Colostrum
Colostrum is the nutrient-dense early form of breast milk that your body produces in the first few days after delivery. It’s often called liquid gold because of its yellowish color and incredible value for your baby’s health. A colostrum collector helps gather any drops that you express and is helpful as your baby learns to latch.
Formula
Even if you plan on nursing, it’s good to have formula on hand. There are three types of formula: ready-to-feed (a pre-prepared liquid), concentrated (a liquid that requires additional water) and powdered (which dissolves into water).
For parents who are formula-feeding full-time, consider accessories likea formula pitcher, which lets you storea day’s worth of mixed liquid, or a formula dispenser, which dispenses a bottle with the push of a button.
Cow’s MilkFormula
The majority of formulas contain cow’s milk with added nutrients to help babies grow.
HydrolyzedFormula
Cow’s milk protein is broken down, so babies with an allergy are able to drink it.
Soy Formula
Formula made with soy milk can be helpful for lactose-intolerant babies.
SpecialFormula
Other types that are made for babies with medical conditions.
Baby Bottles
When buying bottles, it’s important to know that your newborn's stomachis incredibly tiny. According to the La Leche League, it’s about the size of a cherry when they’re born and grows to the size of an egg by the time they turn a month old.
That’s why you’ll want a variety of sizes that your baby can use as they grow. You should also try different bottle types. Once you find the one that works best, get three to five duplicates.
Also consider getting a bottle warmer to safely heat your breast milk or formula to an exact temperature, plus a bottle brush, drying rack, and sterilizer for cleaning.
StandardBottle
The most common type that’s cylindrical with straight sides.
Anti-ColicBottle
Includes straw-like vents and nipple valves to reduce gas.
Wide-NeckedBottle
Shorter bottlesdesigned to be more like a mother’s breast.
What to Consider
Size
Start with infant-sized bottles (4 to 5 ounces), then move up to bigger ones (8 to 9 ounces).
Materials
Depending on your preference, there’s glass, plastic, silicone, and stainless steel.
Breast Pump
If you plan on breastfeeding your baby, you’ll likely end up pumping, too. This will let you store extra breast milk for both short and long trips away from baby.
A breast pump is a device that fits over your nipple and suctions breast milk from it for storage and later use. They come in several styles—some electric, some manual—and having more than one will make it much easier to stick to a pumping schedule.
Helpful pumping accessories include pumping bras, a pump bag, cooler bag, milk storage bags, and extra pump parts.
Electric Pump
Large and heavy, these use a system of tubes and flanges to pull milk into storage containers.
Portable Pump
Smaller and easier to transport than your primary pump, but usually has a weaker motor.
WearablePump
A convenient, on-the-go pump that works hands-free with no wires or tubing.
Manual Pump
A cone-shaped shield with a container. It hasno motor, so you need to hand pump your milk.
What to Consider
Function
Some electric pumps need to be plugged in, while others are rechargeable or runon batteries.
Size
Breast pumps come in a wide range of sizesand weights. Look for one that works best for your needs.
Strength
Compare motor sizesto get a sense of suction power.
Nursing Accessories
Set up a comfortable area where you can feed baby with a glider, breastfeeding pillow, plenty of burp cloths, and bibs.
Don’t forget snacks and a water bottle! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a nursing mother drink about 16 cups of water per day.
Nursing Bra
Stretchy bra with hooked or zippered flaps that will give you quick and easy breast access.
Nursing Pillow
A cushion that fits around your torsoto support your baby as they feed. Get washable covers.
Nursing Cover
Wraps around youand your baby so you can breastfeed in public while maintaining privacy.
Nursing Pads
Soft cushions that absorb leaking milk throughout the day. There are disposable and reusable pads.
Nipple Shield
A small, thin piece of silicone that extends your nipple to help baby with latching.
Nipple Cream
Baby-safe creamthat contains moisturizing ingredients to help soothe soreor dry nipples.
Feeding Accessories
Your baby will only drink breast milk or formula exclusively for the first six months of their lives. After that, it’s time to experiment with solid foods, which requires a whole different set of tools and accessories.
High Chair
Find a steady high chair with a crotch post, harness, removable tray, and adjustable seat.
Feeding Seat
A small chair that’s handy or traveling and eating out. Some clip directly onto a table.
Food Processor
Makes it easy to puree fruits and veggies or prep dishes like blender pancakes.
Plates and Bowls
Soft silicone dinnerware is babyproof and has suction cupsto help minimize spills.
Cups
Experiment with different cup styles, including sippy cups, straw cups, and training cups.
Utensils
Look for forks and spoons with chunky handles and shallow scoops to promote self feeding.
Feeding Bib
Sleeved bibs and ones with a center pocket to catch crumbs keep food (mostly) off baby.
Snack Containers
These snack catchers have lids with flaps, making them great for bringing food on the go.
