18 Items To Build Your Newborn Cart
Caring for a newborn, while also taking time to heal yourself can be very overwhelming. Add in sleep deprivation, and every other responsibility of day-to-day life, and you could easily begin missing tasks or making simple tasks harder.
Enter the newborn cart. I’ve seen this also called a “nursing cart” or “postpartum cart”, because it really can include everything for mom and baby.
In this blog post I’m sharing how to create a cart system and some of the most useful supplies to include. Here are the item categories we’ll cover:
Baby supplies
Nursing supplies
Mama supplies
Miscellaneous supplies
With my first-born he slept in a bassinet in our room for his first several months. While I kept a few diapers and wipes in our room for middle of the night changes, most of his things were kept in the nursery. This meant I (or my husband) were constantly going back and forth to the nursery, resulting in longer awake times during night. Even during the day, I would get comfortable on the couch to nurse or snuggle our son and realize I was missing some supplies (or snacks). I had felt prepared with my postpartum supplies, but had only one station in our primary bathroom, which lead me to be limited to using that bathroom solely.
With our second-born I knew I wanted to be more mobile around our home, especially during the night and spending time with our oldest. This is when I came across the “newborn cart” idea, brilliant! I spoke with so many moms (first time and seasoned alike) who had used some version of the cart system and loved having all the necessities mobile and on hand throughout the day.
Let’s dive into the best items to build your newborn cart, making you and baby more comfortable!
First, is the cart to use:
This cart has great space, is so sturdy, and can be repurposed afterward. We’re currently using a second one as a mobile library for our oldest!
SunnyPoint 3-Tier Delicate Compact Rolling Metal Storage Organizer
Baby Supplies
1. Diapers
2. Wipes
New babies go through SO MANY diapers and wipes. At times it feels like you change them into a fresh diaper, just for them to immediately dirty it. Having several handy takes the pressure off rushing around when they’re needed. Bonus: if you have older children, having wipes around makes it easy to catch a snotty nose or sticky hands running past.
The best diaper rash cream for serious diaper rash is Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.
I also highly recommend having Aquaphor on hand. This cream serves many purposes from mild diaper rash, dry skin patches, baby acne, and even mom’s chapped lips.
4. Burp cloths
Muslin burp cloths are a game changer. They are light weight, super soft, and very absorbent. THESE come in a 12 pack for a great price and are available in several color options!
Spit ups, blowouts, and other accidents happen frequently with little babies. Keep a pair of comfy PJs to change them out of messy clothes quick. THESE are a soft, budget friendly PJ option.
6. Extra swaddle
Just like the clothes, accidents happen. I’ve read so many people who swear by the Ollie swaddle. They are on the pricier side and are often sold out. These options work great and are kinder on the budget!
7. Pacifiers
If your little one is using pacifiers, keep a few on hand! These are some of the best for newborns, as they shape well to their mouth:
MAM Original Start Matte Newborn Baby Pacifier
BONUS: Keep small, scented diaper trash bags, such as THESE, for dirty diapers.
And wet/dry bags, such as THESE, for dirty/wet clothes.
Nursing Supplies
8. Breast Pump
You can receive breast pumps through your insurance, there’s usually so many options at either low or no out-of-pocket cost. My second time around I paid a small amount out of pocket to have a more hands-free option for pumping and fell in love with the Elvie Stride. It’s quiet, can hook to your bra or shirt, is hospital-grade, app-controlled, and easy to find any replacement parts.
9. Hakka
Hakka has released two versions, one is a larger manual pump that also works for letdown, the other is smaller and used primarily for letdown (fits well inside your nursing bra. You can purchase either of them separately (click HERE or HERE) or purchase them as a pair (linked HERE).
10. Nipple Cream
Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter is the most soothing nipple butter without being overly greasy.
11. Nursing pads, Silverettes, or Gel Nipple Patches
This option is really based on personal preference. Nursing pads only benefit from leaking milk, not soothing. Reusable pads (such as THESE) can be inconvenient to wash often but are kinder on and do not stick to sore nipples.
Both Silverettes and Lansinoh Soothies Cooling Gel Pads work wonders on soothing sore nipples and make the breastfeeding experience way more comfortable!
BONUS: Instead of your main pumping system, utilize a hand pump for quick relief. The Medela Manual Breast Pump has some of the greatest reviews and is compact.
Mama Supplies
12. Snacks
After welcoming a baby, especially if you are nursing, hunger and thirst are no joke. Having snacks on hand helps you feeling full and strong. Having something with protein, extra hydration, and your favorite go-to treat feels a little special. Here are some of my favorites:
13. Chapstick/lotion
These items are also so handy and soothing in your hospital bag! With hormone changes and extra thirst, you’ll be reaching for these around the clock.
There is nothing more annoying than trying to nurse or suffering from postpartum night sweats and having your hair in your face. These options offer big packs for a good price:
15. Hand sanitizer
We went through so much hand sanitizer with a newborn due to changing so many diapers and dealing with spit up moments. Keep your hands from drying out with hydrating options such as the Touchland Hydrating Hand Sanitizer (BONUS! it comes in a three pack, so toss one in your diaper bag too!).
16. Postpartum Hygiene supplies
If you have more than one bathroom in your home, save yourself some time and headache by keeping extras of all your postpartum care supplies in your cart. Here are some links for the best supplies to aid in your postpartum self-care:
Frida peri bottle. Yes, there are basic ones, the hospital will typically give you one as well, but this upside-down design was so convenient.
Disposable underwear. Even after a c-section you continue to bleed a lot. Having comfortable underwear, I could easily throw away was so nice.
Dermoplast. So soothing and refreshing, especially if you had stitches from tearing.
Tuck’s Pads. Line these on top of your pad for a cooling pain relief.
Ice maxi pads. These things are amazing when freshly postpartum. They helped soothe pain and swelling. You can find ways to create homemade ones, but I highly recommend these: https://amzn.to/3AArQ0D
Pain medications and stool softeners. Both I received from my doctor prior to leaving the hospital and took them regularly several days after returning home. Those postpartum contractions can be no joke.
BONUS: Portable charger. If you find yourself nap-trapped or in the middle of a cluster feeding with a dying phone battery, you’ll be so glad to have one of THESE within reach!
Miscellaneous Supplies
17. Organizing bins
Having bins within your cart keep all your items organized and easy to find!
THESE are a great option as they are small, but well structured.
TIP: If you have extra dresser organizers, put them to use here!
18. Nightlight
The JolyWell Night Light is the best! It is compact, rechargeable, dimmable, easy to control, has a timer, and has several color options.
BONUS: Have an empty Kleenex box in the bottom tier of your cart for small pieces of trash!
Having items organized and within reach during the newborn phase makes life much less stressful. Building this cart will prevent you from running around the home to find all the smallest supplies you need. Congratulations on welcoming your new little miracle into the world!
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