Baby Must Haves: Feeding

The second I found out I was pregnant (or approx. 2 years before) I was already researching baby products. What was considered the best on the market, and what could be passed aside. I also learned from experience though that some things could be scrimped on, all without sacrificing quality. I hope you find this list helpful as you plan for your little one. Feel free to leave questions or comments on what your Feeding Must Haves are. 

1. Tommy Tippee Closer to Nature Milk Bib: I loved these bibs. The moment we realized I would be exclusively pumping ( a story for another time), we realized that something needed to be done about all those milk dribbles that nestle into the many of the five or so chins that newborns have. These bibs quickly solved that problem with the pillow like feature around the neck. They are so soft too on a tiny baby's skin. 

2. Nursing Pillow: I had every intention of buying a Boppy for Maggie, I even registered for one. At my baby shower though, my sister surprised me with this Nursing Pillow instead. They have two options of either regular cotton fabric or a minky fabric in many different patterns and colors. At first I was skeptical because they definitely weren't as "fluffy" as a Boppy. As I started to compare them though, that is what I loved about it. The Boppy to me was almost too hard and not very comfortable. The nursing pillow is flexible and soft and great for nursing or for baby to use for tummy time or to prop up for self bottle feeding. Maggie still uses hers to this day as a comfort object at times because she loves how soft it is. 

3. Medela Small Bottles: Because I exclusively pumped with Maggie, we needed bottles, LOTS of them. I initially bought these to have as extras to pump into. I didn't expect to have them be the main feeding bottles, but we did and I loved them. Fortunately we never had to deal with reflux or gas issues or so I can't say how they would work with that. There is nothing really fancy about them. I really just loved the size and how convenient they made pumping and feeding all in one container. 

4. Avent Bottles: When we started to outgrow the Medela bottles, the Avent's became the next go to. I mainly gravitated towards these because so many family and friends used them and loved them. I loved having multiple sizes. We used both the 5 and 9 oz bottles. 

5. Tommy Tippee Closer to Nature Pacifier: I may cause some offense by saying this but...I hate binkies with graphics on them. I'm all about buying things like this to be gender neutral. When I saw these plain, clear binkies I fell in love with their simplicity. I also love their shape mimics the shape of a baby's mouth and helps prevent their top teeth from shifting. 

6. Medela Pump in Style: I strongly believe that every woman who plans on breastfeeding needs to invest in a pump. It is so important to get every last drop out to avoid clogged ducts and mastitis. A lot of times you produce more than baby can eat for the first several weeks. This is great because by pumping out the extra, it allows you to build up a stock pile in your freezer. If you are like me and wind up having gall bladder removal 11 weeks post pardom, and have to dump your milk for several days due to medications, you will be sooooo grateful you have a freezer full of milk to use. So here is why I loved my pump. First of all it's top of the line. If the Kardashians use it, then it's good enough for me right? But seriously, this thing has 5 star ratings at literally every place of purchase. It's extremely compact and discrete. The pump itself is about a 5x5x5 inch cube. The rest of the bag is strictly for storage of bottles and milk. It comes equipped with 4 bottles, and a small cooler bag with freezer pack. It can run on both a power cord or AA batteries for when you need to pump in the car, which believe happens more often than you think. It's so easy to use. I love it. There are so many places to buy these as well. Often times you can get them for a steal when Target has their baby sales. I actually got mine brand new off of Ebay for about 1/2 of the regular price. Definitely search around for a great deal. 

7. Up and Up Milk Storage Bags: If you are going to pump, you need something to store it in. There are so many options for breast milk storage. Most storage bags show the oz. and date. I don't know what it was in these bags that I loved so much... probably the price. I bought many, many boxes of these and never once had a problem with them leaking. I have never been disappointed with any of Target's store brand items. 

I hope take advantage of some of these products, because I know you won't be disappointed. 

Happy August 1st. Enjoy these last few weeks of Summer. 

Before we know it the leaves will be changing and the brisk Fall weather will be upon us. 

XO- Kelli