The majority of new parents plan to breastfeed once their baby comes along. It’s cheaper, after all, than buying hundreds of formula tubs or the ready-made stuff!

What with all the money you’ve already spent on the nursery and trips back and forth to the doctor, breastfeeding just makes the most sense. Not to mention how you just can’t stop yourself from buying a cute babygrow whenever you see one! 

The age old phrase of ‘breast is best’ still has some truth to it in the modern era. For example, you can pass on antibodies to your babies that’ll help to protect them against disease early on.

Breastfeeding also helps you to bond with your baby during these frequent periods of skin-to-skin contact. For these reasons, many parents make the decision to breastfeed for as long as possible. 

Getting the knack of breastfeeding can be a challenge for first time parents, and there are some really cool breastfeeding products out there to help you in many ways.

Breastfeeding for the first time

No one gets breastfeeding right straight away. Whilst it may seem natural to be able to feed your baby straight from the breast, it’s really something you have to learn as you go. 

You’ll need to find a position that’s right for you, learn how to line up your baby’s little mouth with your nipple, get used to the frequency of feeds, and learn how to burp your baby after feeding.

After you’ve had your baby, the attending nurse or midwife will be able to show you how to get your baby to ‘latch on’. After that you can also join a breastfeeding group online or in your local area, use various accessories to alleviate the strain, and there are plenty of advice helplines to call too.  

Is breast best? It’s entirely up to you! 

Breastfeeding has to be right for the both of you. Your happiness is your little baby’s happiness too. There’s no pressure on you to do it if you don’t want to, or to continue doing it if it doesn’t feel right or is sore.

Breastfeeding however does have a whole host of health benefits. But there are also many reasons why a new parent may choose to non-exclusively breastfeed. 

Sometimes a new mother simply can’t produce enough milk to feed her baby with. In other cases, the pressure of feeling like you have to breastfeed ruins the experience entirely. Quite a few new mothers can’t get enough rest when they’re solely breastfeeding, and her own health needs have to come first. 

In truth, the fact that your baby gets fed is the only thing that matters here. Even if you plan to breastfeed, there’s no harm in using bottles and formula if need be. So for all the soon-to-be parents out there, here’s a quick note: it’s entirely up to you how you feed your baby! 

But if you do want to breastfeed, and the experience of doing so is important to you, the worry and pressure around breastfeeding doesn’t have to hold you back. After all, there are plenty of accessories on the market that can help you to do so successfully.

The best breastfeeding accessories on the market

We’ve found 50 of the most wished for breastfeeding products bought and enjoyed by new parents just like you. And for your convenience, we’ve separated them out into 5 different categories: 

• Breast Pumps
• Breastfeeding Pillows
• Breastmilk Containers
• Nipple Creams
• Nursing Covers
• Nursing Pads and Nipple Protectors

We’ll go through a few features of each item on the list, including their ease of use and how beneficial they are for breastfeeding parents. 

All of the products below are well reviewed and we personally love the look and feel of each one. Each product can be found and purchased via Amazon – shopping online is so much more convenient when you’re pregnant and could drop at any moment! 

Here are the top 50 most wished for breastfeeding products for new mums:

Breast Pumps

From time to time you’ll need to express your breast milk without directly feeding it to your baby. In doing so, you can store breast milk for later, which can give your nipples a break and help to keep a good supply of milk going. 

And whilst you can do this by hand, it’s much easier to do so with a breast pump. It’s less strenuous and takes far less time. As such, we’ve included both manual and electric pumps; many parents tend to prefer one over the other. 

Momcozy Breast Pump

Great for any and all breastfeeding parents, this electric pump can be charged up, used hands free, and set to a mode that imitates your baby’s feeding style. As such, it can help keep the supply of milk up even when baby is being fussy! 

You can use this pump for about 70 to 80 minutes – usually that’s about 4 separate expressions. Have a go with each pumping level to find the most comfortable and effective one for you – expressing milk takes a bit of practice too! 

Haakaa Manual Breast Pumps – OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION

The Haakaa is one of our top picks, especially for first time parents.

A manual breast pump that’s incredibly easy to use. All you need to do is squeeze the Haakaa, position it over your nipple and then slowly let go so the air makes the Haakaa sticks/grips onto your breast. This pressure then stimulates the nipple and starts to draw the milk out and drip into the bottom of the Haakaa.

Thanks to its silent use, you can also easily use it on one breast whilst your baby nurses at the other. 

Made out of silicone, this is a soft pump that feels comfortable against your skin. And the silicone is food-grade standard, so you won’t have to worry about your baby consuming any chemicals off it. 

Of course, when you first start out you may need to squeeze a few times to encourage expression, but you’ll get used to the feeling after that. 

Take a look at these on Amazon.

Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump – Highly recommend

We used this brand ‘Madela‘ quite a few times in hospital. It’s a trusted brand for sure.

A manual and portable breast pump, this is a good product for when you’re on the go constantly. If you’re planning to travel or you’ll need to return to work soon after your baby is born, this is a good pump option to have on hand.

Even though this pump is manual by nature, there’s more than one pumping style you can use. The handle has been designed with both a short and long side, for both fast and slow flows. It’s very comfortable to use! 

This pump is also incredibly lightweight, so it won’t be hard to store in bags or a suitcase. 

Bellababy Portable Dual Breast Pump

Quiet and long lasting, the Bellababy dual pumps are great for mothers who struggle with breastfeeding. The suction cups fitted with these models are snug fitting and soft to the touch, with 4 different sucking modes for ultimate comfort. 

These two breast pumps can be charged at the same time, and even used on both breasts in tandem if need be. If you’re in a heavy flow phase, this is a great product for capitalising on the amount of milk you’re producing.

Similarly, you can charge these pumps via a USB cable, meaning you can keep them going in the car if you’re out and about as well. 

However be careful when sterilising these pumps, as the clips holding the base and top together contain metal. 

Medela Women’s Easy Expression Bustier

When Medela says ‘easy expression’, they mean it! When you put this bustier on, you can instantly get back to whatever else you’re doing and let the bra do all the pumping work for you. No chance of hand cramp with this fit! 

The bustier itself is made to fit your body, meaning no matter what way you need to twist and turn, it’ll stay in place and keep pumping.

So if you’ve already got a Medela breast pump or two, you can double pump to your heart’s content whilst wearing this. 

Elvie Wearable Breast Pump

The higher price point on this electric pump is all thanks to the precision and control you’ll have over your milk supply. Not only can you choose various different sucking modes, but you can also keep track of just how much milk is coming out into the pump. That’s great for parents worried about their baby’s weight gain. 

Plus you won’t have to plug in or wire up – simply fit it over your nipple, pop a bra on over the top, and get going. Download the app to your phone and you’ll be able to see not only how much milk you’re producing right now, but how much you produce on average too. That’s great information for your visiting midwife to know too! 

Tommee Tippee Manual Breast Pump

Tommee Tippee is a big brand in the babycare world, and they’ve made a nifty little product with this manual breast pump. Easy to use, thanks to the small and slim size, this pump is specialised for mothers to use without feeling long term strain in their hands. 

It’s a classic breast pump, and it’ll be a great fit for first time parents looking to express on a regular basis. 

Spectra S1 Plus Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump

Another highly priced unit, the hospital grade nature of this pump is clear from the off. Ergonomic design, automated and easy pumping, as well as a clear display that stays quiet for baby – this is an incredibly safe, clean, and sterile pump. 

The Spectra S1 also comes with a fitted night light, so you can easily pump in the middle of the night when your prolactin hormone is at an all time high. We love that little bit of extra thought that makes breastfeeding easier. 

Medela Swing Maxi Flex Double Electric Breast Pump

According to Medela, these pumps average around 18% extra milk in half the time. The breast shields included with the pumps are also angled slightly differently to others on the market. This means they’re easier to use against all breast shapes and types, especially if you’re experiencing tenderness. 

We do find that these pumps are slightly bigger than usual, so may not be as portable as similar products. However, they work fast and fit well. And if you’re worried about the price, it works out cheaper to buy the double pack than the single – you can save around £20 – £30. 

Breastfeeding Pillows

Every breastfeeding parent needs to find the position that works for them and their baby. To help with that, specially designed breastfeeding pillows can provide support and elevation where you most need it. 

Niimo Nursing Pillow

Holding up a baby whilst breastfeeding can tire out your muscles, especially if your baby is older than a few months. If that’s a worry, this particular nursing pillow is great for allowing you to stay relaxed as your baby feeds. 

It’s great at alleviating pressure around the chest and abdomen, for both you and your bundle of joy. As such, you can also use it for cuddles and play times once your baby gets to the right age! 

Niimo Pregnancy Pillow – a bestseller!

So good that your partner will be stealing it to snuggle with in bed!

Another in the Niimo brand, this pillow is designed for the later stages of pregnancy through breastfeeding after birth. 

It can help you to get more fitful sleep and then later nurse without needing to overstretch your back. Honestly it could be your new best friend with how plush it is! 

Breast Feeding Maternity Nursing Pillow

An award winning nursing pillow, this product has a surprising amount of support for something so soft to the touch. 

A great budget pillow, you can support yourself during both pregnancy and breastfeeding with this one item. Sleep, lounge, and nurse with just that little bit extra comfort. 

Koala Babycare Pregnancy and Nursing Pillow

Considerably larger than the other products on this list, you can essentially spoon this pillow to your heart’s content! It’s made to be full body and useful for both cuddling and lounging. 

Once baby comes along, you can use it to keep you propped up and close as you navigate breastfeeding. You can wrap it around your whole body whilst your infant comfortably lays on it. We love how ideal that makes this pillow for all body shapes and sizes. 

Chicco Boppy Nursing Pillow

This nursing pillow is another great ergonomic fit. Plus it’s cute to look at and will provide plenty of laughs for your baby as they get a bit older. 

In fact it’s made to grow with your infant, from breastfeeding to learning to roll over and even walk. That’s always a bonus in our book! 

DreamGenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow

The shape of this pillow is very unique. It can curve around your back and provide cushioned support, but has a tail for the baby to rest on to keep off your abdomen. 

That makes it great for any number of childcare activities like cuddling, reading, and of course breastfeeding. And it’s award winning so a large number of new mums have loved using it in the past! 

Hippychick Nursing Pillow

Soft and plush and a little heavier than other pillows of its kind, the Hippychick nursing pillow is a great unit. It provides a lot of support for your baby as they are fed or cuddled. 

The beans it’s stuffed with are incredibly easy to manoeuvre into the right position. It’s also just lovely to look at; the grey animal print design is both cute and subtle! 

Breastmilk Containers

Once you’ve expressed breast milk for use later, you need to store it in properly sterilised, food safe containers. Breastmilk storage bags and cups are made to eliminate bacterial growth and keep your milk fresh for longer. 

Any breast milk you store should be kept in small quantities, as it’s easy for your baby to drink far less than you’ve expressed!

Be sure you note down the date on a container as well; refrigerated milk can be kept for a week whilst frozen milk can be kept for up to 6 months. 

Medela Set of 180 ml Breast Milk Storage Bags

These bags are incredibly easy to empty milk into and then seal. I used a lot of these bags, putting them in the fridge and even stocking them up in the freezer.

Specially designed to prevent leaks, you can then store them in any manner you like. The 180 mil capacity means you won’t express too much at a time, leading to far less wastage in the long run.

Lansinoh Breast Milk Storage Bags

These storage bags are award winning and it’s easy to see why. 

Most of all they’re expandable, allowing for greater storage at half the price. They’re also fitted with a double seal, meaning no milk is getting out on its own!

Tommee Tippee Breast Milk Storage Bags

Well sterilised and baby food safe, you can express and go with these attachable bags. 

You also get a little more bang for your buck with one of these boxes. 36 bags are contained in each set, which is around 10 more than you’d find in similarly priced, competing boxes. 

Pre-sterilised just like all the other bags on this list, there’s one thing we love about this set in particular: 

These bags are fitted with a spout, making them a lot easier to get the milk back out without making a mess. That’s a great bit of ergonomic thinking that we’re incredibly thankful for!

Lictin Breast Shells

These silicone shells can be used to collect breast milk which is then easily poured into the accompanying bag. That makes them good for use when you’re expressing naturally (the let down effect), without adding a pump that could make any sensitivity issues worse. 

Mama Bear Breast Milk Storage Bags

An Amazon brand, these bags are incredibly cheap but still well fit for purpose. The purple colouring also makes them a lot easier to spot in a dark kitchen at 3 in the morning! 

Breastmilk Bottles 6pc Set with Leak Proof Lids by Max Strength Pro

Bottles instead of bags this time! As such, these are the only reusable storage containers on this list. Express into, use, then wash out and sterilise for next time. You can even put them in the dishwasher! 

Nanobébé 50 Breastmilk Storage Bags

The flat design of these bags means they’re much more effective at being frozen. The milk freezes evenly and then thaws out in half the time. If you’ve got a lot of milk to store, these will be a great choice for long term (up to 6 months) use. 

Nipple Creams

The first worry when breastfeeding is usually, ‘will my baby latch?’.

Then when you’ve got that down, you’ll worry about how sore breastfeeding may be on your nipples.

For the first couple weeks it’s totally normal to feel sensitive whenever your baby latches on – you’re still getting used to feeding! 

But if it becomes painful for any reason, talk to a healthcare provider. Your baby may not be latching properly, which can be dangerous for their health as well. 

Pain can also be a sign that your nipples have become cracked and irritated from the chafing that can occur during feeding. Nipple creams are great for reducing the overall soreness and preventing issues like thrush from setting in whilst you continue to breastfeed. 

Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Nipple Cream

One of the biggest bestsellers on this list, this is a lanolin cream that’s very popular with new mums. However, if you’re sensitive towards lanolin, you can find free alternatives elsewhere on the market. 

You can use this cream at any time during the breastfeeding process as it’s hypoallergenic, meaning baby can still feed as you soothe. It’s easy to apply and is great for reducing pain overall. 

Medela Purelan 37g Lanolin Nipple Cream

Another lanolin cream, Purelan works fast to relieve soreness, pain, and even itching from dry and/or cracked nipples. 

Once again this cream is fine for babies to come into contact with. Use it whenever you need to! 

Weleda Nipple Balm

The Weleda balm is great for relieving soreness in a variety of places, but works great on nipples as well. The formula itself was developed by midwives, so you can be sure you’re in good hands with this product. Contains lanolin. 

My Expert Midwife No Harm Nipple Balm

A good soothing balm, this product is made to moisturise as it heals. As such, it helps to prevent nipples from cracking any further as you continue to breastfeed. The lanolin formula is mixed with coconut, meaning it smells great too! 

Lansinoh Organic Nipple Balm – TOP RATED ON AMAZON

A non-lanolin cream, this organic balm is made of entirely natural ingredients that are good for you and your baby. Easy to apply, the balm itself warms up easily which makes it a lot smoother and comfortable during application. 

A LOT of mums on Amazon say it’s better than using nipple cream. Definitely a must-try!

Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter

Made primarily of calendula, this cream is great for eco-conscious parents. If you want a moisturising cream all round, this is a great fit for both your nipples and other patches of skin. 

Nursing Covers

Look, let’s be upfront here – no mother should feel embarrassed or ashamed about breastfeeding in public. Firstly, it’s legal, so you don’t need to worry about breaking any laws here.

Secondly, if there was ever the occasions where you manage to make others feel uncomfortable about feeding your child from your breast, then that’s their issue and they can choose to leave. YOU however do not leave or cover up if you do not want to.

*And breathe*. Never feel ashamed and never feel embarrassed. Feel empowered! 🙂

Anywho, if it’s a case that you don’t feel comfortable and you would prefer to keep yourself covered, then these nursing covers are a good option for you.

Breastfeeding when out and about can sometimes be uncomfortable and even somewhat embarrassing. But if you’re in a public area, it’s legal to breastfeed no matter where you are or who else is around. 

It’s also perfectly natural to feed your child when they’re hungry. You’d carry snacks and/or a lunch box around for older children and the exact same principle applies here! 

However, many parents also like to use nursing covers to maintain some privacy during a feed. Something that can cover you as your baby nurses can help you to gain confidence for public breastfeeding. 

BebeChic Breastfeeding Covers

With a 42 inch width, this cover is genuinely huge! It’ll cover up the entirety of your torso as you breastfeed and help you take comfort in a private moment whilst you’re out and about. 

You can easily hang it around the back of your neck to ensure you’re hands free for baby at all times. This product is also available in a wide range of different patterns and colours, so BebeChic will probably have just the right nursing cover for you.

Boerni Large Nursing Cover

Long and soft to the touch, you won’t have an issue using this nursing cover, particularly around your neck. Some neck straps can get a bit too rigid in our experience, but this Boerni made version avoids this pitfall. 

This cover will even get softer the more you use it. It’s made out of 100% cotton so it’s incredibly breathable for those warmer days and takes a wash no problem. 

Breastfeeding Cover Up Nursing Cover

This is an incredibly durable nursing cover. It’s easy to adjust and has a long neck strap, so you won’t have to move too much during feeding to maintain eye contact with your baby. 

Most covers come with a small pocket sewn in, but the pocket on this product is slightly larger and more convenient to use. It’s a heavy duty cover and that’s why we like it. 

Auranso Breastfeeding Cover

Big and comfortable, you’ll love using this Auranso cover thanks to its soft and minimalist design. It’s good for allowing air flow right through the passage created when in use, so baby won’t get too hot during breastfeeding. 

This cover is great for keeping your baby clean during feeding as well. It’s easy for milk to spill when a baby doesn’t latch quite correctly but this scarf has towel edges sewn in. You can stay covered whilst mopping up. 

Breastfeeding Cover Up with Adjustable Strap

This is a frankly huge nursing cover, and could very well be wrapped entirely around your body for the ultimate private feeding moment!

We love the design of this particular cover-up; a ‘damask’ patterning makes it a little more stylish than the other products on this list. 

Breast Pads and Protectors

Wearing breast pads or protectors are other good ways to protect your nipples (and your clothing!) before and after breastfeeding. Not only do these products prevent further chafing when you’re not feeding, but they can also be soothing against the soreness you might feel. 

If you’re worried about experiencing leaks, it’s these protectors that’ll wick the flow away and prevent extensive washing and potentially embarrassing moments! 

Lansinoh Laboratories Inc. UK Disposable Nursing Breast Pads – TOP RATED PRODUCT ON AMAZON

Another great Lansinoh Lab product, these nursing pads are made to be leak proof no matter what you’re dealing with. They can hold around 20 times their own weight, so you won’t necessarily have to change them as often as other pads of this kind. However, be sure to change every 4 hours to prevent infection. 

The adhesive in these pads is second to none. Once you put them in place, they’ll stay there until you remove them! Every element of the product is recyclable too; you really get what you pay for here. 

Wear them out, wear them in bed, wear them when you’re just sitting and playing with your baby – these pads are made to keep new parents from ever having to worry. 

Made to be used during feeding times, these are great little products for protecting your nipples from becoming sore or cracked over time. Made of soft silicone that resembles your nipple itself, they’re still incredibly comforting for babies to nurse from. 

Small in size, the shields can be worn without getting in the way of making full contact with your baby. You can still hold and feed them as normal, just with a little extra protection. 

These shields also come with a clean and easy carry case, meaning you won’t have to lose them at the bottom of your bag and pull them out covered in fluff! Travel-safe innovations are great for parents on the go. 

Medela Safe & Dry Disposable Nursing Pads

This Medela product is made for those days when your breasts won’t stop leaking. Don’t worry, it all happens all the time and you’re not alone in experiencing a flow even when you’re not actively breastfeeding. 

But in these moments, you need heavy duty pads that are easy to apply, easy to whip off and replace, and will easily keep your clothes clean and dry. We can happily say these pads are capable of those three things. 

These are very easy to press around the shape of your breast, so you won’t have to fight to keep them on during the day. And seeing as leaks can happen at any time, it might be handy to have a box around the house just in case. 

Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy

Good for use before and after breastfeeding, this breast therapy pad can be applied to help with a variety of lactation issues. 

For example, many parents can experience engorged breasts during the first week of breastfeeding. Whilst this is common when you and your baby are getting used to breastfeeding, the pain of the condition can ruin what should be a loving and connective experience. 

This pad can be made either hot or cold and applied at any time to sore or uncomfortable feeling breasts. It’s also incredibly easy to use; just stick it in the microwave for a few seconds, according to pack instructions. 

Organic Bamboo Nursing Breast Pads

Coming in various dimensions to allow for use with any bra cup size, these organic pads are pleasing to both the eye and the touch. 

These particular pads are quick thick as well, so you’ll have a soft cushion and quite a few layers to keep your breasts protected. Organic materials also tend to dry a lot faster, meaning you can wash these in quick succession with no problem. 

The bamboo these pads are made from are incredibly safe for babies. If you’re worried about using pads just in case your little one comes into contact with rough material, this is a good set to get your hands on. 

Keababies Reusable Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding

Nursing pads help to protect both your nipples and your clothes during the breastfeeding stage. Made to be soft and absorbent, you can pop these into your bra and forget about them for the rest of the day. 

These particular pads can be changed when you’re on the go, thanks to the storage bag they’re shipped with. We just love how you can remove and replace as needed no matter where you are – very handy both during and after pregnancy. 

Plus if you’re eco-conscious, the reusable materials in these pads means you can wash and go without creating extra waste. That helps to keep the overall cost of breastfeeding down as well. Buy once and use as long as you need to! 

The Original Silver Nursing Cups

The last recommendation on our list of most wished for breast pads and protectors, but certainly not the least. These nipple cups act as shields for your breasts during the delicate nursing stages. 

You can wear them comfortably under your clothes, no matter the size or shape of your nipple, to prevent further cracking and irritation from occurring. 

The cups are also made to be used without creams, meaning these are 100% food safe for baby. And the pure silver they’re made from ensures they’re incredibly easy to keep clean. 

You made it through our list of top breasfeeding related products! 🙂

If you’re a mumma and you’ve ‘been there, done that’, why not add any recommendations you have.