Feeding Supplies

Buy a size up from current bra size — she'll fluctuate. Clip-down or pull-aside styles for quick access. Underwire is okay once supply is established (6-8 weeks). 3-4 for rotation with washing.

Leaks happen at the worst times — meetings, grocery store, sleep. Lansinoh disposable or bamboo reusable pads inside the bra. Stock 30+ disposable or 8+ washable pairs. Change when damp to prevent irritation.

Apply after every feeding from day one — don't wait for pain. Lansinoh pure lanolin or Earth Mama nipple butter. Doesn't need to be wiped off before next feed. The soreness peaks around days 3-7 and improves.

Boppy is the classic, My Brest Friend has better lumbar support and a flat surface. Also used for bottle feeding and tummy time later. Washable cover is essential since it gets soaked in milk daily.

Silicone manual pump that catches letdown from the non-nursing side — you'd be surprised how much milk is wasted without one. Suction-based, hands-free. Saves 2-4 extra ounces per feeding session.

Start with slow-flow nipples regardless of feeding method. Buy 2-3 different brands (Dr. Brown's, Avent, Comotomo) to see which baby accepts. Get 4oz for newborns, transition to 8oz around 4 months.

All newborn bottles need slow-flow (size 0 or preemie) nipples. Fast flow overwhelms them, causing choking and excess gas. Move up sizes when feeds take 30+ minutes and baby seems frustrated.

Clean bottles within 2 hours of feeding to prevent bacteria growth. Brush with hot soapy water, clean the nipple inside out. OXO Tot set includes bottle brush + small nipple brush. Replace monthly.

Countertop grass-style rack (Boon, $15) or fold-out rack. You'll wash 8-12 bottles and pump parts daily — they need somewhere to air dry. Keep it near the sink, not across the kitchen.

CDC says sterilize before first use, then daily sterilizing is optional if you have clean water. Microwave steam bags (Medela) are cheapest and fastest — 3 minutes per batch. Replace bags every 20 uses.

Nice-to-have, not essential. Running warm water over a refrigerated bottle works fine. If buying: Baby Brezza is the fastest ($40-100). Never microwave bottles — creates dangerous hot spots in the milk.

Even if exclusively breastfeeding, keep one can of ready-to-feed formula at home. Emergencies happen — illness, medication, supply dip. Having it removes panic. Enfamil or Similac are both fine choices.

Pre-measured compartments for on-the-go bottle prep. Fill with powder formula at home, add water when ready. Saves fumbling with a big can in public. Dr. Brown's formula dispenser is the standard.

Tap water is fine in most US cities if your water report is clean. If on well water or unsure: use bottled nursery water or filtered. No need to boil water for healthy full-term babies if your supply is safe.

Hard plastic shells worn inside the bra to protect cracked or sore nipples from fabric friction. Silverette cups (silver nursing cups) are a premium alternative that promote healing. Not needed by everyone.

Personal preference — many moms feed openly, some prefer coverage. Muslin scarves double as covers. The milk-snob style drapes like a poncho with a structured neckline so you can see baby.

Write-on labels or permanent tags for daycare bottles. Include baby's full name and date. Most daycares require labeled bottles. Mabel's Labels and InchBug bands are popular daycare-proof options.

Nipple flow rates: Preemie/0 (newborn), Size 1 (1-3 months), Size 2 (3-6 months), Size 3 (6+ months). Move up when baby takes 30+ minutes to finish or gets frustrated. Buy your brand's sizes specifically.

Combine pumped milk from the same day in one pitcher in the fridge. Chill fresh milk before mixing with cold milk. This makes prepping bottles much faster — pour exact amounts from one container.

Store bags flat in date order — oldest in front. Use a freezer basket or magazine holder for vertical organization. Use milk within 6 months (deep freezer: 12 months). Thawed milk expires in 24 hours.

Use fragrance-free dish soap — regular soap residue can upset baby's stomach. Dapple or Babyganics bottle soap breaks down milk fat better than standard dish soap. A small pump bottle at the sink.

Get a set with multiple brush sizes: large for bottles, small for nipples, tiny for straw cups later. Replace brushes when bristles splay — old brushes don't clean and harbor bacteria.