Breastfeeding vs. Formula vs. Combo Feeding – What to Buy No Matter How You Feed
(The zero-judgment, zero-waste shopping list)
You’re pregnant and everyone is already asking “breast or bottle?”
Reality: 60 % of moms end up doing some kind of mix, and that’s perfectly okay.
Here’s the exact stuff you need no matter which way you go — so you’re covered without buying three different setups.
The 9 Things Literally Every Parent Uses (Buy these first)
- Bottles × 6–8 (Comotomo or Dr. Brown’s narrow — slow-flow nipples)
- Burp cloths × 12–15 (Copper Pearl quilted or Gerber thick)
- Haakaa silicone pump (catches letdown — worth its weight in gold)
- Nursing pillow (Boppy or My Brest Friend)
- Nipple cream (Earth Mama or Lansinoh HPA lanolin)
- Formula (one small can of whatever hospital uses — just in case)
- Bottle brush + drying rack
- Disposable nursing pads (for the early leak weeks)
- Snack stash for you (protein bars, Liquid I.V.)
Quick science: Whether breastmilk or formula, responsive feeding (on cue) supports healthy weight gain and lowers overfeeding risk by ~30 %. Bottles and burp cloths are non-negotiable either way.
(Source: AAP Responsive Feeding Guidelines)
“We planned exclusive breastfeeding. Day 4 we needed formula. Having one can saved an emergency store run.”
— Mom in r/BabyBumps
If You’re Planning (or Hoping) to Breastfeed
- Nursing bras × 3–4 (Kindred Bravely or Cake Maternity)
- Manual pump (Medela Harmony or extra Haakaa)
- Reusable nursing pads
- Freezer storage bags
If You’re Planning Formula (or end up there)
- Formula pitcher (Dr. Brown’s or Baby Brezza)
- Ready-to-feed bottles (for the zombie weeks)
- Bottle warmer (optional — hot tap water works)
Combo Feeding Parents (this is most of us)
- Electric pump if pumping a lot (Spectra S2 or Elvie Stride)
- Paced-feeding bottles (Dr. Brown’s or Lansinoh Momma)
Quick science: Combo feeding with paced bottle technique protects milk supply and still gives baby breastmilk benefits. Studies show no difference in long-term health outcomes vs. exclusive breastfeeding after 6 months.
(Source: Journal of Human Lactation, 2023)
“I pumped and topped up with formula from week 3. Combo kept me sane and baby chunky.”
— Dad in r/daddit
Gear That Made a Difference for Parents
- Haakaa Ladybug “Caught 4 oz a day I would’ve lost in pads.”
- Dr. Brown’s Formula Pitcher “Mix 24 hours at once. No 3 a.m. math.”
- Boppy nursing pillow “Works for breastfeeding AND bottle propping when you’re desperate.”
Your No-Waste Feeding Checklist
- Bottles + burp cloths
- Haakaa + nursing pillow
- Nipple cream
- One can formula + ready-to-feed
- Nursing bras OR formula pitcher
- Pump only if you know you’ll need it
You’ve got this.
Fed is best. Happy parents = happy baby.
One ounce, one cuddle, one deep breath at a time. ❤️
