Breastfeeding is such a sweet experience for both mom and baby, especially when it’s going well. It can take some time to get to that point, but when you do, the feeling is like no other. Being able to bond with your baby through nursing or providing milk for your baby through pumping and bottle feeding should leave you feeling proud!
Every mom deserves a basket full of goodies even if it’s her second or third time breastfeeding. You can fully assemble the perfect breastfeeding gift basket for that special mom in your life (or even for yourself!) using the ideas in this post.
Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and that means that I may earn a commission if you buy something (at no additional cost to you). Read my full disclosure here. I only recommend products I use and love and recommend to my clients.
What Is a Breastfeeding Gift Basket?
A breastfeeding gift basket is a perfect way to show a mom you value her decision to breastfeed and support her making that choice. It is not always the easiest road- between late-night feedings and accidental biting babies, it can leave a mom feeling tired and hurting.
So, a gift basket provides her with some essentials that she will need along the way, along with a pick-me-up that reminds her of you!
Basket & Caddy Ideas
The great thing about using a cute basket like one of the ones listed below is the ability to repurpose the basket for any other use. A breastfeeding mom can use this to organize just about anything in her home, from toys to socks!
So, let’s review some great options for baskets or caddies to assemble breastfeeding must haves in. Below you will find a list of different types of baskets and caddies that look great and are an appropriate size for creating a breastfeeding gift basket.
Large Woven Cotton Basket
Here is a great gender-neutral option and will go with virtually any decor a nursing mom has. It is large enough, yet not too large, with easy carrying handles.
Large Cotton Rope Basket
This one has a rope that gives it a more nautical theme, but it is still gender-neutral and just the right size. It can also complement any decor.
Pink Storage Basket Bin
If you want to complement a pink theme, this is a great option and can easily accommodate many of the items listed below. There are also different colors to choose from- including a blue or more gender-neutral tan.
You could also add dividers to this, if you want separate compartments.
Caddy Organizer with Dividers
If you’re looking for a breastfeeding caddy that has dividers, this is a great option. All of your gift items can be neatly organized in this cute but versatile caddy basket.
Cotton Rope Caddy Organizer
A little on the smaller side, this breastfeeding basket is also an organizer and caddy in one. You won’t be able to fit as much in this one, but it is a great option if your breastfeeding mom just wants the essentials.
Fringed White Storage Basket
I just love how cute this basket is with the fringed side. It can complement any decor and will work with a boy or girl-themed nursery. Be sure to pick the large basket option so you have plenty of room for your goodies.
Things To Put in a Breastfeeding Gift Basket
The items I’ve included below are the perfect addition to a breastfeeding caddy that a mom can leave by her nursing station or use while pumping. I’ve included items that a mom can use whether she is pumping or nursing at the breast.
All of the breastfeeding essentials listed I have either tested and used myself as a breastfeeding mom or they come highly recommended by other lactation consultants and breastfeeding moms. A few of these items she may not stay in the breastfeeding basket- like a nursing shirt and the diffuser.
But, all of them will come in handy, so pick your favorites to assemble your breastfeeding gift basket.
Reusable Breast Pads
Moms typically leak milk as their milk is regulating in the first several months (or longer). I favored reusable breast pads over disposable pads because you can wash and reuse them with ease. These are ultra-soft bamboo cotton and organic.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Storing your milk is important, especially if you have to return to work at some point. Buying a mom storage bags to keep a few in her basket can come in handy, especially if using a Haakaa to save milk also.
These have a five-star rating with over 50,000 reviews and I’ve used them personally.
Personalized Water Bottle
Breastfeeding moms need to consume lots of water since breast milk is made up of mostly water. It is important to always have water handy while nursing. Breastfeeding moms will feel thirsty so what better way than to have a personalized water bottle she can refill.
It is made of steel and ultra-durable, just in case it gets dropped off the table. This one also has a flip straw and comes in many colors.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great versatile snack that has protein and healthy fats. You can get different varieties that have dried nuts, fruits, and chocolate. The individual packs are handy and the perfect amount for a snack while nursing.
Breastfeeding moms get hungry, which is completely understandable during this time. You can sprinkle the small bags in and around the breastfeeding caddy to fill up extra space or use them as a filler at the bottom.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies are yummy- every mom should get a few of these to try at least. They contain lactogenic foods that support a healthy breast milk supply. I suggest moms make their own using a lactation cookie mix or a homemade lactogenic cookie recipe.
But, if you want to buy some that are already made, you can put the individual bags in the breastfeeding gift basket that you make for that special mom. These are so yummy even the rest of the family will want to share.
Electrolyte Powder Mix
Many moms drink plenty of water while breastfeeding, but don’t have enough electrolytes through the drinks they are consuming. Electrolytes are a great way to replenish the vitamins and nutrients she needs.
She can sprinkle this into her water bottle and shake it up and it’s ready to drink. This brand has several flavor varieties to choose from, does not contain sugar, and is tasty. This is a small item that you can sprinkle throughout the breastfeeding basket or put in a section of the caddy depending on the type of basket or caddy you choose.
Breast Massager
This is an electric breast massager that could come in handy for hands-on nursing or pumping to help mom get more milk out of her breasts. It can also help if a mom is struggling with clogged milk ducts which will likely happen at some point in her breastfeeding journey.
If you’d rather get one that is not electric, this manual massage roller is a great option.
Haakaa Milk Saver
Breastfeeding moms love milk savers, especially silicone milk savers that can be used to save leaking milk rather than waste any milk. A mom can attach it to the opposite breast while she nurses her baby on one breast.
This is a common gift and even if she gets two of them, they will be put to good use. This one has a flower stopper to keep the milk from spilling out and also a suction cup base so it doesn’t tip over.
Teething Necklace
This is a fun item and can help distract babies who like to play with things while nursing. This idea is more to help babies that are 6 months and older. A mom can wear this cute necklace so the baby has something to play with other than her other breast which can be uncomfortable.
This necklace is made of silicone and completely safe for the baby to gnaw on while mom is wearing other items too (supervised of course). It is cute and practical and will add fun and a color element to your breastfeeding basket.
Nipple Butter
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter is the best I’ve come across and does not include the questionable ingredient lanolin. This is a great brand that I highly recommend for moms that are new to breastfeeding to help soothe sore nipples.
It is a small item that will fit perfectly in your breastfeeding gift basket or caddy. With almost 35,000 positive ratings, it is a must-have item.
Puracy Hand Lotion
This unscented Puracy hand lotion is another way to help a mom feel better in her skin while she’s nursing her baby. Unscented lotions are also preferred for a nursing mom and baby because sometimes babies are sensitive to certain smells, which can deter them from nursing.
This is an all-natural brand that also sells other hand and body products.
Coconut Balm Chapstick
Helping a mom stay hydrated also means including things like lotion and lip balm in her breastfeeding gift basket. This three-pack of coconut balm lip balm is a great option and it’s made with organic ingredients.
Breastfeeding Door Sign
You can choose the generic “do not disturb” sign or a pumping/breastfeeding sign. These come in handy for the working mom that is pumping at work.
Roll-on Essential Oils
Plant Therapy essential oils are one of my favorite brands of oils that have a kid-safe line. Although the purpose here is for mom to rub these on (nowhere that the baby may rub or touch while nursing), it is best to use kid-safe essential oils, especially around new babies.
This is the perfect starter kit and they are already diluted in their roll-on container. These Plant Therapy roll-on oils can be great to help relax the breastfeeding mom and keep her immune system strong.
Baby Log Book
This is a handy tool for moms that are sleep deprived and can’t remember how many diapers and times the baby has been nursed. It is a lot to keep track of in the early days and the baby’s pediatrician will want to know.
She can keep this handy book available to write down everything and help her keep track.
Nursing Shirt
A nursing shirt is so useful for breastfeeding moms when they’re feeding in public. There are many cute ones on the market, but I like this one because it is super soft with many different color options.
You could also choose a nursing sweatshirt, if she lives in colder climates.
Nursing Cover
Some moms feel comfortable nursing in front of family and friends, while other moms would rather have more privacy. This is my favorite nursing cover that allows the baby to breastfeed comfortably and isn’t too hot or too uncomfortable for mom.
If you’re looking for a more neutral option, this grey cover is also great.
Magazine Subscription or Breastfeeding Book
Most moms like magazines, even if they’re not an avid reader. The pictures are fun and relaxing to look at, which can actually help while nursing to make more milk for baby. Here are a few popular magazine choices for new moms and parents.
If you’re looking for a breastfeeding book, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding is a favorite among breastfeeding professionals and La Leche League members. A new breastfeeding mom would appreciate this for breastfeeding tips and tricks inside her breastfeeding gift basket.
Mess-Free Markers and Coloring Book
Although not for mom specifically, it is equally important to make sure the kids are busy while a mom is nursing the baby. An activity that can be done in 15-20 minutes is ideal and only given to the other children during this special time.
The special markers come in handy because they can’t be used to mark on anything except the special paper they come with. There are different character books to choose from as well.
Busy Board for Toddlers
This is one of my son’s favorite toys. It is a busy board with latches and doors. You can also talk about the colors and numbers. It is educational and fun.
With a five-star rating and almost 10,000 reviews, I can see why it’s so popular!
Bonus Idea For the Breastfeeding Mom
You can gift a new breastfeeding mom a breastfeeding course that will help her feel more prepared going into her journey. You can check out my Breastfeeding with Confidence course to learn more. If you’d like to gift it, just contact me and I’ll set it up for you.
How To Assemble a Breastfeeding Gift Basket
Sometimes presentation is just as important as what you put inside the basket. Here are a few ideas to help make your breastfeeding gift basket look pretty too!
- Wrap it up in a baby-themed clear cellophane wrap or another wrapping material of your choice.
- Tie the wrapping around the basket with pretty ribbons, a stuffed animal, or a big bow that hangs down in the color/theme of the baby’s nursery or mom’s decor.
- Stick to coordinating colors when possible, especially for the basket and wrapping materials.
- Use shredded paper at the bottom to help cushion items and raise them in the basket.
- Pick a cute reusable basket like the ones above that can be used for other things like toys and such at a later time.
Where Moms Can Put a Breastfeeding Basket or Caddy
Once you assemble the breastfeeding basket and present it to the special nursing mom in your life, she can put it at her favorite spot to nurse in her home. For some moms that is the nursery, but for other moms, it may be the living room next to her favorite rocking chair or even her own bedroom for those late-night feedings.
Sometimes moms create two small baskets with their favorite items in both. Adding a few diapers, wipes, and diaper cream can be useful too. Making sure it’s within reach is key, there’s nothing like trying to reach for something when your baby has a good latch and you’re stuck in your chair.
A breastfeeding gift basket is the perfect gift for the nursing mom in your life.
Choosing a breastfeeding gift basket or caddy that is versatile and can be used for another purpose at a later point is a great idea. Make sure you check the size of the basket before you purchase one, so you know it can accommodate all your breastfeeding gifts.
Next, just pick your favorite items from the list above and create the perfect gift for that special breastfeeding mom in your life.
15 Of The Best Gifts for Breastfeeding Moms in 2021
