Let's face it: your Medela Pump In Style is already doing the heavy lifting in your breast pumping routine. But we've noticed some interesting complementary items from lesser-known brands that could make your pumping sessions run more smoothly. From ergonomic seating to organic cotton comfort, these additions might be worth considering as you build out your feeding station.
Our research into the world of pumping accessories has uncovered some innovative brands that fly under the radar. While these items aren't essential, they each bring something unique to the table that could enhance your existing setup. Here's what caught our attention.
Who knew a Houston couple's quest for better baby products would lead to a Scandinavian design revolution? Mushie and Levi Feigenson transformed their garage startup into an international sensation, bringing clean lines and practical features to everyday parenting gear. Their aesthetic feels refreshingly different from the typical pastel parade of baby products.
We're intrigued by their silicone bibs, which feature deep pockets that actually contain mealtime chaos. Their pacifier clips showcase the same minimalist design philosophy, offering a simple solution to the eternal "where did that pacifier go?" question. The brand's commitment to non-toxic materials aligns with current parent priorities, while their social media community of 720,000 followers suggests they've struck a chord with design-conscious caregivers.
Why we like Mushie
1
Scandinavian Design
Clean lines and practical features that stand out from typical baby products
2
Non-toxic Materials
Commitment to safe, high-quality materials for peace of mind
3
Innovative Storage
Deep-pocket bibs and clever organizational solutions
Here's an interesting tidbit: Baby Delight's founder Jason Macari spent his childhood taking apart and rebuilding bicycles. That mechanical curiosity evolved into creating adaptable baby gear, including the Go With Me Venture Deluxe Portable Chair. This clever piece transforms from an infant feeding seat to a toddler chair, potentially offering years of use beyond the early days.
The chair's design incorporates features that support proper feeding posture - a detail that catches our eye given the importance of positioning during bottle feeds. While many baby items become obsolete within months, this adaptive approach to design suggests a more sustainable path forward in juvenile products.
Why we like Baby Delight
1
Adaptable Design
Transforms from infant to toddler chair for extended use
2
Ergonomic Support
Proper feeding posture features for optimal positioning
The name TANE means "seed" in Japanese, and this brand's growth from a small sustainable fashion project to a respected baby essentials maker is fascinating. Founder Sheree Lee's background in women's knitwear brings an unexpected sophistication to baby basics, with GOTS-certified organic cotton and low-impact dyes setting them apart from conventional options.
Their Petite Stripe Leggings with Feet Covers caught our attention for their practical design. The built-in foot covers eliminate the lost sock syndrome that plagues many parents, while the chemical-free fabric maintains its softness through repeated washing. We're also interested in their commitment to fair trade practices with Peruvian artisans, suggesting a deeper understanding of sustainability beyond materials alone.
Why we like TANE Organics
1
GOTS Certification
Highest standard of organic cotton with low-impact dyes
2
Innovative Design
Built-in foot covers solve common parenting challenges
3
Fair Trade Practices
Ethical manufacturing partnership with Peruvian artisans
When two friends struggling with fertility decided to dig into the science of perinatal nutrition, they probably didn't expect to uncover gaps in the supplement market. Yet that's exactly what Julie Sawaya and Ryan Woodbury found, leading them to create Needed's evidence-based approach to nursing parent nutrition.
Their Complete Plan™ takes an interesting angle on nutritional support, incorporating pre/probiotics that research suggests might influence milk composition. With endorsements from over 3,000 healthcare providers, they're building credibility in a space often clouded by pseudoscience. Their B-Corp certification and Climate Neutral status add another layer of verification to their claims about quality and sustainability.
Why we like Needed
1
Evidence-Based
Research-backed formulations endorsed by healthcare providers
Monica Royer's journey from new mom to organic textile pioneer offers an interesting window into how parenthood can spark innovation. While organic cotton baby clothes weren't new, Monica + Andy's approach to creating impossibly soft GOTS-certified fabrics while building a parent education platform presents a fresh take on the category.
The brand's focus on maintaining softness through repeated washing cycles particularly interests us, given how frequently baby items need laundering. Their expansion from a small Chicago boutique to a national presence hasn't diluted their commitment to rigorous testing and ethical manufacturing, suggesting they've found a sustainable way to scale without compromising quality.
Why we like Monica + Andy
1
Durable Quality
Maintains softness through multiple wash cycles
2
Educational Focus
Combines products with parent education platform
3
Ethical Manufacturing
Rigorous testing and sustainable scaling practices
AJ
09/17/24
All the Fridababy products are well designed and work as intended. I love this brand for all baby and its a great shower gift.
These brands each bring something distinct to the pumping and feeding experience. Whether it's Mushie's practical Scandinavian aesthetic, Baby Delight's adaptable seating, TANE's sustainable luxury, Needed's scientific approach to nutrition, or Monica + Andy's soft organic textiles, there are interesting options to consider as you build out your feeding station. Remember that while these items might enhance your setup, they're additions rather than necessities to your existing routine.