The Basics: Newborn Feeding

In the hospital it was quite clear that I would need to supplement breastfeeding with formula. Luckily, I had prepared for this.

Bottles: Several people told me to buy two brands of bottles in case you baby doesn't take to one. I ignored this advice and luckily it worked out for me.  I choose the Dr. Brown's Wide Neck Bottles for two reasons.  My friend recommended them because there is an insert in them that helps reduce gas and colic. I was a colicky baby and didn't want history to repeat itself. The second reason is when I went to Buy Buy Baby to register, the person helping me said it is good if you are going to be breastfeeding and using bottles to supplement because the shape of the bottle's nipple reduces nipple confusion.  I recommend getting the Dr. Brown's Wideneck Starter Kit.  

The bottles work great for us.  There is a two piece insert that you need to use for the bottle to work. I don't think it is a big deal but some people complain about "all the parts".  Personally, I am more apt  to complain about having spit up all over me than taking an additional second to snap the piece together, so for me this was an easy trade off. I also bought the Dr. Brown's drying rack and bottle brush (use both daily) and the microwave sterilizer (sterilized everything before he was born and now do it periodically).

One the baby is three months you can get the level 2 nipples which helps the formula come out faster. Our 40 minute feedings were cut to about 15 and it was glorious.

Breast Pump:  I am not the best person to ask on this subject.  I personally hated pumping.  I think in large part it was because mine wasn't hands free.  To do it again, I would have rented one to see if it was going to work for me (which it didn't).  I spent about $300 for about 2 oz of milk.  If it had been successful, and especially if I were going to pump at work, I would get the hands free one from Medela that has a battery pack.  Plugging it into the wall was inconvenient.

Formula: Best tip ever- get the Costco Kirkland Baby Formula. When I interviewed the pediatrician before the baby was born, she suggested it.  Apparently it is made by Similac and is half the cost.  One huge container cost just a bit over $19.  With 4- 8 oz bottles a day, one can lasts me a week and a day.  This is a huge savings off of name brand formula.  It has all the same essential ingredients.  Luckily, my son never need special formula, so this worked out great for us.

Formula holder:  Another great invention is the travel formula holder. It is a cylander with 4 compartments. You pre-measure out your scoops of formula (we now use 4).  You pack a bottle filled with the right amount of water and when you need to feed on the go, you just open the pack and dump in the formula powder. I recommend Munchkin Formula Dispensers.

Washing Bottles: I had a night nurse the first couple nights at home.  She recommended that once the bottles were initially sterilized, wash by hand (versus sterilizing daily).  Here is what she recommended and I followed her advice. Throughout the day, once a bottle is used, rinse it and put it in a big plastic bowl. When about three or four are in the bowl add hot soapy water (I use Mrs. Meyers), clean with the bottle brush, and place on the drying rack.  Ideally, you should sterilize weekly. I don't. I do feel guilty about that.

Burp Cloths: All burp cloths are not created equal. My favorite ones are from Swaddle Designs. In addition to being cute, they are soft and hold up well in the wash.  Other "premium" ones I own come out a wrinkled mess after the first wash.  Generic cloth diapers, used as burp clothes are harsh on a sensitive face.  Here is a picture of the Swaddle Designs ones I like.  I think you need at least 12.

Water: Some people use the bottled baby water.  I have a built in water filter in my sink.  My pediatrician said this is perfectly fine.  I get it to room temperature or slightly warmer.  I tried a bottle warmer and was not a fan.  It caused the bottles to leak, which seldom happens otherwise, and the bottle was hot to the touch but the milk wasn't warm. After that, I heated refrigerated bottles by running it under hot tap water.

Emergency Ready to Eat Formula: In the hospital they have these one time use bottle. Luckily, I was given a bunch to take home.  I use these a lot.  My son eats every 4 hours and once in a while he is in hysterics because he is starving before his next meal.  I always keep two of these 2 once single serve bottles in my diaper bag.  I also intend to use them on the plane for take off and landing. It is great in a pinch because if you have your formula and bottles pre-measured for a meal, you don't want to have to figure out how to size it down for a snack.  Here is a link to buy a set since I have had trouble finding these in stores.