Do you have a friend who is going to be a new parent soon and plans to breastfeed? Here’s what to put in a DIY breastfeeding gift basket!
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What to put in a DIY breastfeeding gift basket for a new parent
When I was working on putting together this list, I decided on the below guidelines for what I’d want to put in a gift basket for a friend.
- DON’T include things that require sizing (such as nursing bras)
- DON’T include things that most people want to pick out for themselves (like a nursing pillow or breast pump bag)
- DO include things that are extremely helpful, but a lot of new parents don’t even know that they exist
- DO include things are are useful whether the parent is exclusively pumping, pumping at work, or exclusively nursing
So given that, here’s what I would put in a DIY breastfeeding gift basket!
(While prices fluctuate, all of these things together cost around $150 at the time of this writing.)
1. Haakaa or Haakaa Ladybug
A Haakaa is a silicone “pump” that suctions on to your breast, and then pulls extra milk out while you pump or nurse on the other side. The Haakaa Ladybug is similar, but it fits in your bra.
It’s super useful for building up a freezer stash of extra milk, plus it’s easy to clean, easy to use and can fit in a handbag if you need to use it on the go.
This is a great gift for every parent who plans to breastfeed.
2. Davin & Adley Bra Liner
For a lot of people that are lactating, leaking can be pretty constant – especially in the early days.
One of my least favorite things about this was waking up with a shirt that was totally soaked in breast milk because I leaked all over it while I was sleeping.
There are lots of breast pads on the market, but this Davin & Adley nursing bra liner is definitely the best to use at night. Because it’s one piece that covers both sides, it is much more likely to stay in place and protect your shirt while you sleep.
3. LaVie Lactation Massager
These LaVie lactation massagers are so cool – they are basically like vibrators, but for your breasts.
They can help a breastfeeding parent work clogged ducts out more quickly. They’re also waterproof, so they can be used in the shower (the heat of the shower often helps with blocked ducts, too).
Additionally, if it takes your milk a while to let down, the vibration may help speed that up.
Most new parents won’t know that this is something that exists, but it will come in extremely handy if and when they get their first clogged duct!
4. Junobie Reusable Breast Milk Bags
These reusable bags from Junobie are fantastic for storing a small freezer stash.
The big pro is that they are made of silicone and don’t leak! Additionally, it’s nice to have a eco-friendly way to store frozen milk.
When they’re done breastfeeding, these bags can be used like a Stasher bag.
5. Wash Basin
All infant feeding items should be washed in a wash basin rather than directly in sink, in order to avoid contaminating them with any bacteria that may be in the sink from food. (More on why this is here.)
However, most new parents don’t know about this guideline!
By buying a wash basin as part of a breastfeeding gift basket, you can both let them know about this, and take care of getting it for them.
6. Elvie Catch
The Elvie Catch is like a breast pad, but instead of the milk getting wasted, it’s saved in these little cups.
These are perfect for wearing around the house when you’re constantly leaking milk, or for catching letdown milk on one side when you are nursing or pumping on the other.
Other things you could include
I asked on instagram stories what else people would include in a breastfeeding gift box and here were some suggestions.
- Snacks! This was a big one. Healthy (or not-so-healthy), shelf-stable snacks would be great for when they’re starving but need to sit down to nurse or pump.
- A large water bottle so they always have water when they sit down to breastfeed.
- A bag to hold all of their breastfeeding accessories in (this is a great option)
- Nipple cream! This can be especially helpful in the early days when you’re getting used to nursing and pumping. Here are some options.
- A hands-free pumping bra (if you know they’re planning to pump at least part of the time – this one is one size fits all)
Other breastfeeding essentials
There are a few other things that I would get as new breastfeeding parent myself, but maybe wouldn’t buy for someone else (due to specific sizing needs, or because they might have a preference in what they use):
- Nursing bras – It’s a good idea to get some nursing bras, even if you can just pull up or down your normal bras for nursing or pumping. Nursing bras are made for lactating breasts, which means they usually don’t have seams, wires, or other things that can cause clogged ducts.
- Breastfeeding pillow – Most new parents who are planning on nursing will get good use out of a Boppy or similar pillow.
- Breast pump bag – If you’re exclusively pumping or will pump at work, it’s a good idea to get a bag that will hold your gear. There are lots of different types of breast pump bags – backpacks, totes, smaller bags that are easier to carry, large bags that fit everything you could need, etc.
- Nursing cover – These can be useful for nursing or pumping in public.
- A breast pump – In the United States, people who have insurance should qualify for one at no cost.
How to package a breastfeeding gift box
I’m not the most creative person, but I put mine together in a basic box with a bunch of tissue paper, and I think it looked really cute!
Have you put together a DIY breastfeeding gift basket? Tell us in the comments what you put in it!
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