What does your baby need for breastfeeding and feeding?

Feeding your little one takes centre stage in the first months, and both you and your baby may need the right tools to make it work. Breastfeeding is a natural process, yet it doesn’t always go smoothly. Many mums feel inexperienced with their first child – we tend to assume the “art of breastfeeding” is something we’re simply born knowing. It’s worth remembering that breastfeeding challenges can happen to anyone at any time.

Whether you’re feeding breast milk or formula, it’s sensible to prepare a few essentials in advance. We’re fortunate these days to have helpful kit like breast pumps and specially designed feeding spoons.

Because your baby’s needs can change quickly, it’s best to choose practical, easy-to-use items. You don’t have to buy everything upfront – you can pick things up as you go. Most of these products are easy to source. There are, however, some feeding aids worth arranging by the time of birth and even taking to hospital – for example a breast pump and sterile breast milk storage bags.
In this article we’ll cover some of the core items – and you’ll find plenty more innovations on shop shelves.

Nursing pillow

Many mums sleep with a nursing pillow during pregnancy because it makes side-sleeping more comfortable with a growing bump. Once you’re home and breastfeeding, you can try different positions with the pillow. The benefit? You and your baby can settle into a comfortable posture for feeds – reducing strain on your back and arms – while baby feels stable and supported.

What to look for in a nursing pillow?
C- or U-shaped styles that wrap around the waist give good support, while long, bolster-shaped pillows suit multiple positions. Fillings include microbeads, memory foam, cotton or polyester. Choose a removable, washable cover that’s skin-friendly and breathable.

Bibs and muslins for winding 

Bibs and muslin cloths serve different purposes. You may also hear “tetra muslin” – typically a square-weave, breathable cotton cloth. “Muslin” is a broader term for washable fabric cloths – terry, tetra, flannel, bamboo, muslin – used for various baby-care tasks.

A muslin over your shoulder is handy for winding, and during breastfeeding it’s useful near baby’s neck and shoulder to catch any spilled milk.

A bib protects clothing from food and dribble, and, like a muslin, it’s useful for both breast and bottle feeds. Bibs really come into their own when babies start to feed themselves – larger sizes are great for these messy moments.

With both muslins and bibs, make sure the fabric doesn’t cover baby’s face and doesn’t chafe the neck.

Breast pump and milk storage bags 

A breast pump is a very handy tool or device – it helps you express and store milk efficiently and can increase milk supply. When choosing between manual and electric versions, think about your lifestyle – and, if this isn’t your first baby, your previous experience.

A manual pump is often worth adding to your hospital bag, as many mums can express and store milk soon after birth. It’s also helpful when trying to prevent mastitis by emptying the breasts more thoroughly. Manual pumps are quiet, portable and cheaper, but require more effort.

Electric pumps are faster and more comfortable because they express milk automatically. You can choose single or double pumps. If your baby needs to take expressed breast milk from a bottle for any reason, an electric pump is usually the better choice.

Bottles and trainer cups 

You might need bottles for several reasons, such as:

• You can’t breastfeed temporarily – e.g., health reasons, medication, mastitis – and you’re feeding expressed milk.

• Breastfeeding runs into difficulties.

• Someone else occasionally feeds your baby expressed milk.

• Your baby is formula-fed.

• Your baby is premature and not yet able to feed effectively at the breast.

For newborns, a smaller 100–150 ml bottle is often enough, as they take smaller amounts at first. After a few months, 240–260 ml can be more suitable. If breastfeeding is going smoothly, you may not need bottles at all.

Most modern bottles feature anti-colic designs that allow less air in during feeds, helping reduce wind and tummy cramps. Wind after bottle feeds, too – see our article on the link text to use: methods and importance of burping

Ergonomic shapes can make life easier for you, and look for BPA-free materials to avoid BPA leaching into food. BPA is a chemical used in some plastics and many experts consider it harmful.

Trainer cups range from open-cup styles to spout cups. The Swedish-style feeding and trainer cup has a special design that can help avoid teat confusion. Spout cups for older babies often promise no-drip performance – particularly handy when drinking lying down.

Bottle and baby food warmer 

A bottle/food warmer gently and evenly heats breast milk, formula and baby food. It’s preferable to a microwave, which can overheat and create hot spots. It’s also safer than hob heating, as the food warms gradually, avoiding sudden overheating. If you don’t have a device, the next best option is warming in a water bath.

Breast milk is especially heat-sensitive and can lose valuable components. With a warmer, you can set the temperature you actually need.

Bouncer and highchair 

A baby bouncer is one of the most practical items. It’s comfortable, often reclines, and lets baby rest safely – most little ones are very content in them. It can soothe, offer play with attached toys, and even ease feeding.

When feeding breast milk or formula from a bottle, closeness to mum is still important. While it can be easier to feed in the bouncer, cuddling in arms keeps baby close – reserve the bouncer for other times, and it’s especially handy once baby food is on the menu.

Avoid leaving baby in a bouncer for too long – the curved posture can limit free movement development.

The highchair is the place for babies who can sit unaided to join the family table. You can pick a tray-style chair or one that pulls up to the table. The tray version is handy because you can set it up anywhere during the day. Shared mealtimes are enjoyable and build a sense of belonging. The main rules: it should be stable, adjustable, comfortable and safe.

Bowls and spoons 

When you reach those first self-feeding attempts, you’ll see there’s a sea of tableware to choose from – sectioned plates, tip-proof designs, simple classics. What works best is often a matter of trial and error. Make sure the materials are safe and free from harmful components.

Soft, flexible spoons are easier for babies to latch onto and are gentle on gums. Long handles help when feeding from baby-food jars. Avoid deep or metal spoons, awkward curves, hard-to-grip handles, or wide spoon heads. Once baby is self-feeding, a shorter handle is better.

There are also professionally designed pre-spoons worth reading about. They’re suitably shallow, textured, and hold small amounts – more like dipping spoons – easy for baby to grip and bring to the mouth. Babies manage well with them and they offer a lovely sense of success.

As you can see, each item comes in countless variations. The best approach is to choose according to your baby’s needs – and your own.

Sources:

NHS – Bottle feeding (Best Start in Life)

NCT – Expressed milk: your questions answered