The DIY breastfeeding snack basket I’m making to give to a new mom friend

Are you visiting a new mother? Good advice, if you know that she has chosen to breastfeed: bring a breastfeeding snack basket. A very good one.

While adorable and well-meaning, forget the flowers (she doesn’t need anything else to stay alive) and newborn clothes (baby is definitely already taken care of). A box of breastfeeding snacks, on the other hand, will end up either next to the bed, tucked next to the couch, or living permanently near the feeding chair as a go-to backup for those marathon feedings when it’s wedged under a sleeping baby with only one free hand, trying to get much-needed food in there.

Recently, my friends started having children of their own. Equal parts ignorance, fear, and a desire to show up for them as they navigate motherhood for the first time, I researched, tried and tested, and landed on a formula that I return to every time I make mine, inspired in part by Jessie’s editor-in-chief’s formula. great gift list for new mom – read if you haven’t seen it yet.

It is a fact that Breastfeeding Moms Need Extra Calories. So with that in mind, everything is nutritious, shelf-stable, easy enough to grab with one hand, and convenient enough to make long feedings a little easier.

Nursing Basket Ideas – A Quick Checklist

If you’re creating your own breastfeeding snack basket or breastfeeding gift set but don’t know where to start, my usual formula looks like this:

• 3 savory snacks – something crunchy, salty and hearty
• 3 sweet snacks – easy treats or snacks
• 2 to 3 drinks – moisturizing support and something comforting
• 2 to 3 useful extras – think of practical things that she will do
• A basket, tote bag or storage box – bonus points if she can reuse it later for baby bits

That’s literally it. And even a small box of carefully chosen snacks can make life easier.

Now let’s go. If you’re putting together a breastfeeding gift basket for a new mom, here’s exactly what I would pack:

The flavors

Savory snacks are usually the first things to put in any breastfeeding snack box I make. New moms are often given chocolates and sweet treats, which are always welcome, but something salty and crunchy can be especially nice when you’ve been snacking around the clock and probably need to replace some of those sodium levels.

Crispy Cheddar and Cheese Puffed Cheese

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These are packed with flavor, instantly satisfy that salty craving, and are heartier than chips. Because they’re made from baked cheese (and nothing else), they’re also high in protein, making them ideal for when you need something to keep you going between meals.

It’s also easy to eat them with one hand, straight from the bag, while they’re feeding. Earn!

Hippeas chickpea choux

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Light, crunchy and easy to snack on without much effort. They’re perfect if someone wants something tasty but doesn’t like something too rich.

I like to include these because they add variety to the basket and are a little fun without being too processed or heavy. They’re also vegan, so if you skip the cheese above, this is a great alternative.

Protein crunch with walnuts, sea salt and pepper Graze

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Nuts and legumes provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making them really satisfying when you need something that lasts.

It’s the kind of snack that can fill the gap between meals when lunch didn’t go well. Plus, they come in resealable bags and are perfect for dipping and removing.

The sweets

There is always a sweet section in my list of nursing basket ideas. You want balance, and sometimes a quick burst of sugar with a cup of tea can feel like a little reset in the middle of a very long day (or night).

Biona Dark Chocolate Cherries

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These look like a treat but still have a little more substance than a standard chocolate bar. The dark chocolate is rich enough that a handful is satisfying, and the cherry center gives them a special feel.

A little pick-me-up in the afternoon during contact naps or cluster meals.

Nakd Apple Cinnamon Fruit and Fiber Bars

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Super portable and rich in essential fiberthese are awesome. Think soft, naturally sweet and easy to eat quickly with one hand.

They also move well between the nightstand, diaper rack, diaper bag and sofa armrest. I always try to include at least one grab-and-go bar in a breastfeeding snack basket.

Border Mini Cookie Packs

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Bedside tea breaks and small moments of calm, they are always all the rage.

The mini-packs make them feel portioned and easy to store in a basket without everything spilling everywhere.

If you like this, replace them with homemade lactation cookies – check out our own lactation cookie recipe herefor a simple procedure.

Drinks

Because hydration is key here. Breastfeeding can make you incredibly thirsty, I’m told, and the NHS says that having a drink next to you when you settle down to breastfeed is always recommended.

BodyBio e-lyte electrolyte supplement for hydration

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Electrolytes can be helpful as a supplement to water, especially during periods of constant feeding.

This one is easy to add to a water bottle and doesn’t take up much space in the cart.

HotTea Mama Milk’s Up Fenugreek, Fennel and Anise Tea

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Warm, comforting and specially designed for breastfeeding.

Some moms love having a dedicated tea ritual during feeding. It’s part of the rhythm of the day. A warm cup next to you can make you feel incredibly grounded.

Fenugreek and fennel are two herbs commonly included in conversations around breastfeeding snacks to increase milk supply, although experiences vary from person to person.

Boobix Boobie Hot Chocolate

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This one always has a smile.

It’s comfortable and comforting, especially for evening meals or in winter. A cup of hot chocolate after a tough day can seem like a small luxury without much effort.

Editor’s note – I generally avoid offering caffeinated teas or anything very high in peppermint or sage. But mostly, I stick to what I know she likes to drink.

The little extras

Chilly’s insulated bottle

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Because a cold drink at your fingertips is gold.

A good insulated bottle keeps water cold for hours and encourages drinking it constantly throughout the day. I almost always include one if I know it doesn’t already have a favorite.

Belkin – Two meter charging cable

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When streams last longer than expected, phones end up balancing on cushions while charging at impossible angles. A longer cable solves this problem instantly.

It’s practical, immediately useful and something people rarely buy for themselves.

My Little Coco – BABY MAMA Soothing Nipple Balm

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Gentle skin care can be incredibly welcome while breastfeeding, especially in the early days or during the teething period.

Nipple balm is one of those products that is useful to have on hand from day one. Even if it’s not used every day, it’s a personal care savior that can be very handy to have nearby.

There we have it! A homemade nursing basket gift. Tailor yours to exactly what she likes.

Support for new moms to scroll, save and share

Whether you’re on the postpartum journey yourself and breastfeeding, or supporting someone who is, add the following to your favorites:

• Breastfeeding Cookie 101: Do lactation cookies work? Moms say yes, and here is my super delicious recipe
• Your New Mom Care Package Plan: Are you preparing a new care program for mom? These are my must-haves
• Postnatal yoga tips: Postnatal Yoga Benefits, Poses and Tips Every New Mom Should Know
• Let’s talk about micronutrients: Why (Almost) Every New Mom Needs a Vitamin D Spray
• Baby not latching? When they just won’t stay at the breast (but cry – a lot) – SOS Guide