Baby Feeding Supplies: What You Really Need for Newborns and Toddlers

When you’re new to feeding a baby, the world of baby feeding supplies, tools and items used to feed infants safely and comfortably, including bottles, nipples, sterilizers, and feeding aids. Also known as infant feeding equipment, it’s not about having the most expensive gear—it’s about having what works for your baby and your routine. You don’t need ten different bottles, a fancy warmer, or a six-piece feeding station. Most parents quickly learn that a few solid basics do the job just fine.

What most new parents don’t realize is that baby bottles, containers designed to hold and deliver milk or formula to infants, often made of glass, plastic, or silicone aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some babies prefer slow-flow nipples; others choke on them. Some bottles leak when tipped, others are impossible to clean. The newborn feeding, the process of giving milk or formula to a baby under three months old, often requiring frequent, small feeds and careful positioning phase is all about trial and error—and that’s okay. You’ll likely go through a few types before finding what clicks. Hospitals often hand out free samples for a reason: what works for one baby might not work for another.

And then there’s the feeding bottles, the primary tools used to deliver milk to babies who aren’t breastfeeding directly you take to the hospital. Most new mums panic about packing the right ones. But the truth? Two clean bottles, two nipples, and a small bottle brush are all you need for the first 24 hours. You don’t need a sterilizer on day one—boiling water in a kettle works just as well. The real challenge isn’t the gear—it’s the timing. Feeding every two hours, day and night, is exhausting. That’s why having the right supplies isn’t about luxury—it’s about reducing friction when you’re running on zero sleep.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, no-fluff guides from UK parents who’ve been there. We cover what bottles to pack for the hospital, what to skip, how to clean them without a sterilizer, and why some ‘must-have’ items are just marketing hype. You’ll also see what works for toddlers who’ve moved past bottles but still need reliable feeding tools. There’s no jargon. No overpriced product lists. Just what actually gets the job done.