What to Pack when Traveling with a Baby

by Leave a Comment

How To Pack When Traveling With A Baby

Growing up, we didn’t do much traveling. Truthfully, I didn’t really start to travel until I was 16. Something Lee and I keep telling ourselves is that we want to show our children the world, regardless of their age. So with that, you have to make sure you have everything they need when traveling. As adults, you can get by with filling up a backpack with a toothbrush and change of clothes. With children, you have to make sure you have multiple outfits (in case one gets dirty), items incase they get sick, etc. The list goes on and on.

Since we went on our first vacation with our 2 month old recently, I wanted to share our packing list with you. We kept it pretty minimal (in my opinion, but definitely not in my husband’s LOL). Always assess where you will be visiting as different items will be needed for your little one.

  • Outfit for everyday
  • Onesie for everyday – as an extra, you never know when a blowout will happen!
  • Sleepers/Pajamas for every night
  • Sunhat – Especially if a beach vacation!
  • Sunscreen – Necessary if spending a lot of time outdoors
  • Diaper Cream – Would be worse if you didn’t!
  • Diapers – OBVIOUSLY, we purchased them when we got to our destination to save room in luggage! But if not, pack enough for 10 a day, it’s okay to have extra!
  • Wipes – 1 pack per week is a good rule of thumb.
  • Baby Body Wash
  • Thermometer – Fevers can happen anytime, especially if flying.. germs will be leaking everywhere!
  • Tylenol – Again, fevers can happen any time.
  • Nail Clippers – I always keep these in the diaper bag, sometimes it seems like their nails grow overnight.
  • Swaddle – We swear by swaddling at bed time!
  • 2 Blankets – For tummy time, hanging out on, etc.
  • Dockatot/SnuggleMe– We use the SnuggleMe and just put it right in the bed with us! Then we didn’t have to carry around a pack n play.
  • Pack N’ Play – If you don’t prefer co-sleepers. These can also be used for play time when on the beach or patio.
  • Pacifiers – Our LO doesn’t use these, but if yours does… pack extra!
  • Bottles – If bottle-fed, this is a no brainer, but pack extra!
  • Haakaa – For breastfeeding mamas, still need to collect that letdown milk!
  • Breastmilk Storage Bags – For my BF mamas.
  • Toys– Since they’re still little, rattle and a ball should keep them entertained.
  • Hand Sanitizer – Because there are germs EVERYWHERE!

You can find my travel faves on Amazon here:

What else do you pack for your little one when traveling?

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!