Feeding Essentials
Bottles, formula, nipple sizes, and everything you need to feed your baby - however you choose to do it.
On Feeding
The stigma is not useful
Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or combo feed - fed is best. The cultural guilt around formula is not backed by data in the way people think. Per Emily Oster: the benefits of breastfeeding in developed countries are modest and mostly short-term. Do what works for your family.
We combo fed: breast during the day, formula for the last feed at night. Baby slept better, I got more rest, my husband could participate. No regrets.
Bottles
Comotomo Bottles
Soft, squeezable silicone body that mimics the breast. Wide base nipple helps breastfed babies transition. Easy to clean (wide mouth). Our primary bottle.
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Dr. Brown's Bottles
Anti-colic internal vent system. Good for gassy babies or babies who gulp air. More parts to clean, but works well for the right baby.
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Philips Avent Natural
Another good option for breastfed babies. Wide nipple, easy transition. Works with Avent pump if you go that route.
DoOn nipple sizes
Start with size 0 or 1 (slow flow) for newborns. Move up when feeding takes forever or baby seems frustrated. Don't rush it - too fast a flow can cause choking or overfeeding. We moved to size 2 around 3 months.
Formula
If you're supplementing or formula feeding, here are options we liked:
Kendamil
European formula with clean ingredients. Whole milk-based, no palm oil. Our top pick for supplementing. Ships to US now.
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Bobbie
American organic formula inspired by European standards. Clean ingredients, subscription available. Good alternative if Kendamil is out of stock.
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Baby Brezza Formula Pro
Formula machine - makes bottles instantly at the right temp. Keurig for formula. If you're formula feeding regularly, this is worth every penny. Especially at 3am.
DoBudget option
Costco Kirkland formula is made by the same company that makes Similac. It's significantly cheaper and nutritionally equivalent. No shame in the store brand game.
Breastfeeding Supplies
Boppy Nursing Pillow
Wraps around your waist, supports baby at breast height. Essential for the first months. Also works for tummy time later.
DoKindred Bravely Nursing Bras
Comfortable, supportive, easy clip access. Get a few - you'll wear them constantly. The French terry ones are softest.
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Nipple Cream (Earth Mama or Lansinoh)
For cracked, sore nipples in the early days. Apply after every feed. Lanolin-based or organic - both work. You'll go through a lot.
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Silverette Nursing Cups
Silver cups that sit over nipples to promote healing. Sound weird, work well. Especially helpful for cracked nipples.
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Haakaa / Elvie Curve
Suction milk catcher for letdown on the opposite breast. Saves milk that would otherwise be wasted. Elvie Curve has better shape; Haakaa is cheaper.
DoPumping
Elvie Pump
Wireless, goes in your bra, quiet enough to use on calls. Game changer for pumping at work. Our top pick for portable pumping.
DoSpectra S1
Hospital-grade pump for home. Battery powered (S1) or plug-in (S2). The workhorse. Get through insurance if possible, then add Elvie for portability.
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Willow Pump
Competitor to Elvie. We tried both. Willow was heavier, bulkier, and louder. Elvie won. Skip this one.
SkipInsurance coverage
Most insurance plans cover a breast pump. Check your benefits - you may get a Spectra or Elvie free. Use sites like Aeroflow to navigate the process.
Milk Storage
Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags
Seal well, lay flat for freezing, easy to label. Buy in bulk. These are the standard for a reason.
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Ceres Chill
Insulated container that keeps pumped milk cold for 20+ hours. Great for pumping on the go without access to a fridge.
DoMilk storage guidelines
- Room temp: 4 hours
- Cooler with ice packs: 24 hours
- Refrigerator: 4 days
- Freezer: 6-12 months
When in doubt, throw it out. But don't be paranoid - breastmilk is more resilient than formula.
Accessories
Bottle Warmer
Nice for warming refrigerated milk or formula quickly. Not essential - you can use warm water bath - but convenient.
Nice to have
Drying Rack (Boon Grass)
Holds bottles, pump parts, pacifiers. The grass design lets things dry thoroughly. We used it constantly.
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Bottle Brush
For cleaning bottles and pump parts. OXO makes a good one with a nipple brush attached. Basic but essential.
DoWhen to Get Help
Breastfeeding is supposed to be "natural," but it doesn't always come naturally. If you're struggling, get help early. Don't wait.
Call a lactation consultant if:
- Latching is painful beyond the first few seconds
- Baby isn't gaining weight
- You're not sure if baby is getting enough
- You're developing mastitis symptoms (fever, red streaks)
- You're just struggling and need support
Insurance often covers lactation consultants. Many hospitals have them on staff. It's not a failure to ask for help - it's the smart move.
Not gospel
Every baby is different. Some take to bottles easily, some refuse them. Some latch perfectly, some struggle. These are tools - not guarantees. Trust your instincts and talk to your pediatrician.