Are you enjoying Tuesday Ten? If you not sure what Tuesday Ten is all about, read my first post here.
I started bottle feeding both my kids from around 5 days old. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long with Kitana because I got really lazy to express breast milk and she refused formula so I had a whole lot of bottles collecting dust in my cupboard.
This time things, are a little different because I am more dedicated to expressing and I am working. At the moment, I am feeding Kiaan breastmilk and formula because my breast milk flow isn’t the best at the moment to express and feed. Before you start judging me for mix feeding, I know … but it is working for us.
It can get really confusing shopping for bottles and everything that comes with it. I tried 7 different brands before Kiaan stuck with one! 7 brands, can you believe it? I had no idea that nipples could be so different even though they look alike. Babies are smarter than I thought. 😛
There are soooo many bottle brands – I will do this as a separate post soon but if you a breastfeeding mom and you want to try bottle feeding, you need to start with Mimijumi. The brand recently launched in South Africa and I can already predict that it will do extremely well.
These products may not necessarily be must-have items for you but it is for me. It’s products that can make your life a little easier when preparing your baby’s bottle.
1. Avent 3-in-1 Electric steam Sterilizer
I’ve been using this sterilizer from week 1 and I absolutely love it. The sterilizer is suitable for use with both standard neck and wide neck baby bottles. It also fits other baby products like breast pumps and accessories. The sterilizer kills 99.9% of harmful germs and sterilizes in 6 minutes.
Website: www.philips.co.za
2. NUK Bottle warmer
Many moms believe a bottle warmer is not necessary and the truth is it is a luxury product but if you can afford to buy one, I suggest you do. It will save you time and help you get that perfect temperature. It is suitable for all standard bottles and baby food jars. Bottles and jars are evenly warmed up using steam in just 3 to 4 minutes.
Website: www.nuk.co.za
3. Chicco Bottle drain rack
The Chicco Feeding Bottle Drain Rack is the ideal solution for storing and draining your child’s feeding bottles and accessories after cleaning.
Its internal tray fits perfectly in all kitchen spaces, allowing you to double up or reduce the support surface for your products. The rods have two colour combination, shapes, and heights to guide you in arranging the products: the large white rods are ideal for feeding bottles, whilst the small green rods are recommended for use with cap rings, teats or other small accessories.
When the feeding bottles are drained, the water collected in the feeding bottle drain rack can be easily removed by lifting the upper part of the base.
Website: www.chicco.co.za
4. Chicco Baby bottle brush set
The bottle brush has differentiated bristles: the different hardness of the bristles eliminates all food residue, even in areas of the bottles that are most difficult to reach, without damaging the internal surface of the bottle. The handgrip also contains a special teat cleaning brush which reduces the risk of laceration. The practical hook on the handle for easy hanging in the in the kitchen after use.
Website: www.chicco.co.za
5. Avent ThermaBag
Ensures bottles stay warm or cool. It is for storage of cold expressed breast milk/formula or pre-boiled hot water for up to 4 hours.
Website: www.philips.co.za
6. NUK Milk Powder Container
It comes in a set of 6 stackable containers – each with their own individual lid and they can be easily screwed on each other.
Milk powder portions can be easily poured into the baby bottle just using the dispenser – no mess, no stress. It is handy for home and perfect for on-the-go plus it is BPA-free.
Website: www.nuk.co.za
7. Baby sense burp cloths
Baby Sense burp cloths have a double layer for super absorbency.
Website: www.babysense.com
8. Biddykin bibs
This bib has reversible cotton outer layers, with hidden waterproof layer inside which is perfect to use when feeding.
Website: www.biddykins.co.za
9. Baby Brezza Formula pro
I’m excited to announce that Baby Brezza is finally coming to South Africa! I blogged about the brand some time back and received many emails from moms asking where they could purchase the product, soon it will be available at your doorstep.
Formula Pro is the revolutionary new way of preparing your baby’s formula bottles. The Formula Pro uses patented technology to measure, dispense and mix water and powdered formula to the perfect temperature and consistency. With the push of a button, you can prepare a bottle within seconds that has no air bubbles. The water and formula powder are stored right in the machine, so it’s always ready for you when your baby gets hungry. The machine works with all bottle sizes and all formula brands and types. You can also choose the amount of formula you want to make: 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 ounces.
Website: www.babybrezza.com
10. Medela sanitizing bags
This is perfect for traveling when you don’t have your electric sterilizer with. One bag can be used up to 20 times! It thoroughly disinfects most breast pump accessories, bottles, nipples, pacifiers, and cups.
Website: www.breastpumps.co.za
Do you have any products to add to this list?
Hi, I’m Shan. I’m a wife, mom to 3 kids and a businesswoman who works from home and gets very little sleep at night. My days are filled with dirty diapers and toddler tantrums, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. I am in the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Forbes Africa 2019 and just recently launched my start-up – MomSays.
I love this. I Bottle fed my boys from day one and you hit the nail on the head with your list.
Oh wow. Those are some amazing gadgets. I wish we’d had even a handful of them when my kids were babies.
This looks like a great list of helpful items! I wish they had most of these when I had my kids. A bottle warmer would have been so helpful!
Oh man, I’ll bet this is the most useful thing ever for new moms. I’m not a mom, nor do I know if I ever will be, but I’ll bet this is a godsend for some!
I’m not a mom but I think is a great resource for anyone who is bottle feeding! Great post!
These are all great items to have. I am looking for a good baby shower gift and you have given me some great ideas.
I relied heavily on a really good drying rack for my bottles. You’d hate to have residue on them when tyring to feed
What a great list! I’m way past this but this would be very helpful for the new parents who’re planning to bottle feed. So many great products listed!
This is a great list for those interested in these types of products. I’ll have to share this with some of my friends.
Omg so wish I had that sterilizer when my daughter was itty bitty!!!bthat would of came in handy very often!
This is a great list of things I think every mom should have. I know I would have really appreciated that bottle maker machine to help me make bottles back in the day. Looks so awesome!