Must-have essentials for formula feeding your baby

Formula feeding is a baby feeding option embraced by many families around the world. If you’re new to this process and want to prepare to formula feed, this guide will help. We’ve outlined the must-haves when feeding your child baby formula.

Understanding baby formula

The first essential is the baby formula itself! 

Infant formula is designed to replicate the nutritional composition of breast milk. At its core, all types of baby formula should satisfy that requirement.

There are different baby formula brands and versions. You can find ones that are cow’s milk-based, soy-based, or even hypoallergenic.

Most paediatricians will recommend beginning with cow’s milk-based formulas unless you have a medical reason to choose otherwise, such as a known allergy or sensitivity. 

Generally, it’s not advised to try and make your own (homemade) baby formula. This is because it’s all too easy to overlook specific nutrients or safety risks. 

Trusted brands that you can find in supermarkets or online grocery stores have already tested their formulas, so it’s better to go with them. It also means less work!

Quick takeaway: Start with cow’s milk formula unless there’s a medical reason not to, and go with options from the trusted brands.

Feeding bottles and nipples

These also come in multiple forms. Starting with bottles, you can get anti-colic ones that minimise gas and fussiness, for example. 

You can also choose between glass or BPA-free plastic bottles, depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you plan to use formula scoops, though, we advise choosing wide-neck bottles specifically.

As for nipples, the main variation for them is in the flow rate: slow, medium, or fast. We recommend beginning with slow-flow nipples, especially for newborns. 

Over time, you’ll likely figure out your baby’s actual feeding rhythm. It’s also likely to change across the months, so be prepared to buy a different-flow-rate nipple as your tot grows.

Quick takeaway: Choose bottles based on your lifestyle and get 6-8 if you don’t want to wash a bottle each time it’s used. Start with slow-flow nipples, but be prepared to adjust.

Baby formula containers

Formula containers keep the formula powder fresh and, in some cases, even pre-portioned! You can even get ones with stackable compartments, airtight seals, and easy-pour spouts for maximum convenience.

These are mostly plastic, so keep in mind to choose BPA-free designs. Make sure the lids are good and secure – you’ll hate yourself otherwise if they spill in your diaper bag. 

We’re particularly fond of the Hegen PCTO™ Basic Starter Kit. It includes convertible containers that double as feeding bottles. 

That means you can prepare the formula directly in the baby formula container. All you need to do is switch the storage cap to a feeding teat afterwards. This eliminates the need for separate containers or transfer steps!

You can receive the Hegen kit in exchange for a product review on Mummy Guru, by the way. Join our community now to get your hands on it and leave a review for other mums after trying it out. 

Quick takeaway: Find a baby formula container that makes life easier, e.g. by also functioning as a feeding bottle like the Hegen PCTO ones.

Formula feeding accessories for home

There are a few other items you may need for formula feeding at home. Here are just a number of the ones you should prepare:

• A bottle brush 

• A drying rack or baby bottle rack

• Steriliser, especially if you don’t have time to boil your bottles and feeding nipples each day

• Bibs and burp cloths

• A bottle warmer

• A feeding pillow

Formula feeding accessories for the diaper bag

There are also accessories that you will very likely need once you start bringing the baby out of the house. Here are the ones we’d recommend you pack into your diaper bag:

• A thermos for storing hot or warm water (for prepping bottles on the go)

• Ready-to-feed bottles 

• An insulated bottle bag

• Baby-safe wipes for cleaning bottles and pacifiers

• Bibs and burp cloths just for on-the-go use  

• Compact drying mat, especially if you tend to take long trips outside (otherwise, this is just a nice-to-have, not a must-have!)

Make baby formula feeding easier than ever!

Now that you know what to grab for your formula feeding journey, you should feel more prepared for this next stage of parenthood. 

Even if you do run into some hiccups, though, keep this in mind: every baby is different, just like every family is different.

What works best for one baby and family may not work as well for another. You might have to go through different types of products before you find the ones that work best for you, for example.

In any case, we hope you enjoy formula feeding your child! Remember that you can always check out our blog for more tips for mum and baby!