(Part 3) Best baby bottle-feeding supplies according to redditors

I totally recommend these reusable silicon bottle labels when people ask

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https://www.amazon.com/Daycare-Durable-Writable-Reusable-Silicone/dp/B07KVVXLMY/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=reusable+bottle+labels&qid=1554395877&s=gateway&sr=8-6

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So much better than the sticky labels every day! Lol

Since you've only got about 4 months left before he can wean from the formula, I think you'll be able to get away with a Dr. Brown's Formula Mixing Pitcher at home. Every morning just pour in 30 oz of water (we used jugs like these) and 15 scoops of formula (we used Similac ProAdvanced - check your measurements depending on what formula you go with). Churn. Pour into five 6 oz bottles. Pop in fridge. Serve as needed.

With daycare I actually used sandwich bags to pre-measure 5 days worth of formula on Sundays - 15 scoops per bag and toss in cupboard. Then in the mornings it was just pour water, dump baggie, churn, pour 6oz into 5 bottles, and then into this bottle bag with an ice pack and snacks in the top compartment and we were good to go.

For on the go, I'd figure one bottle for every 2 hours we'd be gone. So for 6 hours I'd grab 3 bottles and fill each with 6 oz of water. I'd then fill all three compartments of this dispenser with 3 scoops each. When kiddo needed a bottle you just pop the top, dump in, and shake/swirl bottle to mix. If your kid requires a warm bottle you can use this on the go bottle warmer. Just fill it with hot water before you leave and when it's time to serve a bottle you dump some into the lid, sit the bottle inside for a minute or two, swirl, and serve. It's a thermos so it stays hot for a while. My son would take bottles at any temp so it was easy, thankfully.

I'm sorry I can't answer you on the safety aspect, but I did want to pop in with a suggestion. My baby hated most bottles, but tolerated the MAM. I tried these and they worked so much better! He latched like it was me, and we can do paced feeding at a comfortable angle. I was thinking this might work better for feeding in a carrier simply for angle reasons, and your baby might like it if she likes the MAM.

We do powder formula, so I make as many bottles of prefilled water as I think he may need and then use a little plastic container that you can measure formula into kinda like this and then mix as needed :)

I "gave up" on breastfeeding day 2 and stopped pumping after a less than a week. We've been EFF ever since. I have so much to say, this will be long.

Day and Night Feeding

Formula needs to be used within 1 hour if it's touched baby's lips regardless of temp, 2 hours if untouched at room temp and 24 hours untouched in the fridge. If you can get your kid to drink cold/room temp then that will help a lot with wasting.

• During the Day at Home I just bought the Dr. Brown's Formula Pitcher which has been really awesome because I mix a couple bottles worth and pour. My son goes from 0-100 real quick so mixing bottles at the moment he needs them was stressful for me.
  
  
• During the Day at Work I bring one bottle to work and just wash it with hot water in between. Use soap if you feel the need. I use formula dispensers to pre-measure formula and it takes up a lot less room than a canister of formula in the diaper bag. Saves on time too. This also helps for when you're out and about, just fill a bottle with water before you leave home.
  
  
• During the Night This I experimented with quite a bit. At first I was going to the kitchen to make a bottle whenever he woke up to feed. Then I would pour pre-measured water in the bottles and mix in the room. Now I pre-mix bottles for the night and keep them in the fridge and just retrieve them when he wakes up. This has been the fastest, most efficient way for us because our kitchen is not far from our bedroom.
  
  Bottles
  
  
• We have 6 bottles total - three Playtex VentAire and three Dr. Brown's Bottles. The VentAires we use at night and the Dr. Brown's we use during the day, usually with the filter.
  
  
• I try to sterilize the bottles once a week but usually I just let them soak in soapy hot water and then rinse with hot water, sometimes using a bottle brush. You can also use the dishwasher but we don't run ours often enough.
  
  Dealing with Reflux
  
  
• So this has been super hard for us to deal with and I think we have a pretty decent system set up. Most babies spit up but some babies get reflux and it sucks. We have tried different formulas to find one that he seems to like the most and we can tell by his poops (his seem to be similar to breastfed babies), wet diapers, and how much he spits up. We also use rice cereal in his bottles during night time feeds. The bottles we use are geared towards helping with reflux. We also do not burp him often; We only burp him if he seems fussy about air that needs to come out. We noticed that we would burp him and he'd throw up a lot. He seems much happier now that we don't burp as often.
  
  Final Thoughts
  
  
• As far as I know formula feed and breastfed babies are no different. I am still able to bond with my son by maintaining eye contact while feeding. He is a happy little boy and he's getting the nutrition he needs. It's helped me be a more sane mother as well, which is something every baby needs.

Diapers and wipes are always good -- newborn or preemie size probably. That said, some diapers just don't fit great on some kids, and some kids will have more sensitivity to certain wipes, so it's hard to say exactly which type/brand to get. "Water wipes" (https://www.amazon.com/WaterWipes-Sensitive-Wipes-Count-Packs/dp/B008KJEYLO) are a really good sensitive wipe. I wouldn't necessarily send her too many/any bigger diapers yet. They'll just take up room and might be a brand that doesn't work great. A box or two of the next size up is enough for now.

A good diaper cream will probably also be needed. I'd recommend something somewhat "natural" like https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P16ZXK/, again to help reduce sensitivity hopefully. I would avoid petroleum jelly based ones.

Some type of burp cloths. However diaper cloths (I can't remember if that's what they are called) work great. I can't speak for this brand but something like this.. https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Birdseye-3-Ply-Prefold-Diapers/dp/B007VBYVWE. They are usually like a light linen/muslin, and usually fairly large square, and plain. They're easy to clean and big enough to fold over if part gets dirty, etc, and multi-use.


I would also avoid too many clothes. Some onesies with zippers is probably all that's really needed. Maybe also a nice soft hat as well, and some muslin swaddle wraps. Additionally, a warm, soft blanket or something to cover them when they go out. They're not supposed to wear anything bulky between the child and the carseat harness (ofc, they'll need a carseat if they don't already have one -- most hospitals won't release babies without one though, especially from the nicu).

Pacifiers are good too. Kids will probably find a certain kind they prefer, but I think this is basically what hospitals almost always use https://www.amazon.com/Philips-SCF190-01-Soothie-0-3mth/dp/B0045I6IAO.



They may also be recommended a vitamin like poly-vi-sol, or possibly other things, but this is hard to buy without being able to talk to her to find out exactly what is prescribed.

Similarly, bottles, nipples, and/or breastfeeding equipment, but this is hard to buy without knowing what she and the kid prefer. However, hand sanitizer for after diaper changes, and a nice bottle brush (https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Bottle-Brush-Blue/dp/B000N0SNHY/ or https://www.amazon.com/Sponge-Bottle-Brush-Pack-Blue/dp/B07DQQFP63/) are great to have.

Some type of food/meal delivery would be awesome. Possibly even a local housecleaning or laundry service too, depending on how independent she is.

And ultimately, money can help, as well as your phone number or contact info and an openness for contact and support.

There might be more that I can't think of. At this stage it's probably as important to get things to help her directly as for the baby. She may also have some medical needs depending on how the delivery went, and all that. Feel free to pm me too with any more questions etc.

I bought this one for my husband and nanny to use and they love it. Setting 2 is perfect and is really quick to warm perfectly. We used warm water but I found that it took too long for an already fussy baby and someone who didn’t know hunger cues like I did.

Keep a bottle in the fridge with the right amount and invest in a bottle warmer. We have this one: The First Years Night Cravings Bottle Warmer & Cooler, Blue/White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000056HMB/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_Ha6HxbKFZ2B6G. For less than $25 bucks it also has a little cooler where you can keep the bottle. Warming takes less than 2 minutes most of the time.

My husband bought boob shaped bottles. Baby seems to like them.

https://www.amazon.com/nanobebe-Breast-Winning-Innovation-Breastfed/dp/B07CL9TG2R/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=boob+shaped+bottle&qid=1562094730&s=gateway&sr=8-1

There are great tips here! Here's what I found helpful, and some feedback on what you've got so far:

1. For my second baby, I splurged and got a pump / lunch bag. It REALLY helps to have everything consolidated and is one less bag to carry. This is the one I bought, I like it so far - https://www.amazon.com/Insulated-Momcozy-Multi-Function-Breastmilk-Comotomo/dp/B07VC2ZJ17/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=milk+pump+and+lunch+bag&qid=1573158530&sr=8-1. In all transparency, the lunch box on top is kind of small for me, I need more calories than what the bag can hold. I tend to use the top for snacks and breakfast and put a frozen lunch in my big bag.
   
2. Big bag for purse, lunch, laptop -- I just use my old LL Bean backpack.
   
3. I don't use a diaper bag every day but bring miscellaneous daycare items as needed.
   
4. Redundancy, redundancy, redundancy -- keep an extra set of pump parts at work in case you forget anything. On my second baby I got a second pump through my insurance. It REALLY helps to have a second pump if you can afford it. Second work laptop if your company can afford to get you one so that you can work at home. Second toothbrush to keep at your desk, plus extra make-up if you wear make-up. You get the idea...
   
5. Instead of rinsing the pump parts after pumping, just store them in a freezer bag to kill the germs. Way faster and saves company time when you pump. Rinse and wash at home or at the end of the day.
   
6. Along the lines of redundancy, keep like 10-15 extra milk storage freezer bags at work. You WILL forget bottles and it helps to have a few bags around in case you need more milk storage or if you forget your bottles.
   
   Some documents and resources from my LC:
   
   Work and pump - http://www.workandpump.com/
   Breastfeeding storage guidelines - https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/milkstorage/milkstorage
   
   Good luck with your return to work!!

>The sterilization function on anything like that is brilliant and well worth it. I honestly never found bottle warmers any use and until I bought the Perfect prep found it easier to make bottles up by using boiling water and previously boiled water kept in the fridge. I'd make a quick spreadsheet and printed off the ratios for different volumes of bottles.

Wrea bottle warmer, you could try https://www.amazon.com/120-300ML-Bottles-Portable-Suitable-Traveling/dp/B07GDMN9R3/ref=sr_1_3?m=A1AB0DIWQYMFO7&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER&qid=1575103350&redirect=true&s=merchant-items&sr=1-3&th=1

We haven’t had any issues with additional air.

This is the dispenser.

These are the bottles we use.

Rearz - Safari - Adult Glass Baby Bottle (Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PN5Q8N3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IyBZCbDNJBYEY

Here's the rest of the pictures 😁😁

https://imgur.com/gallery/Q03hZZk

Top Five

In the living room

Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30 Travel System
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30 travel system

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Graco-FastAction-Fold-Click-Connect-Travel-System-Bennett/374308673?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222228237510206&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=283899052272&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-539613311477&wl5=9003876&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=374308673&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1pblBRDSARIsACfUG10R9JBufXv4b1xe6xeFntXyvAzYwQKzGB07mpet7ccLlbFaEL0MxMIaA

(We'll probably have the stroller in the car most of the time)


Evenflo Versatile Play Space, Cool Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072LTSWND/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2zNPCb6QQMGHB

(Usually comes with a sixth panel, but we wanted to save space until we needed to add it)

Our room sharing set up

Bassinet was handed down to us all put together, and I can't find a link sorry!

Night Lights for Kids, VAVA Baby Night Light, Bedside Lamp for Breastfeeding, ABS+PC, Touch Control, Timer Setting-Pink

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HSTL75K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MCNPCbBNG4FR6

(Not pictured)


Ubbi Money Saving, No Special Bag Required, Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail, Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00821FLSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_byNPCbWY1Z2F8


Honeywell Mistmate Ultrasonic humidifier

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Honeywell-Mistmate-Ultrasonic-Humidifier-HUL520B-Black/37690122?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222228027316373&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=43910449232&wl4=aud-566049426705:pla-84286515392&wl5=9003876&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=37690122&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1pblBRDSARIsACfUG12UXQFyrKBbTM4Eq7IlBEg7IxwOorzgvPuFbH8x7isxW8BIMyNhJ_QaAk4HEALw_wcB


Munchkin Laundry Hamper with Lid, Grey

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077PTSZVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6hPPCb84MDT0G


Super Strong Folding Step Stool - 11" Height - Holds up to 300 Lb - The lightweight foldable step stool is sturdy enough to support adults & safe enough for kids. Skid resistant and open with one flip

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZ0VCQD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TINPCbBERP8HJ


Her side in my closet


South Shore Litte Smiley's Changing Table, Chocolate

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFJ9S1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JANPCbP4FX2PG


GAGAKU Baby Diaper Caddy Organizer - Baby Shower Basket Portable Nursery Storage Bin Car Storage Basket for Wipes Toys Tote Bag

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DBXH1BP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3MNPCbDNHVK1V


Munchkin Warm Glow Wipe Warmer

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CNOIQ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LJNPCbGX20KF4


mDesign Soft Fabric Dresser Drawer and Closet Storage Organizer Set for Child/Kids Room, Nursery, Playroom, Bedroom - Rectangular Organizer Bins with Textured Print - Set of 4 - Linen/Tan

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071P9GPV4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_czNPCbQ2QWJHZ

mDesign Soft Fabric Dresser Drawer and Closet Storage Organizer, 8 Section Divided Bin for Child/Kids Room, Nursery, Playroom, Bedroom - Textured Print with Solid Trim, 3 Pack - Gray

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYC4439/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MNNPCbH4F8YGB


Modish Labels Baby Nursery Closet Dividers, Closet Organizers, Nursery Decor, Baby Girl, Deer, Floral Antlers, Flowers, Woodland

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLQ8B5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_nBNPCbR1DRJ22


AmazonBasics Kids Velvet Hangers - 30-Pack, Pink Polka Dot

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FXNAD6U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.HNPCbRTDQ9P5


For the kitchen

Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VBXKG2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mMNPCbGSZ1NJY


Boon Bundle Feeding Set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KGPWGZJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fQNPCbJJKFAD7


Gourmia Jr. Single Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Warmer, Digital Display, Dishwasher-Safe Removable Parts, JBW150, ETL-Certified

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JZ991WH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TQNPCbAMJZFRJ

Not Pictured items

Rustic Wood Frame Gray Felt Letter Board 10x10 inches. 440 White & Gold Letters, Months & Days Cursive Words, Additional Symbols & Emojis, 2 Letter Bags, Scissors, Vintage Stand. by whoaon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKT6S6G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qRNPCbYJZKZF8



Fisher-Price Auto Rock 'n Play Sleeper, Aqua Stone

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fisher-Price-Auto-Rock-n-Play-Sleeper-Aqua-Stone/39577511?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222228031612947&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=m&wl3=55217708312&wl4=pla-113855432192&wl5=9003876&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=39577511&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1pblBRDSARIsACfUG10bahlDvXNs66-ReAkUjjQSfucHTHxORdYUyZ92T0oddQGzOtGb360aAoXjEALw_wcB


Fisher-Price Bath Tub, Rainforest Friends

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BUO464Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_txPPCb7ZEHWCC

You can pump directly into the lansinoh bags even if you don't have a lansinoh pump with adapters.

Funny story... there is.

https://www.amazon.com/OMORC-Sterilizer-Multifunctional-Power-off-Sterilizing/dp/B07GZLKJ35/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1S26VAAXJ69KA&keywords=omorc+bottle+sterilizer&qid=1572887081&sprefix=omord+bottle+sterili%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-2

We don't use it to warm food or bottles, but it has the option. We use it to sterilize and dry

So they sell these on Amazon but I only use silicone sponges/cleaning brushes. I’d like to find essentially this same thing but made entirely of silicone.

I already have one of these silicone brushes, but I’m looking for one exactly like the picture. One that you can use 1 hand for and can suction to a sink.

Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottle, 8oz, 4pk, SCF703/47 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CJHBYJ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jJJKDbSQANAEB

My baby was the same but will take this bottle with a level 3 teat - much faster flowing! MAM Trainer Plus 2-in-1 for Easy... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07CBG1TDP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Here is one. there are more expensive ones too but this one costs about the same as a regular warmer.