How you choose to feed your little one is a deeply personal decision that only you can make. However, whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed, there are a few feeding supplies that you need to stock up on. This guide is going to focus on these essentials.
Even if you plan to breastfeed, having a few bottles and nipples on hand is a good idea just in case you need to pump. Plus, it will allow your partner to feed and bond with your little one as you take a break. This should be your starting point when buying your newborn’s feeding supplies.
General essentials
- 8-12 four- and eight-ounce bottles and nipples. Newborns usually start with 4-ounce baby bottles. As your baby grows, she will move on to 8-ounce bottles. You’ll also require at least the same number of nipples as bottles.
- A bottle warmer to reduce the number of trips you’ll have to make to the kitchen at night to warm your baby’s bottles.
- A bottle sterilizer to disinfect your bottles and other supplies.
- Brushes for cleaning the bottles
- 4 to 8 bibs to keep your baby’s clothes nice and clean when she spits or drools.
- Burp cloths
- 2-4 pacifiers
- A breast pump to help ease engorgement if you are breastfeeding or to pump your little one’s next meal if you are exclusively bottle feeding.
- Formula if you are formula feeding
Nursing mom essentials
- At least 3 well-fitting nursing bras.
- Nursing pads for when your breasts leak
- Nipple cream to aid with nipple pain in the event of cracked or sore nipples
- A nursing pillow for extra support when you feed your baby
- Several milk storage bags for storing your pumped breast milk.
- A nursing cover to help you cover up when you need to nurse in public
If you are breastfeeding, have the contact information of your lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group on hand just in case you encounter a challenge.
If you are formula feeding, first discuss what formula brands to go for with your doctor. Your doctor will also advise you on how much formula to have on hand by the time your baby is born.
Extras that are nice to have
- Disposable bottle liners
- A high chair for when your baby is ready to eat solids at about 6 months
- A bottle drying rack for drying bottles, nipples, pacifiers, teethers, and sippy cups.
- 3 to 4 warm or cold gel packs
- Dishwasher basket to help you keep track of smaller items
- A bottle carrier
Essentials for feeding solids
When your little one is ready to transition to solids (between 4 to 6 months), these feeding supplies will go a long way in making the transition seamless.
- A high chair. You can get a freestanding high chair, a seat that attaches to a counter or table, or a portable high chair or booster that attaches to a standard chair.
- 2 to 3 bowls. Get ones with suction cups on the bottom that stick to the highchair tray to reduce the risk of being hurled to the floor.
- 3 to 5 baby spoons, preferably ones with rubber or plastic tips
- 3 to 5 sippy cups. Get ones with a lid and a spout for easy drinking
- 5 to 10 waterproof bibs
- An anti-mess mat to protect your flooring and make cleanup easier
- A baby food maker to help you make your own baby food
Final Thoughts
Shopping for your baby’s feeding essentials is just one of the things you have to do when preparing for the arrival of your little one. It is easy to get overwhelmed when you see the sheer number of all feeding essentials that a baby needs. However, when you have a good idea of what you can and can’t live without, buying them becomes a lot easier. Hopefully, this guide has helped break everything down for you. Good luck!
