essential lists
The best buys for bottle feeding
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Whether you’re planning to feed your baby with expressed or formula milk, there’s quite a bit of kit to buy.
You’ll need a steriliser, a set of bottles (at least six if you’re bottle feeding full-time) plus bibs to soak up any milky dribble.
Make sure the teat you use is the correct flow for your baby’s age and appetite, and if you’re mix feeding, choose a bottle that mimics the breast, so it’s easier for them to switch between the two.
You can also buy bottles that help alleviate colic symptoms, but these are more expensive, so only buy them if you have to.
Want to know more about bottle feeding? Read our guide here.
1. Milkymeter
* A thermometer that helps to warm breast milk and formula in the microwave
* Accurately measures milk's temperature so no overheating or hot spots
* Works in a matter of minutes
This clever device seems almost too good to be true! It can safely warm formula or breast milk in a matter of minutes in the microwave - with no hot spots.
You simply pop the thermometer into your bottle of milk, place it in the microwave and heat it up. The Milkymeter will flash green when the milk is at the right temperature and also has a red warning light if it gets too hot.
2. Medela Calma, £8.99
*Allows natural switching between breast and bottle
*One size and shape fits all
*BPA free and Swiss made
Specifically designed for mixed feeding, this bottle uses an airflow system to simulate a baby's natural sucking rhythm, and allows for seamless transition between the two methods. Calma teats help the baby to avoid swallowing air during the feed, as they are regulated by a unique venting system. Supports an easy transition from the breast to bottle and back.
3. 3-in-1 Electric Steam Steriliser
*BPA-free steriliser transforms into three different sizes depending on your needs.
*Auto power shut-off to save energy.
*Fits bottles, breast pumps and accessories, and toddler plates and cutlery
This model holds up to six bottles, and can sterilise in a fast six minute cycle, plus has a free two-year guarantee. You can adjust the size depending on how much gear you need to fit in. Save space in your kitchen: The steriliser uses natural steam to sterilise baby bottles and other products, killing 99.9% of harmful germs without using chemicals.
4. Fast Flow Teats
*Suitable from four month plus
*The soft silicone used is odourless and tasteless
*Babies prefer the softer teat that feels more breastlike
Always choose the flow of teat that is right for your child, start off with a slow flow for newborns and change to a faster flowing version if they need it. Unique, ultra-sensitive valve ensures a constant air-free flow for easy feeding. Familiar, orthodontic shape is ideal for easy switching between breast and bottle.
5. Tommee Tippee Bib
*Designed for more comfortable feeding
*Extra absorbent dribble catcher to protect skin from dribbles and spills
*Super soft and absorbent to protect baby's clothes and sensitive skin
The combination of soft fleece with a nylon backing gives this bib the softness your baby needs, and the waterproof layer stops the milk getting on their clothes. Convenient neck fastening makes it easier to put bib on and take off baby.
6. NUK Thermo Express Bottle Warmer
*Safely and effectively warms baby bottles and baby food jars.
*Adjustable inner basket to fit smaller bottles and jars.
*Both sound and visual alerts when cycle is complete
Warms up baby bottles and food jars and fits not only Dr.Brown's Natural Flow bottles, but most major brands, too. Its steam heat warms several bottles before the water chamber needs to be refilled and its adjustable basket fits different size baby bottles. Adjust the settings on the LCD control panel and listen for the alarm when the heating cycle is complete.
7. Wide-Necked Bottle and Teat Brush
*Made for tackling those hard to clean bottles and teats
*Wash in warm soapy water or the dishwasher
*Also comes with a teat cleaning brush, that tucks neatly into the handle.
Specially designed to clean wide-neck bottles, this sturdy brush will eliminate milk residue and can clean all the nooks and crannies thanks to it small nylon bristles. The strong nylon bristles are designed for removing milk residues and the built-in sponge ring makes cleaning easy and thorough.
8. MAM Milk Powder Box
*Removable lid makes cleaning and filling easy
*BPA-free, top rack dishwasher-safe
*Snap tight lid to keep formula secure from leaks and easy pour spout
There’s no need to carry around a large tub of formula or worry about counting out scoops on the go with this handy gadget. Ideal for outings, this useful dispenser can carry up to three bottles-worth of powder so you can make up feeds quickly and easily on-the-go.
9. Perfect Prep
*Prepares your baby's bottle quickly, easily and accurately
*Can be used with all brands of formula
*Machine accurately measures out the balance of water required
One of the most popular baby products launched in the past few years, the Perfect Prep Machine will accurately prepare your baby's bottle at body temperature in under two minutes, perfect for night feeds. An initial hot shot of water will kill any bacteria present in the milk and the filter system removes impurities in the water. It also has an adjustable base for different bottle shapes.
Read on:
- The best bottles for colicky babies
- The best bottles to mimic breastfeeding
- The best sterilisers for bottles and feeding gear