Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle-feeding, setting up a nursing station can make every feed smoother. Having all your breastfeeding essentials in one place—like a nursing pillow, burp cloths, and a comfortable chair—saves time and stress, especially during late-night newborn feeds.

Think of it as your go-to setup—a cozy, organized space where everything you need is within arm’s reach (because once you're settled in with baby, getting up is not an option). Here’s how to create a feeding station setup that works for you.

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1. Best Chair for Your Nursing Station

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You’ll spend hours feeding your baby, so a comfortable, supportive chair is a must. Whether it’s a classic glider, recliner, or a well-cushioned armchair, choose something with good back support, padded armrests, and ideally a rocking or swiveling feature.

Villie Tip: If you don’t have a dedicated nursing chair, get on your bed or coach and use a firm pillow behind your back and under your arms (under baby's head) for extra support.

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2. Nursing Pillow vs Regular Pillow: What’s Best for Feeding?

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Holding your baby in position for multiple feeds a day? Your arms will feel it. A nursing pillow, like the Boppy or My Brest Friend, helps support baby and takes pressure off your arms, shoulders, and back. These can be used again when baby does tummy time and learns how to sit.

No nursing pillow? No problem! A firm regular pillow can also work just as well. Don't get anything fancy. After you're through your nursing days, you can throw them out.

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Remember: Every day you breastfeed it gets easier. You and your baby learn each other and will get in a groove.

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3. Stay Hydrated While Breastfeeding with a Large Water Bottle

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Hydration is key—especially for breastfeeding and postpartum moms! Keep a big water bottle within reach at all times to stay hydrated while feeding your baby.

The Stanley, Owala, or Hydro Flask tumblers with straws make it easy to sip one-handed while holding baby.

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4. Nipple Balm: You Might Need Relief

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If you’re nursing, nipple balm is good to have handy—especially in those first few weeks. A good lanolin-based or all-natural balm helps soothe, protect, and heal between feeds.

Top picks:

• Lansinoh Lanolin Cream
• Earth Mama Nipple Butter
• Bamboobies Organic Balm

You're not going to need more than one tube. Check out creative ways to use leftover lanolin.

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5. Burp Cloths for Newborn Feeding Station Cleanups

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Babies = spit-up. It’s inevitable. A stack of soft, absorbent burp cloths is a lifesaver for quick cleanups after burping, spills, and surprise spit-ups.

Villie Tip: No burp cloths? Muslin swaddles or small hand towels work just as well!

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6. Swaddle or Baby Blanket for Cozy Feeds

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Feeding time often leads straight into nap time, so having a swaddle blanket or baby blanket nearby keeps you and baby cozy and warm.

A lightweight muslin swaddle is great for warmer months, while a cozy knit blanket works well for cooler days.

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7. Nursing Cart Organization: The Best Way to Keep Everything Handy

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A small side table, storage caddy, or rolling cart will keep all your breastfeeding must-haves organized and within reach.

What to store in your nursing cart:

• Extra burp cloths
• Breast pump parts
• Your favorite water bottle
• A journal (to track feeds if needed)
• Lip balm, lotion, and snacks
• Everything in this article, obviously!

Villie Tip: We love mobile nursing stations, so you just have to pack everything once. Look for carts or caddy's to get the job done.

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8. Night Light or Soft Lamp for Late-Night Feeds

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Newborns wake up a lot at night to feed, and flipping on bright overhead lights? Not ideal. A soft, dimmable night light helps you see what you’re doing without fully waking baby (or yourself!).

Best picks:

• A touch-control bedside lamp
• Hatch Baby Rest (doubles as a sound machine!)
• Clip-on book light for subtle, targeted lighting

Did you know a soft red light is the best to keep you and baby calm? Look for that hue when you choose your night light.

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9. Snacks

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Breastfeeding? You'll be hungry. Busy with a baby? When you finally sit down, you'll be hungry! Trust us, feeding time makes you hungry! Keep easy, one-handed snacks nearby so you can refuel while baby eats.

Great options:

• Granola bars or balls
• Trail mix
• Dried fruit slices
• Jerky
• Lactation cookies
• Cheese sticks

Villie Tip: Make a snack basket in your feeding station so you’re never caught off guard.

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10. Something for You: Entertainment & Self-Care

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Feeding sessions can last a while, so having a little something for yourself makes the time more enjoyable.

Consider keeping:

• A book or Kindle for those long feeds
• Your phone & charger (for catching up on messages, scrolling, or taking cute baby pics!)
• Headphones for listening to music or podcasts hands-free
• Slippers or cozy socks cause you don't want cold toes!
• A journal if you want to track your feeds and feelings

Even if you just use this time for deep breaths and relaxation, make sure you feel taken care of too.

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Are you a techy? Check out our must-have App recommendations for new parents.

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Make It Your Space

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Your nursing/feeding station setup doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect—it just needs to work for you. Whether it’s a cozy couch corner, a dedicated nursery setup, or a rolling cart that moves with you, having everything within reach will make breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle-feeding easier, more comfortable, and less stressful.

And remember: taking care of you is just as important as taking care of your baby.

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