Building Your Values-Based Baby Registry: Feeding Items
Here’s a list of items that will be nice to have on hand for feeding that little baby of yours. Some items you may never use and some you will use (and wash!) many (many!) times a day. ;) That’s the nice thing about long return windows with many registry items - if you don’t use it, return it and snag something you will!
4oz & 8oz Bottles (~4-8/each)
Philips Avent Natural Glass Baby Bottle with Natural Response Nipple - 8oz 4pk $39
As mentioned earlier, I was trying to reduce the amount of plastics in my baby’s life so I opted for glass bottles. Some people gave me a hard time about it but they worked great and never felt particularly fragile.
Before I had a baby I did NOT know that nipples came in different sizes. I’d recommend just starting with the “slowest flow” (Size 1’s) and buying faster-flow nipples if/when you need them.
Bottle Warmer
Philips AVENT Fast Baby Bottle Warmer with Smart Temp Control and Automatic Shut-Off $50
I used this every day. My bff never used one. This is helpful for warming up previously cooled (or even frozen) breast milk or formula. We opted to warm our daughter’s bottles but if we’re out and about, she drinks them cold and doesn’t mind a bit. Other babies have stronger preferences. You’ll find what works for your babe, but this could be helpful to have on hand.
Dish & Bottle Soap
Babyganics Foaming Dish & Bottle Soap - 3pk $15
“That seems like a lotta soap, Lizzie!” Right! It does! But buckle up, my friend, because you’re going to be doing a helluva lotta hand washing! Way more than I expected. This soap came highly recommended to me due to the thoughtful ingredients it’s made from and although I’m not a scientist, I can say that it’s worked great. No fragrances or dyes.
Bottle Drying Rack
OXO Tot Bottle Drying Rack $23
I am not beholden to OXO as a brand but you’re definitely going to want a drying rack for your baby items. They have a lot of the basic items for really reasonable prices and they also commit 1% of annual sales to environmental non-profits so I do appreciate that.
The only thing I didn’t love about this one was that it’s hard to scrub the grooves.
Bottle Cooler Bag
BABYER Breast Milk Cooler Bag w/Ice Pack $23
My friend gave me the Medela 4 bottle cooler bag and it was amazing for the first few months & for transporting pumped milk. HOWEVER, if I was going to do it again, I’d just get one cooler bag and make sure it can hold both 4oz and 8oz bottles.
We use this style bag daily for daycare. You can get one with the form-fitted ice pack or just use whatever ice packs you already have. I haven’t used this particular brand but I saw it had better reviews then the one I actually bought.
Breast Milk Storage Bags
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags - 200 count $30
These babies are pre-sterilized so they are ready to go when/if you need them. There are other brands you could consider but this is one case I would avoid the reusable silicone bags. Just trust me on that. You’ll have enough going on and, if you’re anything like me, will also likely find yourself sick of hand washing everything.
High Chair
Lalo 3-in-1 High Chair Full Kit $235
You’re not going to need this right away, but you will be glad you have it eventually. I loved this Lalo High Chair because it fit perfectly within the aesthetic of our dining area. There are so many options for great high chairs - get one that works best for you! Key things to look for: space at your table and washability (they get messy!).
Bibs
Moonkie Silicone Baby Bib Set of 3 $16
Silicone bibs are where it’s at. They catch the bits that don’t make it to your babies mouths (and there will be many!) and they are so easy to clean up. There is some variation on how “soft” they are. I’d opt for softer ones. The ones I’m linking appear most similar to my favorite ones, but since they aren’t branded I’m not 100% sure it’s the same brand.
Beginner Dishes
Having a few options for your little ones, once they are eating solids, is great. This little set is small enough to take with you on the go, or to put right on the tray of your high chair.
Baby Mat (1-2)
ezpz Happy Mat $26
This little Happy Mat is perfect to set right on the table. It (mostly) contains the new eaters mess and is easy to clean. We removed the tray from our daughter’s High Chair when she became a decent eater and started pulling her right up to the table with this. There are different philosophies on these things so do what feels right. Some people go straight to plates.
Some other items you’ll probably want to add to your list:
A Bottle Brush [Munchkin Bristle Bottle Brush - $5]
Some people swear by the HaaKaa Manual Breast Pump to catch the extra milk if you’re pumping on one side. I hardly used it. Could always get it later if you felt you needed it. [HaaKaa Manual Breast Pump $13]
A Nursing Pillow - I only used one for a short period of time. Some people can’t nurse their babies without them. I’ve heard good things about Holy Lamb Organic, Boppy Original, Snuggle Me Organic, Organic Caboose and Nesting Pillow.
