10 Must-haves for Bottle Feeding

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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?