How Many Baby Bottles do I Need?

Welcome, new parents! One of the many decisions you'll need to make as you prepare for your baby's arrival is how many bottles and nipples to get. I know it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what you really need versus what's just extra. Not to worry! Kaiya Baby is here to walk you through the bottle basics. Whether you're planning to exclusively formula feed or want to have some bottles on hand for pumped breastmilk, we'll figure out the ideal number of bottles for your family. 

Recommended bottle quantity

Breastfed Babies (0-6 months)

For the first month, have at least 8 bottles available. Newborns usually feed every 2-3 hours, so bottles will need frequent washing.

From 1-6 months when feedings may stretch to every 3-4 hours, 6 bottles should be sufficient. However, continue to have extras on hand in case of extra feedings or backups if one needs cleaning.

Formula Fed Babies (0-6 months)

In the first month, aim for 10 bottles to allow for continuous feeding without interruption for washing up. Formula prep takes time.

From 1-6 months, 8 bottles is typically enough as feedings become less frequent. However, consider having an extra 2 on hand for traveling or outings.

Using Daycare (6 months+)

For full time daycare, 12 bottles is recommended as the standard. Most daycares require all bottles/cups to be taken home and washed daily due to health standards. 12 allows for 2 full days' worth before running low.

Consider an additional 2-4 bottles for travel between home and daycare as well as occasional trips outside of daycare hours.

Combination Feeding

For babies being fed both breastmilk and formula, using separate bottles for each is recommended. This helps avoid any risks of bacterial contamination.

Have at least 6-8 bottles dedicated solely for breastmilk. These bottles should be clearly labeled and used only for breastmilk. This prevents formula from being accidentally introduced.

A separate set of 6-8 bottles is advised for formula feeds. Label these bottles clearly as "Formula Only" to avoid mixing up with breastmilk bottles.

When washing bottles, wash the breastmilk and formula bottles separately. Either wash them in different sinks/containers or at different times to avoid any risk of cross-contamination from bottle to bottle.

Prepare and store breastmilk and formula in separate areas. Do not thaw or warm breastmilk and formula together.

Keep track of which bottles contain which milk by their labels. Do not use the "wrong" bottles to prevent consumption of the incorrect milk.

Other factors affecting the number of bottles

Baby's feeding schedule: In the early newborn period (0-2 months), babies typically feed every 2-3 hours. More bottles are needed during this time to ensure there is always a clean bottle available without interrupting feedings for washing. From 3-6 months, feeding intervals may stretch to 3-4 hours as babies' stomach capacities increase, requiring fewer bottles on hand.

Breastfeeding method: For breastfeeding mothers, additional bottles are needed to collect and store expressed breastmilk safely. Clean bottles need to be available for each feeding as well as for storing milk in the refrigerator/freezer for future use.

Type of formula used: Some babies may need to transition to different formulas as they grow older. This requires having separate bottles dedicated to each specific formula type to avoid accidental mixing. Bottles become "designated" for one formula only.

Considerations for going out: When leaving the house for activities like doctor visits, shopping or social visits, it's important to pack 2-3 extra clean bottles in case feedings are required while away from home.

Daycare needs: Most full-time daycares require 4-6 feedings per day. Sufficient bottles need to be sent daily to meet this schedule while also allowing for bottles to be properly sanitized after each use at the daycare.

Care by friends/relatives: Extra bottles should be provided when baby will be spending extended time away from parents, like at grandparents' houses, in case feedings are needed while there.

Baby's personality: More active, hungry babies may feed more regularly than others. Having additional reserve bottles is important for their needs.

Factors to consider in choosing bottles

Bottle type

Glass bottles are durable but heavier and can break, making them less ideal for outside use. However, they allow for visualizing milk temperature changes.

Plastic bottles are lightweight and cheaper. Many kinds can go in dishwashers or microwaves for easy sterilization. However, temperature monitoring requires extra tools.

Silicone bottles are soft and comfortable for newborns to suck but hard to clean all crevices. They retain heat/cold well.

Bottle size

Preemie/newborn nipple holes are smaller in diameter for their mouth size. The bottles hold 1-3 oz of milk.

As babies grow from 0-3 months, 1-4 oz bottles allow for practice feeding without packing in too much milk.

From 3 months on, 4-6 oz bottles continue meeting nutrition needs while encouraging slower, more natural feeding rhythms.

Nipple type

Slow-flow nipples have a narrower tube inside requiring more sucking effort. This avoids overfeeding issues and prevents collapsing the nipple for breathing problems.

Medium-flow nipples work well for most babies after 2 months when they can coordinate sucking and swallowing.

Wide-flow nipples are not recommend for young infants as they can take in milk too quickly.

Nipple size

Newborn nipple holes are around 1/16 inch to accommodate their tiny mouths.

Look for bottles with replacement nipple parts in different sizes (0-3 months, 3-6 months etc) that screw/snap on easily as babies' mouth sizes grow. This avoids nipple confusion.

Ease of cleaning

Some bottle nipples are sealed inside plastic collars, making them hard to scrub. Opt for removable/replaceable nipples.

Wide bottle bases are easier to clean than thin spout designs with tight curves.

Bottles with fewest parts that fully disassemble are simplest to sanitize effectively.

Left/right confusion

Some bottles have distinct nipple shapes (triangular, heart-shaped etc) to differentiate left from right feeding for developing coordination.

Colored parts

Color-coded caps, collars or handles help identify cleaned/dirty bottles when preparing in low-light conditions.

Budget

Glass may be initially expensive but reusable long-term. Plastic is cheaper initially but replacements needed periodically.

Multi-piece systems have costs added buying different size parts. All-in-one sets offer value but less flexibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number of baby bottles new parents need will vary depending on their individual situation. Considering factors like the baby's feeding schedule, whether combining breastfeeding and formula feeding, needs for daycare, and plans for traveling or time spent with caregivers will help determine an appropriate starting quantity. While specific recommendations ranged from 6-12 bottles depending on the baby's age and routine, it's better to overestimate rather than face a shortage. Parents can feel prepared with a modest excess of properly collected, stored and cleaned bottles on hand. Revisiting needs over time allows adjusting the supply as routines evolve. Overall, arming oneself with knowledge of what influences demand empowers parents to make the right call for their growing family.