Preparing for Bottle Feeding

Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on March 19, 2021
photo of baby bottlefeeding

You may plan to bottle feed your baby exclusively. Or you may choose to supplement breastfeeding with bottle feeding. Either way, this handy checklist can help you prepare for bottle feeding and bonding with your baby.

  • Check out formula types: powdered, liquid, and ready to use.
  • Ask your pediatrician which formula is best for your baby.
  • Ask your doctor for a feeding chart.
  • Gather bottles, nipples, rings, caps.
  • Be sure bottles are BPA-free (labeled 2, 4, 5, recyclable).
  • Do a practice run. Wash bottles, prepare formula.
  • Learn how best to store unused formula.
  • If you have twins, learn the golden rule: Feed both at the same time. A special pillow may make it easier.
  • Stay prepared by storing extra bottles in your diaper bag.
  • If you plan to breastfeed along with bottle feeding, talk to your doctor about how to freeze breast milk.

Show Sources

SOURCES:

About Kids' Health: "Formula Feeding When You Cannot Provide Breastmilk for Your Baby."

American Academy of Pediatrics: "Bottle Feeding."

Flais, S.V.  Raising Twins: From Pregnancy to Preschool, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010.

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