(Because you don’t have time for anything that doesn’t work.) The early feeding days are a blur - bottles, burps, leaking milk, and not enough hands. But once you find your rhythm, it gets easier. Here are the small, smart, actually useful things that save mums hours every week.
1. You Don’t Need to Wash Pump Parts After Every Use
If you’re pumping more than once a day, this is the #1 sanity saver.
- After each session, rinse pump parts with warm water (no need to wash).
- Store them in a clean, container or reusable zip bag in the fridge.
- Wash in warm soapy water once every 24 hours.
Bonus tip: Keep two sets of pump parts - one for use, one for cleaning. Time saved: 20–30 minutes per day.
2. Store Milk in Smaller Amounts
Big bags = big waste. Freeze milk in 60–90mL portions - enough for a top-up feed or small bottle. Why it helps:
- Defrosts in 5–10 minutes instead of 30.
- Reduces leftover milk that has to be discarded.
- Easier to mix and match volumes for growth spurts.
Lay storage bags flat to freeze -they’ll defrost faster and save freezer space.
3. Label Everything Clearly
Label milk bags or bottles with:
- Date expressed
- Volume (mL)
- Left or right side (optional, helps some mums balance supply)
Use a fine permanent marker — gel pens can smudge in the freezer.
4. Warm Milk Smarter, Not Longer
Skip the boiling kettle and waiting game.
- Place your milk bag or bottle in a mug of hot tap water (around 40°C, not boiling).
- Gently swirl — don’t shake — to mix the fat evenly.
- Ready in under 5 minutes.
Portable milk warmers, like the Lactivate® Portable Milk Warmer, are lifesavers for overnight or on-the-go feeds. Time saved: 5–10 minutes per feed.
5. Drink When Baby Drinks
Every time baby feeds, take a few sips of water. Keep a large bottle (at least 1L) beside your feeding spot — aim to finish 2–3 per day. Hydration helps supply and energy — but more importantly, it saves you from 10 extra trips to the kitchen.
6. Streamline Your Setup
Create one grab-and-go feeding station:
- Nursing pads
- Burp cloths
- Bottles or pump
- Nipple balm
- Snacks & water
💡 A Lactivate® Nursing Caddy or simple basket makes this portable — from couch to bedroom to car.
7. Night Feed Prep = More Sleep
Before bed, set up a mini night station:
- Pre-measured bottles or filled pump
- Burp cloth
- Dim light
- Water for you
If pumping overnight, keep a cooler bag bedside so you don’t have to walk to the fridge. Time saved: 15+ minutes per night
8. Don’t Overcomplicate It
- Don’t sterilise after every use — once daily is enough.
- Don’t store huge bottles — small portions are faster to defrost.
- Don’t stress if you mix fresh and chilled milk (safe within 24 hours).
- Don’t over-track — your baby’s cues are more accurate than any app.
Time-saving truth? You don’t need to do more. You just need to do smarter.
