Feeding your baby with formula can be just as nurturing and special as any other feeding journey, but having the right essentials makes all the difference. Whether it’s bottles or cleaning gear, these items simplify daily routines and reduce stress for parents.
Knowing what’s truly useful helps you feel prepared and confident, whether you’re exclusively formula feeding or supplementing, . As a mom of 3 who formula-fed my twins, I have a very good understanding of what I needed and what was nice to have (but not necessary).
In this post, I am covering the must have formula feeding essentials that make mealtimes smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable. Plus, I am sharing my favorite optional formula feeding items and my top formula feeding tips.
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Formula Feeding Essentials & Necessities List
Below you will find my list of formula feeding essentials. All the items on this list are must haves for parents who are formula feeding their babies.
1 – Formula
To start, you will need the actual formula to feed your newborn baby. You will likely get a small supply at the hospital after your baby is born. This will get you started.
Once you get through that, you will start learning there are many different formula types including powder and ready-to-feed formula. On top of that, there is the cow milk based formula and then many specialized formulas for babies with allergies and digestive problems.
The most common and cost effective option will be cow milk based formula in powder form. However, keep in mind there is a chance your baby will need something else, which could be more expensive.
To get coupons and FREE perks be sure to sign up above with Enfamil. Those coupons saved us so much money when my twins were drinking formula.
2 – Bottles
I recommend starting with the Bottle Box from Babylist. This product allows you to try out different types of bottles to see which one your baby likes best. I would recommend this option because from my experience with 3 kids, each one had a different bottle brand they preferred.
As an alternative, you can start with one pack of 3-4 oz bottles to ensure your baby likes them. In that case, I recommend trying the Philips Avent bottles.
Related: How To Choose Baby Bottles & The Best Baby Bottles for Newborns
3 – Bottle Nipples
You will need the appropriate nipple size to go with the bottles you end up using for your baby. To start, for newborns you will need the smallest flow nipple.
As your baby grows you will increase the nipple flow size. You go to a bigger size when you notice your baby struggling to suck hard, but the formula is not coming out as fast as they can handle. If your baby is drinking from their bottle and choking or the formula is spilling out of their mouth, that means they need a smaller nipple flow size.
4 – Burp Cloths
I love these flannel burp cloths. I found flannel to be the most absorbent type of burp cloth and preferred this material.
5 – Wash Bin
If you don’t already have one, I recommend getting a bin for your sink that you can fill with hot soapy water. You will throw all your bottles and bottles parts in there to wash them.
6 – Bottle Brush
A bottle brush makes sure you get all the nooks and crannies clean inside the bottle. I loved this brush because it works really well, it’s from a trusted brand, and it has a good price point.
7 – Bottle Drying Rack
Having a separate spot to dry bottles and the associated spots is extremely helpful for keeping your baby’s items separate from your dishes. Bottle drying racks are also built specifically for bottles, making them easy to use.
I loved and highly recommend the Boon drying rack. It’s unique, while also offering a practical solution for drying bottles.
Before we move on, you might want to grab these FREE printable Pregnancy Checklists. They include a baby registry, hospital bag, and trimester checklist and you can get them by clicking the button below.
Optional Formula Feeding Supplies
In addition to the formula feeding essentials listed above, there are quite a few optional items you might find useful too. The list below contains products that might be beneficial for you, but they are not absolutely necessary.
It’s up to you if you think it’s worth spending money on them. For parents with newborns, often times if something makes your life easier or allows you to do something more quickly, it’s probably a good investment.
Best optional formula feeding products list:
- Formula Mixing Machine
- Water Filter
- Bottle Sterilizer
- Bottle Warmer
- Portable Formula Dispenser
- Bottles Parts Dishwasher Basket
More Bottle Feeding & Formula Feeding Help
I have written quite a few articles on formula and bottle feeding. If you want more details on what expect as a formula feeding parent, click the links below for the ones that interest you.
- Newborn Bottle Feeding Guide
- Formula Feeding Tips
- Sample Newborn Formula Feeding Schedule
- How Many Baby Bottles Do You Need?
Formula feeding doesn’t have to be overwhelming and having the right essentials can make all the difference.
With the proper bottles and washing tools, you can simplify feeding time and focus on enjoying those precious moments with your baby. Every family’s needs look a little different, so choose the items that fit your lifestyle best.
Remember, what matters most isn’t the gear itself but the comfort and connection you create during each feed. With these formula feeding essentials, you’ll be ready for smoother, stress-free days and more time to soak in the sweetness of your baby’s early years.
