Deciding how many baby bottles to buy can be overwhelming for new parents. With so many bottle options on the market, it’s hard to know how many you actually need, what type or brand to choose, and where to store them all!
This article will walk you through the key factors to consider when determining bottle quantity for your baby registry or first-time purchases. We’ll provide guidelines based on feeding frequency, bottle parts, and other essential details to help you buy the right number of bottles.
How often will you bottle feed?
The number of times you’ll bottle feed your baby per day is the primary driver of how many bottles you need. Here are some averages based on feeding frequency:
Only occasional bottle feeding (1-2 times per day):
4-8 bottles
If you plan to only bottle feed occasionally, such as letting dad or grandparents handle a feed or two per day, you can get away with a smaller bottle stash of 4-8. Since you’ll constantly be washing and reusing this small pool of bottles, 8 bottles provides more flexibility if some are dirty or lost.
Part-time bottle feeding (3-5 times per day):
9-12 bottles
For babies who get bottles more consistently but not for every feeding, such as combining breastmilk and formula or pumping at work part-time, plan for 9-12 bottles. This allows you to go longer between washings and have spares on hand.
Exclusive bottle feeding (6-8 times per day):
15-24 bottles
Babies who will be fully bottle fed, whether with formula or expressed breastmilk, need the most bottles on hand. Plan for at least 15 bottles, or about double the number of daily feeds. This allows you to rotate bottles in and out of the dishwasher and still have clean bottles ready when you need them. 24 bottles or more provides even more wiggle room.
Will you use multiple bottle parts?
Many baby bottles today consist of multiple parts, such as nipples, collars, valves, disks, and caps. You’ll need extras of whatever pieces your bottles require. Here are some tips:
Nipples:
At least 2 nipples for each bottle
Stock up on extra nipples, getting at least 2 nipples for every 1 bottle. Nipples take a lot of wear and tear and may need frequent replacing from drying out, biting, cracking, collapsing, or general use over time. Having spares prevents disruption to your feeding routine while waiting for replacements.
Valves, vents, disks:
2-4 extras of each type
For bottles with additional internal valves, vents, or disks that control airflow, purchase at least 2-4 extras. These small parts are easy to lose when washing or assembling bottles and you don’t want to find yourself short when prepping a bottle.
Collars:
2-3 for each bottle
Collars secure nipples and internal parts onto the bottle. Since collars stretch out over time, have 2-3 extras per bottle to ensure a tight, leakproof seal. Like nipples, used collars may need frequent replacing.
Do you need multiple bottle sizes?
Bottle systems often have different size options, based on your baby’s age and appetite. Here are common sizes:
Newborn:
2-5 oz capacity
For newborns, smaller 2-5 oz bottles are best for their tiny tummies. Have at least 4-6 bottles in this size, even if you’ll also use larger bottles. The small size is key for pace feeding and preventing waste.
3-6 months:
5-9 oz capacity
Around 3-6 months, babies can move up to 5-9 oz bottles. Have 6-10 bottles in this medium size as baby’s appetite grows. The size prevents constant refills during feeds.
6+ months:
8-12 oz capacity
Larger 8-12 oz bottles are ideal for older babies, 6 months and up, who take in bigger volumes per feeding. Keep 6-10 bottles in the large size once baby is finishing bigger bottles. This reduces the number of bottles needed per day.
Variety pack:
An option with multiple sizes
Many brands sell “variety” or “newborn” sets with different sized bottles in one convenient bundle. This allows you to have bottles in all needed sizes without guessing. Just be sure to have multiples of your most used sizes.
Will you pump breastmilk?
Here are tips if you’ll be pumping and bottle feeding breastmilk:
Pump directly into bottles:
Cut down on bottle quantity by pumping right into the bottles baby will drink from. There are two ways to pump into bottles:
1. Use a breast pump that pumps directly into bottles, like the Medela Pump in Style.
2. Attach a connector to your breast pump so milk pumps into bottles beneath the flanges.
Pumping into bottles saves an extra pour step and means you need fewer bottles overall.
Store milk in bags:
Stash expressed breastmilk in freezer bags before transferring into bottles. Lay milk bags flat in the freezer, then pop them into bottles as needed. This can also reduce the number of bottles required.
Have extra bottle parts:
Since you’ll need to fully disassemble bottles after each pump session for cleaning, keep extra parts like flanges, valves, and connectors on hand so you can quickly reassemble the next set.
Additional factors:
A few other points that impact ideal bottle quantity:
Dishwasher vs hand washing:
If you’ll hand wash bottles, have more since you can’t clean as many at once. Using a dishwasher allows you to get by with fewer.
Traveling:
Add 2-3 extra bottles for travel, in case of leaks or forgetting parts at home. Transporting pre-portioned milk in disposable bottles or bags also minimizes bottles needed.
Lost or damaged:
Assume you may lose a few bottles over time or need to replace bottles that become stained, cracked, or bitten through.
Future babies:
Consider whether you’ll use bottles again for future children. If so, you may want extra bottles upfront.
Burp cloths and accessories:
In addition to bottles themselves, stock up on burp cloths, nipples brushes, drying racks, pumps, and other bottle feeding accessories. These help create an efficient system.
Bottle recommendations by feeding style:
Based on the above factors, here are my specific bottle recommendations for different feeding styles:
Breastfed baby with occasional formula supplement:
– 6-8 5 oz bottles
– 1-2 bottle nipples per bottle
– Bottle brush and drying rack
– 4-8 oz formula samples or ready-to-feed bottles
Combo fed baby getting about 50/50 breastmilk and formula:
– 9-12 bottles in a variety of sizes like 5 oz, 9 oz, and 12 oz
– At least 3 nipples per bottle
– Full bottle cleaning kit with brush, drying rack, and sanitizer
– Breast pump with bottles and parts if pumping milk
Mostly formula fed with occasional pumped breastmilk:
– 15-20 9 oz bottles
– 5-10 slow flow nipples
– Bottle accessories like warmer and formula dispenser
– Small milk storage bottles and freezer bags for pumped milk
Exclusively formula feeding:
– 20-24 bottles in 8-12 oz sizes
– Full bottle cleaning supplies
– Formula mixing pitcher
– Portable formula dispenser for on-the-go
– Bottle warmer
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do baby bottles last?
With proper care, baby bottles can last for the duration of bottle feeding, which is typically 9-12 months. Inspect bottles carefully for cracking, collapsing nipples, and bite marks, replacing any damaged bottles. Nipples and valves may need replacing every 1-3 months with frequent use.
What is the best bottle brand for newborns?
Dr. Brown’s, Comotomo, and Philips Avent are excellent bottle brands for newborns. Their newborn flows nipples and vent systems reduce fussiness, gas, and colic issues common in young babies switching to bottles.
When can babies use different sized bottles?
Newborns do best with 2-5 oz bottles. Around 3 months, you can size up to 5-9 oz bottles. Closer to 6 months, try 9-12 oz bottles as baby’s appetite increases. Always watch for bottle refusal or difficulty finishing larger sizes.
How many bottles do I need if exclusively pumping?
Exclusive pumpers will need at least 12 bottles for rotation between pumping, fridge storage, cleaning, and feeding. Have extra flanges, valves, backflow protectors, and other pump parts so you can reassemble pumps and pump again quickly.
Should I buy glass or plastic bottles?
It’s a personal choice! Glass bottles are heavier and more breakable but don’t hold onto stains or odors. Plastic allows light weight and portability but may show more wear over time. Mix and match to find what works for your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Buying baby bottles involves many factors like feeding frequency, bottle parts, pumping, and size needs. In general, occasional bottle feeders can start with 4-8 bottles while exclusive bottle feeders need upwards of 20 bottles readily available. Have multiples of nipples, valves, collars, and accessories for easy feeding routines. Choose a bottle system that fits your family’s needs and budget. With the right bottle stash and cleaning supplies, you’ll be prepared for smooth bottle feeding!