This was something that I feel was newer when I was pregnant but was easily one of the best things I did for myself – the nursing cart! (aka the diaper cart)

It’s a 3-tier wheeled cart that you can get just about anywhere! While the setup will vary based on your preferences and needs, here’s a list of what you should include to make your postpartum journey easier. I will also note how I set it up just to spark some ideas for you (I no longer use the cart by the time I’m writing this and was so frazzled with things to do during my nesting days that I didn’t take a picture).

One thing I will note (and part of the reason we brought ours out of commission about 6 months in) is that it started to become a catch-all and was more disorganized than helpful. Nothing like a portable mess to drive you insane amiright?! We have since transitioned to just having a little basket with diapering things as well as an overflowing bin of toys. 

LEVEL 1

Pump & charger

In addition to this, I recommend getting one that has a cordless option. I personally use the SpectraS2 and it has been so great for milk production, emptying, and ease of use.

 

Nipple cream

I started out having to use a nipple shield so I thought everyone was crazy when they talked about how bad your nipples crack/hurt…until we didn’t need the shield any more…just put it on the cart!

 

Snacks

THE most important thing for keeping your supply up (in my opinion) is keeping your calories up. A couple of months postpartum I was told about how Oreos help increase your supply and, when I asked the science behind that, I was told because they are so high in calorie count. I don’t know if that is actually true and you probably shouldn’t gorge yourself on them but just some food for thought (no pun intended).

 

Nursing pads

Before your supply regulates, you will fill up quite quickly and leak often because of it!

 

Nursing covers

If you have guests over but don’t want to be exposed, these are a MUST – you shouldn’t have to leave your comfy perch on the couch in your own home!

 

Extra shopping bags

We stroller-clipped these to the side to use as a garbage! #genius #lifesaver

 

Water bottle (or a spot of it to go!)

The PLAN was for my water bottle to have a spot here but I ended up just using the end table or tucking it in the couch cushion like normal and for easier reach. Perhaps a backup water bottle if you find yourself nap-trapped with no one to refill yours for you.

 

Fuzzy socks

I had cute ones that said “If you can read this, baby on boob, bring snacks” which I thought were cheesy but cute. Either way, gotta keep the piggies warm!

 

LEVEL 2

 

Diapers

Self-explanatory, keep ‘em stocked!

 

Wipes

Also a given

 

Butt cream

We try to use this sparingly (and honestly, didn’t even need it much until 4ish months in) but it’s good to have since, inevitably, the minute you need it is the minute you don’t have it.

 

Pacifiers

The shelf life of these may be short-lived if baby doesn’t take them but, they do, so be prepared! They disappear like socks in a washer! Our daughter doesn’t take them and they still manage to disappear

 

Burp clothes

We used them to change baby on since she liked to pee on our couch! Have a couple for various uses!

 

Hand sanitizer

For post-diaper changes!

 

Extra ponies/clips for my hair

If I misplace one or need a change or one gets stretched out…you just need to be ready.

Chapstick

I mention this for almost every list I write (What to Pack in your Diaper Bag, What to Include in your Nurses Box, What to Pack in your Hospital Bag) because there is never a time it is more obvious that your lips are chapped than when you can do nothing about it!

 

Eye drops

2-3 hours of sleep at a time will wear you out a bit and my eyes started to feel like sandpaper pretty quick. It doesn’t take up much space but can make you feel like a whole new person without even leaving the couch!

 

Baby nail care kit

I was (am) scared of using these for the longest time but it is helpful when your baby turns into Edward Scissor-hands

 

Booger sucker

We had these up the butt when we came home. They came in a bunch of different packs and we got one from the hospital. In the end, we ended up getting the Frida Mom one (much to my dismay since I think the whole concept is gross and make my husband do it since he was insistent) and it actually works quite a bit better!

 

Kleenex

A lovely surprise was that you get sick quite a bit more/easier postpartum due to lack of sleep affecting your immune system. Be ready!

 

LEVEL 3

 

Extra clothes

For you if you leak/get spit up on/get blown out on/start getting stinky. For baby in case they blow out/spit up on themselves.

 

Lotion

We didn’t know you’re not supposed to use lotion for as long as possible on baby!

Babies’ skin doesn’t usually need lotion right away because they are not bathing frequently or otherwise having things done that cause it to dry out. Their skin naturally will take care of itself!

 

Now you’re ready to get organized and enjoy your postpartum time a bit easier!