As a new parent, one of the many decisions you need to make is how many baby bottles to buy before your little one arrives. Having the right number of bottles can make feeding time easier, while not having enough can create unnecessary stress. So how do you determine the magic number of bottles you need to start with?
The Quick Answer
Most experts recommend having 6-8 bottles on hand when baby first comes home. This allows you to have enough clean, sterilized bottles ready when it’s time for a feeding, while also having extras on hand. Having a few extra bottles can prevent issues like running out of clean bottles or being caught without a bottle when out and about with baby.
Factors That Determine How Many Bottles You Need
While 6-8 bottles is a good general guideline, the exact number of bottles you need depends on your specific situation. Here are some factors to consider:
- Will you be breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing both? Bottle needs are higher if exclusively formula feeding.
- How often do you want to wash bottles? Washing after every use requires more bottles.
- Will you be pumping breastmilk? More bottles needed if storing pumped milk.
- Do you plan to send bottles to daycare or leave some at grandparents’ house?
- How long will you use bottles before switching to sippy cups?
- Will you use bottles when out and about for convenience?
Breastfed Babies
If you plan to exclusively breastfeed, you may be able to get by with fewer bottles. However you will still need several for times when:
- Someone else feeds baby breastmilk you pumped.
- You are away from baby and need to pump and store breastmilk.
- You give baby occasional formula.
- You want to measure intake at feedings.
For breastfed babies, aim for 4-6 bottles to start.
Formula Fed Babies
Babies who formula feed exclusively will need more bottles than breastfed babies. Formula feeding requires keeping up with a larger volume of bottles. Plan for at least 8-12 bottles if formula feeding, especially if you will not be washing bottles after each use.
Bottle Feeding Combination
If you will use both breastmilk and formula, your bottle needs increase. You need bottles for pumped milk storage, bottles to send to daycare or others who may feed baby, and formula feeding bottles. For combo feeding, start with 10 or more bottles.
Washing Frequency
How often you plan to wash bottles factors into your starting bottle count. Washing after every use means you can get by with fewer bottles. But if you plan to wash bottles just once or twice a day, you need more bottles to rotate through feedings. Here are some general guidelines based on washing frequency:
| Washing Frequency | Recommended Bottles |
|---|---|
| After every use | 4-6 |
| Twice daily | 8-10 |
| Daily | 12+ |
Daycare and Caregivers
If your child will go to daycare or you have caregivers who feed baby, you need extra bottles. Send at least 2 bottles per feeding to daycare. And keep a few bottles at grandparents’ or other caregivers’ houses. This allows you to easily leave bottles for feedings you will miss.
Outings
Having dedicated “on the go” bottles can make running errands and leaving the house with baby easier. Keep 2-3 extra bottles specifically for bringing along on outings. That way you don’t have to remember to bring bottles from home each time.
Future Transitions
Think about how long you may use bottles when determining numbers. If you plan to use bottles for 12+ months, buy more upfront. But if you will transition to sippy cups at 6 months, you may need fewer.
Bottle Types
Having different bottle types on hand allows you to find the right fit for your baby:
- Standard bottles: Have 4-6 to start.
- Wide-neck bottles: Try 2-3 to reduce colic and gas.
- Angled bottles: Helpful for infants who struggle tilting head back. Get 1-2 to try out.
- Disposable liners: Convenient but pricier option. Have 2-3 on hand.
Bottles for Pumped Breastmilk
If storing breastmilk, stock up on bottles specifically for pumping and storage. Look for bottles with lid and sealing disc to prevent leaks and spills. Aim for at least 6 pumping bottles so you always have clean ones on hand.
Traveling with Baby
Traveling makes having extra bottles even more important. Stash an extra bottle in your diaper bag whenever leaving the house with baby. And for longer trips, keep a bottle cooling bag with ice packs and bring 1-2 bottles per feeding.
Bottles as Transition Cups
Bottles with soft spouts can make great transition cups when moving from bottle to sippy cup. Buy 1-2 transition bottles with soft spouts around 6 months old to help baby learn to sip.
Specialized Bottles
If your baby has reflux, colic, or other feeding issues, have 1-2 specialized bottles on hand to try. Options include bottles designed to prevent gas and colic or ones with upright feeding angles.
Bottle Nipples and Accessories
In addition to the bottles themselves, stock up on:
- Extra nipples in slow, medium, and fast flow rates
- Bottle brushes for thorough cleaning
- Drying racks to sanitize and air dry bottles
- Bottle warmers if giving baby warm bottles
Replacing Bottles Over Time
Plan to replace bottles about every 3 months with regular use. Plastic bottles warp and deteriorate over time. Replace worn out bottles as needed to keep a good supply on hand.
Buying Tip: Start Small
It’s smart not to buy too many bottles before seeing which ones work best for your baby. Buy just 2-3 bottles of a certain brand or type. If they work well for your baby, stock up on more.
Starter Sets
Many bottle brands sell convenient starter sets with multiple bottles. Starter sets allow you to try a bottle brand while getting several bottles at once. Just be sure to get enough to meet your feeding needs.
Pros of Starter Sets:
- Often more affordable per bottle than individual bottles
- Provide variety of bottle sizes
- Include useful accessories like nipples and cleaning brushes
Cons of Starter Sets:
- Contain set number of bottles in certain sizes
- Can’t customize bottle types and quantities
- Might include bottle types or features you don’t want or need
Sterilizing and Warming
Be sure to purchase any sterilizing equipment or bottle warming devices you may need. These extras are essential for safe, stress-free bottle feeding.
Cleaning and Drying
Invest in quality bottle brushes, drying racks, and other cleaning accessories. Proper cleaning prevents dangerous bacteria growth between uses.
Reusing Plastic Bottles
Reusing plastic bottles can save money. But take caution with crazing, scratches, and warped bottles. When plastic becomes worn, it can harbor bacteria. Inspect bottles carefully before reusing.
Glass vs Plastic Bottles
Both glass and plastic work well for most babies. Consider how many times per day you want to wash bottles when deciding between materials. Some key differences:
| Glass Bottles | Plastic Bottles |
|---|---|
| Heavier and more durable | Lighter weight for portability |
| Withstand heat for sterilization | Can warp with heat sterilization |
| Show wear less over time | Can become worn looking |
| Easier to fully sanitize | Can absorb odors and stains over time |
| More expensive | Very affordable, especially for multiples |
Bottle Safety
Follow these tips for safe bottle use and feeding:
- Inspect bottles for damage before each use.
- Clean and sterilize according to manufacturer instructions.
- Never prop bottles or allow baby to use alone.
- Do not heat plastic bottles in microwaves.
- Always check temperature before feeding.
- Do not save leftovers or mix new and old breastmilk.
- Do not save formula more than 1 hour after feeding starts.
Budgeting for Bottles
Quality bottles don’t have to break the bank. Here are tips for affordable bottle feeding:
- Buy store brand bottles rather than expensive name brands.
- Find deals online and shop sales at big box stores.
- Register for bottles as shower gifts or ask family to gift bottles.
- Buy gently used bottles from resale shops and online exchanges.
- Reuse bottles in good condition for younger siblings.
With regular inspection and cleaning, used bottles can provide major savings.
Stocking Up Over Time
Don’t feel like you need to buy all bottles at once. Buy what you need to start with, then add more:
- After determining baby’s feeding preferences
- When transitioning bottle stages or sizes
- As replenishments when bottles wear out
- If sterilizing less often and needing more bottles
Final Bottle Tips
- Have different bottle types, brands, and nipple flows on hand to experiment.
- Keep extra nipples, lids, discs, and accessories stocked up.
- Try both glass and plastic bottles to see baby’s preference.
- Register for extra bottles at your baby shower.
- Buy dishwasher baskets to make cleaning easier.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right number of bottles takes some trial and error. Start with 6-8 bottles in a mix of styles to see what works. Have extra bottles for pumping, daycare, travel and outings. And don’t underestimate how many you need if not washing after each use. Most parents end up with 10 or more bottles in rotation for stress-free feeding.
The most important rule – make sure you never run out of clean sterilized bottles when your baby is hungry! Having ample bottles makes feeding time easier so you can focus on your new baby, not washing bottles.
