Having a Mom Cart and/or Bedside Nursing Cart (whatever you choose to call it), is the epitome of convenience. If I learned nothing else the first time I had a child, I learned the importance of convenience. I can’t stress the need for or recommend it enough! I’ve always been a “work smarter, not harder” kind of person, but this phrase repeatedly comes more alive day by day since having a baby. Let alone two. Don’t get me wrong, there are and will always be things you can’t control, but there are many things that can make specific experiences easier. And that, my good sis, is why we are here today.
I decided that having two carts would best suit my current living situation; one upstairs at my bedside and the other downstairs where I am most of the day because, again, convenience. They are set up quite the same with a few minor differences, but we will get into all of that shortly.
CART 1: Bedside/Nursing Cart
Upstairs I have what many would consider my “Nursing or Bedside Cart”. This cart houses everything I need for nighttime breastfeeding situations. Even if my husband is “on duty,” this cart will be super easy for him to navigate as well while I get a little rest or pump. It is also helpful to have available just in case I happen to be upstairs with the baby for an extended amount of time and need to grab something swift.
Here’s what I currently have in place:
Top Tier:
- Spectra S2 Pump – hospital grade pump
- Baby’s Brew Portable Warmer is perfect for eliminating the inconvenience of traveling up and down the stairs during night feeds if using a bottle or formula.
- Hydration (water bottle & Body Armor Drinks)
- Hand sanitizer
- LaVie Warming Lactation Massaging Pads
- Nursing Pads
- Snacks – I like to keep these or these on deck.
Middle Tier:
- Swaddles are great to have to keep baby a little warmer during the middle of the night or swap out if needed.
- Pampers
- Muslin burp cloths
- Water Wipes
- Wipe Warmer (optional)
- Butt cream/paste
Bottom Tier:
- Empty bin for clean to dirty items
- Extra snacks/drinks
- Haakas are great for making sure that no milk is left behind. The original is amazing but this one has been a game changer! No worries about the Haaka falling off or baby accidently kicking off, therefore losing milk. The Haaka Milk Collector fits snuggly and safely inside of your bra. If you love the original Haaka, I know you’ll love and appreciate this one.
- Medela Quick Clean Wipes
CART 2: Mobile Mom Cart
Downstairs is where I have what I would call my “Mobile Mom Cart”. Much like the nursing cart, this one houses all things that I would need for breastfeeding “on the go,” as well as a few other things that would typically be found in the baby’s dresser like additional onesies, etc. There are also a few things that aren’t on the cart because I have access to the primary sources while downstairs, such as the freezer or bottle warmer. So of course, adjust your fillers as needed.
Since everything is essentially the same on both carts, I have listed a few add-ons for my downstairs cart for reference.
Top Tier:
- Willow Pump is the best thing since sliced bread for mom’s on the go or with multiples. It makes pumping so much less stressfull, time consuming, and less restricting.
Middle Tier:
Bottom Tier:
- Baby Nasal Aspirator
- Nail Files/Clippers
- Extra Pump Parts
I have also attached an extension cord on the back of both carts for quick phone charges, breast pump, and lactation tools using velcro strips, and sis, it is a must! Having this set up makes charging and mobility that much better and easier without having to navigate all of the individual plugs every time I move the cart.
Are you building your Nursing or Mobile Cart? I really hope this was helpful to you mama and that you’re able to build your ultimate Mom Cart to suit your preferences. If this was, in fact helpful, I’d love to know in the comments. Also, is there anything that you would add or take away?