Baby checklists
Third trimester
Baby Feeding Supplies Checklist
25 items · 14 must-haves · Weeks 34–38
General info, not medical advice. Your OB, midwife or pediatrician knows your situation; check with them. Learn more about our medical disclaimer
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding essentials
Breastfeeding
- Breast PumpInsurance covers a free electric pump — call your provider at 30 weeks to order. Spectra S1 (portable, rechargeable) or S2 (plug-in, cheaper) are the top picks. Willow/Elvie for hands-free if budget allows.
- Pump PartsFlange size matters enormously — wrong size causes pain and poor output. Most pumps come with 24mm but many women need 17-21mm. Measure or use a sizing tool before assuming the default fits.
- Storage BagsLay bags flat to freeze (stackable, thaws faster). Label with date and ounces. Breast milk is good 4 hours at room temp, 4 days in fridge, 6-12 months in freezer. First in, first out.
- Nursing Bras (3-4)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.
- Nursing PadsLeaks 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.
- Nipple CreamApply 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.
- Nursing PillowOPTIONALNever let baby sleep or lounge on it. Boppy is the classic, My Brest Friend has better lumbar support and a flat surface. Also used for bottle feeding. Washable cover is essential since it gets soaked in milk daily.
- Haakaa/Manual PumpOPTIONALSilicone 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.
- Breast ShellsOPTIONALHard 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.
- Nursing CoverOPTIONALPersonal 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.
Bottles
- Bottles (6-8)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.
- Slow Flow NipplesAll 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.
- Bottle BrushClean 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.
- Drying RackCountertop 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.
- SterilizerOPTIONALSterilize before first use. CDC: sanitize at least once a day while baby is under 2 months, premature or has a weakened immune system. After that, daily sanitizing is optional if you clean everything well after each feed. Microwave steam bags (Medela) are cheapest and fastest — 3 minutes per batch. Replace bags every 20 uses.
- Bottle WarmerOPTIONALNice-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.
- Bottle LabelsOPTIONALWrite-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.
- Extra NipplesNipple 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.
Formula
- Formula (backup)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.
- Formula DispenserOPTIONALPre-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.
- Water for FormulaOPTIONALFor powdered formula under 2 months, for preemies, or with a weakened immune system: boil the water, let it cool no more than 5 minutes (still at least 158°F/70°C), mix, then cool the bottle before feeding (CDC). Otherwise, 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.
Storage
- Milk PitcherOPTIONALCombine 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.
- Freezer OrganizerOPTIONALStore 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.
Cleaning
- Dish SoapUse 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.
- Bottle Brush SetGet 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.
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