A Basic Baby Feeding Checklist

Preparing for the arrival of your baby is an amazing and exciting experience. No one expects first-time parents to know everything they need to get before the baby comes, which is why little guides like this can really come in handy! It can remind mums and dads of all the products they still need to get, along with ones that had not even thought of yet!  

One of the most important checklists for parents is the baby feeding checklist. I’m taking a quick look here at several must-have items that every home with bottle-fed infants should have. Even if you intend to breastfeed it’s always best to be prepared for bottle feeding just in case you have problems breastfeeding or would like your partner to help out. 

Feeding Pillows

To put it simply, a feeding pillow is a game changer. These pillows are capable of providing mothers with some much-needed ergonomic support that will alleviate any concerns about back pains and you can feed your little one in comfort.

In addition, the pillows will also make babies more comfortable. The bones on our wrists and forearms can gradually cause babies slight discomfort (and even pain). Just remember to get a few slip covers for the pillows in case of spillages or if your baby is sick.

Bottles

Buy four or five bottles for your baby so you can rotate them during periods of washing and drying. Remember to buy replacement teats, rings and caps as well.

Bottle-sterilising equipment

Babies do not have fully developed immune systems, so it is up to parents to ensure that their contact with microorganisms such as bacteria and fungus (which tend to find a home in the nooks and crannies of milk bottles and teats) are kept to a minimum. This can be done by sterilising their feeding equipment. Parents can choose a traditional method like boiling the milk bottles in water, or use microwaving or steaming techniques. Alternatively, they can also buy all-in-one devices which perform the sterilisation at the touch of a button.

Milk powder dispensers

As many mothers can tell you, trying to prepare a bottle of milk with one hand while placating a hungry baby is not an easy task – especially in the middle of the night or while traveling. Milk powder dispensers can make life so much easier. Simple prepare the right amount of milk required in advance and you can fix milk for you baby at twice the speed and half the stress. You can take things a step further by buying a bottle maker, which is an electronic device that can automatically prepare a bottle of milk when required.

Beakers and sippy cups

Sippy cups and baby beakers should be introduced to infants as young as six months old. Ideally, your baby should be comfortable and willing to use beakers and sippy cups by the time they are one year old. This is because, the longer the baby uses a bottle, they stronger will their emotional and psychological connection become. In case you aren’t aware, bottle teats are actually detrimental to speech development and teeth health, and can introduce other long-term health concerns.

Pro-Tip: Always ensure you buy baby products that are free from Bisphenol A (BPA), which is an industrial chemical that may harm infants and toddlers.

What were your top tips for feeding your baby? Is there anything else that you would like to see on this checklist. I would love to know especially with Baby Number 2 on the way.

Claire x