18 Items To Build Your Newborn Cart
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Caring for a newborn while also recovering can be overwhelming. Add in sleep deprivation and the demands of daily life, and simple tasks can become unnecessarily difficult.
A newborn cart can be a game changer. Sometimes called a nursing cart or postpartum cart, it keeps everything you and your baby need within arm’s reach, making late-night changes and feedings easier.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to create a newborn cart and the must-have supplies to include, organized into four categories:
Baby supplies
Nursing supplies
Mama supplies
Miscellaneous supplies
Why a Newborn Cart?
With my first baby, I kept some supplies in the bedroom, but most were in the nursery. This meant frequent trips back and forth during the night, leading to longer wake times. Even during the day, I often settled into nurse or cuddle only to realize I was missing something.
With my second, I wanted to be more mobile and keep essentials close, whether in the bedroom, living room, or wherever I was spending time with my older child. That’s when I discovered the newborn cart. Many moms, both first-time and experienced, have found this system to be an invaluable tool.
Let’s dive into the essential items to include in your newborn cart to make life easier for both you and your baby.
Does a cart sound too bulky or unnecessary for you? Check out this post on creating newborn stations out of diaper caddies.
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– Newborns go through a lot of diapers. Keep plenty on hand to avoid late-night searches.
2. Wipes– Useful for diaper changes, sticky hands, and quick clean-ups. Bonus: if you have older children, having wipes around makes it easy to catch a snotty nose or sticky hands running past.
3. Diaper rash cream/Aquaphor
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!
5. Change of PJs/clothes
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.
14. Hair ties/Clips
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!
Final Thoughts
Having a well-stocked and organized newborn cart reduces stress and allows you to focus on bonding with your baby. This simple system keeps essentials within reach, making feedings, diaper changes, and postpartum recovery much smoother.
Congratulations on your new little one!
Want a minimalistic version of the newborn cart system? Check out this post about creating newborn stations with diaper caddies.