Breastfeeding vs. Formula vs. Combo – What to Buy No Matter How You Feed
(The zero-judgment, zero-waste guide)
You’re told “breast is best” or “fed is best” and suddenly everyone has an opinion.
Truth: most parents end up doing a mix, and that’s perfectly fine.
Here’s exactly what to buy so you’re covered no matter what happens — without spending $500 on stuff you’ll never use.
The Universal Must-Haves (Buy these — you’ll use them either way)
- Bottles × 6–8 (Dr. Brown’s narrow or Comotomo — slow flow nipples)
- Burp cloths × 12–15 (Copper Pearl or Gerber thick ones)
- Nursing pillow (Boppy or My Brest Friend)
- Haakaa (catches letdown — worth its weight in gold)
- Nipple cream (Earth Mama or Lansinoh)
- Formula (one small can of whatever hospital uses — just in case)
- Bottle brush + drying rack
Quick science: Whether breastmilk or formula, responsive feeding (feed on cue) supports healthy weight gain and reduces overfeeding risk by 30 %. Bottles + burp cloths are non-negotiable either way.
(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Responsive Feeding Guidelines)
“We planned to exclusively breastfeed. Day 3 we needed formula. Having one can saved an emergency run.”
— Mom in r/BabyBumps
If You’re Planning to Breastfeed (or try)
- Nursing bras × 3–4 (Kindred Bravely or Cake Maternity)
- Manual pump (Medela Harmony or Haakaa silicone)
- Reusable nursing pads
- Freezer storage bags (for the early oversupply days)
If You’re Planning Formula (or end up there)
- Formula pitcher (Dr. Brown’s or Baby Brezza)
- Ready-to-feed bottles (for the first weeks — no mixing when you’re zombies)
- Bottle warmer (optional — many parents just use hot water)
Combo Feeding Parents (this is most of us)
- Electric pump if pumping a lot (Spectra S2 or Medela Pump In Style)
- Paced-feeding bottles (Dr. Brown’s or Lansinoh Momma)
- Storage bottles that double as feeding bottles
Quick science: Combo feeding protects milk supply when done with paced bottle technique — baby still gets breastmilk benefits without forced exclusivity.
(Source: Journal of Human Lactation, 2023)
“I pumped and formula-fed from week 2. Combo kept me sane and baby happy.”
— Dad in r/daddit
Gear That Made a Difference for Parents
- Haakaa Ladybug (catches letdown without suction) “Saved 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
- Nursing pillow + Haakaa
- Nipple cream
- One can formula + one pack 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. ❤️
