As a new parent, one of the many things you have to figure out is how many bottles you’ll need for your baby. Having the right number of bottles can make feeding time much easier. So how do you determine the optimal number of bottles?
The Basics – How many bottles does a baby need?
There are a few basic factors to consider when deciding how many baby bottles to get:
- Baby’s age – Newborns need more bottles since they eat more frequently. As babies get older, they begin consolidating feedings and need fewer bottles.
- Formula or breastmilk – Bottle needs may vary slightly if you exclusively formula feed versus breastfeed.
- Bottle type – The number of bottles needed can depend on whether you use disposable, reusable plastic, or glass bottles.
- Washing frequency – More bottles allow longer intervals between washings.
- Travel and outings – Having extra bottles on hand makes leaving home easier.
As a general rule of thumb, plan on having at least 6 to 8 bottles on hand. But read on for more details…
Bottle Needs by Age
Here is a rough guide on bottle needs based on your baby’s age:
Newborn (0-3 months)
8 to 12 bottles
In the first few months, babies need to feed about every 2 to 3 hours. This equals 8 to 12 feedings per day. Having at least 8 bottles allows you to keep up with feedings without needing to wash bottles multiple times a day.
Infant (4-6 months)
6 to 10 bottles
Around 4 months, babies start spacing out feedings a bit more, needing about 6 to 8 feedings per day. Some babies are also beginning to experiment with solid foods. You can get by with 6 bottles but 8 to 10 allows more flexibility.
Older infant (7-12 months)
6 bottles
By 7 months, many babies have reduced their milk feedings down to 5 or 6 times a day as they get more nutrition from solids. You can likely manage with just 6 bottles at this stage.
Toddler (1-2 years)
4 to 6 bottles
Toddlers are typically down to just 3 or 4 bottles of milk per day along with their solid food. Aim for 4 to 6 bottles to have extras on hand.
Bottle Type
The type of baby bottles you choose also impacts how many you’ll need:
Disposable Bottle Considerations
- Pros: Convenient, no cleanup
- Cons: More waste and cost over time
- Number needed: At least 1 case (typically 24 bottles)
Reusable Plastic Bottles
- Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight
- Cons: Can warp and degrade over time
- Number needed: 8 to 12 bottles
Glass Bottles
- Pros: Durable, eco-friendly
- Cons: Heavier and prone to breaking
- Number needed: 6 to 8 bottles
Glass and reusable plastic bottles allow you to rotate different bottles into use between washings. Having 8 to 12 allows you to go longer between washings.
Formula vs. Breastmilk
Feeding methow can also impact optimal bottle numbers:
Exclusive Formula Feeding
Because formula takes longer to prepare, have at least 10 bottles if formula feeding exclusively. This allows you to make formula in advance and have pre-filled bottles ready to go.
Exclusive Pumping
Around 10 bottles can also be useful if you are exclusively pumping breastmilk. You can pump milk into bottles to build up a stash.
Direct Breastfeeding
If directly nursing at the breast, 6 to 8 bottles is often enough. You’ll use bottles for occasional feedings when away from baby.
Frequency of Bottle Washings
Having enough bottles to go 3 to 4 hours between washings makes feedings easier. Here is a guide based on washing frequency:
| Washes bottles every | Recommended number of bottles |
|---|---|
| 1 hour | 6 bottles |
| 2 hours | 8 to 10 bottles |
| 3 to 4 hours | 10 to 12 bottles |
| 6 to 8 hours | 16 to 20 bottles |
Washing bottles after each use is time consuming. But leaving bottles for too long between washings allows bacteria to grow. Shooting for a 3 to 4 hour rotation helps strike a balance.
Traveling and Outings
Having spare bottles on hand is especially useful when traveling or running errands. Even just a quick trip to the store may overlap with a feeding. Some tips:
- Keep 2 to 4 extra bottles in your diaper bag to use on the go
- Have at least 1 or 2 extra bottles at home so you don’t have to disrupt an outing to wash
- Bring a small bottle brush and soap for washing away from home if needed
The convenience of having multiple spare bottles makes leaving the house with baby much smoother.
Other Bottle Accessories
In addition to the bottles themselves, you may need multiples of other bottle-related items:
- Nipples – Stock at least 2 nipples per bottle to have spares and for rotation
- Caps and collars – Have 2 to 4 caps per bottle to have backups
- Teats – If using teats, have 6 to 12 to rotate between washings
Having multiple nipples and caps avoids needing to wash these small parts as frequently.
Bottle Drying Racks
A drying rack helps keep bottles organized as they air dry. Look for a rack with space for:
- 6 to 12 bottles
- Extra openings for nipples, caps, etc.
- A draining area to catch drips
Drying racks with bottle brush holders are also useful for keeping brushes handy but contained.
Bottle Brushes
It’s helpful to have at least 3 to 4 bottle brushes on hand:
- 1 in current use for washing
- 1 drying from last use
- 1 to 2 as spares
Having multiple brushes makes it easy to swap them between uses so they don’t stay damp.
Bottle Warmer
A bottle warmer allows you to quickly heat bottles when needed. Look for a model with:
- Capacity to hold at least 2 bottles to heat simultaneously
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Auto shut-off safety feature
Being able to quickly warm a bottle when your hungry baby is waiting helps make feeding times less stressful.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
To keep bottles clean:
- Clean bottles after each use with dish soap and hot water
- Sanitize bottles regularly by boiling, steaming, or using sanitizing tablets
- Replace plastic bottles every 3 months and nipples every 6 weeks
Thorough cleaning and replacing bottles and nipples when recommended keeps milk free of bacteria.
Handy Extras
Some other useful bottle items to have on hand:
- Bottle cleaning brush – For scrubbing inside bottles
- Drying rack – Gives bottles a place to drip dry
- Leaking milk bags – For collecting milk during letdown or pumping
- Wet bag – For holding dirty bottle parts away from other items
- Formula mixer – If formula feeding
Having these handy extras makes cleaning, storing, and transporting bottles much easier.
Stock Up Strategically
Here are some tips for strategically stocking up on bottles:
- Start with smaller 4-8 ounce newborn bottles then add larger sizes as baby grows
- Buy in bulk for discounts, but open packages as needed to ensure parts don’t expire before being used
- Target gift registries are a great way to accumulate bottles
- Don’t go overboard buying too many bottles too early
Buying bottles based on your baby’s feeding progress allows you to maximize use from each bottle.
Bottle Feeding Tips
Once you have your bottles, keeping these tips in mind can make bottle feeding easier:
- Hold your baby semi-upright during feedings
- Gently tilt the bottle so milk fills the nipple and air doesn’t get in
- Limit feeding times to under 30 minutes to avoid overfeeding
- Don’t prop bottles or allow baby to self feed until older
Following feeding best practices helps your baby eat comfortably while also reducing colic, reflux, and gas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bottles does a newborn need each day?
Newborns need around 8 to 12 bottles per day, as they eat about every 2 to 3 hours.
How many extra bottles should you have on hand?
It’s good to have 2 to 4 extra bottles beyond what you use in a single day. This allows spares for travel and avoids needing to wash bottles constantly.
How long can you store a bottle of pumped breastmilk?
Freshly pumped breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours, in the fridge for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 12 months.
How long can you leave formula in a bottle?
An unused bottle of formula can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Once a baby drinks from a bottle, unused formula left over should be discarded within an hour.
How do you keep bottles and nipples clean?
Wash bottles thoroughly with soap and water after each use. Regularly sanitize bottles by boiling, steaming, or using sanitizing tablets. Replace nipples every 4 to 6 weeks and bottles every 3 months.
The Bottom Line
Determining how many baby bottles you need depends on several factors like your baby’s age, feeding method, and washing frequency. As a general rule, keep at least 8 bottles on hand, with more if exclusively formula feeding or pumping. Washing bottles frequently and replacing worn parts helps keep bottles clean and safe for your baby.
