
Breastfeeding Essentials Checklist
Planning to breastfeed but not sure how to start preparing? Here is a list of our breastfeeding tips for first-time parents to help you prepare.

Planet Parent
In 16 countries 8,000 mums and dads were interviewed. What’s it really like to be a new parent today?

What to pack for baby hospital bag?
When packing your baby’s hospital bag for a newborn baby, it is important to include essential items such as clothing, blankets, nappies, wipes, and burping cloths.

When should I pack my hospital bag?
When preparing for birth, it’s never too early to start putting things aside to pack in your hospital bag.

When do pregnancy symptoms start?
Pregnancy symptoms typically start around 4-6 weeks after conception, as significant hormonal changes occur during this time.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman.

When should swelling during pregnancy be a concern?
Swelling in pregnancy is a common occurrence and is often considered normal. However, there are certain situations where swelling may be a cause for concern.

When to be concerned about bleeding during pregnancy?
If you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, it is important to seek medical attention.

When should I be concerned about cramping during pregnancy?
You may experience different types of cramping during pregnancy, including leg or abdominal cramps. Leg cramping occurs when there is acid build up in your muscles due to your muscles contract

When should I be concerned about pelvic pain during pregnancy?
If you are experiencing pelvic pain during pregnancy, it can be common due to the changes happening in your body.

Can constipation cause problems in pregnancy?
Constipation during pregnancy is a common issue due to hormonal changes and pressure on the intestines.

How to soothe a colic baby?
Soothing a colic baby can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help. Firstly, try gentle rocking or swaying motions to provide comfort.

How long does colic last?
Colic can last for a few weeks to a few months, with most babies experiencing relief by the time they are around 6 months old. However, the duration of colic can vary from baby to baby.

When does colic stop?
Colic typically starts around 2-3 weeks of age and usually resolves by the time a baby is 6 months old. However, the duration of colic can vary from baby to baby.

What causes colic?
There may be many factors at play that cause colic in babies and can be difficult to pinpoint.

Does colic affect development?
Infant colic itself does not directly affect a baby's development.

How to relieve colic in babies?
Relieving colic in babies can be challenging, but there are several strategies that may help.

What are oligosaccharides?
Oligosaccharides are short chains of carbohydrates found in various foods, also known as prebiotics.

What is in human milk?
Human milk, or breast milk, is the natural milk produced by a lactating woman.

When do newborns immune system develop?
The immune system of newborns begins to develop during pregnancy and continues to strengthen after birth. However, it takes time for their immune system to fully mature.

Is Bifidobacteria good or bad?
Bifidobacteria are beneficial bacteria that naturally live in our gut. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system and supporting overall well-being.

When does a baby’s gut mature?
A baby's gut begins to mature during pregnancy, but it continues to develop after birth as the intestines continue to grow throughout childhood until they stop growing.

What is 2' Fucosyllactose?
2 Fucosyllactose (2’-FL) is a Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) which is a short chain of special sugar molecules, found in human breast milk.

What are the nutritional requirements for infants?
The nutritional requirements for infants include macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals that support their growth and development.

What’s the link between antibiotics and gut health for my baby?
Your baby has beneficial, or “friendly”, bacteria in their gut, but also “bad” bacteria. The balance between these two is important for healthy digestive and immune systems.

How long does it take for baby probiotics to work?
The time it takes for baby probiotics to work can vary depending on the individual baby and the specific probiotic being used.

Do babies need probiotics?
All babies will develop their own natural gut flora once they are born. Breast milk for example naturally contains beneficial bacteria that supports a baby's gut health.

When to stop probiotics for babies?
As probiotics help support a healthy gut flora, continued use can be beneficial.

Do baby probiotics help with gas?
Babies can get gas for several reasons, so it’s difficult to answer broadly that all probiotics will help with alleviating gas.

Do breastfed babies need probiotics?
Breast milk naturally contains beneficial bacteria that support a baby's gut health.

When to give baby probiotics?
Any probiotic that is suitable for babies will state the suitable age group on the label. Look for baby probiotics that are labelled for babies ‘from birth’ on the front of pack.

What is Labour?
Labour is divided into three stages, starting from your first contraction, and ending with the birth of your baby and placenta.