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)

1. Bottles × 6–8 (Comotomo or Dr. Brown’s narrow — slow-flow nipples)
2. Burp cloths × 12–15 (Copper Pearl quilted or Gerber thick)
3. Haakaa silicone pump (catches letdown — worth its weight in gold)
4. Nursing pillow (Boppy or My Brest Friend)
5. Nipple cream (Earth Mama or Lansinoh HPA lanolin)
6. Formula (one small can of whatever hospital uses — just in case)
7. Bottle brush + drying rack
8. Disposable nursing pads (for the early leak weeks)
9. 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. ❤️