Whether you're bottle feeding, breastfeeding, or doing a bit of both, a handful of feeding basics will get you through the early weeks comfortably. Here's the honest essentials list — what to buy, how many, and what you can skip.
Bottle-feeding essentials
- 4–6 bottles with slow-flow (newborn) teats
- A bottle brush and teat brush
- A steriliser (or a pot to boil in)
- Formula, if you're formula feeding
- Insulated bottle bag for outings
- A few extra teats (they wear over time)
Breastfeeding essentials
- Nursing bras and breast pads
- Nipple cream for comfort in the early days
- Muslin cloths / burp cloths
- A breast pump, if you plan to express
- 1–2 bottles for expressed milk
- A nursing pillow for support (optional but helpful)
🍼 Shop baby feeding
Bottles, sterilisers, and feeding accessories — quality-checked and delivered islandwide with cash on delivery.
Shop feeding essentials →How many bottles do you actually need?
If you're mainly bottle feeding, 4–6 bottles means you always have a clean one ready between washes. If you're mostly breastfeeding, 1–2 bottles for the occasional expressed feed is plenty. Start with smaller bottles (around 120–160 ml) and slow-flow newborn teats, then size up as your baby's appetite grows.
Sterilising & cleaning
For the first year, feeding equipment should be sterilised. Wash everything in warm soapy water with a bottle brush first, then sterilise — either in a steriliser unit or by boiling. A steriliser simply makes the daily routine faster.
Baby feeding — FAQs
How many bottles do I need?
4–6 for bottle feeding, or 1–2 if you're mainly breastfeeding. Start with slow-flow newborn teats.
What size bottle for a newborn?
Smaller bottles (~120–160 ml) with a slow-flow teat suit the early weeks; size up as appetite grows.
Do I need a steriliser?
Feeding gear should be sterilised in the first year. A steriliser is convenient, but boiling works too.