The first few weeks with a newborn are a little blurry and you might feel a bit upside down as you're feeding around the clock, often on the couch or in an armchair. The light is low; you're wanting to stay comfortable while also keeping yourself awake. When your baby is newborn to around six weeks old, having the right things within arm’s reach during night feeds can make life feel a lot easier. Here is a practical and no fuss starter guide to what to keep close when you’re feeding your baby during the night.
Why Is It Important to Have Everything Close During Night Feeds?
Once you are sitting down to feed the baby, that is where you will stay until your newborn is done. If you’re feeding solo at night and something isn’t within reach, you’ll just have to look at it longingly. Therefore, set yourself up with a small basket of practical items that you can keep within reach of your favourite feeding chair:
BURP CLOTHS OR BIBS: You’ll need at least two cloths for when you’re burping the baby. One is to go on you and the other to wipe the baby’s face and any residue on their neck. Some Mums recommend a third cloth which they can quickly grab for spills and splashes on furniture or the floor.
NIPPLE SHIELDS & BALMS: For breast feeding Mums, nipple shields might not be needed every time you feed, but you’ll be glad to have them when your nipples are feeling more sensitive, are damaged or the baby needs some guidance for attaching. Nipple balms are handy to have to hand as application immediately after feeding will assist in healing.
A QUICK-CHANGE PACK: Newborns often do a poo midway through a feed. Depending on the set up in your home, sometimes it is faster and more calming to do a quick change on the couch rather than going back to the nursery. Your quick-change pack should consist of:
- 1 or 2 nappies,
- a pack of baby wipes (or travel wipes if your basket is small)
- a change mat or waterproof cloth that you can use to protect your soft furnishings.
- A spare onesie or singlet
- A wrap or light blanket to keep warm on cooler nights
A WATER BOTTLE: Part of caring for a baby is also caring for yourself. Having a water bottle handy helps you stay hydrated which is essential if you’re breastfeeding. Make sure you choose a bottle that you can open and hold with one hand. It should be large enough to last all night but not be too heavy.
SMALL SNACKS: Feeding babies is hungry work for Mums and babies alike. Choose snacks that are easy to eat with one hand, don’t crumble easily and won’t be noisy to open. Aim for snacks like small biscuits, a banana, mandarins or dried fruit.
CUSHION: A small cushion or a pillow to pop behind your back or under your arm can reduce strain to your body during longer feeds.
PHONE, TABLET OR REMOTE: Let’s be real - you’re sitting in one place for a long time, you’re tired, and often have one free hand. If your baby is feeding quietly or asleep, brief phone or device use can help you stay awake, provided you remain attentive to your baby’s cues. Some mums set up a charging point near where they regularly feed overnight, or keep a power bank in their basket for longer nights. Using a screen is okay if it helps you feel calm and alert - just be mindful of whether screen light makes it harder for you to get back to sleep afterward. Staying awake, calm, and responsive during feeds supports both you and your baby
A SPARE DUMMY: If your child uses a dummy at night consider having a spare in the basket, just in case you drop the one you brought with you from the cot or the kitchen.
THE MILK: The number one thing to remember if you’re bottle feeding your baby is to make sure you bring the milk with you from the kitchen. Yes, every parent has done this!
The first six weeks can feel very long, but the time will pass. For now, your night feed setup doesn’t need to be perfect. Over time you’ll likely find things that you add in or take away. Go for functional over aesthetic. Make it simple to find everything and easy to reach with one hand or without looking.
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