The bedside cart became trendy on TikTok, but like most things that stick around, there’s a reason for it.

Newborn nights are repetitive and exhausting. Anything that reduces movement, light, and decision-making helps. A bedside cart does exactly that. It keeps the things you actually reach for within arm’s reach so you can get through the night without fully waking yourself or the baby.

But remember, this isn’t about aesthetics or organization. It’s about support during one of the most demanding seasons of motherhood.

Here’s what I keep on mine.

Diapering Essentials

Nighttime diaper changes need to be quick and calm.

I keep diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream together on the cart so everything I need is in one place. No searching, no trips to the nursery unless absolutely necessary.

The goal is minimal disruption so everyone can settle back to sleep more easily.

Burp Cloths

Spit-up happens. Often. Usually when you’re already tired and overwhelmed.

As a reflux mom (x 2), I am no stranger to spit-up. Personally, I have found that the Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths are far superior to anything else. And if your kiddos are anything like mine, you’ll need two or three packs of these things.

Having a stack of burp cloths on the cart makes night feeds easier and prevents unnecessary sheet or outfit changes. You’ll probably lose them in the dark and wake up to find a few throughout your bed. It happens.

A Soft Night Light

A small night light is key for nighttime feeds and diaper changes.

Soft lighting keeps the room calm and helps avoid fully waking yourself or the baby. It sets the tone for night being night, even when you’re awake.

Extra Sleepers

Middle-of-the-night outfit changes are inevitable.

Keeping an extra sleeper on the cart means you don’t have to dig through drawers or closets when there’s a leak or spit-up. It’s practical and saves time when you’re already exhausted.

Milk Collector

A milk collector like the Boon Trove earns its place on the cart. I’ve also used the Elvie Curve, but I’ve found the Boon to be an almost just as good, more budget-friendly option at half the cost.

It’s helpful during night feeds for catching letdown, especially in the early days when your milk supply is still figuring itself out.

Plus, if I (miraculously) manage to get some sleep, it’s helpful to have one within an arm’s reach to relieve the extra engorgement and catch the waterfall of a letdown in the morning.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a perfectly styled setup to get through newborn nights.

You need the basics close by so you can focus on caring for your baby and getting back to sleep. If a bedside cart helps you do that, it’s doing its job.

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